Workstations are the most powerful desktop computers, designed for everything from professional picture and video editing to scientific analysis, CAD, and Hollywood-level computer-generated imagery and 3D rendering. These customizable computers are available in a wide range of price ranges, from less than a regular desktop to much above the price of a sports car. Anyone who needs extra-tough software (definitely not Microsoft Office) or needs a highly reliable PC for demanding workloads should consider a workstation rather than a standard desktop.
Before you go to workstation shopping, keep in mind. Because of their enormous configurability and proclivity for giving choices you’ve probably never heard of, they can be some of the most perplexing PCs to buy. The parts that follow go over all there is to know about workstations, including professional graphics cards, error-correcting memory, workstation-class CPUs, and warranty considerations. Let’s get started.
The Lenovo ThinkStation P330 is a low-cost tower workstation with professional technology. It’s designed for light- to medium-duty creative work like graphic design and photo editing, and its higher-tier setups can handle more demanding jobs. Its many features include a compact chassis, silent operation, strong expansion possibilities, and a basic three-year onsite warranty. However, the ThinkStation P330 receives our Editors’ Choice for being an excellent bargain in the entry-level desktop workstation category.
One of the world’s most powerful desktop workstations is Dell’s Precision 7920 Tower. Dell delivered it to us with two Intel Xeon Platinum 8260 processors (each with 24 cores and 48 threads), 96GB of RAM, five storage drives, and a 48GB Nvidia Quadro RTX 8000 graphics card in a supercomputer-like configuration. This beast is specialized, as its hardware is only as good as the software that can take advantage of it.
The Precision 7920, for example, didn’t always perform well. Since most of them don’t scale to employ all of their hardware. Its heavy-lifting capabilities are best suited to data science and machine learning applications requiring maximum performance and long-term dependability. For which the 7920 is our top suggestion. Dell’s Precision 5820 is more cost-effective and almost expandable in circumstances where only a single CPU is required. While HP’s Z2 Tower G4 can deliver a lot of power in a smaller and even more cheap form factor. When it comes down to it, however, the Precision 7920 is one of the quickest workstations money (and a lot of it) can buy.
Until now, mainstream companies’ desktop workstations were almost entirely Intel-based. The Lenovo ThinkStation P620 (beginning at $2,099; $3,314 as tested) is the first laptop to use AMD’s Threadripper Pro processors. This full-size tower can outmuscle even dual-CPU workstations for difficult dataset processing or rendering operations. Thanks to a single CPU supplying up to 64 processor cores. Moreover, the P620’s expandability, serviceability, and independent software vendor (ISV) certifications make it a credible option to Lenovo’s Intel-powered ThinkStation P520 or even the dual-CPU ThinkStation P720 and P920 for a comparable number of cores.
The Corsair One Pro i200 ($4,499) is the company’s newest compact desktop workstation. It adds a powerful 14-core, 28-thread Intel Core i9-10940X processor. To the company’s One Pro i180, giving it carte blanche for even the most demanding jobs. The One Pro i200, like other Corsair One models, has an attractive, modern design, little operating noise, and surprisingly small size. However, in the sense that it lacks a Xeon CPU, professional-grade GPU options, and independent software vendor (ISV) certifications for specific apps, it isn’t a standard workstation. However, for creative professionals looking for something with more power per inch than anything else, it’s a top-notch option.
The Dell Precision 3240 Compact is a space-saving compact desktop workstation. It’s about the size of a thick hardcover book, with a 10-core Intel Xeon processor and Nvidia Quadro RTX-class graphics to compete with larger towers’ performance. It also comes with a basic three-year warranty, decent end-user serviceability, and VESA mounting choices. It’s a good alternative to HP’s Z2 Mini G5, though not necessarily better. To be fair, full-size desktop workstation towers provide greater value, but in the wee-workstation market, this machine and HP’s Mini effort trade blows.
Firstly, the HP Z2 G8 Tower is a single-CPU desktop workstation with a lot of customization options before you buy it. As well as plenty of expansion options once you get it. HP’s eighth-generation Z2 Tower includes Intel Core and Xeon “Rocket Lake” CPUs. As well as professional GPUs from Nvidia and AMD. Our test setup included an eight-core Intel Core i9-11900K processor and Nvidia RTX A4000 graphics card. This provided the horsepower needed for professional creative work ranging from CAD and BIM workflows to video editing and virtual reality.
The tool-less chassis makes maintenance and updates a breeze. This is a big benefit for the IT staff supporting a design business and the budget manager keeping an eye on the bottom line. The HP Z2 G8 Tower should be on your shortlist for an entry-level workstation.
The HP Z2 Mini G5 Workstation does precisely what it claims. This little desktop has all of the power of a larger workstation. As well as the features and ports that professionals want for their jobs. With an eight-core Intel Core i7-10700K processor, 32GB of memory, 1.5TB of solid-state storage, and an Nvidia Quadro T2000 GPU.
The Z2 Mini’s small size (and the Core i7 rather than Core i9 or Xeon CPU) could lead you to believe it lacks power when compared to larger systems. But it keeps up with the competition in terms of performance (and you can choose to configure the HP with one of those chips if desired). It’s pricey, but it’s also a unique offering that delivers on all fronts.
Here are some of our favorite Desktop PC Workstations.They get you started by showing you many shapes, sizes, and capacities available. Now, good luck, and get to work!
All major manufacturers have certified the ThinkStation P330 Tower workstation as an independent software vendor (ISV). This entry-level powerhouse is ideal for huge jobs like engineering, architecture, scientific, medical, and finance, thanks to its latest-generation Intel processing power, the option of Intel OptaneTM memory, NVIDIA Quadro graphics, and VR-ready certification.
Corsair’s newest small desktop workstation, the One Pro i200 ($4,499), is the company’s newest product. It includes an Intel Core i9-10940X processor with 14 cores and 28 threads. Giving carte blanche to the company’s One Pro i180 for even the most difficult jobs.
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