Computer Recommendations for Students
Computer Recommendations for Students Attending Brenau University
The university recognizes that each student will have different needs and resources based on the classes they will be taking. Because each student's needs are different there is no one "best" computer for all needs. Instead, the university provides recommendations based on what a student is likely to need to be successful in their classes over the course of their degree. Please note that all recommendations are based on laptops, as we find that most students prefer laptops to desktops for reasons of portability. Desktops with equal or better specifications can also be used.
High-end Graphics Computers (Performance)
The University Recommends High-end Graphics Computers for the following areas of study:
Fashion Design
Fashion Merchandising
Fine Arts Education
Interior Design
Any Degree or combination of degrees that requires CAD design, or lots of video or image creation and editing.
There are differences between gaming computers and graphics computers, and the University recommends that students get graphics computers with dedicated Nvidia Quadro Graphics cards.
Recommended minimum specifications for a high-end graphic design computer are:
i7 Processor, Generation 9 or 10, 2.6 Ghz with Turbo Boost, and 6 cores.
Nvidia Quadro T1000 with 4 GB dedicated graphics RAM, equivalent or better.
32 GB system RAM
1 TB NVMe M.2 Storage
Webcam
Windows 11
15-inch screen or larger, with 1920 X 1080 resolution or higher, Anti-Glare with 300 nits or higher.
4 year manufacturer warranty (to last the length of your degree)
Mid Level computer with advanced graphics capabilities (Mainstream)
The University Recommends a Mid Level computer with advanced graphics capabilities for the following areas of study:
Accounting
Business
Communication
Computer Science
Conflict Resolution
Costuming for Film & Theater
Dance
Finance
Healthcare
Administration
Leadership & Management
Marketing
Strategic Thinking & Innovation
Theatre
Theatre Design & Technology
There are differences between gaming computers and graphics computers, and the University recommends that students get graphics computers with dedicated Nvidia Quadro Graphics cards.
Recommended minimum specifications for a mid level computer with advanced graphics capabilities are:
9th or 10th Generation i7 Processor at 1.80 GHz with Turbo Boost, and 4 or more cores
NVIDIA Quadro P520 2GB dedicated graphics RAM, equivalent or better.
16 GB system RAM
512 GB Solid State Drive
Webcam
Windows 11
14-inch screen or larger, with 1920 X 1080 resolution or higher, Anti-Glare with 250 nits or higher.
4 year manufacturer warranty (to last the length of your degree)
Basic Entry Level Computer (Budget)
The University Recommends a Basic Entry Level computer for the following areas of study:
Acting
Applied Gerontology
Biology, Education
English
Exercise Science
General Studies
Health Science
Health Services
History & Political Science
Liberal Studies
Music
Music Education
Musical Theater
Nursing
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Psychology
Basic Entry Level computers are not low-end budget computers, but are computers used by professionals that don't have high processing or graphics demands. They are mostly used for office type software, basic applications, and web browsers.
The recommended minimum specifications for a basic entry level computer are:
9th or 10th Generation i5 Processor at 1.60 GHz with Turbo Boost, and 4 or more cores, or AMD Ryzen 5 Pro
8 GB system RAM
256 GB Solid State Drive
Webcam
Windows 11
14-inch screen or larger, with at least 1920 X 1080 resolution, Anti-Glare with 250 nits or higher.
4 year manufacturer warranty (to last the length of your degree)