College of Architecture, Planning & Design

Recommended Computer \ Architecture

Fall 2023 - Spring 2024

Students will need to purchase a computer for studio before beginning the 1st semester of 2nd year.

Some computer components have been in short supply recently, so it is recommended to order your computer as early as possible in spring/early summer. You are expected to have it available to use at the start of the first semester of second year.

PC

Dell Workstations

Online orders: Dell.com/KState
Shaynna Taylor
Dell Sales Representative
(800) 456-3355, 80000
Email Shaynna.Taylor@Dell.com

Lenovo Workstations

Online orders: Lenovo Student Purchasing
Joe Kenney
Senior Account Executive
Higher Education KS/NE/SD/ND/WY/MT
Lenovo United States
Email jkenney@lenovo.com

Warranty

4 year on-site warranty is highly recommended.
These systems include a substantial discount for this warranty.

Monitor

27" wide aspect 16:9 monitor
2560x1440 @ 60 hz
$400 - $550

Power

Surge suppressor power strip or uninterruptible power supply.
6ft cord minimum (up to 10ft) with 6 outlets.
$25 - $250

Ethernet

Cat 6 Ethernet cable.
10ft to 15ft recommended.
$5 - $15

Ethernet adapter for laptops highly recommended.
Desktops have a built in Ethernet.
$10 - $50

Webcam

Video camera and microphone for desktops highly recommended.
Laptops have a built in webcam.
$50

Removable storage

  • Flash drive.
  • External hard drive. Capacity should exceed the internal hard drive capacity of the computer, used for backups and archiving.
    $100 - $200

Software

Windows 11 Pro 64bit
Included with systems listed above.
There are multiple versions of Windows 11, ensure you have the PRO version and not the HOME version.

Microsoft Office
Available FREE through K-State Office 365 Webmail.

Adobe Creative Cloud
Software may be purchased from Adobe at academic discounts.
Check Adobe's storefront for current pricing.

Autodesk applications offered via the Autodesk Education Community.
Available FREE at autodesk.com
It is recommended to wait until you have received the syllabus from your instructor before downloading and installing Autodesk applications.

Rhino3D v7 Software
Available from the CatTech K-State Union Store at academic discounts for approximately $90.
Required for Digital Architecture 1 course in first semester of second year.

Additional software may be specified in your instructor’s course syllabus.

Recommended options

Insurance
Protect your investment from accidental damage or theft. Check with your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance and verify coverage, recommend purchase of a separate policy for your equipment if necessary.