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Mac Recommendations 

The Minimum Specifications listed below reflect the BARE MINIMUM system configuration needed to install the operating system; these are direct from the manufacturer (e.g. Microsoft).  The Recommended Specifications were developed by Computing Services and should be followed when purchasing a new computer.

Hardware and software recommendations listed here were developed by Computing Services. Students should check with their college or graduate school to be sure that their computer complies with any requirements they have established.

Note:  For storing or transferring files, we recommend using your MyFiles space or a USB keychain storage device.

Macintosh - Desktops/Laptops

Macintosh

RECOMMENDED Specifications:

MINIMUM Specifications:
Processor

1.83 MHz or higher OR
any Intel Core Duo model

G4, G5 or Intel Core Duo
Memory

512 MB or higher

256 MB
Hard Drive

80.0 GB

30.0 GB
Operating Systems

Mac OS X 10.4.10

Mac OS X 10.4 or later
Networking

All Macs ship with at least 10/100 Mbps Ethernet. If you need a modem, you will need to order it specifically.

10-baseT Ethernet
Additional Hardware

All new Macs ship with either a DVD-ROM/CD-RW, or a DVD-R/CD-RW drive

DVD-ROM drive

For more information on wireless cards for Mac, see AirPort Card Compatible Mac computers or Airport Extreme Compatible Mac computers.

NOTE: The Computing Services Help Center supports Macintosh OS X 10.4 or later as of November 14, 2007.

Mac OS X 10.4 or later System Requirements

  • Macintosh computer with a PowerPC G3, G4, or G5 processor
  • Built-in FireWire
  • DVD drive for installation (Note: You can order CD media from Apple for an additional $9.95)
  • 256 MB of RAM (512 MB is recommended)
  • 3 GB of available hard drive disk space (4 GB if you install the developer tools)

Mac OS X 10.5 or later System Requirements

  • Mac computer with an Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor
  • DVD drive for installation
  • 512MB of RAM (memory)
  • 9GB of available hard drive disk space

For more information on Mac OS X Requirements, visit http://www.apple.com/macosx/


Last Updated:  3/3/08