AUD Computer Requirements
To meet the high-performance needs of architectural modeling, rendering, design software, and AI tools such as ComfyUI with Stable Diffusion, all students must have a laptop or workstation that meets the specifications below. Your computer is a critical investment in your academic and creative success.
Minimum Computer Specifications
Component | Requirement |
Operating System | Windows 10 Professional (64-bit) |
Processor (CPU) | Intel i7 or i9 / AMD Ryzen 7 or higher |
Memory (RAM) | 16 GB minimum (32 GB highly recommended for rendering, multitasking, and AI workflows) |
Graphics Card (GPU) | Minimum: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (6–8 GB VRAM) |
Video Output | HDMI 1.3 or newer |
USB/Thunderbolt | At least 3 USB/USB-C/Thunderbolt ports. HDMI adapters are strongly recommended. |
Storage | 1–2 TB internal SSD. An external SSD with 2 TB or more is recommended for backup, project files, and AI model storage. |
Mouse | A 3-button mouse is highly recommended for 3D modeling and CAD workflows (e.g., Rhino, Maya, Revit). |
GPU Recommendations by Tier (For Architecture and AI Workflows)
Use Level | GPU Model | VRAM | Notes |
Basic / Entry-Level | RTX 4050 | 6 GB | Suitable for Rhino and Adobe tools. Can run Stable Diffusion 1.5 with limited resolution or control features. |
| RTX 4060 | 8 GB | Reliable option for Rhino, V-Ray, SD 1.5, and basic rendering. |
Recommended / Mid-Range | RTX 4070 | 8–12 GB | Excellent for Rhino, SDXL, and Adobe multitasking. Ideal for studio-level work. |
Advanced / Professional | RTX 4080 | 12–16 GB | Handles large architectural files and real-time rendering with SDXL and ComfyUI. |
Power User / Future-Proof | RTX 4090 | 16–24 GB | Best for high-res rendering, animation, and multi-model AI workflows. |
Recommended Laptop Brands
These manufacturers offer systems with reliable cooling, GPU options, and performance optimized for architecture and design:
• Dell (RTX 3000/4000 Series)
• Razer (Blade 15/17 with RTX 3070, 3080, 4080)
• MSI (Creator Z Series, GE Raider, Stealth Studio)
• ASUS (ROG Zephyrus, ProArt StudioBook)
Recommended Laptop GPUs for AI, FLUX Dev, Kontext, and Stable Diffusion (2025)
As AI tools like FLUX.1 Kontext and Stable Diffusion become more common in design workflows, having a good GPU is important for smooth performance. Below are updated recommendations for laptops and desktops based on current hardware and software needs.
Minimum Requirements:
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 30-series or newer with Tensor Cores
- VRAM: At least 12 GB for smaller AI models, 16–24 GB recommended for larger or full-precision models
- RAM: At least 32 GB
- Storage: 1–2 TB NVMe SSD
Laptop GPU Recommendations:
- $1,500–$1,900: RTX 4070 (8 GB VRAM) – good for lighter AI work with smaller models, but not ideal for large files.
- $2,000–$2,800: RTX 4080 (12–16 GB VRAM) – solid performance for most AI and rendering tasks.
- $2,900 and up: RTX 4090 (16 GB VRAM) – best for heavy multitasking, large AI models, and advanced rendering.
Desktop Recommendations:
For desktops, NVIDIA RTX 4080, 4090, or higher paired with AMD Ryzen 7000 series or Intel 13th Gen or newer CPUs work very well.
Important Note: Intel 13th and 14th Gen CPUs experienced a power-related overheating issue in some systems. This was resolved through BIOS updates that manage power limits properly. Make sure your system has the latest BIOS to avoid overheating and maintain stable performance.
Looking Ahead: New RTX 50-series GPUs (coming late 2025) will offer better efficiency and performance. Consider waiting if you want the latest hardware.
If you have questions about what hardware to buy or need help, please contact the IT Office.
Tip: Select a laptop with a strong cooling system and consider purchasing an extended warranty with accidental damage protection.
Recommended External SSD Drives
Brand | 1 TB | 2 TB | 4 TB |
SanDisk SSD | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Seagate SSD | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Seagate Rugged | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Recommended Mouse
• Logitech MX Anywhere (available in Black, Pale Grey, and Rose). A precise, wireless option ideal for portable architectural workflows.
Support and Setup Resources
• Email: support@aud.ucla.edu
• FAQ and Setup Guides: https://uclaaud-help.freshdesk.com
Please view our FAQ to help you with Setting up your UCLA Account(s)
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
(ENGLISH LANGUAGE ONLY)
SOFTWARE THAT MUST BE INSTALLED PRIOR TO FIRST DAY OF CLASS
Rhino 3D Rhino Latest Version, at (90day free trial) WINDOWS VERSION ONLY |
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MAYA and 3ds Max Sign-up for a Student account in order to get free Autodesk Software |
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UNITY Download the Personal edition (free). Once you have your UCLA email, apply for free educational Pro Version |
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Adobe Creative Cloud: Illustrator, Photoshop, In Design, After Effects, Premiere, Media Encoder: Offered by UCLA |
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C4D R23 or newer Free educational version available from Maxon Website |
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Octane Render (Studio) for C4D Available as a monthly subscription |
https://home.otoy.com/render/octane- render/subscriptions/#studio | |
Gaea: A free community edition is available | ||
Grasshopper Plug-in for Rhino (free download) WINDOWS VERSION ONLY | ||
Unreal Engine 4.26 (download the free creators version) | https://www.unrealengine.com/en- US/?sessionInvalidated=true | |
Quixel Bridge (configured for UE4) After installing Unreal Engine, use your Epic Games account to sign into quixel to get free access to all assets |
Setup instructions for UE4 integration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B- KYCnKnM8 | |
Quixel Mixer After installing Unreal Engine, use your Epic Games account to sign into quixel to get free access to all assets | ||
Rhino 3D Rhino 7.0 Latest Version | ||
Support and Setup Resources
• Email: support@aud.ucla.edu
• FAQ and Setup Guides: https://uclaaud-help.freshdesk.com
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