Selecting workstations : Evaluate the options

• Architecture: Specify from the get-go if you are going to purchase an Intel, AMD, or RISC system. This decision will affect every other choice you make.
  
  Tip: If you haven't decided whether you want an Intel, AMD or a RISC system, read more about selecting the right architecture and operating system in the "help me choose" link at right.
  
• Processor type: Be very clear about the processor's family class for each workstation's needs. For example, on Intel systems can you can choose between a Pentium 4 and a Pentium Xeon processor. Both of these processor types have Intel’s Extended Memory 64 Technology capability enabling a user to use newer 64-bit operating systems. In addition, the HP xw9300 Workstation is based on AMD's Opteron 200 series processors delivering high performance, dual processing power in power efficient 64-bit computing. Processor type and quality can be crucial to supporting specific work tasks, so be sure to get the processor that user activities call for or software applications recommend.
  
• Processor speed: Come up with a range of processor speeds that will meet your needs. For example, if you want a Pentium 4 class of Intel processor, you can select a speed of 2.8 to 3.8 GHz. If you have a range of speeds, you have a bit more flexibility when you shop. However, be sure the low end of your range is really acceptable or your final configuration may fail to meet your needs.
  
• Memory (RAM): Once again, come up with a range of memory that will meet your needs. In general, do not purchase a new workstation with less than 256 MB of RAM; chances are that most workstation activities will require at least 512 MB. Also, consider buying a system that accommodates more RAM than you plan to buy now, because RAM is often an easy and inexpensive future upgrade.
  
• Hard drive storage space: Purchase the largest hard drives you can afford -- you can never have enough drive space. Inevitably, the amount of space you consider sufficient now will be inadequate in less than a year. In most cases, a single hard drive is sufficient; when possible, however, buy a system that has room for additional hard drives so you can upgrade later.
  
• Motherboard: Because the motherboard is the core or foundation of a computer system, you need one with sufficient bus speed (800 MHz or greater), maximum RAM support (at least 2 GB), and sufficient external and internal connection ports. Internally, you want to have at least two EIDE ports and four PCI slots. If you've elected to use SCSI instead of EIDE hard drives, you may be able to select a motherboard with a built-in SCSI controller. If you have less than four PCI slots, you may quickly run out of expansion room in systems that need to support a range of capabilities (such as network connectivity, tape backup, and video editing).
  
• Number of internal and external drive bays: A workstation's case determines how may internal hard drives and external removable media drives you can install now and in the future. For most desktop workstations, do not select cases that allow for fewer than two internal hard drives and three external removable media drive bays.
  
• Number and types of external connection ports: There are many common external connection port types, including serial, parallel, USB, Firewire, and PS/2. Based on what peripherals you will be connecting to each system, be sure sufficient ports are present. Don't forget to include your keyboard and mouse when you are enumerating peripherals.
  
• Video requirements: You need to match the capabilities of your monitor with that of your system's video card. Almost all systems use PCI-Express-based video cards. The PCI Express (x16) graphics interface provides four times the total peak bandwidth and two times the unidirectional bandwidth of AGP graphics. When you select a video card, be sure it offers resolution and color depth capabilities that complement your monitor. In most cases, if the video card is capable of displaying a resolution of 1280 x 1024 and 32-bit color, it will be more than sufficient for most business-based applications. However, if your users' tasks include video editing, modeling, graphic design, or other image-intensive activities, double-check their video card requirements before you make a purchase.
  
• CD/DVD read and write capabilities: The ability to play back CDs and DVDs is essential in most environments, and the ability to record CDs and DVDs is becoming a common office task. If your workstations need to support both CD playback and recording, choose a CD-RW device that can burn CD-RW and CDR media as well as play back any type of CD. An alternative to a CD writer is a DVD burner, which can typically read and write to DVDs as well as CDs. However, keep in mind that devices with the ability to burn a DVD, while supporting media two to 10 times larger than a CD, are considerable more expensive.
  
• Network connectivity: Be sure to select a network interface with the correct connection port type and support for your network's communication speed (10, 100, or 1000 Mbps).
  
• Keyboard and mouse: Even if you attach no other peripherals to your workstations, you will need a mouse and keyboard. Newer designs are ergonomic and reduce staff fatigue, so consider form as well as function when you add these peripherals to your list.
  
• Additional peripherals: While all of the items on the checklist thus far are common to most workstations, the peripherals your staff needs may range from video editing tools to scanners and label printers. Be sure to review your laundry list of items your workstations need to support, then add the appropriate peripherals to each workstation profile.

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