Computer Requirements

UTSA College of Architecture, Construction Science and Management Program
2008 Laptop Computer Requirement

These recommendations are designed to provide you with the basis for purchasing a computer that will be powerful enough to run the latest project management, estimating, CAD, imaging, and 3D modeling software, and to be upgradeable in order to last for the duration of the academic program.

Recommended Minimum Notebook (Laptop) Specifications:

Notebook Computer (Laptop) Specifications: A laptop with these specifications meets the Construction Science and Management program requirements.

Processor - Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 (2.4Ghz/800Mhz FSB/3MB Cache) or AMD equivalent
System Memory - 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM1
Hard Drive - 160GB SATA or IDE (7200 RPM)
Video Card - 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT or equivalent ATI Card2
DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)
Network Card - Integrated 10/100 Network Card & 802.11 b/g WLAN network
Operating System - 32-bit version3 of Microsoft Windows™ XP Professional or Vista Ultimate 4

1Most laptop computers have two RAM slots available. For this configuration it is recommended that you purchase a single 2GB memory card, which would leave room for an additional memory card later. Some manufacturers may sell a system configured with 4GB of RAM, but 32-bit versions of Windows will only use the first 3GB of RAM.
2It is important to choose a powerful 3D-capable video card from the beginning. Unlike desktop computers, laptop computers do not allow the addition of new video hardware. In order for your computer to be capable of running the 3D software applications used in our program, it is imperative that you choose a video card that meets or exceeds the minimum specifications.
364-bit editions of Windows do not function with the full range of software required for your courses, or connect with the college's printers. For that reason, the College of Architecture will provide absolutely no support for 64-bit versions of Windows.
4 Microsoft Windows™ XP Professional or Vista Ultimate is necessary for university network security purposes.

The following configuration exceeds the minimum recommendation and is recommended for those students who intend to use their computer for more 3D modeling and design.

Notebook Computer (Laptop) Specifications – High Performance System:

Processor - Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 (2.5Ghz/800Mhz FSB/6MB Cache) or AMD equivalent
System Memory - 3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM1
Hard Drive - 250GB SATA or IDE (7200 RPM)
Video Card - 512MB NVIDIA Quadro FX 1600M or equivalent ATI Card 2
DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)
Network Card - Integrated 10/100/1000 Network Card & 802.11 b/g/n WLAN network
Operating System - 32-bit version3 of Microsoft Windows™ XP Professional or Vista Ultimate 4

1Most laptop computers have two RAM slots available. For this configuration it is recommended that you purchase a single 2GB memory card, and a second 1GB or 2GB memory card. Some manufacturers may sell a system configured with 4GB of RAM, but 32-bit versions of Windows will only use the first 3GB of RAM. The price difference between a second 1GB and 2GB card may be negligible.
2It is important to choose a powerful 3D-capable video card from the beginning. Unlike desktop computers, laptop computers do not allow the addition of new video hardware. In order for your computer to be capable of running the 3D software applications used in our program, it is imperative that you choose a video card that meets or exceeds the minimum specifications.
364-bit editions of Windows do not function with the full range of software required for your courses, or connect with the college's printers. For that reason, the College of Architecture will provide absolutely no support for 64-bit versions of Windows.
4 Microsoft Windows™ XP Professional or Vista Ultimate is necessary for university network security purposes.

Important Note:
The recommended specifications listed above in no way constitute an endorsement or purchase requirement of any company, corporation, product or brand of hardware or software.

A copy of these requirements is also available in room 122, Monterey Building.

Contact:
Marc Giaccardo, Architect, LEED-AP
Associate Professor, College of Architecture
Director, Construction Science and Management Program
210-458-3013
Marc.giaccardo@utsa.edu