Your computer
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Page Contents
BTH recommends that you have your own laptop for your studies. It will be a valuable tool, both during lectures, group work and when you study on your own.
For digital learning you will also need:
- A computer with webcam (built-in or external)
- Headset with microphone
- A stable internet connection
Depending on the program you are taking, there may be specific computer and software requirements. Here you can find a list of computer requirements for all programs.
If you have any questions, please contact the program manager of your program. Contact details can be found in your welcome letter.
| Programme | Computer specification |
|---|---|
| Master programme in Mechanical Engineering - Structural Mechanics | Specification 3 |
| Master programme in Telecommunication Systems | Specification 9 |
| Master programme in Computer Science | Specification 9 |
| Master programme in Urban Planning | Specification 7 |
| Unspecified programmes | Specification 0 |
Computer specifications
Computer specification 1
Recommended computer type is laptop with possibility to connect external monitor.
Internal memory: at least 16 GB
Hard disk: 500GB, preferably larger as there may be a need to install several different programs.
Processor capacity should be in the upper segment, and one of the later processor architectures (Intel i5 or higher generation 7 or equivalent AMD version).
Graphics card is of less importance as the program primarily does not handle graphic modeling etc. But since you are working with programming labs you may need to connect an external larger screen, it is good if it supports higher resolution (preferably 1920 on internal resolution and support at least 2560 on external screen).
General tips:
You are likely to carry your computer with you often, so it should be light enough and flexible enough, while still being able to fit in your bag.
Whether you choose Windows, Linux or MAC matters less and is more a matter of taste on your part.
Computer specification 2
Computer with operating system: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Internal memory: Preferably 16GB, but 8GB will work.
Disk: SSD disk (faster, but not required).
Learn more about how to choose a computer:
https://dbwebb.se/kurser/faq/ny-dator
Computer specification 3
Most of the engineering software used in the programme is only compatible with Windows, and we have experienced difficulties getting these applications to run on virtualised Windows installations on Apple computers. We are not able to provide support for these issues. We therefore recommend purchasing a Windows computer.
System Requirements for Autodesk Inventor 2024 Windows: https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-Autodesk-Inventor-2024.html
Operating system
64-bit Microsoft® Windows® 10. See Autodesk’s Product Support Lifecycle for support information.
CPU
Recommended: 3.0 GHz or greater, 4 or more cores
Minimum: 2.5 GHz or greater
Memory
Recommended: 32 GB RAM or more
Minimum: 16 GB RAM for less than 500 part assemblies
Disk Space
Installer plus full installation: 40 GB
Graphics
Recommended: 4 GB GPU with 106 GB/S Bandwidth and DirectX 11 compliant
Minimum: 1 GB GPU with 29 GB/S Bandwidth and DirectX 11 compliant
See the Certified Hardware
Display Resolution
Recommended: 3840 x 2160 (4K); Preferred scaling: 100%, 125%, 150% or 200%
Minimum: 1280 x 1024 (1080p)
Pointing Device
MS-Mouse compliant
Productivity: 3DConnexion SpaceMouse®, driver version 10.7.0 or later.
Network
Internet connection for web install with Autodesk® Desktop App, Autodesk® collaboration functionality, web downloads, and licensing.
See Autodesk Network License Manager for Windows
Spreadsheet
Full local install of Microsoft® Excel 2016 or later for workflows that create and edit spreadsheets. Inventor workflows that read or export spreadsheet data do not require Microsoft® Excel. See Inventor Excel Requirements for more information.
Office 365 subscribers must ensure they have a local installation of Microsoft Excel.
Windows Excel Starter®, OpenOffice®, and browser-based Office 365 applications are not supported.
Browser
Google Chrome™ or equivalent
.NET Framework
Version 4.8 or later. Windows Updates enabled for installation.
For complex Models, Complex Mold Assemblies, and Large Assemblies (typically more than 1,000 parts)
CPU Type
Recommended: 3.30 GHz or greater, 4 or more cores
Memory
Recommended: 64 GB RAM or greater
Graphics
Recommended:4 GB GPU with 106 GB/S Bandwidth and DirectX 11 compliant. See the Certified Hardware
Computer specification 4
There are no specific requirements for your computer during the first year, so you can wait before buying a new one until you have settled into your studies. After that, you will need the following:
Laptop: with the ability to connect an external monitor.
Processor type: 64-bit, at least 4 cores (8 threads); Intel or AMD does not matter.
Internal memory: at least 16 GB is recommended, as you will later run virtual machines.
Hard disk: at least 256 GB, preferably SSD/NVMe.
Screen resolution: no specific requirements, but support for an external monitor.
Operating system: Windows or Linux; the choice is not critical. Mac is not recommended.*
GPU: no specific requirements.
Network: wireless (Wi-Fi).
* If you want to use an Apple Mac, you can do so, but it may involve some challenges. Standard x86 virtual machines may have difficulty running on M1/M2/M3 processors. You may therefore need additional knowledge and spend more time getting things to work.
Computer specification 5
Processor type: Intel core i5, or equivalent
Primary memory (RAM): 16 GB
GPU: GTX 1060, or equivalent
Graphics card: NVIDIA RTX card or equivalent
Operating system: Windows 10/11
Computer specification 6
Processor type: Intel Core i7 or i9, or equivalent AMD processor
Internal memory: 16-32 GB
Hard disk: At least 512 GB, preferably SSD
Operating system: Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit
Graphics processor: NVIDIA RTX card (at least 2000 series)
Computer specification 7
The Master's program in Urban Planning works mainly with programs such as QGIS and Autocad and various Adobe programs (or equivalent), such as Sketch Up and InDesign. Students are expected to have laptops with performance and memory that allow them to work with this type of program.
Computer specification 0
Not specified*.
See more information in your welcome letter.
* For technical base year:
If you buy a computer for your studies at BTH, it is important that you buy a computer that meets the requirements of the program you intend to continue after the base year. Therefore, check now what the requirements are so you do not have to buy a new computer in a year. If you do not plan to continue your studies at BTH, we have no comments on what kind of computer you have.
Computer specification 9
Processor type: 64 bit, 8 or more cores, Intel or AMD does not matter.
Internal memory: 16-32 GB
Hard disk: At least 1 TB, preferably SSD/NVME
Screen resolution: No special requirements
Operating system: Linux 64 bit, cf Ubuntu 24.04|26.04 64-bit, or Windows*
GPU: No special requirements**
Network: Wired Ethernet, Wireless Ethernet
* Windows works, but it requires a bit more knowledge and understanding as you will run WSL or Cygwin, to get a Linux/Posix environment.
** If you aim to work with AI/ML, a suitable GPU.
If you want to use Apple Mac, you can. But standard x86 VMs will have problems running on M1/M2/M3/M4 processors. Therefore, you will probably need a bit more knowledge and spend a bit more time to get things working.