HP Workstation Up For Intensive Computing

AMD's Opteron processors can simultaneously run 32-bit and 64-bit applications. While 64-bit applications aren't all that common just yet, they soon will be, especially as Intel releases its own 64-bit computing technology. As 64-bit computing becomes more mainstream, the xw9300 Workstation provides an ideal migration path to a 64-bit computing environment. The NVIDIA nForce Professional chipset allows for dual PCI Express x16 graphics, which enables users in fields from graphics design to engineering to corporate finance to easily run processor-intensive applications, view large models and display complex graphics without bogging down system resources.

The xw9300 Workstation is designed to meet intensive computing demands typical in fields such as the energy industry. Computationally demanding applications such as geophysical and reservoir data analysis are common in this market, demanding a powerful PC that easily can handle these applications. The xw9300 Workstation is also ideal for computer-aided engineering (CAE), scientific research, software development and 3-D animation.

The xw9300 Workstation supports two AMD Opteron 200 series processors (either 2.0GHz, 2.2GHz or 2.4GHz), dual NVIDIA Quadro PCI Express x16 graphic solutions and the NVIDIA nForce Professional media and communications processors. The system also will support up to 16 Gbytes of memory. The workstation has two IEEE 1394 FireWire ports (one in front and one in the rear) and four USB 2.0 ports (two in front and two in the rear). Multiple internal hard-drive bays can be used to add up to five hard drives for up to 1.5 Tbytes of storage. Special hard-drive rails dampen noise and reduce vibrations to help keep the system quiet. Fan speed also automatically adjusts depending on system needs and performance to decrease fan noise. The workstation can support up to three optical drives. It also supports both Windows XP Professional and Red Hat Linux WS3.0 (64-bit) operating systems.

The xw9300 has a base starting price of $1,899, but the price can increase drastically depending on configuration. The testing unit sent to the CRN Test Center contained two 2.4GHz processors, 2 Gbytes of memory, one 80-Gbyte 7,200-rpm Serial ATA drive, one 74-Gbyte 10,000-rpm Serial ATA drive and a combo DVD/CD-RW drive. As configured, the system cost $4,899.

It's obvious HP spent a substantial amount of time, money and energy on the case, which is quite attractive and of the highest quality available. The chassis is heavy, and metal was used in its fabrication instead of plastic. The metal side panels have a textured silver finish, and the side access panel has the smoothest operating latch CRN Test Center engineers have ever seen on a PC. The latch has a keylock built in to prevent unauthorized access to the internal components. The xw9300's motherboard features two PCI-Express X16 slots, one 66MHz PCI slot, two 100MHz PCI-X slots and one 133MHz PCI-X slot. It also features two CPU sockets and eight DIMM slots for the addition of more memory. Three external drive bays use spring-loaded latches to secure drives in place; no screws are required. The spring-loaded latches also make it simple to remove or replace drives or components loaded in the bays. A spring-loaded "card keeper" puts pressure on the expansion cards to hold them securely in their sockets.

HP's PartnerOne program is nearly three years old. There are three levels in the program. Platinum partners must have 15 HP-certified technical consultants on staff or generate $75 million in HP product revenue annually. Gold partners must employ five HP-certified technical consultants or generate $10 million in HP product revenue annually. HP Business Partners are not required to meet authorization or revenue requirements and are simply authorized to sell HP's line of products. Solution providers can reach HP's Elite partner status by meeting additional technical and revenue requirements.

Partners also have the option of joining one of HP's specialized PartnerOne networks, including the SMB Network, Public Sector Network or Diversity Network based on their market focus.

Gold and Platinum partners also receive additional rebates and MDF, a larger number of demonstration units and access to designated HP Partner Business Managers that meet with partners twice a year to create customized, joint business plans. Average reseller margins can vary greatly based on the products sold and the size of the deal.