True Power Lies Beneath the Surface – Introducing the Dell Precision T1600 Workstation

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As part of Dell's largest business client computing launch in history today, Dell introduced the new entry-level desktop workstation the Dell Precision T1600. Integrating workstation performance with desktop price, the Dell Precision T1600 melds professional grade processors and graphics with ISV certification in a mini-tower toolless chassis.

The Dell Precision T1600 is the follow-on to the T1500, which was Dell's first entry-level desktop workstation certified with AutoCAD and the first in the industry. Competitors soon followed suit and Lenovo launched the E20 and HP launched the HPZ200. Based on extensive customer feedback, Dell has now enhanced the already powerful T1500 by adding workstation-class processors, 13 new ISV certifications, a wider-range of professional discrete and integrated graphics and additional memory and storage options.

The T1600 is specifically designed for professionals who need higher performance from their desktop computer to use professional software to perform compute-intensive functions such as creative, engineering, or architectural design; web design and development; photo editing;  or finance. These professionals who typically work with CAD, CAM, CAE, DCC and instrument automation and control software will be thrilled to know the Dell Precision T1600 will be certified on their top software applications from Alibre, Altair, Bentley, Dassault Systemes, Google, MasterCAM, National Instruments, PTC and Siemens.  Dell invests hundreds of engineering man-hours and conducts rigorous testing to optimize the performance and reliability of these leading industry applications. The result is a fine-tuned machine running at peak performance bringing customers a level of confidence they trust and value.

In addition to new software application certifications, the Dell Precision T1600 enables users to work faster while using less power with the latest generation of powerful and flexible Intel Core or Intel Xeon processor options. Users can also boost productivity and design accuracy with workstation class graphics in the form of adaptable, integrated Intel® graphics and single or dual add-in graphics from AMD and NVIDIA.

Professional 2D graphics options include AMD FirePro 2270, NVIDIA Quadro NVS 300, and NVIDIA NVS 420 quad display graphics cards.  Users looking for entry-3D professional graphics can choose from AMD FirePro V4800 and NVIDIA Quadro 600 graphics cards and for the first time mid-range 3D graphics are available on the T1600 with the NVIDIA Quadro 2000 graphics card.  Also available as a value option is the newly introduced Intel HD Graphics 2000 in Core processors, and Intel HD Graphics P3000 in Xeon Processors.

Additional technology enhancements include expansive memory with four slots supporting up to 16G of ECC or 8G non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs for improved performance with large datasets.  ECC (error correcting code) memory, which is new to the T1600, helps reduce system crashes by automatically correcting errors that could be introduced by the hardware.

Although the T1600 packs more performance and power in the mini-tower, it is more environmentally friendly than its predecessor as it meets multiple environmental standards including ENERGY STAR 5.0, EPEAT Gold, RoHS, CECP, CEC in China, RoHS and WEEE in Europe; GS Mark in Germany; RoHS and Eco-label in South Korea; and RoHS, Energy Law, and Green PC in Japan. Other environmental standards include Dell Energy Smart settings and Dell Asset Recovery. The T1600 also now comes with two power supply options including one that is 85 percent efficient which meets EStar 5.0 standards.

Beyond the new hardware advancements, the T1600 comes with new services, support, security and management features to provide end users and IT organizations with peace of mind.  New services include optional Custom Factory Integration, which incorporates hardware, images, applications, peripherals and documents with a customer's system as it's built to help simplify and speed up deployment, while improving consistency and compatibility. Premium support service, ProSupport, is also available and features 24/7 direct telephone access to advanced-level technicians based in a customer's region to end downtime and resolve problems quickly. Customers can also leverage ProSupport's Collaborative Support feature for assistance with non-Dell hardware or software. New security and manageability features on the T1600 include Dell Data Protection security options and Intel vPro systems management today and self-encrypting drives coming soon.

We are excited about the new power and performance we were able to pack into this small package and know our customers will be pleased, especially since this workstation-class system comes at a desktop price. So creative, design and other engineering professionals looking for certified workstation performance without paying a premium, check out the T1600. We know you'll like what you see. 

About the Author: Greg Weir

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