Be sure to review the minimum and recommended requirements below so that the laptop you choose is the right one for your schoolwork.
Purchasing Options
Both Apple and Windows laptops can be purchased from the WashU Campus Store’s e-commerce site, which can ship your order.
WashU requires that you purchase a three-year warranty with your laptop. Learn More.
School-Specific Notes
Specific programs in A&S may require higher performance. For these, you can benefit from the ‘Plus’ descriptions below.
Note on Apple M1: Program-specific limitation may still exist, if needed please utilize virtual Windows resources
Windows
| Feature | University Minimum Requirements | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | +i5 or AMD equivalent | Intel i7 8th gen or AMD equivalent |
| RAM | 8 GB minimum | 16 GB |
| Graphics | n/a | dedicated graphics (NVIDIA) |
| OS | Windows 10 | Windows 10 |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB SSD | 512 GB SSD |
| Display | n/a | FHD (1080p) or higher |
| Connectivity | wireless | Wireless AX |
| Other | Webcam+mic | Two USB 2.0/3.0 and/or USB-C |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years or more |
Mac
| Feature | University Minimum Requirements | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | +i5 or Apple Silicon (M1) | Intel i7 or Apple Silicon (M1) Note on M1: Program-specific limitation may still exist, if needed please utilize virtual Windows resources |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Graphics | n/a | NA |
| OS | Currently supported macOS version | macOS 11 |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB SSD | 512 GB SSD |
| Display | n/a | n/a |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless |
| Other | Two USB-C Webcam+mic | Two or more USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years or more |
| Notes | DA300 adapter |