How important is thin client hardware spec?

[andycoates]

Hey,

 

I'm currently looking around at the various Thin Client desktops and I'm wondering what impact the memory and processor speed have. A lot of the newer ones seem quite a big step up in specification, so was curious if there was a need for it.

 

TIA,

Andy.

[CyberNerd]

It is important if you want the client to run an o/s and host local applications. otherwise get a p1 and 16mb ram!.

 

We use atom 1.6Ghz with 2GB Ram. totally overspecced - but they are mini itx computers so we can add hdd and turn them into FAT clients if we need.

[andycoates]

Yeah the intention was to boot straight into a virtual server so nothing I can think of running locally. I guess the thought in the back of my mind was how CPU/memory intensive some of the remote client software can be (RDP or ICA).

 

Cheers!

[CyberNerd]

maybe if you have a lot of encryption it would be important, but IMO you should spend money on your network infrastructure instead.

[Axel]

ICA and RDP take very little CPU power, you can dredge up your oldest PC and it'll work just fine as a thin client.

 

For RDP and ICA most of the memory required is to maintain the screen, so the amount is a function of screen resolution and colour depth. (ie 7 Mb for 1920x1200 @ 24 bit colour)

 

The real question is, what operating system to use in the thin client, as this is where the hardware resources really make a difference.

 

A thin client based on XP will require a lot more hardware to run RDP/ICA at the same speed as a thin client running Linux, and the Linux thin client will in turn require a lot more hardware than a thin client that has no operating system and runs RDP/ICA direct from hardware...

[apaton]

Hey,

I'm currently looking around at the various Thin Client desktops and I'm wondering what impact the memory and processor speed have. A lot of the newer ones seem quite a big step up in specification, so was curious if there was a need for it.

 

Andy.

 

 

The spec is important when considering additional features such as USB redirection & Multi Media/CODEC enhancements.

 

Another alternative is Sun Ray's from Sun Microsystems. These are ultra thin units, no memory or CPU options. I have a Sun Ray 1 unit thats over 9 years old and delivers a Windows Vista desktop absolutely fine.

 

Andy