The document outlines 7 key differences between custom computer workstations and desktops. Custom workstations are optimized for performance, durability and expandability. They have more power to handle demanding applications like CAD and simulations. Workstation components are higher grade and built to perform all day without issues. They are also more flexible, expandable and tailored for dedicated uses like industry-specific software. While initially more expensive, workstations provide better cost performance in the long run for users with intensive computing needs.

1. 7Differences Between Custom
Computer Workstations &
Custom Desktops
Ace Computers
575 Lively Blvd.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-2013
Contact
877-ACECOMP
(877-223-2667)
www.acecomputers.com

2. A custom computer workstation is a lot more than a bigger desktop—it is
optimized for performance, durability, and expandability—these
differences can have a significant impact on operational efficiency,
especially for larger orders. Most organizations start to consider
replacing desktops with workstations when they notice performance
issues. This situation can develop over time as more and more
applications are installed or it can happen suddenly after a major
software installation or upgrade. Following are 7 major differences
between a workstation and desktop:
Ace Computers
575 Lively Blvd.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-2013
Contact
877-ACECOMP
(877-223-2667)
www.acecomputers.com

3. 1. Power: A desktop has enough power to do the basics such as email,
web surfing, and word processing. But a workstation can handle
animation, data analysis, CAD, video and audio creation and editing, and
even some simulations. A workstation can support multiple professional-
grade graphics cards, while a desktop typically supports only consumer-
grade cards.

4. 2. Durability. The components of a workstation are higher grade than
those of a desktop—mainly because workstations have to work harder.
Each part (motherboard, CPU, RAM, internal drives, video cards, etc.)
is built with the expectation that users need peak performance all day
long; in many cases 24/7. Each component in a workstation is selected
and optimized with the goal of increasing the movement of that data
through the system.

5. 3. Speed. Powerful business applications may run slowly and
inadequately on desktops—the same file that opens in 2 seconds on a
workstation could take 15 seconds on a desktop. That may not sound
like much, but when you multiply that by 1000s of times each day, it
adds up to a lot of frustration and lost work time. Sluggish processing,
slow response to device inputs, and crashes are signs that the memory
is maxed out.

6. 4. Flexibility. Workstations are purpose built for high performance and
heavy workloads. They are also designed so you can tailor the system
to match your application requirements. A workstation can be
configured with more processors than a PC, and processors that are
more powerful.

7. 5. Expandability. Off-the-shelf desktops are sold with the GPU, hard
drive controls and network interfaces built into the motherboard. Adding
an additional hard drive or a better graphics card could be logistically
impossible. We design workstations from the ground up to make it easy
to add hard drives, increase RAM, add graphics cards, etc.

8. 6. Dedicated Use. Workstations are usually tailored to a particular
trade or function. For example, workstations are often purchased for
specific applications that require certification. These are applications
that are used within industries, such as product-specific simulation
software or oil and gas geological software. Workstations are designed
to have the hardware and processing power needed to run these
certified applications.

9. 7. Cost/Performance. While workstations cost more than desktops,
the actual cost for performance is much less for a workstation. Look at
it this way, a desktop user could add components over time to enhance
performance, and would end up paying about the same as a
workstation and still not have even close to the same kind of
performance, reliability, expandability, and durability.

10. There will always be a place for desktops in schools and offices. But
engineers, designers, researchers, and financial analysts running
demanding applications, developing complex graphics, creating digital
content, performing financial computations, etc. will be more
productive, creative, and at ease using a workstation.

11. Thank you!
Any questions?
Contact Ace Computers
877-ACECOMP/(877-223-2667)
www.acecomputers.com