Personal Computer Purchase Recommendations

This KB Document can be used to guide students, along with staff and faculty, with purchasing decisions for personal computers compatible with FVTC's systems.

Why It Matters: Ensuring your personal computer meets FVTC's specifications can enhance your learning experience and access to college resources.

First, please contact your instructor or department to identify whether your degree program has any distinct technology requirements. This specific information will be communicated to pertinent students during the admissions process.

To support the FVTC mission of providing high-quality education and training, FVTC provides access to onsite computers in our campus facilities and regional centers. While not required, having home access to technology may prove valuable for students to better facilitate learning. We therefore recommend having a home computer that meets or exceeds the specifications consistent with those resources that FVTC offers onsite, as follows:

Recommended Specifications:

  • Operating System: Windows 11
  • Processor: Quad-core Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 CPU
  • Memory: 16GB RAM (minimum 8GB)
  • Storage: 512GB SSD (Solid State Drive)
  • Display: 1920x1080 resolution
  • Webcam: 1280x720 resolution
  • Audio: Headset with microphone/headphones or integrated microphone and speakers
  • Internet: High-speed broadband (10 Mbps Download / 2 Mbps Upload)
You may test your computer for compatibility using our free tool here: TechReady.io


Engineering Recommended Specifications:

These recommendations are based on program-specific software applications. Consult your instructor to verify needs first.

  • Operating System: Windows 11 64-bit
  • Processor: High-performance 8-core (or better) CPU, strong single-core clock
  • Memory: 32 GB RAM
  • Graphics: At least 8 GB VRAM (ideally 12 GB or 16 GB). E.g. NVIDIA RTX A-series or Quadro, AMD Radeon Pro, or compatible.
  • Storage: 1 TB NVMe or SSD
While a computer with the above specifications is recommended, FVTC acknowledges that not all students may have access to these resources at home. FVTC therefore also provides cloud-based virtual computers using our Citrix environment, allowing students to remotely access FVTC computers that meet our recommended specifications and contain all necessary software. This functionality can be achieved by computers meeting the following minimum specifications:

Minimum Requirements for Citrix:

  • Windows PC: Windows 8.1 or later, 1GB RAM, 572MB free disk space
  • Apple Mac: macOS Catalina (10.15) or later, 257.7MB free disk space
  • Chromebook: Google Chrome OS version 50 or later

Action Steps:

  1. Check Program Requirements: Contact your instructor or department for specific technology needs.
  2. Test Compatibility: Use TechReady.io to test your computer.
  3. Remote Access: Utilize FVTC's Citrix environment if you lack a compatible home computer.
Following these minimum requirements for a computer will ensure that the IT Helpdesk will be able to assist and support your technology needs. For any questions relating to FVTC systems support, please contact the IT Helpdesk at 920-735-5644 or helpdesk@fvtc.edu. 

Keywords:
student,laptop,chromebook,mac,macbook,windows,desktop,computer,personal,purchase,technology personalcomputer 
Doc ID:
103914
Owned by:
Thom W. in FVTC
Created:
2020-07-13
Updated:
2026-04-10
Sites:
Fox Valley Technical College
Clean URL:
https://kb.fvtc.edu/personalcomputer