The KillaRad Workstation XE is a pro's upgrade dream come true.  Based on Intel's X58 platform, it features Xeon 3500 Series quad-core processors, or the all new Xeon W3690 six core processor.  You get the latest technological innovations, and based on the Intel Core i7 generation of desktop processors, it catapults over the previous Intel Core 2 Quad generation.  In the Xeon 3500 Series each of the four cores in the processor operate like two cores.  The result is an outstanding virtual eight core processor.  For the new Xeon 3690, its six cores allow it to operate as a twelve core processor for exceptional capability in a single workstation tower.  For system memory the X58 brings new triple channel DDR3 memory.  The Workstation XE pays off in the quick response that it delivers.  When paired with the latest software that takes advantage of a multi-core processor and/or a modern GPU, this system is ready to take what you can throw at it.

The new Intel Xeons feature Intel Turbo Boost Technology.  In certain circumstances the processor can dynamically turn off some cores and run the other cores at faster frequencies, resulting in better performance.  During idling the processor will throttle down the speed to conserve energy.

For graphics, the default choice starts you off with nVIDIA's leader in mid-range graphics, the GeForce GT 430 with 1 GigaByte of memory.  Other options are available for state of the art nVIDIA GeForce Fermi generation GPUs, or nVIDIA Quadro professional workstation graphics cards.  The Quadro GPU chips are tweaked for the specific needs of professional applications, and include unique graphics drivers for breakthrough performance.  Quadro GPUs are certified with the following companies: Dassault Systemes, Adobe, Autodesk, Discreet, SoftImage, Alias, NewTek, UniGraphics, Parametric Technology, Magic Earth, Ansys, Fluent, Co|Create, Schlumberger, MSC Software, SolidWorks, EDS, Bently, and ESRI among others.

nVIDIA GPUs accelerate several applications in Adobe's latest Creative Suite 5.5, including: Adobe Photoshop CS5, Bridge CS5, Premiere Pro CS5, After Effects CS5, and Acrobat 9.  Noteworthy is that currently even with multiple GPU configurations, Adobe Creative Suite 5 only utilizes a single GPU for doing the actual acceleration.

By default the Workstation XE includes Windows 7 Professional, bringing you evolved Windows operating system technology with new enhancements designed to improve how you use your computer.  It builds on Windows Vista's newer features like built-in quick system-wide searching right on the Start Menu, and the slick Aero 3D interface.  Windows 7 Professional includes all of the features of Windows 7 Home Premium, including Media Center, and adds among other features, Windows XP Mode.  This provides a new level of compatibility for all of the Windows software you may have invested in over the years, and it even enables the use of USB devices that worked in XP, but not in Vista.

Some IT professionals would suggest sticking with a previous version of Windows, such as Windows XP or Windows Vista, rather than purchasing a new PC with Windows 7.  Aside from the fact that Windows XP Mode was designed to deflect those concerns you still have downgrade rights to the corresponding version of Windows Vista, or Windows XP Professional.  That means you can reformat the hard drive and install Windows Vista or Windows XP Professional on your own (or have an IT guy do it), provided that you have a licensed copy lying around.

A more important issue on compatibility however is that Windows 7 is very much like a rewritten, optimized, and improved version of Windows Vista.  It's more than a service pack.  Additionally Windows 7 has been in very publicized testing for months and it has been available for evaluation by IT pro's for a month or two prior to its release.  Although sure, certain Vista drivers may not work on Windows 7, Microsoft has really put forth the effort to ensure that this is their best operating system release ever.  Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 are based on the same codebase, meaning world-class reliability is built-in.

Default options for this PC include a Logitech USB keyboard and a Logitech LX3 USB mouse.

For intense workstation computing requirements KillaRad recommends the Workstation XE with Intel Xeon 3500 Series processors.  The Workstation XE differs in that it uses Intel's "workstation-class" processor which is fabricated in a way to allow for the processor to operate error-free at 100% CPU utilization for days on end, utilizing ECC server-grade memory.  The Intel Core i7 processor on the other hand, while sturdy and reliable, is not expected to hold up to the same precise level of extreme durability, despite the fact that it blazes through lengthy gaming sessions in stride.  For applications where you know you're waiting on your PC for the better part of an hour, or several hours, to complete a computationally intense task, like 3D modeling, CAD, animatics, and 4K digital film editing, the Workstation XE will crack a smile.