Used workstations, what they are and when it is best to choose them

When we are looking for a PC, we often find in the proposal made to us, in addition to desktop and laptop solutions, also used workstations .

Erroneously, we tend to consider the workstation simply as a PC "described differently". Yet the differences are not insignificant and very important, if you are looking for used PCs or workstations.

Meaning of PC and workstation

Far be it from us to give a lesson in English, but in this case, the terms and their translations are truly "enlightening".

When we talk about a PC , we indicate the acronym for Personal Computer , that is, computer for personal use.

The literal translation of Workstation is instead "work station" . Just from the differences in the names alone we can understand that these are two types of machines designed and built for very different uses.

What exactly is a Workstation

A workstation is a "special and enhanced" computer created, already in the design phase, for demanding and demanding applications. In fact, a workstation has a solid and efficient hardware structure that allows it to be used at a professional level. Changing sectors for a moment, we could define the PC as a generic car and a workstation instead as a car specifically prepared for a specific specialty (rally, touring championship, etc. etc.).

When using a Workstation

Nothing prevents you from using a workstation for standard uses for which a personal computer would also be suitable. However, it is when there is a need for performance that the workstation truly comes into its own.

Workstations are in fact chosen when it is necessary to process a lot of data and manage and handle large files. So we find practically only workstations when we go to the sectors of digital graphics, video editing, mathematical applications, gaming, 3D design, simulations and much more.

How to identify a workstation

The best way to understand if you are dealing with a workstation or a classic PC is to check the hardware components present "under the hood" . Workstations use higher-level hardware components. It is sufficient to check Dell workstations , HP workstations or Lenovo workstations to immediately understand that we are dealing with professional machines equipped with very high computing capabilities. Often even aesthetically it is possible to determine whether a machine is a simple PC or workstation, given that the latter is usually more equipped with options and normally more "solid".

The " form factor " is not decisive, however, as workstations exist both as desktop PCs and as portable PCs ( notebooks or laptops). In this second case, we are usually faced with laptops with large dimensions.

Differences between personal computers and workstations

A workstation is a professional computer, dedicated to specific, professional applications that require a lot of memory and processing capacity. A desktop computer is a machine designed for standard, business or personal use.

The workstation is normally used in high-level environments. From gaming to graphics processing, from video editing to mechanical design. The desktop PC is instead used for standard activities, such as reading e-mail, browsing the Internet, preparing and viewing texts and videos.

The technical specifications, also in light of the two points already listed, are not at all comparable; The Workstation is a high-level, premium machine. The personal computer, on the other hand, is a sui generis machine, suitable for almost any use, but which does not excel in any area.

An important difference is also from the construction and assembly point of view. If the personal computer is in fact a simple machine, which can be made "even at home", and is therefore now offered by any brand, when you go to build a workstation the skills required change significantly.

Workstations are in fact the prerogative of a few professional PC assemblers. In fact, among the most common commercial brands, workstations are almost exclusively the prerogative of brands such as Dell , Lenovo and HP .

Used PCs and workstations

The differences listed in the previous point explain very well why evaluating and thinking about used workstations can be really convenient.

First, because this type of configuration is the only one capable of effectively tackling "challenging tasks". Secondly because, to return to the example already given previously, it is one thing to buy a second-hand luxury car and another to buy a used small car.

Used workstations, why yes

There are several advantages of purchasing used workstations compared to normal personal computers:

• Since the workstation is made directly by a brand, it normally has fewer problems updating drivers, operating systems and so on. An assembled PC could instead be equipped with components that are not updated or obsolete.

• The sizing of the workstation, both in the case of the desktop version and the laptop version, is larger than that of a personal computer. This leads to undeniable advantages regarding the maintenance and cooling of the components.

• workstations are usually purchased by businesses and professionals. Consequently, they are normally used with more attention and with periodic maintenance which guarantees better quality over time.

• it is easier in terms of space and more convenient in terms of costs to perform an upgrade (when necessary) on a workstation compared to the equivalent one on a personal computer.

• the value of a workstation (being made with quality components) remains higher over time than that of a personal computer. Therefore allowing it to be resold even several years after purchase.

• for the same performance, the components used in workstations are usually of better quality, being designed and intended for professional use.

Used workstations, why not

It's really difficult to find a negative point regarding the purchase of a used workstation.

If desired, it can be considered (both in desktop PC and laptop configuration) usually bulkier and heavier than a personal computer. However, this is a minimal "disadvantage", given that those who purchase a workstation usually do not expect very high and continuous portability.

Created for specialized applications such as graphics, editing and gaming, workstations are "competition machines" capable of carrying out the most complex processing processes. Even second hand, used workstations are an excellent idea and alternative for your office , your professional business or for a high-performance home computer suitable for all uses.