Starting with the student class of Fall 2020, all students who want to do a Computer Science or Computer Engineering major are required to have a laptop that meets the minimum specification for the semester/year they start the program. Computers specifications do change based on the evolving availability of components; links to an archive of previous specifications is found below. Some classes are held virtually so a working webcam is needed–if the built-in webcam does not work, an external USB webcam would be needed as an alternative.
There are three types of models to consider for Summer 2024 and later:
- Recommended with discrete GPU
- Recommended without discrete GPU
- A minimal functional low-cost under $1000 option
Computer Engineering classes use software only available on Windows–students will not get support from instructors or the department if the computer is running macOS, Linux, or any operating system other than Windows.
All students who qualify for Financial Aid may use received funds to purchase a computer.
The general purpose campus Windows computer labs is available to access from a Web Browser at http://virtual.umbc.edu/ .
Recommended PC with discrete GPU:
- Intel Core i7 (thirteenth generation) or better (or equivalent performance AMD)
- 32GB RAM or more
- 512GB SSD or more
- nVidia discrete GPU (4GB RAM or more)
- Webcam and microphone
- 1920×1080 minimum screen
Capable of running at least Windows 11 and Linux
Example: Alienware x14 R2 Gaming Laptop ($1,499.99) – Choose 32GB RAM, 1 TB M.2 SSD, and GeForce RTX 4060
Optional: 2-4 years of Premium Support with optional accidental damage coverage($209.00-$718.00) or 2-4 years of Premium Support Plus ($209.00-$629.00)
Recommended PC without discrete GPU:
- Intel Core i5 (thirteenth generation) or better (or equivalent performance AMD)
- 32GB RAM or more
- 512GB SSD or more
- Webcam and microphone
- 1920×1080 minimum screen
Capable of running at least Windows 11 and Linux
Example: Precision 3480 Workstation ($1,156.81) – Choose 32GB RAM, 1TB M.2 SSD, and 1 year and 1 month of Basic Onsite Service
Optional: Accidental Damage Service (+32.66), ProSupport Service (+$46.67), or ProSupport Plus (+$84.95)
(These prices are for 13 months of service. Users may choose a longer duration for a higher cost.)
Introductory PC model (may need to be replaced with a recommended system after fourth or fifth semester, depending on chosen classes):
- Intel Core i5 (thirteenth generation) or better (or equivalent performance AMD)
- 16GB RAM or more
- 512GB SSD or more
- Webcam and microphone
- 1920×1080 minimum screen
Capable of running at least Windows 11 and Linux
Example: Inspiron 14 Laptop ($649.99). Quality of Dell Inspiron may not be as good as Dell XPS. Mileage may vary.
Optional: 1-4 years of Premium Support Plus(+$99.00-$319.00) or 1-4 years of Accident Damage Service (+$39.00-$159.99)
All current Apple Macintosh computer models, since the switch to ARM CPUs (M series), have compatibility issues to run certain required applications for classes. Computers need to be able to support x86 64-bit software.
History of requirements