r/WCU • u/EECatamount • 1d ago
EE Laptop/PC Requirements for WCU
I'm transferring into WCU's EE program in Fall 2027, and I'm trying to determine what kind of computer setup to invest in. I've looked over the College of Engineering / TIES recommended specs (Windows 11 OS, x64 processor, ≥32GB RAM, ≥15" display, discrete GPU), but I'm wondering how relevant these specs are for actual (especially upper-level) EE coursework.
Questions I have:
- How necessary is 32GB of RAM when running EE software and processes?
- Is a 14" display sufficient, or is it worth getting something with at least 15"?
- Do you actually need a dedicated/discrete GPU for EE software, or is the GPU recommendation more for MEs and other engineering concentrations? (especially with the new, more capable Arc iGPUs on some of Intel's Panther Lake chips)
- I already have a pretty capable desktop (RTX 3080 12GB, i7-13700F, 32GB DDR4). Can I get away with a less powerful, more portable laptop for class and run more intensive processes at home, or do you need to be able to run longer, demanding tools during class, labs, and elsewhere?
- How useable and useful is the offered virtual machine environment?
- Has anyone managed to use a MacBook as their main laptop while in the EE program? I assume that there are hurdles that would make this impractical, if not impossible, but they make a very enticing offering in the current laptop/computer market.
Any insight from anyone who's spent time in the EE program (especially upper-level courses) would be very appreciated. Thanks!
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u/Blood_Wonder 1d ago
I can answer most of these. 32 GB is a want not a need. We currently recommend 16gb with the ability to upgrade to 32 when/if ram prices drop. Windows 11 generally eats up about 8gb so 16 is kinda the minimum now a days. 16gb ddr5 will do bunch better than ddr4.
The screen requirement is really up to you, but know some old professor is going to look over your shoulder at some point to help or monitor you in class and the smaller the screen, the closer they will get.
As an EE you will need a graphics card if you do circuit design and that's gonna be in a cad program like fusion/eagle. Intel arc is probably enough, but we have the requirements because about half of incoming students change majors and if you really focus your PC for EE and go ECET you will regret having an integrated card.
You can get away with a bit using just a tower at home, until you need to take a test in a class that doesn't have PCs.
The virtual machine is meh at best. It's really there for specific programs that need special licensing. I would never count on it.
Do not bring a Mac, you will regret it. It is not supported. If you can't run software on it, it's on you. Your professors do not know how it works and the engineering IT team will only offer you the most basic of support.
Also don't buy a PC with a snapdragon CPU, it can't run 90% of the software.
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u/vyrussuh 1d ago
Let's gooo I'm also transferring to WCU for EE in Fall 2027.
I'd assume we'd be using many programs such as MATLAB, AUTOCAD electrical, etc, which are known to be quite garbage, or just flatout not work on apple silicon, as I've heard from other EE majors.
I do agree, the current computer market makes this really annoying to require such a beefy laptop when these apps smoothly run on much worse hardware.
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u/IndividualOne6726 1d ago
TIES employee here, 32 gigs is definitely a must when it comes to solidworks. Eventually you will have to use it and will get annoying errors while using it without meeting the 32gb requirement. dedicated GPU is also a must due to the 3d and 2d portions of fusion. I generally recommend a Lenovo Thinkpad or something adjacent as dells run very high and lenovos tend to be cheaper. also, snapdragon processors are a no go!!! they have many limitations including CAD softwares. dell is starting to integrate them into many of the smaller XPS models which is shocking but kinda sucks for the people who do not know! Generally speaking, 16" is not a MUST but it's definitely nice to have. Get up with me if you have any questions regarding WCU softwares! I will also give you any recommendations if you would like!
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u/IndividualOne6726 1d ago
no MacBooks please. we have many students who struggle in courses due to that. my classes have atleast one student with a Mac (I'm ECET) and they tend to be behind because they have to go rent a laptop from Hunter library because they can't do their assignments!
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u/IndividualOne6726 1d ago
Sorry I suck at answering all of your questions. VCAT sucks very bad. we hate it even as TIES employees because it gives students false hope with softwares. it tends to be very buggy, requires very stable network connection, and lacks a lot of necessary softwares for your major.
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u/EECatamount 1d ago edited 1d ago
Thank you—much appreciated! I’m going to have to restart my search now that I’ve gotten so much new information from you and other posters. I’ve been finding some seemingly good deals from MicroCenter, which is especially nice since I have a location close by. Are there other retailers, e-stores, or methods you’d recommend for finding good deals on powerful professional/workstation laptops?
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u/EECatamount 22h ago
I’m looking at a Lenovo Legion 5i for $2400: 15.3” WQXGA OLED display, Core Ultra 7 251HX, RTX 5070 12GB, 32GB 5600, 1 TB SSD. 👍👎?
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u/Lunarthegoat 1d ago
Simple Response:
Ram: 32Gb DDR5
CPU: 8+ Cores (cpu must be either AMD 7000’s+ or INTEL 13000’s+
Storage: 1Tb+
Avoid brands like Acer, Asus, and Hp
Get brands like Msi, Framework,and Lenovo
Also if your spending that much, get an aluminum build laptop, don’t get plastic…
Edit: Dont buy a mac, they are really good machines nowadays but it’s really hard to get those program to run on it (but not imposable)
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u/Valuable-Poem-6796 9h ago
Hello! EE-CPE Junior here! I have friends with 8 GB, and as painfully slow as it is, you don't really need 32, although I recommend it (64 GB personally).
I would get the biggest screen you can; you are going to be looking at it every day for many hours, which would save headaches. Something else I can recommend is getting a laptop docking station. I just have my laptop and plug a single USB-C into the back of my ThinkPad, and I have what is basically a desktop environment with two 27-inch monitors.
I don't honestly think you really need a dedicated graphics card for any of the software that you have to run as an EE. Don't get me wrong, it is nice to have, but if you get a solid integrated GPU, you can probably get away with it.
I have friends that bought what are basically Chromebooks, set up networking through a Raspberry Pi, and used remote desktop. I don't recommend this, but if you got a cheaper Windows laptop just for labs and class, sometimes you would be fine.
Garbage, anyone I know that has tried it just set up their own; the network can be spotty sometimes through it.
My friend tried this for a while; most of the software is not supported on Mac, I can say if you are thinking of a CPE concentration, don't go with a MacBook.
I might be biased, but go for a Lenovo ThinkPad; those things are beasts
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u/OffShoreTrooper Alumni (B.S.B.A CIS) 1d ago
My recommendation is to have a laptop, because while you have a really good desktop, you’ll likely be doing work in the labs or classrooms. I didn’t spend any time in the EE program, but I worked in the Tech Commons so dealt with computers all the time. There is a laptop requirement for the College of Engineering, where Windows Laptops are required.
https://www.wcu.edu/learn/academic-services/it/computer-guidelines/index.aspx