As a creative professional, your workstation is your command centre. It’s where you express your ideas through writing, graphic design, 3d modeling, video editing, and much more. But is your workstation optimised for these creative tasks? Or are you looking to get a new workstation and wondering how to optimise it for your work? Here we dive straight in and offers practical advice for optimising your workstation computer to boost both productivity and creativity to new levels!

Software Optimisations

Getting your OS and Software configured is half the battle. Creative tasks tax your computer’s hardware, these software optimisation options will help:

Manage memory usage

Verify that your program is making good use of the available memory. In Adobe Photoshop, for example, you can adjust the amount of RAM allocated to the program in the Preferences menu. Configuring the memory correctly can massively boost performance.

Set up scratch disks

Scratch disks are temporary storage spaces used by software to perform tasks. Ensure your scratch disks are on fast drives with plenty of free space. Also, occasionally clear your scratch disks to free up storage space.

Configure colour profiles

As a creative, you already know the importance of colour accuracy when you’re working on creative tasks. Always check that your programmes are using the right colour profile for your screen. Experiment to see what levels work best for you.

Stay up to date

Just like an artist needs fresh paint, your workstation PC needs the latest software updates. Update both your OS and your software to the most recent versions. This can help fix any bugs or incompatibilities that are slowing you down and boost performance. Staying up to date will also patch security vulnerabilities keeping your system and work safe.

Declutter your digital workspace

A cluttered workspace can hinder creativity; the same goes for your workstation. Uninstall any software that you don’t use regularly. This will help you get a more streamlined and efficient digital setup by freeing up resources.

Start with a clean slate

Many programs can start automatically when you turn on your computer. This can slow down startup time and use up system resources. Disable any programs that you don’t need to start automatically, so you can start with a clean slate every time and jump straight to work.

Tune-up your machine

Your workstation is like a car; it needs frequent maintenance. You can always reach out to us here at Armari for maintenance of your workstation, you can also use third-party utilities to enhance your PC’s functionality further. These utilities can clean up junk files, fix registry errors, and optimise system settings, giving your computer a much-needed tune-up.

Use an antivirus software – Workstations are built to protect your work and data, but even they could use good antiviral applications to protect them from security threats. Regularly scanning for malware and viruses can help prevent system slowdowns and crashes caused by malicious software.

Hardware setup

Next, let’s talk about hardware. Having the right hardware can make a big difference in your creative workflow. Here are some advice on how to pick the right ones:

Choose the right monitor

Choosing the right monitor for creative professionals is an essential step in optimizing workstations. This is because it’s your window into the digital world, and thus, it directly influences the quality of your work. Here are some additional points to consider when selecting the perfect monitor:

Resolution: A high-resolution monitor ensures your images are sharp and detailed. Most creatives opt for 4K monitors for crisp visuals, but if your work involves intensive graphics, you might want to consider 5K resolution for even better clarity.

Colour Accuracy: For graphic designers, photographers, or video editors, accurate colour representation is vital. Thus, consider monitors that support wide colour gamut, such as Adobe RGB or DCI-P3. Monitors with a higher colour bit, like 10-bit, will be able to display more colours and smoother gradients.

Aspect Ratio: The aspect ratio you choose should depend on your specific requirements. Traditional 16:9 aspect ratio monitors are suitable for most tasks. However, if you deal with wide layouts like website design or panoramic video editing, a widescreen or ultra-wide monitor with a 21:9 aspect ratio can provide more workspace.

Panel Type: There are various types of panels used in monitors such as IPS, VA, and TN. For creative work, IPS panels are recommended as they provide the best overall colour accuracy and viewing angles.

Size: Monitor size depends on personal preference and desk space. Larger monitors provide more room to work, reducing the need to constantly zoom in and out. Anything from 27″ and above is generally recommended for creative work.

Ergonomics: Adjustable height, tilt, and swivel options can improve comfort during long work sessions. Some monitors even offer pivot adjustment, allowing you to switch between landscape and portrait orientations, which can be particularly useful for certain design and editing tasks.

Connectivity Options: Ensure the monitor has the correct ports for your PC or laptop. Common interfaces include HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C. The latter can be particularly handy if you want to display your screen and charge a laptop with a single cable.

Set up multiple displays

As a creative, there’s a huge chance that you work with multiple programs at once. Consider setting up multiple displays to compensate for that. This can help you keep your workspace organised and improve productivity.

Get a powerful graphics card

A powerful graphics card can speed up rendering and video playback tasks. Increasingly, renderers are GPU-accelerated for real-time ray tracing, so, you might have to optimise your workstation to have a high-end one. For example, Armari offers a Threadripper workstation with a Radeon Pro W6800 graphics card, which can easily support even the most powerful rendering work.

Invest in fast storage

Fast storage solutions like SSDs are known to speed up tasks, something creatives need in abundance. Extra space for expandable memory is also essential. So if you’re just gunning for a new workstation, you should target our workstations that provide this and more.

Choose a powerful processor

A powerful processor can speed up tasks such as rendering and simulation, which is why you need to optimise your workstation for demanding tasks with the right balance of core count and clock speed. At Armari, we offer workstations with top-of-the-line processors that are already optimised for this. 

Ergonomics

Don’t overlook ergonomics! A comfortable workstation and work environment will allow you to work longer while remaining at peak productivity. Here are a few strategies for optimising ergonomics:

Choosing the right chair and setting up a good desk

Search for a chair with adjustable lumbar support and seating comfort features; then make sure your desk has enough room for keyboard, mouse and other essential equipment.

Use an ergonomic keyboard and mouse

Creatives often spend long hours at their workstation. An ergonomic keyboard and mouse may help reduce some of the strain placed upon their hands and wrists from prolonged use, providing relief to creative professionals’ hands and wrists.

Conclusion

Your workstation PC needs to be in the right shape to increase your productivity and creativity as a creative professional. With proper optimisation and flexibility, you can have a workstation to help you chase your passions or collaborate with fellow visionaries. 

If you’re looking to get one, Armari Magnetar workstations come with all that you’ll need as a creative professional to bring your ideas to life. 

Customise the perfect workstation for your work today.

Workstations have truly revolutionized the workplace, helping employees, creatives and enthusiasts work more at levels of productivity unimaginable to their predecessors. Powerful computing capacities make workstations the most crucial tool for the modern workplace, especially in industries that require greater and greater levels of processing power to remain at the forefront of technological advancement.

Future technologies promise even greater disruption across all industries, the advent of AI and the increasing complexity of applications are ramping up the need for more powerful workstations -this pressure is driving the advancement of workstations to new levels. 

Below is a fascinating graph showing Moore’s law at work: the doubling of the number of transistors on integrated circuits every two years over the past 50 years:

Workstation advancement into the future…

Workstations offer exciting promise as technology advances at pace. There are a number of key technologies that are poised to redefine the current landscape of computing and the way inwhich we interact with computers via applications: Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Virtual Reality (VR). These groundbreaking technologies are set to transform the way traditional technologies and applications are utilized, and will require entirely new generations of technology to support and facilitate their utilization.

Artificial intelligence

Imagine a future where AI will make your workstation computer not simply an asset, but an essential partner to help achieve success in your tasks and field. That future may be closer than you anticipate.

Artificial Intelligence is poised to dramatically transform workstation computers for businesses in several critical ways. From intelligent analysis and task automation to predictive analytics, AI facilitates an enhanced understanding of business processes and outcomes. Its capabilities extend to the creation of intricate data models, generation of high-quality images and videos, and even real-time decision making based on machine learning algorithms. Furthermore, AI brings a new level of efficiency by enabling the automation of routine tasks, thereby minimizing human error and saving valuable time. AI provides the potential to take workstation capabilities to the next level.

Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual reality (VR)-enabled workstations open a world of endless opportunities. Immerse yourself in realistic yet interactive environments ideal for training, simulation and visualization purposes.

Collaborate with colleagues virtually, hold meetings or product demos, or explore innovative new approaches in your industry with Virtual Reality (VR). VR revolutionizes product creation, design and visualization processes providing unparalleled interaction and feedback – workstations are ready and waiting. VR changes what is possible.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Imagine being able to enhance the capabilities of your workstation computer by layering digital information over real life environments? That is exactly what augmented reality provides: real-time guidance and instructions to employees while improving performance while decreasing errors.

AR technology can also enhance physical workspaces by providing employees with additional information and context, helping businesses work smarter rather than harder.

Blockchain

Blockchain’s secure and transparent data sharing promises to transform how companies conduct transactions, share files and verify identities. Workstation computer operating systems integrated with this ground-breaking tech will revolutionize how transactions take place as well as sharing of resources between employees.

Blockchain technology will enhance business efficiency and reliability through its untamperable records, multiparty transactions, and automated trust.

Blockchain will also rely on high-performance workstations and operating systems that will supply cryptocurrency mining as well as provide processing power needed for other exciting developments.

Cloud Computing

Employ cloud computing in your business and discover its scalability, flexibility and power. By tapping cloud resources you’ll unlock advanced analytics, machine learning and collaboration tools which were once unavailable on workstation. Cloud computing’s elastic and scalable nature enables businesses to easily adapt to changing market conditions and stay ahead of competitors. In fact, it is already possible to rent a workstation to use remotely, which has proven to be a fantastic option for many users. At Armari we now offer this service, via Ripper Rentals, where you can configure and deploy a remote workstation which can be up and running in no time. Find out more about renting a remote workstation here.

Conclusion

The future of workstations is boundless and exciting, with cutting-edge technologies pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to new levels. VR workstations that immerse you in collaborative environments and AI-powered workstations that automatically process vast data sets are just the beginning. 

Armari is leading the way in creating workstations that unlock these capabilities and help you work faster, smarter, and more productively than ever before. It’s time to join the revolution and future-proof your business with our high-end Magnetar workstations. 

Don’t be left behind; supercharge your work and transition to the future with an Armari custom workstation!

 

Imagine working hard on an important project when suddenly an email from your boss requests an urgent document review – without thinking twice, without properly considering its implications, without giving thought as you click through, you fall prey to a ransomware or phishing attack.

This happens more frequently that people think. Workstations are an essential component for business productivity but are also vulnerable to security breaches that threaten to compromise data, reputation, productivity and profits.

We will explore various threats relating to workstations and how best to mitigate them.

Common Security Threats to Workstations

Here are some of the most common threats to watch out for and some basic ways to protect yourself from them:

Malware and Viruses: Invisible Threats to Your Workstation
Malware and viruses are harmful software programs designed to infiltrate computers through malicious code such as ads, spyware, trojans or worms. You could unwittingly install them by following links with suspicious contents, downloading attachments from unknown sources or visiting untrustworthy websites – once infiltrated they can destroy files, monitor your activities or compromise data that could threaten to compromise your entire system and create havoc for its owners.

Phishing and Ransomware: When Deception is a Weapon
Phishing attacks use social engineering tactics that take advantage of your trust and lack of suspicion to take advantage of you and exploit your trust. Phishing emails may appear genuine from trusted sources and ask you to click a link or download an attachment, while ransomware attacks involve locking or encrypting files with ransom demands demanding payment in exchange for accessing them again – potentially crippling businesses by leading to data loss, financial damages and reputational risks.

Brute-Force Attacks: When Weak Passwords Lead to Trouble
Brute-force attacks involve attempts at guessing your login credentials by trying out various combinations of usernames and passwords until they find one that works, be that on your workstation or elsewhere on your network. Poor password management – including using weak or reused passwords across accounts – puts workstations vulnerable to brute-force attacks.

DDoS Attacks: Overwhelming Your Workstation with Traffic
DDoS attacks attempt to overwhelm your workstation or network with traffic or requests that cause it to slow down or crash, usually from multiple sources such as botnets or malicious websites. DDoS attacks can wreak significant havoc with business operations while damaging reputation.

SQL Injection Attacks: The Vulnerability in Your Web Application
SQL injection attacks aim to breach your database by inserting malicious SQL commands, leading to disruption or overrun due to theft, corruption or unauthorised access. They exploit vulnerabilities in web application code such as input validation, output encoding or parameterized queries that expose vulnerable areas within it for potential exploit.

Fortify Your Network with Firewall Protection to Foil Unauthorized Access

Firewalls are indispensable security programs that protect computers and networks against cyber attacks and unauthorised entry, like hackers and unauthorised users gaining entry through vulnerabilities in software or hardware firewalls. Both types scrutinise all incoming and outgoing traffic for suspicious activity that exceeds security criteria and stop suspicious behaviour as soon as it arises.

Keep Your Antivirus Software Updated Regularly to Combat Viruses and Malware

It’s imperative to have antivirus software that scans your computer for threats and eliminates them. It also blocks malware from running by stopping malicious software. Updating your antivirus software, like ClamAV or Windows Defender, is essential to protect your computer from the latest threats.

Secure Cached Credentials to Block Hackers from Stealing Your Login Details

Cached credentials refer to login credentials stored on your computer. They speed up the login process, but unsecured cached credentials pose a security risk to your workstation. Hackers can extract cached credentials from your computer to gain unauthorised access. Encrypting your cached credentials can make it much harder for hackers to access your account.

Enforce Application Control Policies to Restrict Unapproved Software

Application control policies are set to prevent employees from installing unauthorised software that can compromise the security of your network or workstation computer. Employees should only utilise approved software. This prevents them from accidentally installing malicious software on your network or workstation PC.

Mandate an Up-to-Date Operating System Baseline for Maximum Security

Have an OS baseline for patches, updates, and configuration settings to help you protect your workstation. It guarantees that your workstation PC is up-to-date and safeguarded against the latest security threats.

Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication to Protect Your Login Details

Use long and complex passwords composed of uppercase letters, numbers, special characters, and lowercase letters; enable multi-factor authentication by requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification before accessing their workstations; and employ multi-factor identification requiring several forms of identification before being allowed access.

Regularly Back Up Your Data to Prevent Data Loss

Having a copy of your data stored elsewhere is critical in case anything happens to your primary copy. At least back up your data once a week, or more often if you’re making frequent changes to it.

Disable Unnecessary Services and Features to Reduce Attack Surface

Operating systems and applications come with several features and services enabled by default. However, not all of these features and services are necessary, and some may pose a security risk or serve as the entry point for cyberattacks.

Disabling them makes your workstation less vulnerable to attacks. It reduces the number of potential entry points for attackers and limits their ability to exploit vulnerabilities in your system.

Monitor Your Workstation Activity for Suspicious Behaviour

Assuring your workstation activity can help detect any potentially suspicious activities such as excessive network traffic or any unapproved software installations. Utilize tools such as antivirus and intrusion detection systems for proper workstation monitoring.

Conclusion

Don’t make workstation security an afterthought; it’s an ongoing process that demands constant vigilance. And it isn’t just about protecting your data; it helps you achieve better work outcomes and maintain your reputation.

To make securing your workstation a priority, start with a workstation designed with the best hardware and software security available: the Armari Magnetar workstation series.

Working professionals know the value of having high-quality tools at their fingertips for any task at hand – workstations are ideal solutions, offering muscle, speed, and dependability in equal measures to get any task completed quickly and accurately. In this article we’ll look at why professionals should opt for custom built workstations as well as their advantages.

What are Custom-Built Workstations

Before we discuss the advantages of custom-built workstations, let’s first define exactly what consitutes a custom workstation, and what differentiates it from a regular PC.
Custom-built workstations are tailored computers designed specifically to meet the unique work requirements of individual users. Crafted using carefully chosen components for graphics, processing and storage, custom workstations offer a level of robustness, performance and versatility which is far more specified than that of prefabricated workstations.

At Armari, for example, you can choose from various workstation models and components – processors, graphics cards, storage space and memory capacity among others – to assemble an ideal workstation suited to your exact work requirements.

The Benefits of Custom-Built Workstations

Custom-built workstations boast superior performance, reliability, flexibility and customization advantages over their prebuilt counterparts. Let’s examine these advantages further to show why custom workstations should be considered by professionals needing high-performance computing solutions.

Improved performance and productivity

Custom-built workstations provide superior computing power tailored to each professional’s individual needs and productivity goals. Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, their components can still be overclocked for increased power; choose from high-end processors, powerful graphics cards and fast memory to maximize productivity in less time with these customized workstations.

Flexibility and upgradeability

Custom-built workstations offer incredible flexibility and upgradability, enabling you to stay abreast of technological changes as they arise. You can upgrade or modify it as your needs and workload fluctuate – perfect if the technological landscape rapidly evolves!

With upgradability features like these available to you, it becomes simple and affordable to upgrade older components for new and more powerful versions without replacing an entire system.

Cost-effectiveness

Custom-built workstations may cost more up front, but over time are more economical in terms of total costs. By investing in higher quality components built to last and saving on repairs or replacements further down the line.

Selecting components tailored specifically to your workload and needs ensures you won’t waste money replacing unnecessary system parts, keeping your custom-built workstation updated without overspending on unnecessary upgrades. By only upgrading necessary pieces you’ll ensure its relevance while saving cash in the process.

Reduced downtime

Custom-built workstations significantly decrease downtime and enhance reliability compared to many pre-built options, thanks to carefully chosen components and an optimal cooling system. You won’t experience hardware malfunctions or technical glitches while working, helping productivity and profitability skyrocket and allow professionals to complete tasks more effectively than before.

Improved Security

Custom-built workstations feature industry-leading safety and protection features as standard. Selecting appropriate hardware helps to ensure that your PC comes equipped with advanced safety measures; for instance, choosing an SSD with built-in encryption to safeguard confidential information is one option available to you.

Custom-built workstations tend to be less susceptible to cyber attacks than their prefabricated counterparts, making them the safer option for professionals working with sensitive data.

Personalized Support

Armari workstations feature premium support services designed to quickly troubleshoot technical issues and offer guidance when upgrading or replacing components, providing tailored assistance rather than leaving technical challenges solely up to you. We take the strain of managing technical matters away from you!

Competitive Advantage

Custom-designed workstations give your industry an invaluable competitive edge by helping to produce quicker and more efficient work than its rivals. A workstation crafted to your industry’s specifications with enough power for all necessary software connections allows you to stay ahead of the game and deliver top-quality projects, giving you confidence to face new challenges and expand business horizons.

Sustainability

Custom-built workstations are eco-friendly solutions, helping reduce electronic waste. Engineered for long term reliability and upgradeable components, custom workstations reduce their likelihood of ending up in landfills and increase lifespan by keeping only those parts that need upgrading current.

Creative Freedom

Custom-built workstations enable creatives to select components tailored specifically to their creative process and bring ideas to life more effectively. From high-end graphics cards to monitors with ultrawide resolutions, custom-built workstations give professionals endless ways to realize their vision with precision and efficiency.

Conclusion

Custom-built desktop workstations that offer many benefits. They give the tools needed for success in any industry because if their increased creativity and durability.

Are you an professional in need of Custom Workstation Solutions from Armari? A customized workstation from us will provide exactly what you need, and makes a great long-term investment into your own work and business.

Unmaintained workstations are potential time bombs that could cause serious interruptions in the running of a business. Data loss is one of the biggest issues relating to workstation and server use, costing organisations billions per anum, Sherweb dive into some eye-opening stats here around such incidents, while Webtribunal found that hardware failure accounts for up to 35% of data loss occurrences. Therefore it’s imperative that you maintain the health of your workstation to protect its performance and reduce any potential dangers.

We hope those stats didn’t give you too much of a scare, fear not – we’ve got you covered! In the following paragraphs, we will outline key tips for keeping your workstation in tip-top condition and provide sound advice to ensure its uninterrupted running.

Hardware Maintenance

Regular hardware maintenance is vital to ensure your workstation delivers top performance, neglecting this could result in dust and debris accumulation in its cooling system, leading to overheating and irreparable hardware damage. Don’t risk this happening; take control of its upkeep with these simple yet effective tips:

• When not in use, turn off and disconnect your workstation from its power source.
• Regularly clean away dust and debris using a soft bristled brush or compressed air can, focusing on targeting fans and other important components of the workstation. Once finished, give its exterior surface a thorough wipe-down using a microfiber cloth.
• Protect your workstation from physical damage with padding. 
• Properly organize cables with cable ties in order to avoid clutter and potential hazards. 
• When transporting or handling the workstation, avoid physical damage by carefully boxing/protecting the unit.
• Be careful not to drop the workstation, or expose it to extreme temperatures – particularly heat and humidity.

To keep your workstation in fine fettle, plan to perform regular cleaning sessions, every six months or less is usually sufficient. If there are signs of overheating or unusual noise levels then take this as a sign that it may require a deep clean.

Software Maintenance

Maintaining optimal workstation performance involves keeping software updated and optimised. Outdated or neglected programs may pose security threats and reduce performance, while extra programs or data could potentially slow your workstation down further. Here’s how to keep your software running smoothly:

Stay up-to-date: Keep an eye out for software update notifications or manually check in the settings or preferences menu to detect updates and install them as soon as they become available to ensure your system runs at peak efficiency.

Optimize Software and OS: Take steps to optimise performance by eliminating any extraneous programs, data, or cache which is slowing down your system. Furthermore, disable non-essential startup programs in order to speed up startup and running speeds.

Monitor Workstation Performance: Keep a close eye on performance by using a task manager or other analytical software tools. This will enable you to identify and resolve any software issues impacting productivity. You can also use HWMonitor to check your system is not overheating due to the your workstation’s capacity being overloaded.

Monitoring Network Activity

: Software can lead to a potential back door into your system for hackers or malware. Run system reports to check for abnormal data activity that could signal a security breach. Spotting any unusual or suspicious behaviour early will allow you to take measures against theft of information, or data-loss relating to malware, and help maintain optimal working conditions on your workstation.

Properly Shut Down Your Workstation

Shutting off a workstation correctly is crucial for protecting against hardware, software, and data damage or loss. Save all work, close all programs before unplugging it from power sources – then unplug from power sources as soon as your system has switched itself off completely!

Backing Up Data

Protecting data against loss is vitally important. There are various techniques for backing up, with multiple options for data backup:

External hard drives: An external hard drive provides a safe solution for backing up data in an out-of-the-way location, with cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox offering additional cloud options. Network-attached storage (NAS) devices offer you easy backup solutions within local networks for reliable protection, making sure all information remains accessible even if some is lost due to data loss scenarios. It is recommended to back up frequently, ideally daily.

Cybersecurity Measures

Protecting your workstation against malware and security threats is of utmost importance in order to safeguard sensitive data, prevent significant system damage, and maintain optimal functioning of your system. Here are some powerful measures that will improve cybersecurity:

Install robust antivirus software

Safeguard your workstation with powerful antivirus software that can detect and block different security threats like trojans, viruses, spyware, and ransomware. Select a trusted and reputable antivirus program and regularly update it.

Use complex passwords

Use strong, unique passwords with a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, and change your passwords frequently.

Activate firewalls

Firewalls provide a vital protective layer between your workstation and the internet, screening incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent unauthorised access. You should keep your firewall enabled and updated to keep your system safe from potential threats.

Be vigilant with downloads

Download files and attachments only from reliable sources, and always scan them before or at worst, immediately after downloading. Organise your download folder to avoid clutter and delete unnecessary files regularly.

Troubleshoot Common Workstation Issues

Troubleshooting issues like poor connectivity or performance lags can sometimes be tricky, you can try everything and be banging your head against the proverbial brick wall. Getting you back to your work as quickly and uninterrupted as possible is a priority – and always bare in mind that professional assistance may be sought if required! You may require contacting the support team of your software, operating system or network provider. Remember, you can always contact the Armari team if you require advice around optimal running of your workstation.

Conclusion

Proper workstation maintenance is crucial to avoid costly hardware damage, data loss, and security breaches and to maintain optimal performance. By implementing the straightforward tips discussed in this article, such as cleaning your hardware and implementing cybersecurity measures, you can take control of your workstation’s longevity and productivity, maximising your investment in an Armari workstation. 

For the best workstation options, view the Armari range, the number one choice of professionals.

We are now in the era of the Workstation – they are revolutionising how professionals work in different industries, from graphic design and video editing to engineering and finance. These supercharged machines have enormous potential but must be customised to suit business needs. Across several key industries, from startups to large corporations, custom workstations are the must-have tool.

In this short article, we will guide you through the process of configuring your workstation computer to fit your company’s needs perfectly. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your business with a customised workstation! But before then, let’s see why you should go down this route.

Why is Workstation Customization Essential?

To understand this question, it may be worthwhile to head to the Armari Magnetar Workstation page and take a look at our starter workstation models that fit your budget. These are built to handle demanding workloads. There you can carefully configure your workstation, by adding the right components for your workload and business. Workstation customization lets you build a system that suits your work requirements: this can have a significant impact on your business operations, consider the following:

• Boost productivity: Tailoring your workstation increases efficiency and allows employees to work faster.
• Enhance performance: Select the latest hardware components for faster, reliable performance.
• Streamline workflow: Create a system perfectly aligned with your business processes for smoother operations.
• Minimise downtime: Select high-quality components to avoid system failures and costly downtime.
• Improve security: Choose tailored security features to protect your business from cyber threats.
• Save costs: Avoid unnecessary expenses and choose only components with optimised performance for maximum value.
• Future-proofing: Customise with scalability in mind to adapt as your business grows and evolves.
• Gain a competitive advantage: Outperform competitors with customised solutions that meet specific business needs.

 

Hardware and Software configurations for Desktop Workstations

Customizations form the backbone of a powerful workstation, enabling businesses to select components tailored specifically for their workflow needs. Here is a basic explanation of what each component does, so you can better understand customising a workstations for your business:

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is the “cerebral cortex” of the computer and determines how fast the computer can perform tasks. Businesses with heavy computational workloads require a high-performance CPU as a baseline.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

The GPU provides for the creative side of workstation use, responsible for rendering and displaying visual content. You can’t be in the business of producing multimedia content, design graphics, or computer-aided design (CAD) without access to powerful GPUs to help with smooth and accurate rendering.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

This is the multitasking hero of the workstation, enabling multiple applications to run at the same time and reducing lag. RAM is crucial to productivity and performance when you work with large datasets or run multiple applications, like traders.

Storage devices (HDD or SSD)

How quickly you retrieve and transmit information is largely dependent on your storage devices. An NVMe SSD with a large capacity should be your go-to option if you’re into heavy workflows and need faster processing times.

Cooling systems

High-performance workflows generate heat, and poor cooling can reduce performance and lifespan. Even with insane tasks, advanced cooling systems like liquid cooling solutions can keep the workstation PC at optimal temperatures. 

Operating System

Operating systems like Windows and Linux lay the groundwork for other applications to function on workstations. Linux, for example, is your best option if your business needs a stable and secure operating system for web servers, database management, or software development.

Scalability for Workstations in Businesses

Flexible and expandable workstations can help a growing company cut costs and increase output. Scalability should be considered when customising workstations to avoid having to buy new hardware as business needs change. 

Future-proof Hardware

Invest in high-quality workstations and components that can handle upgrades and expansion in order to safeguard your investment for the future.

Centralised Management

Streamline the process of setting up, maintaining, and updating multiple computers at once by using a centralised management system.

Remote Access

The future is remote, and to reduce the need for desk space and increase employee mobility, enable remote access to your workstations.

Workstation Customization in Different Businesses

Here are some brief examples of workstation customization in different businesses:

Creative Agency

High-performance hardware with a powerful CPU, GPU, and sufficient RAM is a must for any creative agency. Depending on the nature of their work, they might also value a workstation that supports multiple high-resolution displays for effective multitasking.

Financial Services Company

Priority is given to secure, dependable workstations capable of handling large data sets in a financial services company. The workstation may have specific software configurations and be capable of supporting multiple monitors for efficient data analysis.

Technology Startup

It may be more important for a tech startup to have a workstation that can adapt to new workloads and software requirements as the company expands. The workstation may also feature a powerful CPU and GPU for software engineering and testing.

Conclusion

Workstation customization is one aspect of business that will surely explode your performance, productivity, and security. You should prioritise which components you need to customise based on your tasks and objectives and optimise your workstations for the best results.

Explore our Magnetar workstation series and modify any model to fit your company’s specific requirements using the knowledge from this article.

We have a team of experts who are always ready to help you configure your perfect workstation, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

The rise of remote work has brought about increased flexibility and better work-life balance for many professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the productivity potential of remote work, making it a more common trend. Nevertheless, remote work poses unique challenges, including effective communication and data security. To surmount these obstacles, a good remote workstation setup is critical.

In this article, we will explore the future of work and how workstation computers can pave the way by equipping remote workers with powerful tools to enhance their productivity and efficiency.

Customize your Workstation for Working Remotely

Configuring a workstation for working remotely might seem complicated at first, but don’t panic, we are here to help! Below are a few factors you should keep in mind when choosing the right workstation setup:

Hardware Requirements you should consider

Your workstation computer must meet the hardware requirements of your work, carefully check the requirements of any software before choosing your remote workstation. Critical factors like processing power, memory, and storage space need to be appropriate for optimal performance. 

For instance, as a graphic designer, you require a computer with a dedicated graphics card and a vast amount of RAM to handle high-resolution image processing, while software developers require speedy processors and sufficient storage to run local environments and test versions of their software while developing.

Getting the exact hardware requirements is essential, it is worth consulting with a specialist during this process, our team are always here to help at Armari so don’t hestitate in dropping us a line! Contact an Armari Expert.

Software Tools

After hardware, the other essential part of your workstation is software. Carefully research and select your software, make sure you have the right version and license, and don’t forget to include and setup an other essential software for remote collaboration, communications, and productivity including conferencing software, project management tools, instant messaging apps, and file-sharing applications. Setting them correctly from the outset will mean you can blaze ahead with your work.

Revamp Your Workspace for Maximum Comfort and Productivity with a new operating system

Don’t settle for a basic workstation setup—optimize it for productivity and comfort. Apart from the necessary hardware and software your workstation needs, your workspace’s ergonomic design is critical to your overall work experience.

To avoid strain injuries and other health issues from prolonged computer use, invest in adjustable chairs and desks, ergonomic keyboards and mice, and proper lighting. A well-designed workspace lets you work long hours on your desktop workstation without discomfort or distractions and achieve your remote work goals.

How Workstations Will Enable Remote Work and Productivity

As a remote worker, you hope to reach the same levels of productivity and efficiency as those working within an office environment. Desktop workstations hold promise in helping remote workers achieve this objective; with remote work becoming ever more prevalent these workstations may prove game changing in their performance – here’s why they will usher in an era of productivity in remote work settings.

Eliminating Commuting and Travel Costs with a Workstation for Working Remotely

Imagine being able to spend less on transportation costs while freeing up time and money for things you enjoy doing more, something most remote workers already experience with a workstation. From any remote location you can work more effectively while saving both time and money with travel costs; workstations provide power and capabilities necessary for getting work done from any remote location like home.

Enhancing Work-Life Balance and Well-Being

Work-life balance is essential for a happy and healthy life. Your workstation PC will allow you to design a perfect work environment and create a schedule that works for you. These machines are equipped with the latest technology, and our workstations at Armari, for example, come with ergonomic external devices that help you work comfortably and safely from anywhere. This, in turn, allows you to have more time for yourself and your loved ones.

Increasing Access to Opportunity and Diversity

Workstations are at the heart of this revolutionizing workplace, opening up access to companies anywhere on Earth and providing you with opportunities for job advancement and collaboration with diverse teams from diverse cultures – opening doors to a world of job possibilities that you wouldn’t otherwise experience.

Collaboration and Communication

Collaboration and communication are cornerstones of high-performing teams. When working remotely, collaboration becomes even more essential – but thanks to cutting edge workstation technology, remote workers are now able to collaborate as seamlessly as if they were sitting side-by-side – this includes video conferencing tools, project management apps and instant messaging apps that empower each member of a remote team to deliver their best work regardless of location.

Data Security and Privacy for Remote Workers

Remote working requires increased data protection and privacy; workstations fill this void. With their advanced security features such as firewalls, anti-virus software and encryption protecting data against cyber threats; you can work confidently from anywhere around the world and securely transfer files without fear of data breach or privacy violations.

Conclusion

Workstations are becoming the go-to solution for working remotely. Despite some challenges, such as technical difficulties and costs, these can be tackled with proper planning and implementation. The benefits far outweigh the challenges, making workstations a valuable investment for employers and their remote employees.

If you still haven’t joined the train, arm yourself and your workers with reliable and versatile workstations from us at Armari today.

 

Configure for optimal performance

AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper processors have revolutionized the workstation market by offering unparalleled performance at a competitive price. These high-core-count, multi-threaded powerhouses are ideal for tasks that demand serious processing power, such as content creation, scientific simulations, and data analysis. Here we will walk you through the key steps to configure your Threadripper workstation to ensure optimal performance and stability for any demanding workflow, including 3d rendering and modelling, data science and AI, CAD, animation and more.

Choose the Right Components

A solid foundation is crucial for any high-performance workstation. Here are the key components to consider when building your Threadripper workstation:

• Processor: Choose the Threadripper model that best suits your needs and budget. AMD offers a range of processors, from the 16-core 2950X to the 64-core 3990X. Evaluate your specific workload requirements to determine the optimal core count and clock speed. Higher core counts are beneficial for tasks such as video rendering, 3D modeling, and data analysis, while higher clock speeds can improve performance in single-threaded applications.
• Motherboard: Select a compatible TRX40 or X399 motherboard that supports your chosen processor and offers the features you require, such as multiple PCIe slots for expansion cards, ample USB ports for peripherals, robust VRM design for power delivery, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Also, consider the motherboard’s form factor, ensuring it fits within your chosen case and provides sufficient expansion options for your needs.
• Memory: High-capacity, high-speed memory is essential for any high-performance workstation. Aim for at least 64GB of DDR4 memory, with a minimum speed of 3200MHz. Consider using quad-channel memory configurations to take advantage of Threadripper’s memory bandwidth. ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory is recommended for improved stability and data integrity, especially in professional workloads where data accuracy is paramount.
• Storage: Opt for a combination of NVMe SSDs for your operating system and applications, and large-capacity HDDs for data storage. NVMe SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional SATA SSDs, reducing boot times and improving application performance. For large data storage, consider using HDDs with a 7200 RPM speed and at least 64MB cache for faster access to your files.
• GPU: Choose a powerful graphics card that supports your workload, whether it’s rendering, machine learning, or gaming. Depending on your needs, consider professional GPUs like NVIDIA’s Quadro series or AMD’s Radeon Pro series, or consumer GPUs like the GeForce RTX or Radeon RX series. Consider the GPU’s VRAM capacity, which should be sufficient for handling large textures and datasets in your applications.
• PSU: A high-quality, high-wattage power supply unit is essential to provide stable power to your components. Aim for at least 1000W and 80+ Gold efficiency to ensure reliable power delivery and energy efficiency. Modular PSUs are recommended for easier cable management and a cleaner build.
• Cooling: Effective cooling is crucial for a high-performance workstation. Consider a combination of air and liquid cooling solutions to maintain optimal temperatures. High-quality air coolers with large heatsinks and multiple fans can provide effective cooling for most workstations. However, for more demanding workloads or overclocking, consider using an AIO (All-In-One) liquid cooling solution or custom water cooling loop for improved thermal performance and reduced noise levels. Ensure that your chosen cooling solution is compatible with your processor’s TDP (Thermal Design Power) and your case’s clearance constraints.

Assemble Your Workstation

Once you have gathered all the components, carefully assemble your workstation by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Pay particular attention to cable management, airflow, and thermal paste application.

Update BIOS and Enable Memory Profiles

Before installing your operating system, ensure that your motherboard’s BIOS is up to date. This will guarantee compatibility with your chosen components and provide performance improvements. Additionally, enable XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) or DOCP (Direct Over Clock Profile) in the BIOS settings to utilize the full speed of your memory modules.

Install and Configure Your Operating System

Install your preferred operating system, such as Windows 10 or a Linux distribution, and ensure that all drivers are up to date. Configure the operating system to optimize performance and stability, such as enabling high-performance power settings and disabling unnecessary background processes.

Set Up Your Work Environment

Configure your software and work environment to take full advantage of your workstation’s capabilities. This may include setting up virtual machines, containers, or software development environments that leverage the high core count and multi-threading capabilities of your processor.

Monitor System Health

To maintain optimal performance, it’s important to monitor your workstation’s health. Use monitoring tools such as HWMonitor, Ryzen Master, or AIDA64 to keep an eye on temperatures, voltages, and utilization rates. Regularly check for BIOS, driver, and software updates to ensure that your workstation remains up to date and compatible with the latest technologies.

Consider Overclocking for Enhanced Performance

If you’re seeking even greater performance, consider overclocking your Threadripper processor. This can be achieved through BIOS settings or specialized software like Ryzen Master. Keep in mind that overclocking can impact system stability and void warranties, so proceed with caution and perform extensive testing to ensure a stable overclock.

Optimize Storage Solutions

To enhance productivity, consider setting up RAID configurations for your storage drives. RAID 0 can be used to improve performance by striping data across multiple drives, while RAID 1 or RAID 5 can provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. Be sure to back up your data regularly, regardless of your chosen RAID configuration.

Customize Cooling Profiles

Fine-tune your cooling system by creating custom fan profiles or adjusting your liquid cooling settings to strike the perfect balance between performance and noise levels. Most motherboards and cooling solutions offer software that allows you to monitor and adjust fan speeds based on temperature thresholds or system loads.

Maintain Your Workstation

To ensure the long-term reliability and performance of your Threadripper workstation, it’s important to keep it clean and well-maintained. Regularly inspect and clean dust filters, fans, and heatsinks to ensure optimal airflow and heat dissipation. Additionally, schedule periodic hardware and software checkups to address any potential issues before they become critical.

Configuring your workstation and getting the most from AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper CPU requires careful planning, component selection, and fine-tuning. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to build a powerful and reliable system that can handle demanding workloads. With the right components, settings, and maintenance, your workstation will serve as a high-performance asset for years to come.

Configure your customized workstation.