Desktops & Workstations buying guide

Find the right desktop or workstation »  Customize a desktop recommendation for me

»	Do I need a desktop or a workstation?
Learn about the differences between a desktop and a workstation.

Desktops »  Help me choose a desktop   Get a customized recommendation based on your needs »  Research products specifications »  Features to look for		Workstations »  Step-by-step selection guide »  Research products specifications »  Features to look for

	Choose a desktop or workstation
The chart below provides basic information to help you zero in on the HP desktop or workstation that best meets your needs. To learn more about a specific product, click on the product name.

» Desktops

» Workstations

All HP workstations include the following features: » Performance tuning framework • Vibration damping and quiet fan technology • 3-year standard warranty Features HP xw4400 Workstation HP xw6400 Workstation HP xw8400 Workstation Operating system options • Genuine Windows® XP 32-bit Edition SP2 • Genuine Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition • Window Vista Capable • Red Hat Enterprise Linux™ WS 3 3.0 • Linux Installation Kit • Genuine Windows® XP 32-bit Edition SP2 • Genuine Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition • Window Vista Capable • Red Hat Enterprise Linux™ WS 3 3.0 • Linux Installation Kit • Genuine Windows® XP 32-bit Edition SP2 • Genuine Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition • Window Vista Capable • Red Hat Enterprise Linux™ WS 3 3.0 • Linux Installation Kit Processor options Single or Dual-core: • Intel Pentium Dual core: • Intel Xeon Dual core: • Intel Xeon Available form factors • Convertible (deskside or desktop) • Rackable • Rackable minitower • Rackable minitower Security level High High High Graphics High High High

Do I need a desktop or a workstation?

A desktop computer is an independent personal computer that is made especially for use on a desk in an office or home. Desktop PCs are currently the most affordable and most common computers, and are best suited to users running fairly standard applications. A workstation is essentially a desktop computer, but with higher performance capability than most desktop PCs. Workstations are primarily used by one person at a time, but other users can remotely connect to a workstation when necessary. Workstations tend to be better suited to users running intense applications that require greater graphics capability, processing power and multitasking ability.

Read more about making that big decision.
Related links
»	Personal computing expertise center
»	Selecting workstations — How-to guide

*Internet Price is the base price for online purchases direct from HP Canada. Product currently not sold online may be purchased from a HP authorized retailer. In this case, Internet Price is a suggested resale price. Your retailer may sell for less.


Certain Windows Vista product features require advanced or additional hardware. See www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/hardwarereqs.mspx and www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/capable.mspx for details. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor can help you determine which features of Windows Vista will run on your computer. To download the tool, visit www.windowsvista.com/upgradeadvisor.