Architecture Program | Purchasing a Computer

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Personal Computer Purchasing Guidelines
Updated 23 August 2007

At some point you may find that you need to purchase your own personal computer to further your studies. The types of machines and “deals” offered are endless and enticing, but purchasing inadequate equipment will only hamper your work. Most of the software packages used by architects are graphics and processor intensive, requiring the correct equipment to function properly. As such, below is a general list of guidelines for the purchase of a personal computer. Please note that Dell, Gateway, and Apple offer discounts on equipment to students at Temple University. These sites can be accessed by clicking here. Please note that the Architecture Program is a dual-platform environment, supporting both Windows and Apple Operating Systems.


Windows-based machines +Desktop Machines (Min) +Desktop Machines (Rec) +Laptop Machines (Min) +Laptop Machines (Rec)		Information for Potential Windows Users: 1. We do not recommend that you purchase a machine with an Intel Celeron or Centrino processor. While these computers may seem like a bargain at the time, the processor is not designed to handle the large number crunching required by most graphical and 3-D programs used by architects. The Intel Pentium 4, Xeon, and AMD Athlon / Opteron processors are best suited for these applications. 2. We recommend Windows XP Professional (not home) for your operating system as it is better suited to a networked environment. As of now the University uses Windows XP Professional as the operating system for all Windows-based lab machines.

Macintosh machines +Desktop Machines (Min) +Desktop Machines (Rec) +Laptop Machines (Min) +Laptop Machiens (Rec)		Information for Potential Apple Users: 1. The promise of "Bootcamp" and other Windows emulation programs brings with it the hope that will be able to run Windows-specific applications on your new Mac. Understand however that most of these emulators offer no technical support. It is best that you look on any number of different forums for information regarding the compatability of these emulators and specific software packages. 2. We do not recommend the MacBook or 12” MacBook Pro as they tend to overheat while working with graphics and 3-D modeling packages, potentially damaging the motherboard of your laptop.

Windows-based (and Linux) Computer Recommendations

Desktop Machines (Minimum)
Processor		Intel Dual Core Duo Processor 1.86GHz 1 4
RAM		1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM 2
Video Card		128MB PCI Express 3
Hard Disk Drive		160GB Serial ATA @ 7200 RPM
CD / DVD		48x CD-RW / DVD-ROM
Display		17" CRT Monitor 6

Desktop Machines (Recommended)
Processor		Intel Dual Core Xeon or AMD Opteron Processor 1 4
RAM		3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM 2
Video Card		256 PCI Express 3
Hard Disk Drive		160GB (x2) Serial ATA @ 7200 RPM
CD / DVD		Dual Drives: 16x DVD-ROM & 16x Dual Layer DVD+/-RW
Display		19" CRT Monitor 6

Laptop Machines (Minimum)
Processor		Intel Core Duo 1.66GHz 1 4 5
RAM		1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM 2
Video Card		128MB Mobility Dedicated Video Card 3
Hard Disk Drive		80GB @ 5400 RPM
CD / DVD		8x CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW)
Display		15" LCD (Included in Laptop)

Laptop Machines (Recommended)
Processor		Intel Core Duo 2.0 - 2.16GHz 1 4 5
RAM		2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM 2
Video Card		256MB Mobility Dedicated Video Card 3
Hard Disk Drive		100GB @ 5400 RPM
CD / DVD		8x CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW)
Display		15" - 17" LCD (Included in Laptop)

Macintosh Computer Recommendations

Desktop Machines (Minimum)
Processor		Two 2.0GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon 1 4
RAM		1BG 533 DDR2 ECC SDRAM 2
Video Card		nVidia GeForce 7300 256MB SDRAM 3
Hard Disk Drive		250GB Serial ATA @ 7200 RPM
CD / DVD		16x SuperDrive
Display		17" CRT Monitor (Purchased Seperately) 6

Desktop Machines (Recommended)
Processor		Two 3.0GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon 1 4
RAM		2BG 533 DDR2 ECC SDRAM 2
Video Card		nVidia GeForce 6600 LE 256MB SDRAM 3
Hard Disk Drive		500GB Serial ATA @ 7200 RPM
CD / DVD		16x SuperDrive
Display		19" CRT Monitor (Purchased Seperately) 6

Laptop Machines (Minimum)
Processor		2.0GHz Intel Core Duo 1 4 5
RAM		1GB 667 DDR2 2
Video Card		Standard Supplied Laptop Video Card 3
Hard Disk Drive		80GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 RPM
CD / DVD		SuperDrive (DVD+-RW / CD-RW)
Display		15.4" TFT Display (Included in Laptop)

Laptop Machines (Recommended)
Processor		2.16GHz Intel Core Duo 1 4 5
RAM		2GB 667 DDR2 2
Video Card		Standard Supplied Laptop Video Card 3
Hard Disk Drive		100GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 RPM
CD / DVD		SuperDrive 8x (DVD+R Double Layer / DVD+-RW / CD-RW)
Display		15.4" or 17" TFT Display (Included in Laptop)

Notes

1. Processor 1
The faster the processor, the more number crunching (processing) your machine will be able to calculate.

2. RAM 2
The more RAM, the more applications you will be able to open at one time. More RAM will typically speed up render times for most 3-D applications.

3. Video Cards 3
The better the video card, the more graphically intensive files you will be able to view on your screen, and the faster the refresh rate as you pan through a 3-D model. Always purchase a video card with dedicated memory, NEVER shared. If possible, purchase an nVidia GeForce or ATI Radion Card.

4. Laptops VS Workstations 4
Understand that you will typically get more “bang for your buck” purchasing a workstation vs laptop. Upgrading a workstation is also much easier and much less expensive.

5. Laptop Warranty 5
If purchasing a laptop, it is in your best interest to purchase as much insurance and warranty coverage on the machine as possible. The connections within a laptop are very fragile, and one small accident could render the laptop useless. Also, purchase a lock for the laptop, and use it.

6. LCD vs CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) Monitors 6
While LCD Monitors for workstations seem very enticing (with a smaller footprint and more modern appearance), these displays tend to cost much more than their CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) equivalents and do not reproduce color with the same precision.