Which workstation do I need for data science?
Data science is a mix of loading data, cleaning it, exploring it and training models. A laptop slows down once datasets reach a few gigabytes. A workstation keeps the whole dataset in memory and uses the GPU to speed up the slow steps.
Last checked 13 Oct 2026
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RAM comes first
Most tools load the whole dataset into memory, then make copies while they work. As a rough guide, have at least two to three times your largest dataset in RAM.
| Largest dataset | Suggested RAM |
|---|---|
| Up to 10 GB | 32 to 64 GB |
| 10 to 50 GB | 128 GB |
| 50 to 150 GB | 256 GB or more |
When a GPU helps
- Deep learning: training neural networks is much faster on an NVIDIA GPU.
- Data frames: GPU libraries such as NVIDIA RAPIDS can speed up pandas-style work on large tables.
- Classic machine learning: many tools (for example XGBoost) can train on a GPU.
If you only use spreadsheets and small tables, spend more on RAM and CPU cores instead.
Workstations in our catalogue
Featured machines. Prices, stock and lead times are live.
- Unified memory: 48 / 64 / 128 GB
- GPU: 40-core GPU with Neural Accelerators
- Chip: Apple M5 Max — 18-core CPU (6 super + 12 performance cores)
- Unified memory: 96 / 256 GB (512 GB: see pre-order)
- GPU: 64- or 80-core GPU with Neural Accelerators
- Chip: Apple M5 Ultra — 30- or 36-core CPU
- Platform: AMD WRX90
- CPU socket: sTR5
- GPUs: Up to 4× dual-slot NVIDIA RTX PRO Blackwell
- Warranty: 3-year depot
- CPU options: Threadripper PRO 7985WX or 9985WX (64 cores, 350 W)
- Power: 2500 W 80 PLUS Platinum
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X (16 cores)
- GPU: 1× NVIDIA GPU
- Form factor: Mid tower
- CPU: AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9975WX (32 cores)
- Power: Dual 1600 W
- GPUs: 2× NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Workstation Edition
Common questions
How many CPU cores do I need?
For most data science, 16 or more cores is plenty. More cores help if you run many jobs at once or use tools that spread work across cores.
Are your prices shown with VAT?
Yes. Every price is shown without VAT and with VAT, and there are no hidden fees.
How long will it take to arrive?
Each product shows its real lead time from our stock data. The advisor uses the same data and won't guess a date.
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