WORKSTATIONS: CHARACTERISTICS, TYPES, HOW THEY WORK, EXAMPLES - TECHNOLOGY - 2025

The workstations are unique computers intended for individual use, with greater capacity and faster than personal computers. They were designed to develop technical applications, rather than for home or recreational use. They are used by architects, engineering companies, and graphic designers, among others.

The term workstation has also been used loosely to refer to other equipment, from a PC connected to a network to the terminal of a macrocomputer. However, its most common representation corresponds to computer equipment offered by specialized supplier companies, such as IBM, Hewlett Packard, Silicon Graphics, Sun Microsystems, and Digital Equipment, which began with the great innovation of late-stage 3D graphics animation. 20th century.

Source: pixabay.com

They were optimized to better visualize and manipulate different types of highly complex data, such as engineering simulations, 3D mechanical design, imaging, animations and mathematical graphics.

High-performance personal computers

The workstations provide higher performance than conventional microcomputers, mainly in terms of simultaneous tasks, memory and processing power, as well as high-resolution animations.

Typically, their form is that of a personal computer, consisting of a minimum of a high-resolution screen, a mouse, and a keyboard, although they also offer graphics tablets, multiple displays, and 3D mice, which are devices for navigating different scenarios. and manipulate 3D objects.

characteristics

Complex data handling

Workstations are generally built with a design optimized for the handling and visualization of complex data. They are computers used for scientific or technical calculations or purposes.

Examples include image creation and editing, computer-aided design (CAD), mathematical diagrams, and animations.

Workstations and the applications designed for them are used by any person or organization that requires special features such as a fast graphics adapter and a faster microprocessor.

Advanced tools

The workstations were the first section of the IT branch to commercialize advanced improvements, as well as auxiliary tools and accessories.

For example, multi-displays, data storage devices, and high-performance, high-capacity 3D mice.

Technology used

Technologically, workstations were developed for the same audience and at the same time as the UNIX operating system. This operating system is the one that is frequently used as the standard for a workstation.

Traditionally, workstations used a RISC processor, such as MIPS, PowerPC, or SPARC architecture CPUs. Modern workstations use x86-64 processors.

RAM ECC

Error-correcting code (ECC) RAM makes the system more reliable.

Fix memory errors before they affect the system, avoiding hangs and saving downtime.

Multiple processor cores

More processor cores means more processing power. However, it will not guarantee an increase in performance.

The software that is being used must be programmed to take advantage of this, providing some benefit.

Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID)

RAID uses multiple internal hard drives to store and process data. There are several different types of RAID systems.

Depending on the type of system, you can get multiple units to process the data, or you can get duplicate units, such that if one unit fails, the other will continue to function.

Solid State Drives (SSD)

They work differently from conventional hard drives. There are no moving parts, so there is less chance of a physical failure. They are also faster.

The downside is that they are more expensive and have a smaller storage capacity than normal drives.

Optimized Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Having a higher GPU means that the CPU will have to do less work processing the screen output.

In some cases, the GPU can take some of the CPU load, making everything faster. The downside is that high-end GPUs are expensive.

Types

Graphic production workstation

A workstation is designed to support one or more professional grade graphics cards, whereas a PC generally only supports consumer grade cards. The workstations are designed to produce 2D and 3D images and animations.

Anyone working with detailed 2D or 3D graphics can expect to see substantial improvements in system responsiveness using one workstation, even if the two systems are identical.

Multimedia workstation

Generally, in multimedia systems the GPU and the CPU work together in order to edit and produce both professional quality audio and video.

Even entry-level workstations offer the performance and capacity for basic interactive design and multimedia content creation.

Modeling workstation

Modeling software such as AutoCAD requires professional graphics cards to produce accurate professional models.

The workstation can be configured with more processors than a PC and with more powerful processors.

Demanding applications like computer aided design and animation will respond more quickly. Multiple applications can be run simultaneously without loss of performance.

Mobile workstation

Sometimes you need to be on site and work closely with clients. Mobile workstations offer nearly the same performance as entry-level workstations, so you can design with the customer, not just for the customer.

These powerful laptops include built-in security and manageability features that help keep your system running.

Servers

They are multi-core CPU-based systems, designed in many cases to run indefinitely and handle complex computational tasks.

How do the workstations work?

Workstations are primarily used to perform computationally intensive engineering and scientific tasks. This is thanks to its special operation:

RISC architecture

Most workstation microprocessors employ the RISC architecture, which stands for Reduced Instruction Set Computing.

This architecture is different from the CISC architecture, which stands for Complex Instruction Set Computing, used in most PCs.

Because the RISC architecture reduces the number of instructions permanently stored on the microprocessor, this simplifies and speeds up data processing.

A corollary of this feature is that the software of the applications run by the workstations must include more instructions and complexity than the applications of the CISC architecture.

32-bit and 64-bit microprocessors

Microprocessors in workstations typically have 32-bit addressing (an indicator of processing speed), significantly faster compared to the 16-bit systems found in most personal computers.

Some advanced workstations employ 64-bit processors, which have four billion times the data addressing capacity of 32-bit machines.

These workstations use a server-class microprocessor, such as AMD Opteron or Intel Xeon. Some even have more than one microprocessor.

Special devices

Some workstations have devices that are not commonly used in normal desktop computers, such as ECC (error-correcting) memory, SCSI, Fiber Channel, and 10-gigabit Ethernet.

They can also have more memory than a normal desktop computer. They often have solid state drives or 10,000 RPM hard drives.

Its raw processing power enables high-end workstations to support high-resolution or 3D graphical interfaces, sophisticated multitasking software, and advanced capabilities to communicate with other computers.

Examples

Corsair One Pro i180

The dimensions are 20 × 17.25 × 38cm, which is incredibly compact considering the amount of power it offers. It is a workstation that can easily fit on a desk, with an incredible design.

Most of the components can be updated, although it is not as simple as on a traditional PC. As for power, it comes with:

- Intel Core i9-9920X CPU.

- Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti graphics card.

- 32GB DDR4 RAM memory.

- 920GB NVMe SSD storage and 2TB hard drive.

It is truly impressive and cutting edge hardware. However, it comes at a high cost of about $ 5,000.

Dell XPS 27 AIO

This all-in-one workstation comes with a stunning 27-inch 4K Ultra HD touchscreen, as well as a set of six speakers. This makes it the ideal workstation for photographers, video editors, and also music producers.

Source: Dell XPS One 2710 www.amazon.it/Dell-Desktop-PC-NVIDIA-GT640M-Blu-ray/dp/B009RG8UHI

It performs admirably against the industry standard graphics-based benchmarks, thanks to the 3.6GHz Intel Core i7-7700 processor.

This machine also has high-end peripherals in the form of a stylish wireless mouse and keyboard.

Apple iMac Pro

It's a great all-in-one workstation that provides plenty of desk space, yet is very expensive. Their characteristics are:

- CPU: Intel Xeon W.

- Graphics: AMD Vega 64 (16GB HBM2 RAM).

- RAM memory: 128GB.

- Communications: Gigabit Ethernet.

- Dimensions: 65 × 20.3 × 51.6 cm.

Microsoft Surface Studio

Microsoft has crafted a brilliant all-in-one workstation, which rivals Apple's iMac for convenience and power. If the Windows 10 system is valued, then this is a great option to the iMac Pro. Its configuration is:

- CPU: Intel Core i5-i7.

- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 965M-980M.

- RAM memory: 8 GB-32 GB.

- Storage: 1TB hard drive and 64GB SSD.

- Screen: 28-inch PixelSense.

References

1. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (2019). Workstation. Taken from: en.wikipedia.org.
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3. Techopedia (2019). Workstation (WS). Taken from: ceilingpedia.com.
4. Desire Athow (2019). Best workstations of 2019. Taken from: techradar.com.
5. Encyclopaedia Britannica (2019). Workstation. Taken from: britannica.com.
6. Charlie O'Donnell (2019). What is a Workstation Computer? Velocity Micro. Taken from: velocitymicro.com.