What are workstations? Meet the super powerful computer and its differences for the PC

The famous PC (Personal Computer) everyone already knows and knows what it's for. As the name implies, they are computers of personal use, used by the vast majority of people to perform routine tasks both work and leisure.

Already the workstations, also called work stations, are best known among the market segments that carry out critical mission, such as financial services, engineering, product modeling, among others. They are equipment of high performance capable of quickly processing large files and multitasking without braking or show errors.

In a way, they can be defined as a super powerful computer, with great graphics and high data processing capacity. However, the machine is not a “turbined” desktop – buying a good graphics card or a new processor will not turn your computer into a workstation, as the equipment is produced to perform specific tasks.

better understand the specifications of each device and see if you need to upgrade the PC for workstation.

Differences between workstation and traditional PC

One of the main differences of workstation compared to other computers on the market is in its RAM. Equipment equipped with the processor Intel Xeon have compatibility with ECC RAM (Error Correcting Code), memory capable of detecting and correcting common data corruptions before they occur, eliminating the cause of many operating system crashes and providing more stable performance.

Originally created to serve servers, the Intel Xeon has become popular in high performance equipment. unlike the Intel Core, processor used in Desktops common and in some workstations, Xeon is aimed at the areas of development and creation and works with less processing time and lower temperatures.

These devices also have video cards for the development of graphics, such as the NVIDIA Quadro. As with the Intel Xeon, these graphics cards are designed for double-precision computing, which involves scientific and arithmetic calculations, and to handle heavy workloads such as rendering videos.

In addition, the memory and storage capacity of a workstation is also superior to that of Desktops. Although the specifications vary for each model and manufacturer, the RAM memory of work stations can be configured from 8GB DDR4 to 3TB DDR4 – in traditional computers, this value varies between 4 and 64GB. In terms of internal storage there is not much difference, with Desktops e workstations being able to operate with SSD, from 128GB, or with a hybrid model, combining SSD and HD - in the latter case, the HD size can be larger in the work stations, with a capacity greater than 10TB.

When it comes to hardware, the biggest differential of the workstation is its modular construction, which allows the independent configuration of all its components in case the user wants to increase its capabilities even more.

The prices of these machines vary according to their specifications and possible customizations made at the time of purchase. Lenovo's new P line, for example, has workstations from R$ 7 to 8 thousand. The more powerful, the more expensive the machine, but it is worth mentioning that the durability and reliability of the equipment make it a long-term investment.

Who should use a workstation?

As mentioned at the beginning of the text, the work stations are used by professionals who need high-performance equipment capable of quickly (and sometimes simultaneously) performing heavy tasks that do not crash.

Segments that work with simulations and modeling, such as architecture, engineering and design, use the workstation for better results in software like Autodesk, AutoCAD, Adobe package, between others. In addition to creative areas, such as audiovisual production, animation and design, others that can also benefit from work stations are: health (especially in cases of delicate and contrast tests), financial services (a system crash can represent a large amount of lost money) and laboratories in general (for performing complex calculations).

Meet a Workstation: Inside Lenovo's ThinkStation P330 Tower

a good example of workstation is ThinkStation P330 Tower da Lenovo, part of the P series (P330 Torre, Tiny and SFF). The only workstation produced by the company in Brazil, the machine features speed and fluidity in the execution of complex jobs that require high performance.

A ThinkStation can be configured with the processor Intel Core ou Xeon (remembering that the latter is compatible with the ECC RAM) and optional Intel Optane memory, a kind of cache accelerator that optimizes data processing, storage and execution speed.

The device has maximum compatibility with NVIDIA Quadro graphics cards, from the RTX 4000 to the P5000, and is configured to also support Virtual Reality, allowing the creation of VR content at a low cost.

A Lenovo offers a guarantee of three years on site, with possible expansion to 5 years, with coverage throughout the national territory, without restrictions, so if your workstation need some maintenance you have support on site, without having to move. In addition, the company allows users to upgrade components without losing the warranty of the machine (the brand does not support the parts you add or change)

A P330 Tower also includes certification ISVs (independent software vendor) from all major vendors such as Autodesk, Adobe e Siemens, ensuring technical assistance from the software manufacturer on the product.

A 2019 TBR (Technology Business Research) study showed that repair rates for Lenovo in the first years are the lowest on the market. The manufacturer is the only one below the industry average after three years of using a workstation, being rated 20% more reliable than the competition.

We also tested the model launched at the end of 2020 and we have already published the P340 review, a machine that surprised us in the tests and achieved a performance superior to the P330 Torre.

Speaking of which, check out the review of the P340 we did:

For those who want to invest in a full season, Lenovo offers 50% off T22i (21.5”) or S24e (23.8”) monitors plus a 120-day free trial of Mechdyne TGX, workstations on desktops or notebooks.

See also:

Sources: Engineering 360 [1], [2]; Lenovo

reviewed by Glaucon Vital in 31 / 7 / 23.