The high-end space of desktop computers can occasionally have confusing terminology.
The line that separates a HEDT computer from something like a workstation could be blurry.
They’re both targeted to similar users, after all, and they’re both just as niche.
But what’s a HEDT computer exactly?
And what’s the difference between a HEDT and a workstation?
What Is a HEDT Computer?
HEDT is a short-hand term for “high-end desktop.”
They have more cores, high clock speeds, and high price tags.
They’re made for enthusiasts who want to get some work done rather than being aimed at enterprise purposes.
The Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition was the first chip to get the HEDT ball rolling.
Eventually, AMD also launched a HEDT line, dubbedThreadripper.
It initially went up to 16 cores, but over time, it got up to 64.
What’s the Difference Between HEDT Computers and Workstations?
The differences might seem subtle, and to be fair, they are.
As we mentioned before, HEDT CPUs are marketed toward enthusiasts.
In a way, HEDTs are home workstations that don’t need to be in an enterprise context.
On the other hand, a workstation also handles CPU-intensive tasks as HEDTs.
They also support more RAM, up to an octa-channel memory, whereas HEDT CPUs barely support quad-channel memory.
In short, HEDT CPUs are generally slimmed-down versions of workstation chips.
In oversimplified terms, HEDTs are home PCs with the guts of a workstation.
Should I Get a HEDT?
Right now, the HEDT space is struggling a bit.
It’s been some time since HEDT CPUs last graced the market.
The 64-core AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X was launched at a $4,000 MSRP.
But if you look for these chips on eBay, they’re anywhere between $5,000 to $8,000.
And that includes used CPUs.
There could be many reasons why this could be happening.
As for whether you should buy one, we wouldn’t say so.
However, it’s a market segment that seems to be dying off.
