Computer Requirements For IDL
We recommend that your computer be no more 2-3 Years old.
For the Recording Arts & Show Production IDL Program:
Recording Arts & Show Production IDL students are required to use Mac computers that meet the specifications below.
For All Other IDL Programs:
Students are welcome to use PCs and the Windows operating system. However, please note that we teach our classes on Macs.
For great student discounts on Apple computers, check out the Apple Education Store.
Processor:
- Minimum Specifications –
- Intel, Native Apple Silicon, Rosetta2 Supported Quad-Core Processor
- Recommended Specifications –
- 8-Core or above for Multi-Frame Rendering
Operating System:
- Minimum Specifications –
- macOS Big Sur v11.0 or later
- Recommended Specifications –
- macOS Monterey v12.0 or later
RAM:
- Minimum Specifications –
- 16 GB of RAM
- Recommended Specifications –
- 32 GB of RAM
GPU:
- Minimum Specifications –
2 GB of GPU VRAM
(Draft 3D requires discrete GPUs that are compatible with Apple Metal 2)
- Recommended Specifications
- 4 GB of GPU VRAM
Hard Disk Space:
- Minimum Specifications –
- 15GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system or on removable flash storage devices)
- Recommended Specifications –
- Additional disk space for disk cache 64GB+
Monitor Resolution:
- Minimum Specifications –
- 1440×900
- Recommended Specifications –
- 1440×900 or greater display resolution
Internet:
- Minimum Specifications –
- Internet connection and registration are necessary for required software activation, validation of subscriptions, and access to online services.*
Processor:
- Minimum Specifications –
- Intel or AMD Quad-Core Processor
- Recommended Specifications –
- (8-Core or above for Multi-Frame Rendering recommended)
Operating System:
- Minimum Specifications –
- Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit) V20H2 or later
- Recommended Specifications –
- Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit) V20H2 or later
RAM:
- Minimum Specifications –
- 16 GB of RAM
- Recommended Specifications –
- 32 GB of RAM
GPU:
- Minimum Specifications –
2 GB of GPU VRAM
Note:
- Recommended Specifications
- 4 GB of GPU VRAM
Hard Disk Space:
- Minimum Specifications –
- 15GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system or on removable flash storage devices)
- Recommended Specifications –
- Additional disk space for disk cache 64GB+
Monitor Resolution:
- Minimum Specifications –
- 1920 x 1080
- Recommended Specifications –
- 1920×1080 or greater display resolution
Internet:
- Minimum Specifications –
- Internet connection and registration are necessary for required software activation, validation of subscriptions, and access to online services.*
