Technostica

There’s one glaring factual error in the article.
For Windows 10 self builds, Pro for Workstations is only required for high end workstations not for midrange such as the new Mac Pro.
W10 Pro for Workstations is needed for systems with more than 2 CPUs and over 2TB of RAM; it supports 4 CPUs and 6TB of RAM.
For single socket systems with up to 128GB you only require W10 Home and if you need more than that W10 Pro covers you for dual sockets and 2TB.
So for a self build you are looking at ~$100-150 for the O/S which is a small amount compared to the base price of $6,000 for the Mac Pro.
But it’s a bigger chunk when you consider the self build cost is in the $1,200-1,500 range, but it hardly dents the price differential between the two.
So the whole comparison between the cost of the $400 wheels and the not required W10 Pro for Workstations is bogus.
The issue with the wheels is if you are buying an entry level spec as it’s an extra ~7% which is not great.
Once you load up the spec the extra $400 just melts into the background.
W10 Pro for Workstations would be seen on systems typically costing $100K+ where its $300 cost is not worthy of mention.
It’s a matter of perspective and clearly the people that are disappointed with the Mac Pro are those that were hoping for a mid range or higher tower rather than what is on offer, a low to mid range workstation.