Introduction

This document outlines the specifications for a home computer that will enable a student to complete their course work and participate in class.

The program is not suggesting that you are required to purchase a new computer. We are simply trying to provide some basic guidance to those that anticipate a need to purchase a computer.

If you already have sufficient hardware, we do not suggest buying at this time.

 

Checklist Submission Requirement

A Validation Checklist will be sent to you by email in August 2021 to help students ensure all required and recommended hardware and software are installed and configured correctly. By the end of August 2021, and ahead of the start of classes, students will be required to confirm completion of the validation process. Students who would like assistance in validating their computer can contact the Game Design Technologists. 

 

Minimum* Technical Requirements for Students creating projects on their own computer using Curriculum Software

(ex. Adobe, AutoDesk, Unity, Unreal, etc)
*models are valid for only 1 Academic year (Sept through to August) after which you may be required to upgrade or purchase a new model)

   
Processor

Intel Core i5 or higher (Quad Core minimum recommended)

AMD Ryzen 5 or higher (Quad core minimum recommended or higher)

Operating System  Microsoft Windows 10 - October 2018 update (64-bit) version 1809 or later
Memory (RAM)   16GB or higher
Graphics Card 

nVidia based GTX 1660 Super or Ti series or higher 6-8GB VRAM (minimum)

AMD based AMD RX590 or higher 6-8GB VRAM (minimum)

Storage Space   512GB or higher *SSD or NVMe – highly recommended for speed
Monitor Resolution   24" Monitor 1920x1080P or larger
Internet

 

An internet connection that can effectively provide this speed for your device at all times: 10 Mbps Download | 3 Mbps Upload | Unlimited Usage

 

Additional Hardware 

HD storage (Backup Drive) or online Cloud Storage (500GB or higher)

Game Controller (Xbox360 or XboxOne controller recommended)

Keyboard & 3-Button Mouse

USB 2 ports (USB 3 ports recommended)

(HDMI port required for VR headset work)

Important Notes

 

If student already has a computer they feel confident that can run the software required, then they don't need to purchase a new computer/new hardware.

The above is more a primer for someone who might have no computer at all.

**Higher specs will see a performance boost (lower render time, faster at processing/multitasking).

**PCPartPicker.com has some good guides for students/parents on computer specs/builds according to budget.

https://pcpartpicker.com/guide/

  

Recommended Technical Requirements for Students creating projects on their own computer using Curriculum Software 

(ex. Adobe, AutoDesk, Unity, Unreal, etc.)

   
Processor

Intel Core i7 or higher (Quad Core minimum recommended) or

AMD Ryzen 7 or higher (Quad core minimum recommended or higher)

Operating System Microsoft Windows 10 - November 2019 update (64-bit) version 1909 or later
Memory (RAM)  32GB or higher
Graphics Card 

nVidia based RTX 2060/2070/2080 series or higher 6-8GB VRAM (minimum) or

AMD based AMD Radeon 5700/5700XT or higher 6-8GB VRAM (minimum)

Storage Space  512GB or higher *SSD or NVMe – highly recommended for speed
Monitor Resolution 

24" Monitor 1920x1080P or larger

2nd 24" Monitor 1920x1080P or larger

(Recommended to effectively and efficiently operate game development software including, Unity, Visual Studio, Unreal, Autodesk Maya)

Internet An internet connection that can effectively provide this speed for your device at all times: 50 Mbps Download | 10 Mbps Upload | Unlimited Usage
Additional Hardware 

 

HD storage (Backup Drive) or online Cloud Storage (500GB or higher)

Web Camera and Microphone (720p Built-in Webcam or USB External Webcam w/Mic, or

Headset w/Mic combo)

Game Controller (Xbox360 or XboxOne controller recommended)

Keyboard & 3-Button Mouse

Wacom Drawing Tablet (for art-based courses)

USB 2 ports (USB 3 ports recommended)

(HDMI port required for VR headset work)

 

Important Notes

 

If student already has a computer they feel confident that can run the software required, then they don't need to purchase a new computer/new hardware.

The above is more a primer for someone who might have no computer at all.

**Higher specs will see a performance boost (lower render time, faster at processing/multitasking).

**PCPartPicker.com has some good guides for students/parents on computer specs/builds according to budget.

https://pcpartpicker.com/guide/

 

  

 

 

To download the above information in PDF format, click here

 

 

 

Support

If you have any questions on the above, please contact us at game.support@sheridancollege.ca