The Best Desktop Computer Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Workstations are the sharpest tools in the desktop PC world, purpose-built for everything from professional photo and video editing to scientific analysis, computer-aided design (CAD), and Hollywood-level computer-generated imagery and 3D rendering. These specialized computers are available for nearly any budget, from not much more than a normal desktop to well above the sticker of a sports car.
Anyone using extra-tough software (decidedly not something as simple as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace) or looking for a highly reliable PC for intensive tasks should consider a workstation over a traditional desktop.
Before you go workstation shopping, you should know they can be some of the most confusing computers to purchase because of their sheer configurability and a knack for offering options you’ve probably never heard of. Below is a breakout of our top picks among workstations we’ve tested. Following that is a buying guide that delves into all aspects of workstation buying, including professional-grade graphics cards, error-correcting memory, workstation-class CPUs, and warranty considerations.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
HP Z2 Tower G9
Best Entry-Level Workstation
Why We Picked It
The Z2 Tower G9 isn’t HP’s top-of-the-line workstation—the Z4, Z6, and Z8 stand above it if you want up to 1.5TB of RAM or 56 cores of dual-Xeon processing power—but it’s no entry-level weakling. Its roughly $1,000 starting price is a good jumping off point, and it can support Intel CPUs up to the Core i9 K series, 128GB of memory, and 48TB of storage. The Z2 Tower can be configured for almost any job from financial analysis to 3D modeling or CGI rendering and features HP’s exceptional Wolf Security, which ranges from AI malware protection to automatic repair of a corrupted BIOS and virtual-machine sandboxing of apps and webpages.
Who It’s For
With independent software vendor (ISV) certifications aplenty and a slew of component choices, few offices need more than this workstation workhorse can provide. The Z2 may not offer exotica like liquid CPU cooling (though its multiple cooling fans are surprisingly quiet in operation), but there are few professional tasks it can’t handle.
PROS
- Versatile performance
- Easy to service
- Quiet operation
- ISV certified
- Ample security features
CONS
- Doesn’t offer liquid CPU cooling
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Desktop Class | Workstation |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-12700K |
| Processor Speed | 3.6 GHz |
| RAM (as Tested) | 64 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 TB |
| Secondary Drive Type | |
| Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) | |
| Graphics Card | Nvidia RTX A4000 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
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HP Z4 G5
Best Scalable Midrange Workstation
Why We Picked It
You can find plenty of ways to spend a load of money in the workstation category. The HP Z4 G5 provides a decent starting point, priced more than entry-level systems but with plenty of room to configure upward. Even the base model features Intel Xeon processors. Our $6,691 review model packs blistering speed with its Xeon w7-2495X CPU and Nvidia RTX A4000 GPU. Consider also the HP Z6 G5 if you need even more power.
Who It’s For
If you need to configure the exact right workstation (or a fleet of them) for your needs and budget, the Z4 G5 likely has the options you’re looking for. The upgrades do bring the price up quickly, but between the pro-grade build, use-case flexibility, and quiet operation, demanding pro users will be satisfied.
PROS
- Highly flexible configurations
- Superb performance
- Quiet operation
CONS
- Configuration options increase total price quickly
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Desktop Class | Workstation |
| Processor | Intel Xeon w7-2495X |
| Processor Speed | 2.5 GHz |
| RAM (as Tested) | 64 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 TB |
| Secondary Drive Type | SSD |
| Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 TB |
| Graphics Card | Nvidia RTX A4000 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
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Falcon Northwest Talon (2024, Threadripper Pro)
Best Desktop Workstation for CPU Muscle (AMD Threadripper Pro)
Why We Picked It
Major manufacturers like Dell, HP, and Lenovo are the more usual names in the workstation space, but Falcon Northwest has been making blazing-fast PCs for years, and the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro-based Talon leads the pack. Our review configuration’s 64-core processor, 256GB of memory, and Nvidia RTX 6000 GPU topped the charts in our benchmark testing, in some cases even earning noticeable clearance over its fastest rivals. All workstations in this tier are hyper expensive, but most surprising from a boutique vendor, the Talon comes in at significantly less money than the nearest competitor despite the class-leading speed and quality build. It runs quietly, comes with a three-year warranty, and is a really well put together system.
Who It’s For
Simply put, this system is meant for users who need maximum processing power out of a single CPU. It’s even a more affordable way to approach this speed compared to some alternatives, making the speed and build quality all the more astounding. Most users absolutely don’t need this much power, but if you’re shopping for workstations in this tier, you know who you are. The most demanding data and content creation workloads will utilize all of the cores and RAM on offer here happily. Scaling can get quite expensive, but it’s a highly customizable desktop, and should be your top consideration if processing power is your priority.
PROS
- Blazing performance
- Highly customizable
- Top-notch quality
- Relatively quiet operation
- Three-year warranty
CONS
- Price scales quickly with upgrades
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Desktop Class | Workstation |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7895WX |
| Processor Speed | 2.5 GHz |
| RAM (as Tested) | 256 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 4 TB |
| Secondary Drive Type | SSD |
| Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 3.84 TB |
| Graphics Card | Nvidia RTX 6000 Ada Generation |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
Dell Precision 7875
A Solid Alternative to the Falcon Northwest Talon
Why We Picked It
Most workstation buyers care more about power, expandability, and ISV certifications than what brand of processor makes up the engine, but Dell’s Precision 7875 makes a strong case for swimming against the Intel tide thanks to AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper Pro chips. There are several hyper-powerful options; our review unit packs a mighty 96 processor cores into a single CPU. Quite a few applications work better in a single- than a dual-CPU environment, and the Precision 7875 can tackle the most brutal dataset analysis or visual rendering jobs. The tower is versatile and quiet, too. It posted whip-fast results on our benchmark tests, though Falcon Northwest’s Talon is even faster (and less expensive). Dell is a bigger, traditional retailer for professional users if Falcon Northwest’s build doesn’t work for you.
Who It’s For
If your workflow requires maximum multicore muscle, and you would prefer to get it from a major manufacturer like Dell, this is the company’s mightiest tower. Massive datasets, media creation, and other pro-grade workloads will gladly take all the power and cores this system can throw their way. This Precision is no value play, because scaling and base costs are expensive, but this is a professional-centric option with all the features and support you’re looking for.
PROS
- Powerful Threadripper Pro processor options
- Quiet operation under most loads
- Versatile chassis lays horizontal, too
CONS
- Scaling gets expensive (as with all workstations)
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Desktop Class | Workstation |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7995WX |
| Processor Speed | 2.5 GHz |
| RAM (as Tested) | 128 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 TB |
| Secondary Drive Type | SSD |
| Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 TB |
| Graphics Card | 2x Nvidia A6000 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
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HP Z8 Fury G5
Best Desktop Workstation for CPU Muscle (Intel Xeon)
Why We Picked It
The most demanding workstation users need sheer muscle to churn through their workloads with as little downtime as possible, and the Fury is nearly as fast as the Threadripper Pro-based ThinkStation. Media, VFX, and AI creators will appreciate the raw power of the Intel Xeon W9-3495X chip and four—yes four—Nvidia RTX A6000 GPUs in our review unit. Many applications work better in a single- than a dual-CPU environment, and the Fury can tear through the biggest datasets or rendering tasks.
Who It’s For
Professionals in the arenas mentioned above (and similar creative fields) are generally the only users who need this much power; you know who you are if you’re shopping workstations. The Fury, in particular, boasts a very high ceiling for expanding storage, memory, and GPU count. Of course, you may need not configure or expand your unit as highly as our review model, but it’s important to know that you can, depending on your workload. The P620’s Ryzen Threadripper Pro processor delivered more performance, but not by a huge margin. The Fury’s versatility may better suit your needs.
PROS
- Screaming-fast Xeon W9, four-GPU configuration
- Huge range of customization options
- Easily accessible and serviceable design
- Optional redundant power supply
- ISV-certified
CONS
- Enormous tower chassis
- Scaling up gets super expensive
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Desktop Class | Workstation |
| Processor | Intel Xeon W9-3495X |
| Processor Speed | 1.9 GHz |
| RAM (as Tested) | 128 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 TB |
| Secondary Drive Type | SSD |
| Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 3 TB |
| Graphics Card | 4x Nvidia RTX A6000 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
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Apple Mac Studio (M2 Ultra, 2023)
Best Workstation-Grade Mac Desktop
Why We Picked It
As an upgrade on the M1 Max model, the M1 Ultra version of the Mac Studio deeply impressed us, but it’s been easily superseded by its next-generation successor. It must be said first that the M2 Ultra model starts at $3,999, and the particular M2 Ultra version we reviewed cost an exorbitant $8,799 as configured. That’s one of the highest costs per cubic inch we’ve seen from a desktop computer—it’s just 7.7 inches square and 3.7 inches high—but crams in a colossal 24 processing cores and up to 76 graphics cores, as well as up to 192GB of memory and as much as 8TB of solid-state storage. (Note that the latter’s in a proprietary format instead of standard M.2, continuing Apple’s tradition of thumbing its nose at third-party upgrades.) Needless to say, our unit delivered extremely fast high-end performance, despite the box’s size.
Who It’s For
If you need a serious professional system but prefer macOS to Windows or Linux, the flagship Mac Studio is Apple’s ultimate solution short of a new Mac Pro. An exotic copper cooling block and vapor chamber keep the diminutive desktop from overheating, while the unibody aluminum chassis contains half a dozen Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI monitor port, and a 10Gbps Ethernet jack. It is expensive on its own but also competitively priced among workstations in this tier. The M2 Ultra Studio screams through both processing- and- graphics-intensive apps as well as benchmarks, keeping Apple relevant in the workstation market.
PROS
- Noticeable performance improvements across the board versus M1 Ultra version
- Competitively priced among workstations
- Updated to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3
CONS
- Accessories still sold separately
- Internals are not user-upgradable after purchase
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Desktop Class | Workstation |
| Processor | Apple M2 Ultra |
| Processor Speed | |
| RAM (as Tested) | 192 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 8 TB |
| Secondary Drive Type | |
| Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) | |
| Graphics Card | Apple M2 Ultra (76-core) |
| Operating System | Apple macOS Ventura |
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HP Z2 Mini G9
Best Compact Desktop Workstation
Why We Picked It
Most desktop workstation buyers want tons of expandability and upgradability. HP’s Z2 Mini G9 doesn’t have those, but it has awesome performance, impressive connectivity, and surprising serviceability for a PC only 2.7 by 8.3 by 8.6 inches big. Though it can hide under a desk or behind a monitor with an optional VESA mount, the Z2 Mini accommodates the 125-watt processors you’ll find in full-size towers, such as our test unit’s flagship Intel Core i9-12900K, and an industry-standard graphics card. The latter must be a half-length, half-height GPU powered by the PCI Express slot, but the 12GB Nvidia RTX A2000 in our review system is certainly no slouch.
Who It’s For
The Z2 Mini G9 carries the independent software vendor (ISV) certifications of its bigger desktop brothers and HP’s ZBook mobile workstations, making it a great choice for 2D and light 3D design and CGI rendering as well as video editing, dataset analysis, and scientific and engineering apps. Up to 64GB of memory and 8TB of storage give you plenty of headroom, while two “flex banks” can be configured with a dizzying array of ports. Apparently nobody told it that it wasn’t a tower.
PROS
- Compact VESA-compatible design
- Impressive performance
- Easily serviceable, even the graphics card
- Ample connectivity
- Modular I/O ports
CONS
- Can get louder than expected
- External power brick
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Desktop Class | Workstation |
| Processor | Intel Core i9-12900K |
| Processor Speed | 3.2 GHz |
| RAM (as Tested) | 64 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 TB |
| Secondary Drive Type | |
| Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) | |
| Graphics Card | Nvidia RTX A2000 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
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Lenovo ThinkStation P360 Ultra
A Solid Alternative to the HP Z2 Mini G9
Why We Picked It
You’re welcome to use the Lenovo ThinkStation P360 Ultra for Microsoft Word and Excel, but it’s really overkill for office apps—in fact, it stands close to HP’s Z2 Mini G9 as a potent mini workstation. Measuring 8.7 by 3.4 by 7.9 inches (HWD), it weighs less than four pounds, but its slide-out internal frame holds up to a Core i9-12900 CPU, 64GB of RAM, two M.2 solid-state drives plus a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive, and an Nvidia RTX A5000 graphics card.
Who It’s For
With ISV certifications and enterprise-class security, the P360 Ultra is a more-than-worthy alternative to the Z2 Mini or Apple’s Mac Studio. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports join a USB-A 3.2 port and audio jack up front, with Gigabit and 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports, four more USB 3.2 ports, and three DisplayPorts (plus the GPU’s four mini DisplayPorts) around back.
PROS
- Workstation performance in a small form factor design
- Easy internal access with clever slide-out design
- Generous port selection
CONS
- Limited upgrade options
- External power brick
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Desktop Class | Small Form Factor (SFF), Workstation |
| Processor | Intel Core i9-12900 |
| Processor Speed | |
| RAM (as Tested) | 32 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 TB |
| Secondary Drive Type | |
| Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) | |
| Graphics Card | Nvidia RTX A2000 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
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Falcon Northwest Tiki (2023)
Best Dual-Use Compact Workstation for Space-Strapped Creators, Gamers
Why We Picked It
If you’re looking for full-size power in a compact tower, stop right here. While you’ll find some smaller boxes that can pass as workstations, the Falcon Northwest Tiki is more of a slimmed-down traditional tower that delivers the performance of a larger system. Looking at just the results, you’d scarcely be able to pick out the Tiki among other high-end systems, save for the most potent beefy workstations. The design doesn’t come cheap—our review model cost $5,416 as configured—but with an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080, the performance backs up its impressive build, making it useful for many high-level computing tasks.
Who It’s For
If you want a space-saving PC that pulls double duty as a workstation and a hardcore gaming rig, the Tiki is incredibly appealing. While it won’t provide anything like ISV certifications or Xeon processor options, it’s a whisper-quiet desktop that’s nice to look at and screaming fast. That makes the Tiki ideal for content creation jobs or other high-intensity fields that don’t require high-level hardware security or certifications for specific apps.
PROS
- Big-tower performance in a compact case
- Immaculate build quality
- Quiet fans
- Excellent warranty and service
CONS
- Only ultra-high-end configurations available
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Desktop Class | Gaming |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D |
| Processor Speed | 4.2 GHz |
| RAM (as Tested) | 64 GB |
| Boot Drive Type | SSD |
| Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 2 TB |
| Secondary Drive Type | |
| Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) | |
| Graphics Card | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
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Buying Guide: The Best Desktop Workstations for 2024
How to Choose the Right Workstation Processor
The central processing unit (CPU) is the lifeblood of any computer. This chip—or chips, as workstations can have more than one—is vitally important for complex tasks. Reference a CPU’s core and thread count (both Intel and AMD high-end processors can handle two simultaneous computing threads per core) for a basic estimation of its processing power.
The least powerful CPUs you’d find in a workstation would have eight cores apiece, while top-end ones can have 32, 64, or even 96 cores. Processors with higher core and thread counts are better for multitasking and especially long-running tasks like video encoding, though one with fewer cores and a higher clock speed or operating frequency (measured in gigahertz or GHz) may be more responsive for general use.
(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)
Today’s true workstation-CPU families are the Intel Xeon and AMD Ryzen Threadripper and Threadripper Pro lines. The Threadripper has taken the market by storm by delivering more cores and threads per dollar than Xeons. Intel has responded by slashing prices, but the value edge still lies with AMD. The current Threadrippers top out at 96 cores.
The chips’ traditional weak point was that were harder to find in workstations from major vendors such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo, where Intel was long the dominant choice. That has changed a bit, though. In the summer of 2020, Lenovo announced an exclusive deal with AMD, for the launch of a ThinkStation model using a new line of workstation-minded Threadripper chips, the Threadripper Pro. Following the first Threadripper Pro system we tested, the Lenovo ThinkStation 620, we’ve seen several Threadripper Pro systems from different manufacturers in the years since, and have a couple of such PCs among our current selections. (The latest Threadripper Pro line is the 7000 class.)
It’s not uncommon to see Intel Core, as well as AMD Ryzen (non-Threadripper) chips, offered in entry-level workstations. Truth be told, workstation CPUs are based on the same essential technologies as their civilian desktop counterparts. A non-workstation CPU can perform just as well, if not better, assuming similar core and thread counts, though workstation CPUs scale to much higher core and thread counts. That said, there are reasons besides sheer performance to choose a workstation CPU.
((Credit: Joseph Maldonado))
One of those reasons is support for error-correcting code (ECC) memory. This type of RAM automatically corrects the tiny amount of data corruption that occurs in standard or non-ECC memory. This corruption is inconsequential for everyday use, but it’s unacceptable in scientific, architectural, and financial fields where every decimal place matters.
Another mark in favor of workstation CPUs is the potential for high memory ceilings. Most desktop CPUs typically support anywhere from 32GB to 64GB of memory, with top-end chips just starting to support 128GB. That may sound like a lot compared to your laptop’s 8GB or 16GB, but it’s pocket change when you consider that some workstations can support 2TB (2,048GB) of memory or more. Simply put, workstation CPUs are a necessity when extraordinary amounts of memory are required. Similarly, workstation CPUs typically support more PCI Express lanes, a useful specification if many high-speed devices (such as multiple graphics cards for GPU-based computing, and PCI Express-based solid-state storage arrays) need to be connected.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Multi-CPU support is another capability that lies solely in the realm of workstation CPUs. The highest-end workstations can support two processors. It’s expensive territory that you’d probably visit only if you need an extreme number of cores (more than can fit on a single CPU) and don’t want to invest in a second computer. Ever-increasing CPU core counts have mitigated, but not eliminated, the need for what’s known as symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) scenarios.
A workstation CPU is the only choice if you need the advantages described above. A non-workstation CPU will otherwise offer a better value, though some desktop workstations may not give you a choice between, say, Intel’s Xeon line and its Core family.
Understanding Workstation Graphics: Professional-Grade GPUs and ISV Certifications
No desktop workstation would be complete without the option for a dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU) or graphics card, as opposed to the relatively humble integrated graphics built into many CPUs. The use of a GPU can vary from simple photo editing to complex CGI and parallel processing. The more graphically intense the operation, the more powerful a GPU you’ll need.
Lower-end workstations may offer gaming-class Nvidia GeForce and AMD Radeon GPUs. These can run professional apps from Autodesk and Adobe, but they may not be ideally suited for the job, and that’s where the graphics vendors’ professional-grade silicon—Radeon Pro for AMD, and RTX A-series (formerly Quadro) as well as the latest RTX Ada series for Nvidia—come in.
These cards may not appear all that different from their gaming cousins in appearance or general specifications, but the difference—and the reason for their often much higher prices—comes down to software and driver support. The drivers that accompany professional GPUs are exhaustively tested for compatibility, stability, and performance in specialized professional apps.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
This is where the concept of independent software vendor (ISV) certifications comes into play. Most major workstation vendors will advertise ISV certification for specific apps such as Autodesk’s AutoCAD and Maya or Dassault Systemes’ SolidWorks. The ISV certification guarantees that the workstation is optimized and will work properly for a given program.
Just because a workstation doesn’t carry an ISV certification, or the certification doesn’t specify the app you’re using, doesn’t mean the app won’t work. In fact, it most likely will. However, if you’re in a line of work where guarantees are required, and you want an ironclad, up-front promise that the system is built for running a given application “just so,” then your shopping list will be limited to ISV-certified workstations.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
An up-and-coming concept in the workstation world is a more generic GPU driver that is built around maximizing compatibility with creative apps. Nvidia is already doing this with its Nvidia Studio Driver, which works on both GeForce and Quadro or A-series GPUs. The driver doesn’t offer guaranteed compatibility like an ISV certification, but it’s tested against creative software from popular vendors. (A list of apps is published on the driver download page.)
Let’s get back to hardware. A low-end GPU is usually more than enough for photo editing, though video editors might want to step up to a midrange model with 6GB or more of display memory for 4K (or higher) source footage. If you’re working with complex 3D models in product design, engineering, or other simulations, you’ll generally want to invest in as powerful a GPU as possible, with 8GB or even 16GB of onboard memory. A GPU that isn’t powerful enough may have trouble rendering onscreen models and wireframes.
It’s common for workstations to support multiple GPUs, though caution should be used here. Adding a second graphics card to your workstation won’t have much (if any) effect on performance if your application in question doesn’t support multi-GPU environments, so it’s important to verify your favorite apps first. As in gaming rigs, you’re frankly better off buying the fastest single GPU you can afford. Explore a multi-GPU scenario only if your needs go beyond that.
Understanding Workstation Storage Options and Interfaces
Desktop workstations will offer, at the minimum, the same storage options as traditional desktops, including M.2-format solid-state drives (SSDs) and 3.5-inch SATA hard drives. (The 2.5-inch SATA SSD is a fading format; M.2 SSDs dominate as boot drives nowadays.) At times, though, they also employ other storage technologies and interfaces that are useful in specialized scenarios.
One of these is the U.2 interface SSD, which is typically the size of a traditional 2.5-inch hard drive. The U.2 format offers higher capacities than M.2 drives since it provides more real estate for housing memory chips. Most U.2 drives use the PCI Express bus for data transfer, over which U.2 supports four lanes, but the interface can also be used for SATA and SAS drives. The latter stands for Serial Attached SCSI, another kind of storage interface typically found only in high-end workstations and servers. A SAS drive is typically used in data center or enterprise scenarios where maximum uptime and reliability are required. You won’t run into U.2 or SAS in most client workstations, but be aware they’re out there and signal a high-end enterprise-focused configuration.
Another kind of drive offered in high-end workstations is a PCI Express solid-state drive that plugs into a full-size PCI Express expansion slot on the motherboard, looking something like a low-profile graphics card. These drives offer higher capacities and better cooling than M.2 drives. Some drives in this format aren’t drives at all, but caddies that hold multiple M.2 drives, are useful in a scenario where the workstation’s motherboard doesn’t have enough M.2 slots on it.
(Credit: Charles Jeffries)
Hot-swappable drives are a server-grade technology sometimes available in high-end workstations. These take the form of externally accessible 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch bays whose drives can be pulled out of the workstation and swapped while the system is running. They’re useful if having tons of local storage is key, you need locked-up or offsite backups, or if you need to transport your data to another computer. Hot-swapping can also allow a failed drive in a RAID array to be replaced without downtime.
So which interfaces and storage formats are best? There is no simple answer to that question. It depends on the usage scenario. For bulk storage where speed and response time aren’t critical, 3.5-inch SATA hard drives offer the most gigabytes per dollar. Overall, though, the ever-decreasing cost of solid-state storage continues to make it more attractive than traditional hard drives. (See our SSD vs. HDD: What’s the Difference? article for a rundown.)
(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)
The operating system, however, should be installed on an SSD for maximum performance. It’s also worth paying the premium for solid-state storage for general purposes if your workflow involves reading and writing large amounts of data, as with 4K and 8K video editing. Look for PCI Express drives that support the Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) protocol for maximum throughput.
Everything discussed so far in this section involves internal storage. If being able to detach your storage quickly or take it with you is important, Intel-based workstations typically offer the option for add-in cards with one or more Thunderbolt 4 ports. The Thunderbolt interface supports up to 40Gbps (or four lanes) of bi-directional throughput. Fast external storage drives and RAID arrays connected via Thunderbolt can perform just as well as PCI Express drives connected internally.
Finally, you have network storage. The workstation’s built-in Ethernet jack(s) may not provide enough bandwidth for storage demands, so you may see enhanced network interface cards (NICs) that provide high-speed Ethernet connections up to 10Gbps. Built-in Ethernet connections typically top out at 1Gbps.
Workstation Form Factors and Expansion
It pays to invest in a workstation that’s more powerful than your current workload demands, so it will support your workflow in the long term. Take note of your workstation build; have you maximized its component choices? If so, it makes sense to step up to the next model so you have breathing room for upgrades.
For example, while you might not currently need more than 64GB of memory, it’s nice to have the ability to expand to 256GB later. Storage limits aren’t quite as set in stone, as storage capacity continues to grow in a given form factor, but you’ll still want to ensure the workstation can handle your future storage needs, internally or externally.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
The upgrade potential of a workstation is related to its physical design. Tower-style workstations based on traditional form factors, such as full ATX or Extended-ATX (E-ATX), have the most upgrade potential since they can house standardized parts, allowing for nearly any kind of component upgrade. By contrast, mini desktops and all-in-one designs (with the workstation in the base or back of a monitor) can greatly limit your upgrade options down the line and tend not to be the most cost-effective investments.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
The GPU (or GPUs) in most workstations should be upgradable, provided the GPU is of a standard format such as a PCI Express card. The main concern with a GPU upgrade is whether the workstation’s power supply can handle it. If your graphics needs may increase, think twice before opting for a lower-wattage power supply in your build, as you may end up needing to upgrade that if you add a more powerful GPU.
Connections: Which Ports Do You Need in a Desktop Workstation?
Nearly all workstations will have the types of ports you’d find on a normal desktop, including USB, video-out connectors, network connections, and audio jacks.
However, nonstandard or uncommon ports may be required depending on your workflow. Older or specialized equipment may still require serial or PS/2 connectors, while other workflows may require video input. Higher-end workstations usually offer any manner of add-in cards to provide functionality like this. Such cards can usually be added after purchase, though you should verify with the workstation maker that this is the case if you aren’t configuring the system with add-in cards from the get-go.
(Credit: Charles Jeffries)
The Thunderbolt 4 cards mentioned above are ideal for more than just adding external arrays of high-speed storage. Their high bandwidth makes it possible to connect devices such as external GPU enclosures.
Which Operating System Should You Get in a Workstation?
The apps you run will largely determine your choice of operating system, though you still might have a debate if your apps are cross-platform. Cost is always at the forefront. There’s no such thing as a cheap macOS workstation, so you’ll likely be looking at a Windows or Linux machine if you’re spending less than two or three grand.
While Windows and macOS dominate mainstream desktops, it’s common for workstation vendors to offer Linux installs or support. The supported distros such as Red Hat or Ubuntu vary, but the allure is the same. Unlike macOS and Windows, most Linux distros won’t require you to pay for an operating system license, and many powerful software tools are available, often at reduced or no cost.
Something to note is that Microsoft offers an upgraded and Xeon-optimized version of Windows 11 called Windows 11 Pro for Workstations. Incorporating many features found in Windows Server operating systems, it’s naturally more expensive, so save your cash with a regular Win 11 Pro license unless you need them.
One other factor in operating system choice is hardware support. If you need (or prefer) Nvidia GPUs, you can count out Apple; the old, now discontinued Intel Xeon-based Mac Pros offered only a variety of AMD Radeon Pro graphics cards, and the Mac Studio relies on Apple’s own silicon. Windows and Linux workstations offer the most latitude when it comes to choosing hardware. Also be mindful of any special hardware you need for your workflow, such as video-capture cards that may not be usable under certain operating systems. It’s possible to run Windows on a Mac, but there’s no official way to do things the other way around.
What Business and Security Considerations Matter With Workstations?
Business and enterprise workstation buyers should be conscious of their needs for remote management support and general device security. Intel tends to be the strongest on this front with its vPro platform, which is readily available on its Core and Xeon CPUs. AMD’s alternative is Ryzen Pro on the mainstream Ryzen chips.
True workstations are designed for around-the-clock operation under stressful conditions. Their internal components are more robust than a normal desktop’s, especially the power supply and motherboard. Their cooling systems are also more advanced so the workstation can keep its temperatures under control during nonstop operation.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
If long-running tasks are part of your workflow, look for a workstation that isn’t just a consumer or business PC with workstation components, as is often the case with lesser-priced models. Standalone workstation models are purpose-built and won’t share much with their non-workstation brethren.
Manufacturers usually include workstations in their business- or professional-level support departments. This practice will vary with smaller vendors that may not offer separate support for consumer and business PCs. Regardless of the vendor, new workstations will come with a limited warranty that covers hardware defects for at least a year. It’s sensible to invest in at least a three-year warranty on workstations over $1,000; you’ll want to get at least that much time out of your investment.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Adding accidental damage coverage should be done at discretion; it might be a negligible expense next to the cost of a tricked-out workstation. Other warranty add-ons include enhanced support with rapid response times, including onsite service. The latter is almost always worthwhile, not only to minimize downtime but to save your workstation from the rigors of shipping if repairs are needed. Large workstation towers are especially vulnerable to damage in transit, regardless of how well they’re packed.
All told, the total cost of any extended warranties and coverage generally shouldn’t exceed 20% of the computer’s price. This is rarely a problem when buying an expensive workstation, as even top-tier warranty coverage shouldn’t run more than a few hundred dollars.
Where to Buy a Workstation
Workstations are best purchased directly from the vendor or an authorized retailer. This ensures you can get a system configured to your specifications, with a clear line of communication for sales and after-sales support. If you’re going through a retailer, verify that any extended warranties or services are honored by the workstation vendor.
Think of a workstation as a longer-term investment that should expand to handle changing workflows. Start by choosing a software platform (macOS, Linux, or Windows) and then find a suitable model. Mac users have limited choices, but Linux and Windows fans have a slew of vendors to choose from. Only major vendors are likely to offer ISV certifications, if those are required for your work, and they’ll also offer more comprehensive warranty and onsite support options.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
When it comes to hardware, choose components that match your workflow, but don’t overspend. Opting for pricey ECC memory when it’s not needed, for example, won’t have any real benefit. You can also pinch pennies by going with a gaming-grade GeForce RTX GPU and using an Nvidia Studio driver, though there’s no replacement for a professional GPU when it comes to compatibility and stability with creative apps, especially if you’ll leave your workstation running around the clock crunching data or media.
Refer to the paragraphs above for the finer details on workstation buying. All told, your purchase should be a hybrid of your current and future needs, as a workstation isn’t an impulse buy, nor the kind of computer you’ll buy often.
So, Which Workstation Desktop Should I Buy?
Below is the spec breakout of our favorite desktop workstations tested within the last year or two. They should get your shopping started with a look at the shapes, sizes, and capacities available. Now, good luck and get cracking.
