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 Outdated or neglected programs may pose security threats and reduce performance, while extra programs or data could potentially slow your workstation down further.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.