Recommended PC spec 2023

We have set up recommended specifications for a PC for 2023.

The Yellow lab in the Informatorium provides computers with all the necessary software required to complete the degree. However, the lab facilities are only available during their operating hours (only weekdays and specific times). Having a personal computer at home to work from is more convenient and less restricted. Therefore, it is highly recommended that each student has a computer at their place of residence that can run demanding software used in the Multimedia degree.

The estimated cost for a desktop PC that matches these specifications is R 20,100 and will last you for 3 years of your studies. Laptop prices that match these specifications will be higher. Please note that the estimated cost stated above is based on component pricing as of January 2023 but may fluctuate as time progresses.

Some recommended stores at which you can purchase these components are:

The following is a list of items/software that is required to do multimedia related assessments, but the above-mentioned estimated price excludes these:

  • Windows operating system,
  • any software (used in the Multimedia degree)
  • Standard mouse and keyboard
  • Monitor (full HD 1080p display)
    • Make sure the monitor’s connection matches the ports on the Graphics card
  • Standard audio devices (earphones/headphones/speakers)

The following list of components is purely for guidance and any desktop or laptop with similar performance/specifications should also last for the 3 years of your studies. It is not necessary to have a new PC that matches the specifications. A PC with slightly older components (within 3 years old) that has similar specifications will do just fine.

Specific components list:

  • Intel 13th Gen Core i5 13400F Processor (LGA 1700 slot)
  • Antec A400i RGB CPU Cooler
  • MSI PRO Z690-P DDR4 Intel Motherboard
    • Supports 12th and 13th (LGA 1700 slot) generation Intel CPUs
  • DDR4 4000 Mhz 16GB RAM (recommended DDR4 3200 Mhz 8GB RAM x 2)
  • GeForce RTX 3050 8GB Graphics Card
  • WD Blue SN570 500GB M.2 PCI-e 3.0 x 4 NVMe Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
    • Maximum Read Speed 3500MB/s
    • Maximum Write Speed 2300MB/s
  • 1TB Ultra-Fast SSD Upto 550MB/s+ Speed Solid State Drive
  • Evetech ARES Gaming Case
    • Supports graphics card size (340mm)
    • Support ATX motherboard size (not micro-ATX)
  • 600W 80 PLUS Gold Power Supply
  • 140mm fan x3 (x2 Front, x1 Rear)

The more technical specifications for each component are as follows:

  • CPU:
    • 10 processor cores
    • 16 processor threads
    • Base frequency: 2.50GHz clock speed
    • Max Turbo frequency: 4.60GHz
  • Motherboard:
    • CPU socket must match the purchased CPU
    • At least SATA slot x1 (for the SSD)
    • At least M.2 slot x1 (for the NVMe SSD)
    • At least 2 x DDR4 DIMM sockets supporting up to 64 GB of system memory
    • Supports DDR4 Memory up to 5000+(OC) MHz
    • 1 x PCI Express 5.0 x16 Slot (for the graphics card)
    • Network: 1Gb Ethernet (or more)
      • Wireless LAN for Wi-Fi will make setup easier (recommended but not required) (extra ±R500)
    • Form factor must match the case (e.g., Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX)
  • Memory:
    • 4000 MHz 16GB DDR4 RAM (make sure it is compatible with the motherboard memory slots)
  • Storage:
    • NVMe 500GB SSD
    • 1TB SSD
  • Graphics card:
    • Cores: 2560 Units
    • Boost Core Clocks: 1807 MHz
    • Memory speed: 14 Gbps
    • Memory: 8GB GDDR6
    • Card Bus: PCI-E 4.0 x 8
    • Power Connectors 8-pin x1
  • Power supply:
    • 600w+
    • 80 Plus Gold standard
    • Connectors + (6+2 pin for the graphics card)
    • CPU 4+4 Pin x 1
    • PCI-e 6+2 Pin x 2 (for the graphics card)
    • SATA x4 (for SSD)
    • Peripheral 4 Pin x 3
  • Case:
    • length: 425mm+ (to fit graphics card)
    • 140mm fan placements x3 (2 for front, 1 for rear)
    • Must fit accompanying power supply
    • Must fit accompanying motherboard (e.g., Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX)
  • Cooling: 140mm fan x3
    • Breakdown for usage:
      • Front fan x2
      • Rear fan x1