I have a choice between a cheap desktop pc or workstation. The only thing is I don't know which to choose.

desktop: 400mhz with 128 ram
workstation: 500mhz with 256 ram & scsi hdd

Basically I want to buy one of them as a cheap secondary computer for general use/spare. My brother told me I should get the 400mhz since I'm using it for just regular stuff & that the workstation isn't really designed for that. My friend says that it doesn't matter which one I get. I'd like the workstation cause it's more powerful of course but I don't want to get a computer that's set for completely different uses than my intentions.
So.............. which is the better choice? Thank you for your time. :-)

Hello Owbaer and welcome to PCHF

Well the one first thing you have to look at is the price difference?

Is it a big difference, can you afford it e.t.c

Next you have to think about what you will be using the computer for, both computers will work fine for regular PC stuff.

I would personally go for the "workstation" simply because it has the extra memory and bigger CPU but saying that you need to look a little bit deeper into this.

The workstation comes with a SCSI hard drive which means that you won't be able to swap hard drives between your two computers (if you ever wanted to) without purchasing other adapters / connectors.

If you are simply going to use it for general work e.g Internet / Office then they will both do a good job. The workstation would do a slightly quicker job.


I am sure other people would have opinions on this,