Workstation Vs. Desktop
When buying a computer, there is plenty of choice available when it comes to features in every aspect, ranging from the hardware to software. Thanks to new developments in computer hardware and cutting edge software development, one can choose from notebook computers, desktop computers, workstations and netbook computers. While a laptop computer is known to be clearly different from a desktop computer, there seems to be some confusion regarding what is the difference between them.
Workstation Vs. Desktop Computer Comparison
A workstation is also a desktop computer, but with a more advanced set of features and application. In recent times, with the advances in computer processor manufacturing technology the difference between high-end computers and personal computers has rapidly narrowed down.
Basic Differences
While a desktop computer is designed to serve the needs of an average home user, the workstations are designed to handle a greater workload, with multiple user handling capability. The prime difference between the two is in terms of 'scale' and 'power' of usage, as well as specialization in applications.
There is no clear definition of what is a workstation and the term is often used quite generally. The key difference is the level of performance that the two type of machines are designed for.
Difference in Features and Applications
A workstation is designed to deliver workload for highly specialized applications like high level video editing, 3D game development, handling complex calculations for simulations in scientific field and multiple user handling. They are fitted with all the latest in high-end computer hardware.
These computers are usually powered by the fastest and the best processors in the market, with high-end video cards, greater RAM capacity and equipped with storage technologies based RAID architecture. They may be server level machines, designed for intensive multitasking.
On the other hand, a desktop computer is equipped for all the generic level tasks, like word processing, gaming and other such basic applications. The main point to note is that their features are not optimized for any specific purpose. However, a high-end desktop, equipped with top level features is as good as a workstation. High-end desktops are as good as the best workstations.
Cost Comparison
Since high-end workstation computers are designed with the most advanced of computer hardware components, their prices are considerably higher than entry-level desktop computers. The addition of each high-end compute hardware part, adds to the overall cost, pushing it higher and way beyond the price of an average desktop which is around $500.
Manufacturers like Dell offer specialized workstation computers that are optimized for high performance. As you can see, the line between the two types is quite blurred and hardware upgrade of a desktop computer can convert it into a workstation level PC.
Workstations are high-end computing machines designed to serve multiple users, while desktop users are designed for basic computing tasks. Desktop lines are ideally suited for home users and workplaces with bare minimum computer usage, while the workstation is an inevitable choice, when it comes to high tech software development projects. I hope the difference between the two lines of computers is clear enough now, which should enable you to make a choice.
