Workstations vs. Desktop Computers for Animators
Workstations vs. Desktop Computers
Written by Alisa Campbell
In 2023, many animators are grappling with the choice between desktop and workstation computers. The burning questions are: Are workstations as reliable as they used to be? Is the gap between the two still significant? And what exactly sets desktops apart from workstation computers?
Traditionally, workstation computers were powerful machines that sat on someone's desk, rather than in a data center. They typically ran operating systems like Unix or VMS, allowing for multitasking (Farquhar, D., April 26, 2018). These bulky machines didn't have as many memory slots or drive bays as servers but shared similar chips. On the other hand, desktops are personal computing devices designed to fit on an office desk (Rouse, M., September 2018). These are the computers we typically use for everyday tasks. The key difference lies in the performance levels each machine is designed for. So, how do these two computer types compare? And can a regular desktop outperform a workstation PC?
Workstations generally boast better hardware, such as advanced motherboards and SSDs (Solid State Drives). One significant differentiator is the use of NVIDIA Quadro graphics, which offer higher precision and are usually employed in workstations (Covington, J., September 13, 2018). Workstations also tend to deliver superior performance, surpassing even powerful desktops like the Intel Extreme Rig computers. Workstation computers can generate several times the power of a standard desktop computer, especially when it comes to animations and rendering photorealistic models (Benton, B., December 21, 2018). Workstation graphics cards and specialized software drivers are specifically designed to deliver significantly faster performance and computational simulation for various design, animation, and video applications (Talbot, D., n.d.). However, these enhanced software and performance features come at a cost. While a desktop PC may range from $500 to $1,000, a workstation PC can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 (Benton, B., December 21, 2018).
Overall, workstation computers outshine desktops in terms of power and capabilities. Desktop computers are not designed to handle resource-intensive programs and rendering tasks; they excel at basic functions like sending emails and web browsing. However, desktop computers do have their own advantages. They offer comfort and portability through laptops, enabling users to take their machines to meetings, and conventions, or seamlessly work between home and the office (Parson, A., n.d.). On the other hand, working on a workstation computer away from home would require disconnecting cords and lugging around a bulky PC, which is far from convenient. Desktops also benefit from active customer support, frequent updates, and improvements from various sources. Moreover, they are cost-effective and easy to repair compared to workstations, which are expensive to maintain, repair, and acquire initially. Desktops are ideal for home offices or small businesses but fall short in the realm of animation (Admin., April 05, 2015).
Sources
References
Farquhar, D. (2018, April 26). Workstation vs desktop. Retrieved April 29, 2019, from https://dfarq.homeip.net/workstation-vs-desktop/
Rouse, M. (2018, September). What is desktop computer? - Definition from WhatIs.com. Retrieved April 29, 2019, from https://searchenterprisedesktop.techtarget.com/definition/desktop-computer
Covington, J. (2018, September 13). Workstation vs Desktop: What's the Difference? | Velocity Micro Blog. Retrieved April 29, 2019, from https://www.velocitymicro.com/blog/workstations-desktops-difference/
Benton, B. (2018, December 21). Workstation vs Desktop Computer: Which Do You Need? Retrieved April 29, 2019, from https://www.autodesk.com/redshift/pc-versus-workstation/
Talbot, D. (n.d.). Hardware. Retrieved April 29, 2019, from https://graitec.co.uk/hardware/cad-workstation-guide/workstation-vs-gaming-graphics
Parson, A. (n.d.). Advantages & Disadvantages of a Desktop PC Workstation. Retrieved April 29, 2019, from https://www.techwalla.com/articles/advantages-disadvantages-of-a-desktop-pc-workstation
Admin. (2015, April 05). Workstation vs desktop computers. Retrieved April 29, 2019, from http://wifinotes.com/computer-networks/workstation-vs-desktop-computers.html
C. (2018). Go to CyberPowerPC Home, Cyberpower - Unleash The Power. Retrieved April 29, 2019, from https://www.cyberpowerpc.com/page/Intel/IntelERC2018/
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