A laptop is key to completing coursework at UC Merced. On this page, you will find recommendations on laptop specs that are designed to last a student 4 years, as well as information on technology support, printing, and software. Please note the following recommendations are intended to serve as a guide, and may not be appropriate for all programs. Be sure to check with your academic department to understand any required computer configurations before you purchase.
Note: Beginning Fall 2023, all incoming freshmen and transfer undergraduate students are required to have a laptop and instructors can require students to bring those laptops to class. Please see the Course Catalog for more information.
This page was last updated on 3/10/2026.
| Minimum | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel (Core i5, Core 5, Core Ultra 7), AMD (Ryzen 5) 10 - 12 core/thread count *Avoid ARM processors due to compatibility limitations |
Intel (Core i7, Core 7, Core Ultra 7), AMD (Ryzen 7) or greater 12 - 14 core/thread count *Avoid ARM processors due to compatibility limitations |
| Memory | 16GB | 32GB or greater |
| Hard Drive | 512GB SSD (solid state drive) | 1 TB SSD (solid state drive) |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home or Pro | Windows 11 Home or Pro |
| Display Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) | 2560 x 1440 (QHD) or higher |
| Graphics Card | Integrated GPU (AMD Radeon or Intel Iris Xe preferred)
*Insufficient for video editing or 3D work |
Discrete GPU (e.g., NVIDIA RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon 6600+) |
| Ports | USB-C for video out and peripherals | HDMI for monitors/displays
USB-C for peripherals |
All PC laptops should have the following:
- integrated 720p or higher webcam
- network card for connecting to wifi
- integrated speakers
- integrated microphone
It is recommended that you also purchase:
- 4-year warranty with accidental protection is strongly recommended to ensure your laptop lasts your entire university career
- USB-C to HDMI adapter for connecting to monitors or classroom displays
- USB-C to USB-A adapter for connecting peripherals that do not have USB-C support
| Minimum | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | M3 | M4 |
| Memory | 16GB | 32GB or greater |
| Hard Drive | 512GB SSD (solid state drive) | 1 TB SSD (solid state drive) |
| Ports | USB-C for video out and connecting peripherals | HDMI for connecting to monitors or classroom displays USB-C for connecting peripherals |
All Macs include the following:
- integrated 1080p webcam
- network card for connecting to wifi
- integrated speakers
- integrated microphone
It is recommended that you also purchase:
- 4-year AppleCare+ warranty (+ covers accidental damage) is strongly recommended to ensure your laptop lasts your entire university career
- USB-C to HDMI adapter for connecting to monitors or classroom displays
- USB-C to USB-A adapter for connecting peripherals that do not have USB-C support
Technical Support
The Office of Information Technology Service Desk can assist students in many areas, including campus software, campus internet access, and accessing UC Merced technology services, printing, and more! Please see our Service Hub at https://servicehub.ucmerced.edu for guides, requesting services, reporting issues, locations and hours of support. Faculty, instructors, and teaching assistants do NOT provide technical support. If a student is experiencing issues, they should visit the OIT Service Desk for assistance. Note that IT is unable to perform hardware repair, but will assist in basic troubleshooting for hardware related issues.
Printing
OIT recommends using campus CatCard printers, which are available across campus and allow students to print for a nominal fee to help cover paper, toner, and maintenance costs. Follow the links below for more information:
Backups
It is highly recommended that you backup your computer and files on a regular basis. The general rule is that for every copy you have of a file, you only have that copy minus one. Computers and files that are not backed up may not be recoverable if something happens to your laptop.
Software
- UC-Merced offers various software for download off the OIT Software List. Current students can download Office 365 and anti-virus software at no cost.
- Check with your department for additional software required for coursework.
- It is the student's responsibility to ensure that their software is functional to complete course work and to seek help from the OIT Service Desk when needed.
- Please note that technology changes and newer versions of the software will continue to increase the demands on computer hardware.
What if I purchase a Mac and need software that only runs on Windows?
Windows-only versions of course software can be run on Macs using software such as Parallels. Be aware that schools do not supply this software.
What about Linux?
Machines that are automatically set to obtain an address via DHCP should work on our network. OIT does not official support Linux. Support may be available from local Linux Users Groups (LUG). LUG is an organization that provides online support for Linux users.
Can I use a Chromebook?
Chromebooks are not recommended or supported. These devices generally do not support the minimal processing and memory needs, may not be able to connect successfully to campus resources, and much course software will not run on ChromeOS.
Is a tablet sufficient for coursework?
While tablets can be a helpful device in your studies, they are not recommended as a primary device for coursework, as they are not able to run all needed applications.
Are there any laptop loaner programs available?
Undergraduate Education offers an emergency laptop loaner program, intended only to assist students who may need to send their laptop in for repair for a short period of time. Please see the Technology Resource Program for more information.
Are there computer labs available to students?
OIT oversees several instructional computer labs and one open-access computer lab. Please visit OIT Computer Labs for more information.
Where should I buy my laptop?
You are welcome to buy laptops from a place of your choosing. The university bookstore offers laptops with educational discounts on their website: UC Merced Bookstore Apple Store and UC Merced Bookstore PCs.
