Traditionally, desktop workstations have been the sharpest tools in the PC world, used for everything from professional photo and video editing to scientific analysis, computer-aided design (CAD), and Hollywood-level computer-generated imagery and 3D modeling. These specialized computers are purpose-built for extra-tough software, and they typically offer more expandability than standard desktop PCs, with high ceilings for adding memory, hard disks, and specialized graphics cards. Workstations also tend to use powerful processors, with Intel Xeon chips outpacing AMD’s latest offerings in our tests; our $6,691 review model features the Xeon w7-2495X CPU, while the ThinkStation P620 uses an up-and-coming chip called the Ryzen Threadripper Pro.
Workstations are often more expensive than desktop PCs, though the higher-performance hardware components pay for themselves in productivity gains. Look for models with multiple processor cores, which can handle several operations in more than one program at once. Entry-level workstations usually contain eight cores, while higher-end ones can include up to 64 cores. You’ll also see large displays (17- to 21-inch monitors) that were once exclusive to workstations but have become common among PCs as well.
Whether or not a workstation is needed depends on the workflow, with engineers, video editors, and data scientists likely needing the extra power to run complex modeling and simulation software. For other users, a standard PC might suffice. But if employees’ jobs depend on maximum productivity, equipping them with a workstation can save time and money by minimizing downtime caused by underperforming hardware or software. Workstation pc