Computer Requirements
Students who enroll in the Computer Aided Drafting and Design program are required to purchase a laptop computer with the following specifications.
Windows
| Specification | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 2.4GHz or faster AMD Ryzen 5 | Intel Core i7 3.2GHz or faster AMD Ryzen 7 |
| RAM (Memory) | 16GB | 32GB or more |
| SSD or NVMe | 500GB or more | 1TB or more |
| Graphics Card* Nvidia Quadro, AMD FirePro, or AMD Radeon Pro recommended | 4GB Dedicated Video RAM OpenGL 3.2 or better OpenCL 1.2 or better DirectX12 or better Microsoft Direct3D 10 or better | 8GB Dedicated Video RAM or more OpenGL 3.2 or better OpenCL 1.2 or better DirectX12 or better Microsoft Direct3D 11 or better |
| Monitor | 1920 x 1080 or better with True Color | 1920 x 1080 or better with True Color |
*On-Board Graphics such as Intel HD Graphics are not suitable to run CADD programs
Please confirm with your PC manufacturer or supplier on whether your individual configuration meets or exceeds these specifications. Ridgewater College will not evaluate or make recommendations on hardware outside of this specification.
Minimum and Recommended Hardware Specifications [PDF]
Required accessories
- Headset with microphone
- 6’ Ethernet cable
Additional information
- Computer Aided Drafting and Design software run primarily on Windows. Apple Macintosh computers are not suitable for CADD software.
- Any existing hardware you own will need to meet the minimum specifications listed above. You may refer to our CADD software vendors for more information on Supported Hardware.
- Mastercam
- PTC
- AUTODESK
- SolidWorks
Students are free to buy any laptop that meets the above requirements.
Many manufacturers offer discount pricing.