Laptop or PC? What specs? How much RAM? What CPU? What GPU? What storage device? How can I choose the best? Which one do I buy? There are so many variations of computers that architecture students can choose from. It can be quite overwhelming.

In today’s episode of the Successful Architecture Student’s Podcast, I explain whether you should buy a PC or Laptop for architecture school and which one is the best. I also explain how you can decide what hardware you need, and the difference your RAM, CPU Processor, GPU Processor and Storage Devices have on the work you do.

Prefer listening/reading? Check out the show notes:
https://successfularchistudent.com/16

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When buying a laptop or PC computer, I say there are 4 general rules of thumb.
1)You need at least 16GB of RAM (computer memory). RAM is what is used when working on photoshop, rendering programs such as 3DS Max, VRAY and Lumion. If you have less than 16GB of memory, your computer will struggle with these programs.
2)You should have at least an i7 processor/CPU. This is what limits how fast you can render 3D models.
3)You should have a 1TB SSD (minimum) for your main storage device. Alternatively, you can use a smaller sized SSD and use a Hard Drive to store your files. This is a cheaper option.
4)Your Graphics Card, or GPU, determines how quickly and error-free you can view your 3D models in the workspace. A better GPU will allow you to work more efficiently when modelling and creating things in post-render programs such as photoshop.
Before making any purchases, I suggest you benchmark the RAM, CPU, SSD OR GPU that you want to buy. This will give you an indication of its ability compared to other hardware out there. You can use sites such as Passmark for this. Just google “CPU benchmark” for example.