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Workstations are the most powerful class of desktop PCs, purpose-built for everything from professional media editing to scientific analysis, computer-aided design (CAD), and Hollywood-level 3D rendering. Anyone running extra-tough professional software should consider a workstation over a traditional desktop. Shopping for a workstation can be daunting, however, with tons of configuration options and some eye-watering prices. Not to worry: We have you covered. PCMag's team of PC pros has tested hundreds of these systems over our more than 40-year history, gauging their raw speeds and professional feature sets. We measure overall CPU and graphics performance and run benchmarks that evaluate it in professional-grade applications. The Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tower Gen 2 is our current pick as the best workstation entry point, but we've compiled a full list for larger budgets and more demanding use cases, along with general shopping advice for this category and a helpful spec comparison of our tested favorites.
Our Top Tested Picks
Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tower Gen 2
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
For workstation buyers who don’t need flagship-tier GPUs but still want strong compute, expandability, and ISV-ready reliability, Lenovo's ThinkStation P3 Tower Gen 2 is a compelling mid-tower choice with an affordable entry point.
Pros
- Attainable pricing for the base model
- Impressively expandable interior
- Quiet cooling system for CPU and overall chassis
- Easy interior serviceability and access
Cons
- Graphics options top out with RTX Pro 5000 Blackwell
- Exhaust direction of side-mounted fans isn’t ideal
Our experts have tested this product and selected it for this story. Its inclusion and description here solely reflect findings from our independent review. The company has paid for highlighted placement on this page.
Dell Precision 7875 (2026)
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Dell’s Precision 7875 workstation PC combines extraordinary speed and enterprise readiness into a desk-friendly tower that's ready for anything from AI development to complex data science.
Pros
- Exceptional computing performance
- Enterprise reliability and security
- Extensive expansion possibilities, including nifty front bays
- ISV certified
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Expensive, as configured
Dell Precision 5860 Tower
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
With the Precision 5860, Dell has crafted another quiet-running, scalable, and ISV-certified workstation with tool-free access for professional graphics work.
Pros
- Quiet operation under most loads
- Up to 72TB storage (w/ add-in-card)
- Tool-less chassis lays horizontally, too
- ISV-certified
Cons
- Tower chassis requires considerable space
- Price scaling gets steeper than midrange competitors
Dell Pro Max Tower T2
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Dell’s worthy mainstay desktop workstation starts modestly but has elite upgrade headroom—capable of transforming into a full-blown pro powerhouse with an Intel Core Ultra K-series CPU and Nvidia RTX Pro 6000 graphics.
Pros
- Reasonable starting price for a premium desktop workstation
- Highly scalable performance
- Generous connectivity mix
- Quiet cooling system
- Easy serviceability
Cons
- No CPU liquid cooling or options for AMD CPUs
- Proprietary mainboard design
Lenovo ThinkStation PX
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Lenovo's flagship ThinkStation PX is a rack-mountable, dual-CPU workstation for the most mission-critical tasks—just make sure you have the extra power delivery required.
Pros
- Sky-high performance potential
- Scalable for any task
- Rack-mountable
- ISV certified
Cons
- Dual CPUs not always ideal
- Requires 18-amp electrical service
Falcon Northwest Talon (2024, Threadripper Pro)
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
For less than the big-box competition, Falcon Northwest’s 2024 Talon desktop workstation drives blistering speed with professional-grade Nvidia graphics and AMD’s titanic Threadripper Pro.
Pros
- Blazing performance
- Highly customizable
- Top-notch quality
- Relatively quiet operation
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Price scales quickly with upgrades
HP Z2 Mini G1a
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
HP’s Z2 Mini G1a compact desktop is a tiny powerhouse, packing a serious wallop for workstation tasks and AI dev work with AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ processor and 128GB of unified memory.
Pros
- Powerful Ryzen AI Max+ processor
- Enough memory for local-model AI development
- Compact and mountable
- Plentiful connectivity for its size
Cons
- Fans can get loud under load
- Memory, while generously apportioned, is not upgradable
Apple Mac Studio (2026, M5 Ultra)
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Apple's 2026 Mac Studio with the M5 Ultra pushes performance (and pricing) to the limit. The new quad-die chip is a serious powerhouse for top-tier local AI inference, heavy software compilation, and high-throughput video rendering.
Pros
- M5 Ultra CPU delivers dominant single- and multi-core performance
- Massive memory options and huge bandwidth are ideal for local AI
- Cutting-edge connectivity includes Thunderbolt 5, Wi-Fi 7, and 10Gbps Ethernet
- Compact, familiar footprint
- On-device Apple Intelligence provides fast, private AI tools out of the box
Cons
- Upgrade options push pricing to new highs
- Graphics performance trails flagship discrete Nvidia GPUs
- No ISV certification for engineering and medical apps
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EDITORS' NOTE
Sept. 21, 2026: With this update, we added the Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tower Gen 2 as our new Best Entry-Level Workstation, replacing the HP Z2 Tower G9. We also swapped in the Dell Pro Max Tower T2 as our Best Scalable Midrange Workstation and the Dell Precision 7875 (2026) as our Best Workstation for Graphics Power, replacing the HP Z4 G5 and the previous Dell Precision 7875, respectively. Finally, the M5 Ultra version of the 2026 Apple Mac Studio replaces the Apple M3 Ultra version from 2025. Since our last update, we have tested and evaluated more than two dozen desktops overall for inclusion in this story and our other desktop guides. We are currently testing more than half a dozen desktops, from Asus, HP, Lenovo, MSI, and others.
- Attainable pricing for the base model
- Impressively expandable interior
- Quiet cooling system for CPU and overall chassis
- Easy interior serviceability and access
- Graphics options top out with RTX Pro 5000 Blackwell
- Exhaust direction of side-mounted fans isn’t ideal
The market is packed with uber-powerful workstations—including those here on our list—but what if you want something more reasonably priced? Lenovo's ThinkStation P3 Tower Gen 2 starts at an accessible (for workstations) sub-$2,000 price point, low enough to get your foot in the door with a capable workstation. But you can scale it up (like our beefy review unit) for almost any job, from financial analysis to 3D modeling or CGI rendering; it's also easy to service and runs quietly besides. All told, it's a flexible and achievable workstation for users with moderate demands.
Basic data-science and media pros: If you're a data scientist or media editor, you will enjoy the potential performance here, and may do fine with some of the lesser entry models. Then, if you need a lot more oomph for modeling, rendering, and more complex data manipulation, you can scale up the system to meet your demands. Regular office workers, though, don't need this much power.
- Exceptional computing performance
- Enterprise reliability and security
- Extensive expansion possibilities, including nifty front bays
- ISV certified
- Quiet operation
- Expensive, as configured
The most demanding workstation users need sheer muscle to churn through their workloads with as little downtime as possible, and the 2026 Dell Precision 7875 doubles down on the graphics side of the equation. If you're a VFX or AI-focused creator, you will appreciate the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9995WX processor, 512GB of memory, and dual Nvidia RTX Pro 6000 Workstation Edition graphics cards in our review unit. As you may have guessed from that CPU, it's a monster at processing, too.
Most workstation buyers care more about power, expandability, and ISV certifications than the brand of processor powering the system—and the Dell system's Ryzen chip definitely delivers on those fronts. But it's the dual graphics cards in our test unit that help this Dell stand out from the others, delivering truly blistering performance.
Graphics-first professionals:Â Plenty of these workstations pack processor muscle, but if you're a media pro, animator, editor, designer, AI developer, or engineer, you may need graphics power even more. And the Precision gives you a sky-high ceiling for expanding storage, memory, and GPU count. Of course, you may not need to configure or expand your unit as much as our review model, but it's important to know that you can, depending on your workload.
AI developers: Likewise, this machine's dual GPUs make it a good option for AI developers. The processing speed helps, but this is data-center-level power on the GPU front, capable of advanced inferencing and any possible media or visual workloads.
- Quiet operation under most loads
- Up to 72TB storage (w/ add-in-card)
- Tool-less chassis lays horizontally, too
- ISV-certified
- Tower chassis requires considerable space
- Price scaling gets steeper than midrange competitors
If you want a pro-focused system packed with processing performance, Dell Precision 5860 Tower is our pick for the top Intel-powered machine. It features an Intel Xeon w7-2495X CPU, an Nvidia RTX A6000 GPU, 64GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD. As a system from a major traditional manufacturer, and with a far more palatable price than its AMD-based Precision 7875 sibling, this Xeon system is a worthy choice. You'll find more potent systems, but our $9,100 configuration delivers processing power without ballooning to well more than $10,000, like those alternatives. The maximum 72TB of storage, tool-less chassis, and generally quiet operations should appeal to business users.
Intel fans:Â This rig fits best if you're a power user who needs a load of CPU muscle and prefers Intel processing. If you're a media professional, data scientist, or content creator, the powerful CPU and graphics card can handle your workloads.
Major manufacturer shoppers: An advantage of buying from Dell is that you get a wide range of configuration options. You don't need to copy our system, depending on your needs and budget; the core of this tower and its feature set are aimed at pro users, regardless of the exact component loadout. Dell is also set up for customer and post-purchase support better than smaller options.
- Reasonable starting price for a premium desktop workstation
- Highly scalable performance
- Generous connectivity mix
- Quiet cooling system
- Easy serviceability
- No CPU liquid cooling or options for AMD CPUs
- Proprietary mainboard design
You can find plenty of ways to spend a load of money in the workstation category. The Pro Max Tower T2 provides an accessible starting point, with plenty of room to configure upward. It runs off Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 processors, and our expensive, upgraded midrange model features a Core Ultra 9 285K processor, 128GB of memory, 4TB of storage, and an Nvidia RTX 6000 Blackwell GPU. It's easy to service, quiet, provides a lot of connectivity, and performs well. Take its reasonable starting price and scale it to the power you need.
Configurability seekers: If you need to configure the exact workstation (or a fleet of them) for your needs and budget, the T2 likely has the options you're looking for. The upgrades hike up the price quickly, but demanding pro users will be satisfied—given the pro-grade build, use-case flexibility, and quiet operation.
Midrange workstation shoppers: More broadly, the T2 is the best pick if you're seeking midrange workstation power and features. Midrange in this category means a higher price than other types of desktops. Still, with a reasonable starting point and the ability to order up from there, you can get a sweet system while staying away from the truly hyper-expensive workstations.
- Sky-high performance potential
- Scalable for any task
- Rack-mountable
- ISV certified
- Dual CPUs not always ideal
- Requires 18-amp electrical service
Lenovo produces an array of formidable workstations, but if we're looking for a scalable high-end pick, the ThinkStation PX is it. It starts at a fairly high price, but that's just the beginning; our expensive review configuration proves how high the performance can go: two Intel Xeon Gold 5420+ processors, 256GB of memory, 4TB of storage, and an Nvidia RTX A5500 graphics card. The PX is hyper scalable, rack mountable, ISV certified, and can deliver nearly any professional performance tier you're looking for.
Top-end professionals: If you're shopping for models with an incredibly high power ceiling and a wide range of customization options, then you need to consider the Thinkstation PX. However, you don't have to outfit an all-powerful model, and you can easily find alternatives for more modest systems. Component scaling can get quite expensive, so only buy this much power if you really need it.
Best Desktop Workstation for CPU Muscle (AMD Threadripper Pro)
Falcon Northwest Talon (2024, Threadripper Pro)
- Blazing performance
- Highly customizable
- Top-notch quality
- Relatively quiet operation
- Three-year warranty
- Price scales quickly with upgrades
Major manufacturers like Dell, HP, and Lenovo loom large in the workstation space. But Falcon Northwest has made blazing-fast PCs for years—and the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro-based Talon makes a compelling case for swimming against the Intel tide. Our review configuration's 64-core processor, 256GB of memory, and Nvidia RTX 6000 GPU topped the charts in our benchmark testing. All workstations in this tier are hyper expensive, but the Talon costs significantly less than the nearest competitor, despite the class-leading speed and quality build. Coming from a boutique vendor, that's quite a surprise. The Talon runs quietly, comes with a three-year warranty, and is a really well put-together system.
Pros who need processor power above all else: If you're a data or media professional who needs maximum multicore muscle (and prefers an AMD Threadripper Pro chip), you should seriously consider this machine. The Talon is designed for users who need maximum processing power from a single CPU, with applications optimized to make the most of it. (Not all multi-threaded apps can leverage 64 or more cores.) Sure, it's pricey, but it's a more affordable way to approach this level of speed, compared with some alternatives.
- Powerful Ryzen AI Max+ processor
- Enough memory for local-model AI development
- Compact and mountable
- Plentiful connectivity for its size
- Fans can get loud under load
- Memory, while generously apportioned, is not upgradable
Plenty of desktop workstations prioritize expandability and upgradability, but others focus on compact, space-saving designs. HP's Z2 Mini G1a delivers awesome performance and impressive connectivity in a small, mountable design. Despite the fact that it can hide under a desk or behind a monitor with an optional VESA mount, our Z2 Mini unit accommodates a blazing-fast AMD Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 395 processor and 128GB of memory that combine for potent graphics potential. It's fast, well-equipped, and not outrageously priced.
Space-strapped pros: If you're a demanding office professional, you'll love the Z2 Mini's performance, connectivity, and independent software vendor (ISV) certifications. Those big pluses—the kind you'd expect from a larger machine—make it a smart choice for 2D and light 3D design and CGI rendering, as well as video editing, dataset analysis, and scientific and engineering apps.
Editors and developers: With its versatile processor and capacity for 64GB of memory and 8TB of storage, this PC is ready for your media and AI workloads. Much of its 128GB of memory is addressable by the GPU for graphics workloads, making it well-suited to AI development and graphics-driven tasks.
- M5 Ultra CPU delivers dominant single- and multi-core performance
- Massive memory options and huge bandwidth are ideal for local AI
- Cutting-edge connectivity includes Thunderbolt 5, Wi-Fi 7, and 10Gbps Ethernet
- Compact, familiar footprint
- On-device Apple Intelligence provides fast, private AI tools out of the box
- Upgrade options push pricing to new highs
- Graphics performance trails flagship discrete Nvidia GPUs
- No ISV certification for engineering and medical apps
Apple's M-series processors have only become more impressive since the first generation of Apple's homebrew silicon, particularly at the top tier—like the 2026 Mac Studio's blistering M5 Ultra workstation-grade chip. (M4 chips never saw an Ultra-tier option; the previous Ultra was the M3 Ultra.) The new quad-die design and other pep-ups make this brute-force processor a dream chip for content creators and the AI cognoscenti.
As with all serious workstations, our model is expensive, but Apple's silicon is worth it if you can work outside the Windows ecosystem. Even at just 7.7 inches square and 3.7 inches high, our test unit crammed in a colossal 36 processing cores, 80 graphics cores, 256GB of memory, and 4TB of solid-state storage. Needless to say, it also delivered extremely fast, high-end performance in testing.
AI developers: The Mac mini (to an extent) and the Mac Studio (for certain!) have developed a niche among AI pros for the machines' use of unified memory. The Studio's superior memory bandwidth lends itself well to model work.
Demanding macOS pros: If you need a machine to handle high-level pro jobs, this is the go-to option for macOS. The M3 Ultra Studio screams through both processing- and graphics-intensive apps and benchmarks, keeping Apple relevant in the workstation market. And, while expensive on its own, the unit proves competitively priced among workstations in this tier.
The Best Desktop Workstations for 2026 Compare Specs
How to Choose the Right Workstation Processor
The central processing unit (CPU) is the powerhouse of any computer—and for a workstation, you're going to need maximum oomph to power through complex workloads. Some workstations even come packed with more than one CPU. To estimate a CPU's processing power, reference its core and supported-thread counts relative to others in the same processor family. (You'll need to look at actual testing to compare outside the family and/or between chip makers.)
The least powerful CPUs you'll find in a workstation these days tend to have 12 to 16 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, for long-running tasks like video encoding, though a processor with fewer cores and a higher clock speed or operating frequency (measured in gigahertz or GHz) may be more responsive for general use.
Today's "true" workstation-CPU families are the Intel Xeon and AMD Ryzen Threadripper and Threadripper Pro lines, which top out at 96 cores. The Threadripper has carved out its own niche by delivering more cores and threads per dollar than Xeons. Intel has responded on price, but the value edge still lies with AMD when "more cores" is the criterion.
The chips' traditional weak point was that they were harder to find in workstations from major vendors such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo, where Intel had long been the dominant choice. That has changed, though, as the 2020s have rolled on. Lenovo was the first to adopt the workstation-minded Threadripper Pro line in a prebuild, and since then, we've seen Threadripper Pro systems from other manufacturers, including a couple in our current selections.
For high-demand users, these chips are as popular as ever, and AMD launched new Threadripper Pro and consumer-grade Threadripper chips in 2025. At Computex 2025, AMD announced a Zen 5-based Threadripper 9000 Series and Threadripper Pro 9000 WX Series. We reviewed the Threadripper 9970X and the Threadripper 9980X, which don't top out with as much power as the Pro line, but still pack up to 64 cores and deliver blistering workstation-level processing. (The Threadripper Pro 9000 WX chips run up to 96 cores and 192 threads in the top 9995WX model.)
For Intel, in the high-performance tier, we currently see its 5000- and 6000-series Xeon processors. Apple runs its own M-series silicon in its Mac systems, usually in the Max and Ultra tiers for workstations, such as the M4 Max and new-in-2026 M5 Ultra. Below that, it's not uncommon to see Intel Core, as well as AMD Ryzen (non-Threadripper) chips, sold in entry-level workstations. Intel also launched a separate AI-focused Core Ultra line of processors on mobile and desktop, but these are unlikely to be players in desktop workstations for the time being.
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, and they and their platforms are built to durability tolerances to run 24/7. That said, you might have reasons besides sheer performance to choose a workstation CPU.
For one, you'll get 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.
Workstation CPUs also come with staggeringly high memory ceilings. Most consumer desktop platforms typically support anywhere from 8GB to 128GB of memory. That may sound like a lot compared with 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 often necessary as complements in compute scenarios (AI, data science, content work) that require extraordinary amounts of memory. In today's market, with skyrocketing RAM prices driven by demand from data center giants, competing in the workstation market can be quite costly. Similarly, workstation CPUs typically support more PCI Express lanes, a useful specification if you need to connect many high-speed devices (such as multiple graphics cards for GPU-based computing and PCI Express-based solid-state storage arrays).
Meanwhile, only workstations will support multiple CPUs; the highest-end models can handle two processors. Still, you probably don't need to go there, unless 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. (And your software can address all those cores spread across more than one chip.)
A workstation CPU is the only choice if you need the advantages described above. A non-workstation CPU will otherwise provide 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 more graphically intense the operation, the more powerful a GPU you'll need.
Lower-end workstations may contain gaming-class Nvidia GeForce RTX and AMD Radeon RX GPUs, which can run professional apps from Autodesk and Adobe but may not be best-suited for the job. That's where the graphics vendors' professional-grade silicon comes in—processors like the Radeon Pro for AMD and RTX A-series (formerly Quadro) or the newest RTX Blackwell series for Nvidia.
These cards may not seem all that different from their gaming cousins in appearance or general specifications, but there's a marked difference in software and driver support. The drivers that accompany professional GPUs are exhaustively tested for compatibility, stability, and performance in specialized professional apps. The workstation-grade cards usually cost a lot more, too.
This is where independent software vendor (ISV) certifications come into play. Most major workstation vendors will advertise ISV certification for specific apps such as Autodesk's AutoCAD and Maya or Dassault Systèmes' SolidWorks. This guarantees that the workstation is optimized and will work properly for a given program.
However, don't dismiss a model just because it doesn't carry an ISV certification or the certification doesn't specify the app you're using. Chances are, the software will work fine. Then again, if you're in a line of work where guarantees are required, and you want an ironclad, up-front promise that the system will run a given application "just so," then you'll need to look for that ISV seal of approval.
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 Ada or Blackwell RTX GPUs. The driver doesn't provide guaranteed compatibility like an ISV certification, but it's tested against creative software from popular vendors. (You can find a list of apps 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 on-screen models and wireframes. And AI work with GPUs that leverage on-card memory to handle giant models can benefit from elite pro cards that have 32GB or more of memory. (Indeed, that's why the GeForce RTX 5090 is in such demand and so inflated in price these days.)
It's common for workstations to support multiple GPUs, but be cautious: A second graphics card won't have much (if any) effect on performance if the 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 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 provide, at 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 useful in specialized scenarios.
One of these, the U.2 interface SSD, is typically the size of a traditional 2.5-inch hard drive and provides higher capacities than M.2 drives, since it offers more real estate for housing memory chips. Most U.2 drives use the PCI Express bus for data transfer, but the interface can also be used for SATA and SAS drives. The latter—which stands for Serial Attached SCSI, another storage interface—typically appears in data-center or enterprise scenarios that require maximum uptime and reliability. 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 sold in high-end workstations is a PCI Express solid-state drive that plugs into a full-size PCI Express expansion slot on the motherboard; it looks something like a low-profile graphics card. These drives serve up 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—which is useful when the workstation's motherboard doesn't have enough M.2 slots of its own.
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, if you need locked-up or off-site backups, or if you need to transport your data to another computer. Hot-swapping can also allow you to replace a failed drive in a RAID array without downtime.
So, which interfaces and storage formats are best? The answer 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 versus HDD: What's the Difference? article for a rundown.)
The operating system, however, will be installed on a boot 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 PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 bus types for maximum throughput.
Everything discussed so far in this section involves internal storage. If it is important to be able to detach or take your storage with you quickly, Intel-based workstations typically include the option for add-in cards with one or more Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 5 ports. The Thunderbolt interface supports up to 40Gbps (or four lanes) of bidirectional 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) or kicked-up onboard ports that provide high-speed Ethernet connections up to 10Gbps, with the usual varieties 2.5Gbps, 5Gbps, or 10Gbps. (Typical built-in Ethernet connections 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 bump 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, you'll want the ability to expand to 256GB later. Storage limits aren't quite as hard and fast, but you'll still want to ensure the workstation can handle your future storage needs, internally or externally.
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.
The GPU (or GPUs) in most workstations should be upgradable, provided they come in 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; if you add a more powerful GPU, you might need to upgrade your power supply as well.
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, depending on your workflow, you may need nonstandard or uncommon ports. Older or specialized equipment may still require serial or PS/2 connectors, while other workflows may call for video input. Higher-end workstations usually support a variety of add-in cards to provide functionality like this. You can usually add them after purchase, but verify that with the workstation maker.
The Thunderbolt ports mentioned above are ideal for more than just connecting external high-speed storage arrays. Their high bandwidth enables connection to 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. If your apps are cross-platform, keep cost in mind. Cheap macOS workstations don't exist, 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, workstation vendors often include 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: Microsoft provides an upgraded and Xeon-optimized version of Windows 11—Windows 11 Pro for Workstations—that incorporates many features found in Windows Server operating systems. And that carries a higher price. So, unless you really need the OS, save your cash and get a regular Win 11 Pro license instead.
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 provided 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 in 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.
What Business and Security Considerations Matter With Workstations?
Business and enterprise workstation buyers should remember that they have a heightened need for remote management support and overall 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 alternatives for its mainstream and workstation-class Ryzen chips are Ryzen Pro and Threadripper Pro, respectively.
True workstations are designed for around-the-clock operation under stressful conditions. So, their internal components, especially the power supply and motherboard, are more robust than those of a normal desktop. They also have more advanced cooling systems, so the workstation can keep its temperatures under control during nonstop operation.
So remember: If long-running tasks are part of your workflow, don't settle for a regular consumer or business PC with some workstation components (as you often get 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 provide 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.
Adding accidental-damage coverage should be part of your budgeting; 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 on-site 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 Are the Best Places 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 and a clear line of communication for sales and after-sales support. If you're going through a retailer, verify that the workstation vendor honors any extended warranties or services.
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 provide ISV certifications—if those are required for your work—and they'll also serve up more comprehensive warranty and on-site support options.
When it comes to hardware, choose components that match your workflow, but don't overspend. For instance, you won't get any real benefit from buying pricey ECC memory when it's not needed. 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. That's especially true if you'll leave your workstation running around the clock, crunching data or media.
All told, your purchase should be a hybrid of your current and future needs. A workstation isn't an impulse buy, nor the kind of computer you'll buy often.
Ready to Buy the Right Workstation Desktop for You?
We've presented a breakdown of our favorite desktop workstations tested within the last year or two. They should help you start your shopping by allowing you to compare the shapes, sizes, and capacities available. Now, good luck, and get cracking.
