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Undergraduate

Enrollment Checklist Portal

Laptop Requirements

Laptop requirements vary by program to support the best learning experience.

Laptop Specifications for Applied Computing:

Operating System
Windows, Linux, and Mac laptops are recommended.
Processor
MINIMUM (WINDOWS/LINUX): Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5
System Memory
MINIMUM: 16 GB
RECOMMENDED: More than 16 GB is preferable
Storage
MINIMUM: 500 GB
RECOMMENDED: 1 TB+ (SSD drives are preferable, particularly M.2 NVMe)
Graphics Video
If you plan to explore areas such as AI, machine learning, or computer graphics (including gaming or development), an NVIDIA GPU with CUDA support is recommended
Screen Size
15" or larger screens are recommended for a more comfortable coding and multitasking experience

Important Notes:

Chromebooks, netbooks, and similar low-cost devices do not meet the performance and compatibility needs of most Applied Computing courses. These systems often lack sufficient processing power, memory, and storage, and may not support required software. Additionally, some Microsoft Surface devices have shown compatibility limitations with certain applications.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about the laptop requirements for the Applied Computing program, please contact the College of Engineering at (315) 792-7234 or CENG@sunypoly.edu.

Laptop Specifications for Computer Science:

Operating System
Windows, Linux, and Mac laptops are recommended.
Processor
MINIMUM (WINDOWS/LINUX): Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5
System Memory
MINIMUM: 16 GB
RECOMMENDED: More than 16 GB is preferable
Storage
MINIMUM: 500 GB
RECOMMENDED: 1 TB+ (SSD drives are preferable, particularly M.2 NVMe)
Graphics Video
If you plan to explore areas such as AI, machine learning, or computer graphics (including gaming or development), an NVIDIA GPU with CUDA support is recommended
Screen Size
15" or larger screens are recommended for a more comfortable coding and multitasking experience

Important Notes:

Chromebooks, netbooks, and similar low-cost devices do not meet the performance and compatibility needs of most Computer Science courses. These systems often lack sufficient processing power, memory, and storage, and may not support required software. Additionally, some Microsoft Surface devices have shown compatibility limitations with certain applications.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about the laptop requirements for the Computer Science program, please contact the College of Engineering at (315) 792-7234 or CENG@sunypoly.edu.

Laptop Specifications for Cybersecurity:

Operating System
Windows or Mac operating system
System Memory
MINIMUM: 32 GB
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: 64 GB
Solid State Hard Drive
MINIMUM: 250 GB
RECOMMENDED: 1 TB (for at least an i7 class processor)
Screen Size
15”
Hardware Quality
High-quality hardware is recommended
Audio Card
No specifications
Video / Graphics
No specifications
Software
Microsoft Office: Office 365 is free for students.
VMWare Virtualization Platform: SUNY Poly has a VMWare site license available to students that includes VMWare Workstation for Windows and Fusion for Mac. For virtualization needs prior to arriving at SUNY Poly, students can install and use VirtualBox.

Important Notes:

  • Wi-Fi wireless networking is required.
  • USB ports are required (can be provided via external adaptor if needed). Ethernet ports are not required, but access via an external adaptor is recommended.
  • If an Apple laptop is used, the Parallels software to run Windows is available at a discount, and a Windows license will be available to students through SUNY Poly’s site licenses.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about the laptop requirements for the Cybersecurity program, please contact the College of Engineering at (315) 792-7234 or CENG@sunypoly.edu.

Majors in Engineering include:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Civil Engineering (BS/MS)
  • Electrical & Computer Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

Minimum PC Specifications:

Operating System
PC (Apple/Mac is not recommended)
O/S
Windows 11
Processor
Intel Core i7 (higher speed is better but cost varies with speed)
System Memory
MINIMUM: 16 GB
PREFERRED: 32 GB
Drive
1 Terabyte SSD Drive
Graphics Video
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 or 3070 or AMD Radeon RX6700XT or 6800 or equivalent graphics capability
USB
3.0

Important Notes:

Macintosh computers are not recommended as they have been shown to be incompatible with some software used in our educational programs.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about the laptop requirements for any of the Engineering majors, please contact the College of Engineering at (315) 792-7234 or CENG@sunypoly.edu.

Majors in Engineering Technology include:

  • Civil Engineering Technology
  • Computer Engineering Technology
  • Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology

Minimum PC Specifications:

Operating System
PC (Apple/Mac is not recommended)
O/S
Windows 11
Processor
MINIMUM: Intel Core i7 (11th Gen or newer)
PREFERRED: Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 for performance-intensive tasks
System Memory
MINIMUM: 16 GB
PREFERRED: 32 GB
Drive
1 Terabyte SSD Drive
Graphics Video
RECOMMENDED (FOR STUDENT USE): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 / 3070, AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT / 6800
PREFERRED (ISV-CERTIFIED FOR PRO SOFTWARE): NVIDIA Quadro series (e.g., T1000, RTX A2000 or higher), AMD Radeon Pro series
USB
3.0

Important Notes:

  • Some engineering software requires local installation. Cloud-based or ARM-based laptops (e.g., Windows on ARM) are not recommended due to software compatibility issues.
  • Macintosh computers are not recommended as they have been shown to be incompatible with some software used in our educational programs.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about the laptop requirements for any of the Engineering Technology majors, please contact the College of Engineering at (315) 792-7234 or CENG@sunypoly.edu.

Laptop Recommendations for Interactive Media & Game Design (IMGD):

Students in Interactive Media & Game Design are encouraged to consider the following laptop recommendations to support their coursework and learning experience in the program.

Operating System
Recommended:Windows PC
Storage
Recommended:A sizable hard drive with an SSD drive for the operating system
Additional Equipment
Students with a focus on art may find a drawing tablet or Wacom pen useful in their coursework.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about the laptop recommendations for the IMGD program, please contact Ibrahim Yucel, Associate Professor of IMGD, at yuceli@sunypoly.edu.

Requirements for Other Majors

Students enrolled in majors not listed above are encouraged to consider the following general computer requirements when purchasing a laptop to attend SUNY Poly:

  • Windows 11 or Apple Computer
  • Intel Core i5 Processor
  • 12 GB Memory
  • 500GB or better Hard Drive
  • Standard Video / Graphics

Frequently Asked Questions

Because this is an academic requirement, it may be possible to receive financial aid to cover the cost of the laptop, primarily through additional loans.

Please contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss your individual financial situation. You can emailfinaid@sunypoly.edu, call (315) 792-7210, or request a virtual appointment.

Laptops are available on a semester basis for eligible students while supplies last. Contact studentaffairs@sunypoly.edu for an application. Approved students will schedule a pickup time.

Note: Financial aid may also cover laptop costs for programs requiring specific specs.

If your laptop does not meet the minimum specs, you may need to upgrade it in the future.

You can find free or discounted software/hardware options on our student software and hardware webpage.