Personal Computers and Technical Services
Students planning to purchase a new computer should consider the following
Recommended Minimum Hardware Specifications
Below are the suggested minimum specifications for student systems, as determined by the Office of Information Technology.
Please note that while SDSU strongly encourages students to meet these minimum specifications, it is not required.
Be sure to check with your major advisor for information regarding any specific requirements they may have.
Windows Computers:
Processor: i5 or i7 10th Generation Quad-Core or better
Memory: 16 GB
Hard Drive: 512 GB or larger NVMe or Solid-State Drive
Operating System: Windows 10
Mac Computers:
Processor: M1 or M2 Apple Silicon
Memory: 8 GB on M series chips, 16GB on Intel chips
Hard Drive: 512GB or larger
Operating System: Mac OS 12 Monterey
Note: iPads, Kindles, Chromebooks, laptops with Windows S Mode and Android devices are not recommended as primary devices for school work. They may not be able to run the required software for some classes.
Provided Technical Services for Students
We recommend all the students regularly do their Windows Updates. The Support Desk staff assists in configuring your Wireless Settings for campus access.
If you are experiencing viruses, blue screens, or any other obscure issues with your system, we suggest running a Windows Refresh on your system. A Windows Refresh will not affect any of your files, pictures, etc. on your computer as long as you choose the refresh option that keeps files and programs. Refresh takes just a few hours and will resolve most, if not all, of the issues you are experiencing. If you continue to experience issues, you can bring your device into the Support Desk, along with your charger, and we can check it in. We have a two-day turnaround (depending on the time of the year) for check-in systems. If you plan to bring your device to the Support Desk for repair, we ask you to please fill out our IT SERVICE CHECK-IN FORM.
The Support Desk has limited hardware services available. You can bring your device to the desk, and we can attempt to diagnose the issue and let you know if we can do the repair here or refer you to a third-party location for service.
Note: If your hard drive becomes corrupt or unreadable, we will be unable to recover your files. It is always a good idea to have a backup of all your files.
The Support Desk staff can:
• Service computers for preventive and corrective maintenance.
• Diagnose hardware problems.
• Show students how to configure their computers for Windows Updates.
• Help connect laptops to the wireless network.
The Support Desk staff are unable to provide technical support for the following:
• Personal student-owned printers.
• Devices with liquids spilled on them or fraying/damaged power cords.
• Most hardware repairs and installations on student-owned computers. (Includes: ordering parts, motherboard maintenance, and laptop screen repair. ITS can refer students to local computer shops for such repairs.)