14th Gen Intel Core desktop workstations cover many bases for CAD and visualisation workflows.
Dell has updated its entry-level desktop workstation line-up with the launch of the Precision 3280 CFF (compact form factor) and Pecision 3680 Tower. Both workstations feature 14th Gen Intel Core Processors and come with a choice of Nvidia RTX GPUs.
The Dell Precision 3280 CFF is billed as the world’s smallest workstation that supports Tensor core GPUs, referring to the optional Nvidia RTX 2000 Ada Generation or Nvidia RTX 4000 SFF Ada Generation (read our review). Both GPUs are well suited to CAD and visualisation workflows in applications including Enscape, Twinmotion and V-Ray. The machine can also be configured with CAD-focused GPUs, including the Nvidia T1000 and AMD Radeon Pro W6400.
The compact chassis is designed for flexibility. It can be set on a desk, mounted on the back of a monitor, or kept in the datacentre or server room, for access over a 1:1 connection. Seven units can be stored in a 5U rack space.
The Dell Precision 3280 CFF can support a range of 14th Gen Intel Core CPUs up to 65W, but not the top-end 125W models. Dell’s Charles Walker explains the rationale behind this decision. “We could have tried to put a 125W CPU in this system and underrun it, so not actually run it at the full 125W. Instead, we chose to take that 65W CPU, drive it at 80W and get very close to what the customer could have gotten if they had paid for the more expensive CPU.”
Other features include up to 64 GB of DDR5 memory and 8TB of storage.
The Dell Precision 3680 Tower is a more traditional desktop workstation offering more expandability, and higher spec processors. It comes in at 373 x 173 x 420mm.
The Dell Precision 3680 Tower supports a wide range of 14th Gen Intel Core CPUs, up to the 125W Intel Core i9-14900K vPro. According to Dell, this can be run up to 253W for extended periods and rather than having a limited Turbo experience of 15 to 30 seconds, the Turbo is now unlimited. This sustained performance is in part due to a new ‘Premium Cooling Solution’ featuring an air shroud and enhanced side panel venting, which is designed to keep the system cool and quiet.
The Dell Precision 3680 Tower can also support more powerful GPUs, up to the Nvidia RTX 6000 Ada Generation. Other specs include support for up to 128 GB of DDR5 memory, 28 TB of total storage with up to three M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe SSDs on the motherboard and up to three 3.5-inch SATA HDDs. The machine also supports native 1GbE Ethernet, WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
Both machines also feature enhanced security with hardware and firmware features to combat ‘modern cyberattacks’. Security will be enhanced further in April 2024 with a new built-in vulnerability detection feature, designed to help IT further mitigate the growing risk of device-level attacks. The system will scan for publicly reported security flaws and provide recommendations for remediation.
