What is a workstation? Distinguish between workstations, servers and regular computers

Workstations, also known as Workstations, are highly configured computers, commonly used in fields related to programming, graphics, etc. So what specifically is a workstation? Update this useful technology knowledge immediately with TipsMake.

What is Workstation? What is it used for?

Workstations are also known as workstation computers or workstation computers . This is a specially configured machine with optimized upgraded components, strong performance, and smooth handling of heavy tasks. Workstations are manufactured to serve specific work purposes such as programming, graphic design, 3D creation, film editing, etc.

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Compared to conventional computers, workstations have much greater performance with powerful CPU processing capabilities, smooth and fast processing of graphics and complex data. Therefore, this model is almost specifically designed to run high-performance technology applications and processing software. They are widely used in the fields of engineering, graphic design,.

Besides, the workstation can also be used as a server. For example, in the graphics department, the workstation will be configured as a print server for other departments. There are many computer companies in the world that provide this type of workstation such as Dell, HP, Lenovo,.

Special features of the workstation

To meet the specialized needs of some fields requiring high-end configuration equipment, workstations need to have the following characteristics:

1. The configuration is specifically equipped for technical industries.
2. Ensure moderate computing power.
3. RAM has a very large capacity and high-end graphics processing capabilities.
4. Workstations need to be interconnected to form a LAN.

To be able to meet the above configuration requirements, workstations often use two main operating systems: Windows NT and Unix. Producing a workstation requires a high degree of meticulousness, famous brands have been very successful with workstation lines such as Dell, HP, IBM, Sun Microsystems.

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Comparison between workstations, servers, and regular computers

To better understand a workstation, how it differs from a server and a regular computer, let's compare based on the following factors.

1. Concepts

Workstations are computers with superior configuration and performance compared to other conventional computers. Compared to commonly used computers, it has much better performance and storage capacity.

Compared to servers, workstations can connect to computer networks or other independent systems. The server only acts as a central component of a network system, serving the needs of the network.

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2. Design

Workstations are also equipped with peripheral devices similar to commonly used computers such as mice, keyboards, etc. However, the components that come with workstations are of better quality and durability than regular computers.

The exterior design of Workstation computers is very durable, good load-bearing, quite heavy and quite thick. Servers do not have input, output and connection devices like workstations and regular computers.

3. Configuration and performance

The workstation has a powerful configuration with a processor, RAM capacity and specialized graphics card for machines serving the professional technical field. Thanks to that, the machine can handle complex tasks quickly and with high efficiency.

Regular computers will have quite limited configuration, enough for you to use for common tasks. Regarding server configuration, the ability to handle tasks is quite slow and time-consuming.

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4. Microprocessor

Workstations possess extremely powerful processors, usually Intel Core i7 or Intel Xeon chips with high frequency, much more advanced than chips used in regular computers. The workstation can handle multiple threads at the same time, has a large cache memory, and CPU speed up to 4.0Hz . Thanks to that, the workstation can handle heavy projects at a fast, stable speed.

5. RAM

Ram capacity of workstations is usually 16GB or more with the strongest clock speed. RAM in the workstation can be upgraded to 4 slots and increase image rendering speed in just a few seconds. 

In particular, the memory of workstation computers can automatically control the data flow and correct ECC Memory errors when a conflict occurs, which is often not possible in computer lines.

ECC RAM operates with high stability, capable of overcoming up to 99.99% of memory errors, minimizing unnecessary risks as well as operating costs. 

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6. Graphics

Graphics cards are an important part of a workstation computer and graphics cards equipped with Workstation lines are completely different from regular computers. These are specialized graphics cards used for high-end graphics applications. While computers usually only use regular GPUs to meet basic office and graphics applications.

7. Hard drive

The workstation's hard drive is designed as a combination of HDD and SSD. The rotation speed is up to 7200rpm so it is very safe to store large data, while computers usually only have speeds around 5400rpm.

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8. Screen

PCIe SSDs with the most advanced technology help speed up data access, while the large hard drive capacity also helps store data comfortably, without worrying about running out of memory.

The screens of workstations use high-end anti-glare IPS technology, ranging in size from 15.6 inches to 17.3 inches, with Full HD to 4K resolution. Sharp display colors with high accuracy help make graphic design and video image editing most accurate. Screens are often designed with wide angles, not distorting the image.

Advantages and disadvantages of workstations

Below are some common advantages and disadvantages of workstation computers.

Advantage

Compared to regular computers, workstations have the following outstanding advantages.

1. Animation with high stability

Most Workstation PCs are equipped with extremely powerful configurations with the most advanced and optimized components, ensuring durability for the workstations.

The configuration of popular workstations is often equipped with ECC memory , a power supply with a capacity of up to 1000W , and a liquid cooling system to help the machine operate continuously for a long time.

1. ECC RAM: ECC memory helps automatically correct code errors and memory errors before problems affect the entire system.
2. Multiple Processor Cores: Multiple core processors increase the computer's ability to handle tasks, providing powerful and multitasking performance.

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2. Minimize system errors

To meet the needs of professional use, workstations must go through thorough testing before being brought to market. Strict testing to ensure the computer operates smoothly in both hardware and software under different working conditions.

The combination of high-end hardware and specialized support software helps workstations have the ability to minimize system errors that arise. 

3. Professional configuration for the engineering industry

The configuration of the workstation computer is considered very powerful because it is specifically designed to serve technical fields. With powerful chips, large memory capacity, specialized graphics cards, etc., workstations can optimally serve the purposes of CAD processing, video design, data analysis, etc. 

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Most workstations analyze and extract data continuously without human supervision. This is very useful when needing to handle a large amount of work.

4. Easy to upgrade

Besides the powerful pre-equipped configuration, when users want to upgrade the machine, they can do it themselves easily and quickly with this Workstation line.

Defect

To own a workstation, users have to pay quite a large amount of money. This is easy to understand because it is similar to the configuration and high level of machine components. Investing a large amount of money for a dedicated PC is not a big deal.

Besides, due to the convenience and popularity of workstations, when choosing to buy a machine you may mistakenly buy machines that are not assembled according to standards. Therefore, please research and check the device carefully before buying.

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What are the basic components of Workstation?

Let's find out what the basic components of workstations are with the information below.

CPU Workstation

Workstations often prioritize using Intel Xeon processors specifically for Servers with many outstanding advantages, high durability and stability, and super fast processing speed. Along with that is large capacity ECC RAM to help extract data quickly.

Intel Xeon is a technology product line trusted by many major software companies such as Adobe and AutoDesk. This chip runs their software applications such as AutoCAD, Adobe, etc. smoothly.

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Mainboard Workstation

The mainboard of the Workstation line is considered to be more powerful than many other mainboard lines. High quality Workstation Mainboard components, maintain the machine operating stably for a long time.

The chips in the circuit board are equipped with high-end types, supporting SAS, SATA, and SSD communication standards. The device supports multiple CPUs and multiple RAM slots to help users comfortably upgrade with maximum capacity.

Workstation Ram (ECC RAM)

ECC RAM has the ability to control data flow back and forth and can automatically correct errors when problems occur. When there is a conflict, just request the correct crashed packet to be sent to the ECC RAM, which has high stability, reducing risks and operating costs.

ECC RAM has the ability to fix most common memory errors, helping the computer operate smoothly and stably for a long time.

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Workstation Hard Drive

There are 3 types of hard drives commonly used in workstations: SATA, SAS, SSD with the following characteristics:

1. SATA hard drive: This is a popular mechanical hard drive with high capacity, low price but low access speed from 20mb/s - 100mb/s . SATA hard drives are commonly found in both regular computers and servers.
2. SAS hard drive: This is a mid-range hard drive, priced higher than SATA drives and has faster access speed of 200mb/s - 1000mb/s . The storage capacity of SAS drives ranges from 300GB to 1TB. Its durability is also better than SATA drives.
3. SSD hard drive: SSD is a high-end hard drive, usually with low capacity but extremely fast data access speed, data writing speed from 500mb/s to 3000mb/s . This hard drive saves 30% - 60% of power consumption, does not make noise during operation, and has good shock resistance. However, the price of SSD hard drives is quite high compared to other types of hard drives.

Graphics Card For Workstation

People divide workstation graphics cards into 4 types: Professional 2D, Entry 3D, Midrange 3D and High-end 3D. Some famous discrete card brands commonly used in workstations are NVIDIA with the Quadro series, AMD with the ATI FirePro series.

Graphics cards used in workstations are optimized for third-party software products such as Autodesk, PTC, Adobe. 

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Guide to choosing workstations for businesses

When choosing to buy a workstation for your business, you need to clearly determine the purpose of use and the main software groups that will be used to choose the most suitable PC Workstation. Below are some grounds you should consider before buying a device.

1. Purpose of use

First, you need to determine specifically what purpose you need to buy the workstation to use for: camera surveillance workstation, storage workstation, graphic design workstation, programming workstation, etc. At the same time, Do you want to buy a machine for personal or group use? From the intended use, you will have a basis to choose appropriate machine parameters.

2. Is it used for other purposes?

In addition to the main purposes you need to use regularly, do you want to use the workstation for other tasks? For example, using the machine to edit videos, make movies, run email applications, etc. If you need to use a workstation for many tasks, you need to equip it with a high-end processor and larger data storage capacity for comfort. roof used.

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3. Budget

The price of a workstation is not cheap. Therefore, when businesses plan to buy workstations, they need to rely on their budget to determine the appropriate purchase of the machine. Business models often need to use a large number of workstations, so the cost is not small.

However, an advantage when buying machines in large quantities is that businesses will be supported to reduce costs and receive attractive preferential policies. Accompanied by solutions to help optimize system performance supported by the machine supplier.

4. Manufacturer

On the market, there are many famous workstation brands with many quality products such as Dell, HP, IBM, of which Dell and HP workstation lines are highly appreciated by users. Customers can easily refer to and choose to buy a satisfactory machine with a variety of configurations suitable for their work.

Epilogue

As the information shared above, you can see that a workstation is also a common type of computer but it has a more advanced and powerful configuration. Therefore, they can handle heavy tasks in specific technical fields. Hopefully the above information has helped you better understand what a workstation is.

Jessica Tanner

Update 09 October 2023