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: As of 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 4/19/2024.
Recommended PC Specs
|
Minimum | Preferred |
Processor |
Intel (Core i5, Core 5, Core Ultra 7), AMD (Ryzen 5) |
Intel (Core i7, Core 7, Core Ultra 7), AMD (Ryzen 7) or greater 12 -14 core/thread count |
Memory |
16GB |
32GB or greater |
Hard Drive |
512GB SSD (solid state drive) |
1 TB SSD (solid state drive) |
Operating System |
Windows 10 Home or Pro *Windows 10 will not be supported after 10/14/2025 |
Windows 11 Home or Pro |
Display Resolution |
1920 x 1080 (1080p) | 2560 x 1440 (QHD) or higher |
Graphics Card |
integrated GPU, preferably the AMD Radeon or Intel Iris XE technologies *an integrated GPU will be insufficient for video editing, 3d modeling, and other graphics-intensive programs |
discrete GPU, such as a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon 6600 or better |
Ports | USB-C for video out and connecting peripherals |
HDMI for connecting to monitors or classroom displays USB-C for connecting 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
Recommended Mac Specs
|
Minimum | Preferred |
Processor |
M2 |
M3 |
Memory |
16GB |
32GB or greater |
Hard Drive |
512GB SSD (solid state drive) |
1 TB SSD (solid state drive) |
Operating System |
Mac OS 13 (Ventura) |
Mac OS 14 (Sonoma) |
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
Backups
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.