Project Lead The Way®, working with its vendors, will specify computers each year that we estimate will run our course software for the next three years.

Many schools have developed policies under which new, more powerful computers are placed in PLTW labs, and the existing computers are moved to areas with less demanding applications. In doing this, they insure the longest useful performance of their computers.

Computers should meet or exceed the specifications stated here:

Desktop:

Intel Core2 Duo E6600 or better 1066 MHz FSB 4MB L2 Cache
2 GIG or more DDR2 SDRAM Memory with room to upgrade
Keyboard
Optical Mouse with Wheel
CD or optional CDRW/DVD drive
Anti-Virus software
PCI-express x16 Video card with a minimum 256 Megs RAM (Must be 3D CAD Compatible
Support OpenGL and DirectX 9) - See:
http://www.autodesk.com/us/inventor/graphic_cards/
Win XP Pro (32 or 64 bit) or later
Integrated LAN connection
3 year Warranty
4 USB Ports Minimum - Version 2.0
17" SVGA 1280X1024 Color Monitor or optional flat screen

Laptop:
Each teacher participating in training and teaching Project Lead The Way® courses is required to have a laptop computer for his/her use. Teachers should have Administrator rights on their computer. Specifications for new laptops are as follows:

Intel Core2 Duo T7400 or better
USB Memory Key (Memory Stick, Thumb Drive, etc.)
2 GIG DDR2 SDRAM Memory (option for additional)
Integrated 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet connection
60 GB + 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
External VGA Port
DVD-CDRW Drive
14.1 XGA TFT Color LCD Display or larger
Anti Virus software
Li-Ion Battery
Win XP Pro or later
3 Year Warranty
256 MB PCI-express x16 Graphics card (Must be 3D CAD Compatible Support OpenGL and DirectX 9) - See: http://www.autodesk.com/us/inventor/graphic_cards/
802.11 a/g wireless

For further details about graphics cards, see Autodesk’s website http://www.autodesk.com/us/inventor/graphic_cards/

PLEASE NOTE: Basic Intel graphic chipset or other chipsets with shared memory are not recommended for video display. All graphic chipsets must be 3D capable and support OpenGL and DirectX. A third party Graphic card is usually necessary.

Bare minimum specs to run inventor for 2007-2008

Minimum hardware required to run (Not recommended for production use).

Intel Pentium® or AMD Athlon Processor 2.0GH or better
5.0GB Free (minimum install) Hard Drive Space
3 GB Scratch "Temp" space
512 MB RAM
2-4 Gigs Virtual Memory Space
64+ MB OpenGL Capable Graphics Card
Windows 2000 Pro with Service Pack 4 operating system
Internet Explorer 6 with latest service packs