Graphic Design Computer Specifications
Graphic Design is a discipline dependent on up-to-date computer hardware and software which places a very large demand on the equipment. Digital design processes can take many hours to completely render even on the best computers. As students' progress through the program, their resulting work can become more complex and places further strains on aging hardware. As a result, the minimum requirements are based on recommendations of the most computer-intensive software and looking to the future when students will be required to do more complex presentations when their computers are 2~3 years old.
To facilitate student competency in top-rated software products demanded by industry professionals, SDSU requires students to purchase current versions of software packages from Adobe. It is imperative that students have the required computer hardware and software packages purchased and properly installed PRIOR to their first day of studio in their first year of the program (spring of freshman year).
Hardware
| Hardware | Mac | Approx. Cost: $2899-$3899, depending on upgrade options |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 2.4GHz 8-core: 8th-generation Intel Core i9 processor | |
| Display | 16" Full HD (1920p) Minimum | |
| RAM | 32GB 2666 MHz DDR4 memory | |
| Disk Storage | 1TB SSD storage | |
| Video Card/Graphics | AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 8GB of GDDR6 memory | |
| Warranty | 3-Year Apple Care warranty is strongly recommended | |
| External Mouse | Magic Mouse 2 | |
| External Hard Drive | Portable Mac Use 4TB or above Hard Drive | |
| Flash Drive | 128GB or above Flash Drive | |
| Operating System | 10.15 (macOS CATALINA) OR above | |
| To Purchase: | University Bookstore |
Software
| Software (Student Licenses) | System | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Business | MICROSOFT OFFICE FOR MAC 2011 (FREE through SDSU - Jacks e-mail Office 365 to access) | Typ. $149.99 |
| Design | Adobe Creative Cloud | $19.99/mo. |
Students may be asked to purchase additional software, such as Sketch, Webflow and/or InVision in conjunction with additional coursework. Any additional software purchases will be disclosed prior to students’ class registration.
Contact
Students with questions or needing clarification should contact School of Design Questions about the installation process should contact the SDSU Support Desk via email or via phone at 605-688-6776.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
SDSU and the School of Design at SDSU prohibits the use of pirated software. Students who have pirated software on their computers will not be serviced and can be reported. Students are expected to maintain proof of ownership for all software, and will be expected to maintain a file cataloging of all software license numbers, serial numbers, etc.
Be advised that it takes 2-6 weeks for laptops with custom specifications to be received after purchase. Students should plan ahead accordingly to ensure their computer has been received, software loaded and full functionality ensured prior to the first day of class in their first year (spring of the freshman year).
Direct sales of specific software packages may be required.