After you establish the list of tasks, software, peripherals, and connections
your workstations need to support, your next step is to create a profile
of the workstations that will fulfill those requirements. A complete system
profile includes all of the following information:
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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). |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 considerably more expensive. |
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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). |
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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. |
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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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Once you have a complete profile set up for each system you need to buy,
you're ready to work with a vendor to find the right system to meet your
needs. If you find that the system that matches your profile exceeds your
budget, go back and prioritize your requirements, decide what features
you can upgrade to later, and tweak the profile. However, always keep
your requirements firmly in mind so you don't end up with a system that
won't do the work you need it to do.
Tip: Don't be afraid to enlist the help of a good reseller when
you create your workstation profiles. Resellers are experienced at matching
systems to requirements, and can help you maximize your budget. To find
a certified HP reseller, follow the "U.S. Partner Locator" link at right.
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