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
McKelvey offers additional software at no cost. Visit the McKelvey website for more information.
Note on Apple Silicon: McKelvey does not recommend students purchase Macs with Apple Silicon/M1, or M2 at this time
Windows
| Feature | University Minimum Requirements | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU: | Intel +i5 or better/ AMD equivalent | Intel i5 8th gen or AMD equivalent |
| RAM: | 16 GB minimum | 16 GB |
| Graphics: | n/a | dedicated graphics (NVIDIA) |
| OS: | Windows 10 or 11 | Windows 11 |
| Hard Drive: | 512 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 |
| Notes: | n/a | n/a |
Mac
| Feature | University Minimum Requirements | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU: | Intel +i5 or better/ Apple Silicon (M1,M2) | M-series processors |
| RAM: | 16 GB minimum | 16 GB minimum |
| Graphics: | n/a | n/a |
| OS: | Currently supported macOS version | Currently supported macOS version |
| Hard Drive: | 512 GB SSD | 512 GB SSD |
| Display: | n/a | n/a |
| Connectivity: | Wireless | Wireless Ethernet |
| Ports: | Webcam + Mic | Webcam + Mic |
| Warranty: | 3 years | n/a |
| Notes: | Students need to check their school-specific IT page to see if there are any program-specific limitations on Apple Silicon. | Courses in many engineering departments utilize software that is only available on Windows / Intel machines, but Macs with Apple M series chips are suitable for most courses in the Computer Science and Engineering department. |