Supported Computer Hardware

Details

Information, Technology & Consulting staff are prepared to assist any Dartmouth faculty, or staff member with any of the hardware listed below. Student machine requirements can be found on the Computer Store Student Computer Requirement page. We have experience with and resources available to provide support for the following:

Apple Macintosh Computers

All Apple systems should meet the minimum requirements of: 

  • Hard Drive Size: 256 GB 

  • Minimum RAM: 16 GB 

  • Wi-Fi:  Dual-Band (2.4+5GHz) Wi-Fi 5.  

  • Recommended:  Tri-Band (2.4+5+6GHz) Wi-Fi 6E 

  • Operating System: Must be within the last 3 full versions of the current version and must not be a beta or preview release.
    As of September 2024, macOS 12, 13, and 14 are supported.

  • Refer to Available macOS versions page for most recent and currently supported versions. 

Windows Computers

All Windows systems should meet the minimum requirements of:

  • Hard Drive Size: 256 GB 

  • Minimum RAM: 16 GB 

  • Wi-Fi:  Dual-Band (2.4+5GHz) Wi-Fi 5.  

  • Recommended:  Tri-Band (2.4+5+6GHz) Wi-Fi 6E 

  • Processor: Intel or AMD processor x86-64/amd64 

  • ARM Processors are not supported currently 

  • Operating System: Windows 10 or 11, Professional or Enterprise Editions only.

  • Home Edition, Windows RT, S Mode, and others are not supported.

Apple iOS Smartphones and Tablets

  • Operating System: As of September 2024, iOS 15, 16, and 17 are supported.

Android Smartphones and Tablets

  • Operating System: As of September 2024, Android 12, 13, and 14 are supported.

Other Computers and Devices

  • All devices must still be receiving security updates from its manufacturer.

  • ITC can not provide assistance for other types of devices or operating systems.

Available for Repair at the Dartmouth Computer Store

  • For Apple computers, regardless of warranty, do not need to have been purchased at the Dartmouth Computer Store.
    • In-warranty Apple Computers may occur a fee if there is damage not covered by warranty.
    • Out-of-warranty Apple computers will be assessed an $80 fee at check-in and could incur additional costs depending on repair work. 
  • For in-warranty Dell/HP computers, they will have to be purchased at the Dartmouth Computer Store and/or professional series models (Dell Latitude/HP ZBook).
  • For in-warranty Lenovo computers, must be department-owned and purchased at the Dartmouth Computer Store.
  • For out-of-warranty personal Windows computers, must be Dell professional series models (Latitude/Precision).
    • There will be $80 fee at check-in and could incur additional costs depending on repair work. 
  • For out-of-warranty department Windows computers, must be purchased at the Dartmouth Computer Store and are Dell/HP/Lenovo professional series models (Dell Precision/HP ZBook/Lenovo Thinkpad). 
    • There will be $80 fee at check-in and could incur additional costs depending on repair work. 

Additional Information

These specifications will help you to run a supported version of the macOS along with the applications you may require for your work or classes. To have a better computing experience, we suggest you consult us prior to purchasing a computer by contacting Client Technology Consulting at 603-646-2999, sending email to help@dartmouth.edu, or calling your department's IT support office. You may choose to use hardware not found on this list. In fact, many items not on this list are available for purchase through The Computer Store and recommendations can be found on the following pages:

Dean of Faculty (DoF) Computer Faculty Program Page

Computer Assurance Program (CAP)

Other groups on campus may also provide support for hardware you choose to use.

We do not recommend iPads, tablets, chromebooks or netbooks as a primary computer. Computers and devices that do not meet the requirements above may result in support unable to assist with certain technical issues. 

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