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May/June 2021

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WORKSTATIONS www.postmagazine.com 25 POST MAY/JUNE 2021 1Gbps Ethernet port in the power adapter, allowing for a less cluttered desktop. Apple began taking iMac orders on April 30th and was expected to begin deliveries to customers in the second half of May. iMac with the seven-core GPU starts at $1,299. It features an eight-core CPU, 8GB of unified memory, 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt ports, Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse. The iMac with an eight-core GPU starts at $1,499 and features an eight-core CPU, 8GB of unified memory, 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt ports, two addi- tional USB 3 ports, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, Magic Mouse and Ethernet. BOXX TECHNOLOGIES Boxx Technologies (www.boxx.com), which specializes in high-performance computer workstations, rendering systems and servers, introduced the Apexx Everest back in March, making it one of the first manufacturers to ship systems equipped with the powerful new AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro processor. The Apexx Everest workstation features the 64-core AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 3000WX Series processor, which is AMD's most versatile desktop platform to date. With support for up to 128 PCIe lanes and a boost GHz of 4.2, AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro gives Apexx Everest a high-level of multi-processing power for demanding 3D content creation workflows. Whether rendering complex 3D scenes, powering simulation or quickly rebuilding assemblies, AMD's 64-core Ryzen Threadripper Pro enables Apexx Everest users to experience full spec- trum compute capability rivaling competing dual-socket systems. The Boxx workstation also supports up to four professional-grade GPUs: AMD Radeon Pro or Nvidia RTX (including Ampere, Nvidia's 2nd generation RTX architecture). Additional features include multiple hard drive options, up to 2TB of system memory and IPMI for remote system management. The Apexx Everest is highly configurable and delivers a high level of performance for multi-threaded applications, such as Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya and Revit, as well as Avid, Adobe CC, DaVinci Resolve, Cinema 4D and V-Ray. At the GTC show back in April, Boxx highlighted a number of product lines, including Flexx. A multi-node, data center-ready system, Flexx is capable of simultaneously supporting multiple types of compute nodes, providing the high- est application performance for professional content creators who are working on-site or remotely. Compute nodes include Nvidia Virtual Workstation nodes that can be accessed from any connected device, delivering performance previously available only in desk- side workstations, as well as multi- CPU render nodes and multi-GPU workstation or render nodes. Flexx systems are recommended for Autodesk Revit, Maya, 3ds Max and Arnold, as well as Solidworks Simulation & Visualize, Chaos V-Ray and other applications. DELL Matt Allard, media & entertainment strategist, client solutions for Dell, says the company's recent update to its Precision line of towers and mobile workstations is significantly more than just a "mid-life bump". For example, the company's mobile line features redesigned interiors, as well as updated CPUs and GPUs. Allard says the Precision 3650 desk-side workstation is one of the most exciting new releases. The mini tower is the company's first to support PCIe generation 4 graphics, bringing high performance and increased bandwidth for pros working on 6K or 8K projects, or those performing complex composites. "This is a big deal," says Allard. "This machine can support up to 350W of graphics power, which means we can put a dual-height, full-length card. It's a pretty amazing machine. It supports the latest generation of Intel Core and Xeon processors." The 3650 also has another generation 4 PCIe slot for storage. "We've bumped the memory speed on this, as well, to 3200MHz," he contin- ues, adding, "up to 128GB of RAM, which really covers a ton of workflows." This is Dell's first machine to supports the option for Thunderbolt 4. Dell also released the Precision 3450, a small form factor tower workstation for the entry-level creator who is working in the HD video space. The 3450 has certifications and pro-level graphics, high-speed memory and the configurabili- ty Dell's Precision line is known for. In the mobile workstation space, the Precision 3561 features Thunderbolt 4 and improvements to its display, which goes to 4K and offers 100 percent RGB coverage. The 3561 can be used for color-critical work, and its ComfortView Plus feature emits lower levels of blue light, making it easier on the eyes while not reducing color gamut or color accuracy. The latest model also gets a larger touch pad. The 15-inch Precision 5560 receives extensive upgrades from its predecessor, the 5550. This includes next generation CPUs, and a move to PCIe generation 4 graphics, with an option for RTX graphics. Allard says the 5560 is well suited for AI and ray tracing, while still maintaining a thin and light profile that weights under 4lbs. The InfinityEdge screen is also improved, with almost no bezel around the edge. The 5560 also gets high-speed memory, 64GB of RAM and generation 4 M.2 drives, as well as two Thunderbolt 4 ports. Velocity Micro's (www.velocitymicro.com) ProMagix HD150 AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro workstation has up to 64 physical cores, 128 processing threads, 128 PCIe gen 4 lanes, and up to 2TB of RAM. The system is a powerful single socket desktop workstation that's well suited for heavily- threaded, CPU-intensive applications, such as rendering or VFX.

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