What is a workstation, what is it for and is it designed for gamers?
14.2.2017
Translation: machine translated
Although PCs are getting faster and faster, they never match the performance of workstations. But that's not always true. Read on to find out why and for whom these expensive machines are really worth the money.
What is a workstation?
In contrast to a PC, a workstation is purely and simply a working machine. Visually, the two devices look similar, although workstations tend to have a more sober design. They are mainly used by developers, analysts, designers or film-makers. In short: people who deal with large amounts of data or complex graphics applications. At the same time, workstations need to be significantly more reliable and durable.
For this reason, the best workstations are equipped with hardware not usually found in gamer or desktop PCs. Notably:
RAM ECC: RAM that recognises and corrects errors autonomously, before they compromise the system.
Processor: workstations generally rely on Intel Xeon processors, based on current generations of CPUs. They support multiple sockets, more RAM, more code-correcting memory, more cores and a larger cache in order to perform the tasks required.
Warranty: often, the warranty period is longer and you benefit from on-site maintenance, so that the professional comes directly to your home.
Redundant power supply: to reduce the risk of failure, workstations often have a power supply made up of several power supply units. These can stand in for each other in the event of a failure.
Ergonomics: in order to be able to replace parts quickly if necessary, the emphasis is on direct access without tools.
Cooling system: in order to guarantee 24-hour operation, workstations are generally equipped with a sufficient number of fans, helping to prevent excessive temperature.
Motherboard: here, every element is improved. There's room for more than one processor, RAM space of 16GB or more, multiple graphics card slots, dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, etc.
Motherboard: here, every element is improved.
Operating system: this is where we see the fewest differences. We often come across a Linux or Windows distribution. This is all about the Pro version, as it has additional business features. Windows 10 Home only supports a single CPU. Even macOS is suitable for workstations, see Mac Pro.
When and why do you need it
In the past, intensive computing operations were carried out on an external server. Today, it's often possible to do them locally on a normal PC. But if you don't feel like staring at the progress bar every time you make a small change, you need a workstation.
Is a workstation suitable for gamers too?
If your workstation is equipped with an Nvidia Quadro graphics card, you can absolutely use it for gaming. Technologies such as DirectX and PhysX are also supported by the Quadro series. Naturally, the Geforce series offers much better value for money. But if you've got access to a workstation and fancy a bit of gaming, don't hesitate.
What use requires what hardware?
The processor is particularly stressed during video encoding. The same applies to calculations with large amounts of data or when programmers have to compile code.
The processor is particularly hard-pressed when encoding video.
The larger cache on Xeon processors allows multiple computational processes to be managed simultaneously, avoiding bottlenecks. If, for example, you're processing 4K video content with a Xeon CPU and you're using a lot of RAM (how about 2TB?), you don't have to constantly wait for the image to redisplay with every change.
RAID is useful, for moving huge amounts of data quickly. SSD drives are ideal, and they also make encoding processes easier.
RAID is useful, for moving large amounts of data quickly.
The graphics card is useful for all sorts of video applications. In video and 3D programmes for real-time processing. Animated films, such as "Vice-versa", "Vaiana, the legend of the end of the world", and others. With a workstation, scenes can be played instantly or more quickly, whereas with a normal PC, the operation would take hours.
More RAM means more and faster processes. Computing operations are first loaded into RAM. The more RAM available, the faster processes can be processed. Without this, the result is waiting times, as processes are constantly moving back and forth. A simple example: browser tabs. If you have little RAM and lots of open tabs, it usually takes a while before a new tab is loaded. More RAM makes it possible to load several tabs simultaneously.
Why not just buy a gamer PC?
Some advice
Entry-level
Mid-range
Upper mid-range
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Header image: Picture: Blackmagic Design
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chAs a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.
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