This is a guide for evaluating if a computer is sufficient or is in need of an upgrade. This is based on our own evaluation of the needs for general-purpose computing, not specific to the applications you use, which may have higher requirements.
New Computer Minimum System Configuration
(If a machine falls below this, you should not buy it)
- Windows 10 Pro or macOS 12 Monterey (or higher)
- Intel 10xxx series CPU, AMD Ryzen equivalent or higher.
- 512 GB SSD or higher
- 16GB of RAM or higher
- TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
- At least 1x Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 Port (laptops only)
Minimum Requirements
(If your machine falls below this, it is time for an upgrade)
- Windows 10 Pro or macOS 11.1 Big Sur (or higher)
- Intel 8xxx series CPU or equivalent.
- 256 GB SSD
- 16GB of RAM
- TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
Updated July 2022