Minimums & Suggestions

DECS staff will consult with you and help you research systems given any specifications that you may have for a new computer. Given that technology changes rapidly and user needs can vary quite differently, we do not provide or post recommended systems. Below are some general suggestions to keep in mind when considering purchasing a computer, new or used.

If you would like assistance with designing a specific system, or have us review your specifications, please contact hardware@egr.msu.edu or stop by the DECS office during our hours of operation.

Suggestions for Minimum Requirements:

Windows XP

• PC with 900 megahertz (MHz) or higher processor clock speed recommended (with limited performance for many software packages)
• 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher recommended
• 20 gigabytes (GB) of available hard disk space
• CD-ROM or DVD drive
• Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution video adapter and monitor

Windows Vista (Not Currently Supported By DECS)

• PC with 1.2 GHz or higher processor clock speed recommended (with limited performance for many software packages)
• 1 gigabyte (GB) of RAM or higher recommended
• 40 gigabytes (GB) of available hard disk space
• DVD-ROM drive
• DirectX 9 graphics card with 128 megabytes (MB) of video RAM that supports Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware and has a WDDM (Windows Driver Display Model) driver available.

Other Suggestions:

Network Access

A gigabit (1000 Mbps) network card is recommended with the purchase of any new computer. Even though many network connections may not be capable of gigabit speeds this is change in progress. Gigabit cards will work on the older and slower fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) and Ethernet (10 Mbps) networks as well.

Wireless Network Access

For access to wireless networks, purchasing an 802.11G network card is suggested. While some manufacturers are offering devices marketed as 802.11N this protocol is still in the standardization process. DECS is recommending users wait until this process has completed before purchasing one of these products.

Dual Monitors

While some computers come with capabilities for dual-head displays, many will need a new graphics card. When looking to order a new card you will need to find out if your computer supports AGP or PCI-Express video cards.

Computational Software

Users planning to run long-term or computationally intensive processes on their machines should consider increasing the amount of RAM in the computer. Windows XP and Vista will support up to 3.2 GB.