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.

Learn how to place an order

Read about payment options

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: 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.

Windows

FeatureUniversity Minimum RequirementsRecommended
CPU:Intel +i5 or better/ AMD equivalentIntel i7 8th gen or AMD equivalent
RAM:8 GB minimum24 or 32 GB 
Graphics:n/adedicated graphics (NVIDIA)
OS:Windows 10 or 11Windows 11
Hard Drive:256 GB SSD1 TB SSD
Display:n/aFHD (1080p) or higher
Connectivity:WirelessWireless AX
Other:Webcam+MicTwo USB 2.0/3.0 and/or USB-C
Warranty:3 years3 years or more
Notes:n/an/a

Mac

FeatureUniversity Minimum RequirementsRecommended
CPU:Intel +i5 or better/ Apple Silicon Apple M series chip
RAM:8 GB minimum16 GB
Graphics:n/an/a
OS:Currently supported macOS versionMost recent mac OS version
Hard Drive:256 GB SSD512 GB SSD
Display:n/an/a
Connectivity:WirelessWireless Ethernet
Ports:Webcam + MicWebcam + Mic
Warranty:3 yearsn/a
Notes:Note 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.Note 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.