What's the difference between a workstation and a desktop PC?
The words workstation and desktop are frequently used interchangeably to describe computers that sit on (or under) a desk. Even so, a desktop PC and a workstation aren't truly the same thing, and reputable vendors like HP don't treat them as such. That said, it's good to know what kind of system you really need when you start shopping for hardware. It makes information searches on the Web easier, and helps you connect with the right reseller and vendor staff.
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Workstations support industrial-strength computing
Workstations are high-performance computers that run numeric-and graphic-intensive applications ranging from statistical analysis to computer-aided design and scientific visualisation. Key workstation characteristics include:
- High-speed processors
- Tremendous disk speed
- Significant quantities of synchronous dynamic RAM
- Support for high-end graphics cards
- A healthy number of slots (4 or more) to support network connectivity cards, advanced video cards, and more
- Several ports (USB, serial, and parallel) to connect scanners, monitors, and other peripherals to the workstation
Desktops support a variety of users and applications
Workstations are all about number-crunching and power, and are designed to meet very specific computing needs. Desktops are all about flexibility -- they're designed to meet a much wider variety of computing needs. The same desktop PC that a computer programmer uses will work well for a graphic designer. The computer your accountant uses could easily be re-purposed for your VP of marketing. While you can certainly buy very powerful desktop PCs, you can also buy more economical models to meet staff needs and fit within your budget.
The story is in the details
The HPxw8000 workstation supports up to two 3GHz Intel Pentium 4 processors, supports up to 8GB of RAM, and has either 10,000 rpm or 15,000 rpm disk speed, 5 PCI slots, 6 USB ports, 1 serial port, and 1 parallel port. Additionally, it comes with a special graphics port specifically designed to support high-end graphics work, something you won't find on most high-end desktop PCs.
By comparison, the HP Compaq D510 comes with a 2.4GHz or 2.8GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor, support for up to 4GB of RAM, and either 5400 rpm or 7200 rpm hard disk speed, 3 PCI slots, 4 USB ports, 2 serial ports, and 1 parallel port.
So how do you know which one you need?
The best possible guides for determining whether you need a workstation or a desktop are the system requirements for the applications you want to run and the people who plan to use them. If you are currently outsourcing work in any of the following areas, chances are you will need to purchase at least one workstation if you want to move the operations in-house:
- Computer-aided engineering
- Digital content creation
- Electronic design automation
- Life sciences
- Mechanical computer-aided design
- Scientific research
In reality, a workstation is closer to a server in power and configuration, and has similar specific uses. You don't need a server on everyone's desktop in your company, and the same goes for workstations. Certainly, you should buy them when you need them, and be sure to select the right one for your specific needs. An HP reseller can help you with that decision.
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