As a business owner, investing in the right technology can make or break your company’s success. High-quality tools and machinery are critical to staying competitive. The workstation computer is one such technology that is vital for businesses with demanding workflows that require high performance.
With numerous options on the market, selecting the right workstation can be a daunting task. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the factors to consider when purchasing a workstation.
How to Determine if a Workstation is the Right Choice for Your Business
Not all computers are created equal. Depending on the type and complexity of your work, you may need a more powerful machine than a regular desktop PC or laptop. But how do you know if you need a workstation? Let’s consider it in light of these factors.
Types of workloads you run on your workstation
Your typical daily responsibilities should be your primary priority. Workstations shine when processing massive volumes of data, creating high-resolution images, doing complex calculations, or juggling many apps. Some examples of workloads that require a workstation are:
Video editing You’ll be able to create professional-looking videos with a workstation that efficiently processes multiple video streams, applies complex effects, adjusts color grading, and renders the final output without crashing.
3D rendering Render stunning 3D visuals that showcase your design skills and creativity since workstations can quickly process complex geometries, textures, lighting, shadows, and ray tracing.
CAD Process large and complex CAD files, and run simulations and analyses flawlessly and on time.
Machine learning Boost your company’s bottom line by creating and launching machine-learning solutions to real-world challenges with a workstation that can handle processing enormous datasets, complicated algorithms, and parallelism.
Scientific analysis Approach your scientific analysis with certainty and precision and open up new avenues of growth for your company using workstations that can efficiently process massive datasets and run numerous programs in parallel without sacrificing speed or reliability.
Software applications that run better on desktop workstations
Workstations excel at running specialized software applications designed for professional or technical use with higher system requirements. These applications demand unique hardware components or certifications, which workstations can offer. Examples of software applications that thrive on workstations are:
Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro
MATLAB
Autodesk Maya, Cinema 4D, and Houdini
TensorFlow
SolidWorks, Revit, and Inventor
Assessing your current and future workstation needs
When considering a workstation investment, evaluate both your present and future computing demands. Investing in workstations is a long-term commitment, so getting the most out of them is important. Assess factors like the frequency of computer use, file size, and the amount of processing and graphic power required. To determine if a workstation is suitable for you, ask yourself the right questions:
Do you need the highest level of data reliability and security?
What quantity of storage and memory is necessary?
Answering these questions will enable you to determine whether a workstation is essential for your company, then evaluate all essential criteria when choosing one.
Key Components to Consider When Buying Your New Workstation
Now that you realize a business workstation can help maximize returns for your investments, it is imperative to carefully consider its core components and their effect on performance and functionality as well as other essential features of such devices.
Here are the primary considerations when purchasing a workstation:
CPU
This is the workhorse of your workstation, responsible for processing data and running applications. Workstation-class CPUs, like Intel Xeon and AMD Threadripper, offer more cores, higher clock speeds, and support features like ECC memory and virtualization. Select one based on workload and cost while verifying software compatibility.
Graphics Card
The GPU determines the performance of graphics-intensive tasks like 3D rendering and video editing. GPUs like Nvidia Quadro and AMD Radeon Pro offer more graphics memory, CUDA cores, and ray tracing capabilities that will come in handy for your business.
RAM
It determines how much information your workstation can store and access quickly. Opt for ECC RAM, like DDR4 ECC or DDR5 ECC, for reliability and stability. During your customization, let your workload and the number of intensive software applications you’ll run simultaneously guide your RAM choice.
Storage
The storage types that come with workstations like those Armari offers come with huge capacity, faster read and write speeds, enhanced security, and backup options. They have RAID, which helps improve data protection and performance. You should go for SSDs or choose an HDD-SSD hybrid storage system.
Other factors to consider when purchasing a new operating system
Besides the critical components of a workstation, here are other just features that are just as important:
Cooling: Keep your workstation performing at its best with reliable cooling systems that prevent overheating, noise, and vibrations. Choose liquid cooling or silent fans with our Armari Magnetar workstations for a quieter solution.
Warranty: Protect your investment with a comprehensive warranty that covers defects and damages. With Armari, for instance, you enjoy peace of mind with our three-year coverage and on-site or remote support, replacements, or upgrades.
Upgradeability: Future-proof your workstation with upgradeability options like Armari’s Magnetar series. With modular or toolless designs, accessing and replacing components is easy, and you can adapt to changing needs and extend your workstation’s lifespan.
Conclusion
Investing in a well-designed workstation performance optimized for your workload can dramatically boost business productivity and efficiency. Every component, from CPU to storage, plays a vital role.
Now that you’re ready to make an informed decision, browse our Armari Magnetar workstations, designed to meet your needs and maximize your investment.
Upgrade your workspace and see the difference firsthand.