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
Olin offers a virtual computer lab to access additional software. Visit the Olin website for more information.
Note on Apple Silicon: Olin 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 minimum |
| Graphics | n/a | n/a |
| OS | Windows 10 or 11 | Windows 11 |
| Hard Drive | 512 GB SSD | 512 GB SSD |
| Display | n/a | n/a |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless Ethernet |
| Other | Webcam + Mic | Two USB 2.0/3.0 or USB-C |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years + |
Mac
| Feature | University Minimum Requirements | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel i5 or better / Applie Silicon (M1, M2) | Apple Silicon (M-Series) |
| 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 | 3 years + |
| Notes | Students need to check their school-specific IT page to see if there are any program-specific limitations on Apple Silicon |