HP Z
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer workstations |
| Predecessor | HP xw desktop workstation lineup |
| Founded | March 2009 |
| Products | Professional workstation computers (desktop and mobile) |
| Owner | Hewlett-Packard (HP Inc.) |
HP Z represents a line of professional workstation computers created by Hewlett-Packard. Introduced in March 2009, this series succeeded the HP xw desktop workstation lineup. The range extended into mobile computing with the 2013 launch of the ZBook, which replaced HP's EliteBook W-series portable workstations. The Z series directly competes with offerings such as Dell's Precision, Lenovo's ThinkStation and ThinkPad P series, as well as Apple's Mac Pro and MacBook Pro.
Desktop workstations
| Position | Form Factor | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-levelTemplate:Br(Pentium Gold/Core i/Xeon 3000/E3/E/W-1000 series) | Tower | Z1 Entry Tower G5 | Z1 Entry Tower G6 | Z1 G8 | Z1 G9 | |||||||||||
| ConvertibleTemplate:BrMinitower | Z200 | Z210 | Z220 | Z230 | Z240 | |||||||||||
| Microtower/Tower | Z228 | Z238 | Z2 G4 | Z2 G5 | Z2 G8 | Z2 G9 | ||||||||||
| Small Form Factor | Z200 | Z210 | Z220 | Z230 | Z240 | |||||||||||
| Mini | Z2 Mini G3 | |||||||||||||||
| All-in-one | Z1 G1 | Z1 G2 | Z1 G3 | |||||||||||||
| Mid-rangeTemplate:Br(Core i X-series/Xeon W3000/5000/E5/W_2000) | Tower | Z400 | Z420 | Z440 | Z4 G4 | Z4 G5 | ||||||||||
| Rackmount | ZCentral 4R | |||||||||||||||
| High-endTemplate:Br(x1 or x2 Xeon 5000/E5/Scalable/W-3000) | Tower | Z600 | Z620 | Z640 | Z6 G4 | Z6 G5 | ||||||||||
| TopTemplate:Br(x1 or x2 Xeon 5000/E5/Scalable/W-3000) | Z800 | Z820 | Z840 | Z8 G4 | Z8 G5Template:BrZ8 Fury G5 | |||||||||||
First generation
In March 2009, HP released the Z800, Z600, and Z400 workstation models featuring Intel Nehalem-based Xeon CPUs along with a revamped chassis design. The entry-level HP Z200 was introduced at CES 2010. By March 2010, a small-form-factor version of the Z200 and an updated Intel Westmere Xeon variant were made available. The Z210, which succeeded the Z200, debuted in April 2011 equipped with Intel Sandy Bridge Xeon E3 processors. February 2012 saw the launch of the Z1 all-in-one workstation powered by Sandy Bridge E3 CPUs.
Second generation
The second generation included the announcement of the Z820, Z620, and Z420 workstations in March 2012, all utilizing Intel Sandy Bridge-EP Xeon E5 processors. The entry-level Z220 was refreshed in June 2012 with Ivy Bridge Xeon E3 v2 processors. Its successor, the Z230, arrived in July 2013 featuring Haswell-WS Xeon E3 v3 chips. In September 2013, HP upgraded the Z820, Z620, and Z420 models to Ivy Bridge Xeon E5 v2 processors. Additionally, at CES 2014, HP introduced the second-generation Z1 G2 all-in-one workstation with a 27-inch touchscreen display.
Third generation
Released in September 2014, the third-generation workstations included the Z840, Z640, and Z440 models, initially equipped with Intel Haswell Xeon E5 v3 processors and later upgraded to Broadwell processors in April 2016. The entry-level Z240 was introduced in September 2015, featuring Intel Skylake E3-1200 v5 CPUs, which were subsequently enhanced with Kaby Lake Xeon E3-1200 v6 processors. April 2016 saw the launch of the all-in-one Z1 G3 workstation, powered by Skylake processors. In November 2016, HP introduced the Z2 Mini G3, marking a milestone as the industry's first mini workstation.
Fourth generation
HP announced the fourth generation of workstations in September 2017 with the release of the Z8 G4, Z6 G4, and Z4 G4 models, all utilizing Intel Skylake first-generation Xeon Scalable or W-series processors. By April 2019, these were complemented by second-generation Cascade Lake processors. The entry-level Z2 G4 and Z2 Mini G4 were launched in July 2018, both driven by Intel Coffee Lake Xeon E-2100 series CPUs.
Fifth generation
In April 2023, HP refreshed its Z Workstation portfolio with the fifth-generation (G5) editions of the HP Z4, Z6, Z8, and Z8 Fury. The HP Z4 G5 supports single-socket Intel Xeon W-2400 Series processors ranging from 6 to 24 cores and can be configured with up to 512 GB of DDR5 memory. It accommodates two dual-slot GPUs such as the Nvidia RTX 6000 (48 GB), making it well-suited for multi-GPU visualization and rendering tasks. The HP Z6 G5 features a single-socket Intel Xeon W-3400 Series processor offering 12 to 36 cores, supports up to 1 TB of RAM—twice that of the Z4 G5—and allows for three double-width GPUs. Powered by dual fourth-generation Xeon Scalable processors (up to two 32-core CPUs), the HP Z8 G5 supports two double-width GPUs and up to 1 TB memory capacity. At the top tier, the HP Z8 Fury G5 accommodates the full range of Intel Xeon W-3400 processors, including the flagship 56-core Xeon w9-3495X. It offers up to twice the memory capacity of the Z6 and Z8 models and supports four double-width GPUs, targeting demanding workloads such as high-end GPU rendering, artificial intelligence, and simulation with enterprise-grade capabilities.
Mobile workstations
The HP ZBook series represents HP’s mobile workstation lineup, launched in September 2013 as a successor to the EliteBook W-series. This line has evolved through several generations focusing on delivering high performance, advanced graphics options, and portability.
First generation (2013–2014)
Launch date: September 10, 2013 Models offered:
- ZBook 14: The first Ultrabook-class workstation featuring a 14-inch screen with an optional touchscreen.
- ZBook 15: A 15.6-inch model available with high-resolution displays reaching up to 3200x1800 pixels.
- ZBook 17: A larger 17.3-inch workstation equipped with an HP DreamColor IPS panel.
Specifications:
- Processors: Fourth-generation Intel Haswell dual- and quad-core CPUs.
- Graphics: Certified NVIDIA Quadro and AMD FirePro professional GPUs.
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt version 1 and USB 3.0 ports.
- Design: Tool-less chassis enabling easy upgrades; compliant with MIL-STD 810G durability standards.
Update: In September 2014, HP refreshed this generation by releasing the ZBook 15 G2 and ZBook 17 G2 models featuring updated Haswell processors and enhanced graphics capabilities.
Second generation (2015)
Launch timeline: January and November of 2015 Models introduced:
- Early in the year: ZBook 14 G2 Ultrabook workstation.
- Also early: Thin-and-light ZBook 15u G2.
- In November: Expanded lineup including ZBook 15u G3, ZBook 15 G3, ZBook 17 G3, and Studio G3 models.
Key features:
- CPUs: Intel Skylake Core or Xeon E3-1500M v5 series processors.
- Graphics options: AMD FirePro and NVIDIA Quadro professional cards.
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt 3 supporting up to ten devices through HP’s proprietary ZBook Dock.
- Highlights: The Studio G3 was notable as the first quad-core workstation Ultrabook; DreamColor display technology was further enhanced for improved visuals.
Third generation (2017)
Release Dates: April 21, 2017 (primary models); October 18, 2017 (ZBook x2 G4) Variants: ZBook 14u G4 and 15u G4 (ultra-portable); Studio G4 (premium slim design); 15 G4 and 17 G4 (high-performance segment); ZBook x2 G4 (14" detachable 2-in-1 with keyboard). Specifications: Powered by Intel Kaby Lake dual- and quad-core processors; the 14u/15u models also offered options with 8th Gen Kaby Lake R CPUs. Graphics options included AMD Radeon Pro and NVIDIA Quadro cards. Memory capacity reached up to 64GB DDR4-2400. Storage configurations extended to a maximum of 4TB. Display choices ranged from Full HD to 4K UHD and DreamColor panels; the 17" model supported VR at 90FPS. Connectivity encompassed Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, HDMI, and Wi-Fi 5. Security was strengthened with HP Sure Start Gen3 BIOS protection; the lineup met 14 MIL-STD 810G durability standards.
Fourth generation (2018–2019)
Release Period: Throughout 2018, varying by model Models Offered: Studio G5 and Studio x360 G5 (15.6" creative-focused and convertible designs); 15v G5 (cost-effective option); high-end 15 G5 and 17 G5 editions. Technical Highlights: Intel Whiskey Lake quad-core CPUs for lightweight versions, alongside Coffee Lake R quad-, hexa-, and octa-core processors for performance models, featuring Gen9 integrated graphics. Optional discrete GPUs included AMD Polaris 23 and NVIDIA Turing series. RAM expandable up to 64GB DDR4. Introduced Wi-Fi 6 support and retained Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. Display panels improved in color accuracy; MIL-STD ruggedness was maintained, complemented by HP Wolf Security integration.
Fifth generation (2020–2022)
Launch Timeline: Between 2020 and 2021 Available Models: Firefly G7/G8 (14" and 15.6" ultra-lightweight laptops); Power G7/G8 (budget-oriented performance); Studio G7/G8 (slim form factor with high-end capabilities); Fury G7/G8 (desktop-equivalent power in 15.6" and 17.3" sizes). Core Specifications: Utilized Intel Comet Lake and Tiger Lake processors from the 10th and 11th generations. Graphics options included NVIDIA Quadro T-series or RTX GPUs. Memory support up to 64GB DDR4 RAM. Display selections featured up to 4K UHD resolution, some offering a refresh rate of 120Hz and touch functionality. Enhanced thermal management, extended battery endurance, plus optional integrated 5G SIM slots on select configurations.
Sixth generation (2023)
Introduction Year: 2023, exemplified by the ZBook Power G10 debut in August Model Range: Firefly G10/G10 A (14" and 16" lightweight variants); Power G10/G10 A (15.6" budget performance); Studio G10 (16" slim high-performance); Fury G10 (16" and 17.3" premium models). Key Features: Equipped with Intel Raptor Lake (13th Gen) or AMD Zen 4 Ryzen PRO processors—marking AMD’s first inclusion in Firefly/Power lines. Graphics comprised NVIDIA RTX Ada Generation GPUs alongside AMD Radeon integrated solutions. Memory capacity expanded to up to 64GB DDR5 SODIMM; storage options reached as high as 4TB NVMe PCIe SSDs. Additional enhancements included AI neural processing units, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and advanced auto-framing camera technology.
Seventh generation (2024–2025)
Launch Dates: March 11, 2024 for the G11 series; Fury G1i and Ultra G1a anticipated in 2025 Model Variants: Firefly G11/G11 A (14" and16", lightweight with weights approximately between1.4–1.76kg); Power G11/G11 A (16", budget performance tier); Studio G11 (16", slim-and-light at around1.73kg); Fury G11/G1i (16" plus first-ever18", equipped with NVIDIA Blackwell RTX Pro GPUs); Ultra G1a (14", AI-centric thin workstation). Technical Overview: Powered by Intel Core Ultra processors based on Arrow Lake HX architecture or AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO CPUs featuring up to16 cores. GPU options include NVIDIA RTX Ada up to RTX3000 or Blackwell RTX Pro5000 tiers; AMD Radeon variants incorporate AI acceleration capabilities. Memory configurations allow up to192GB unified memory on the Ultra G1a or up to64GB DDR5 on other models; storage capacities reach up to4TB PCIe SSDs. Display technologies support resolutions up to4K WQUXGA, refresh rates of120Hz, as well as touch and stylus input on select devices such as the Studio x360 line. Additional Attributes: Cutting-edge AI neural processing units delivering performance up to13 TOPS for generative AI tasks and large language model workflows; HP Vaporforce cooling system implemented on premium units; compliance with MIL-STD810H standards validated through120,000 hours of testing; EPEAT and ENERGY STAR certifications; optional SIM card slots available on selected configurations.
Notes
The naming convention employs "G" to indicate generation (for instance, G10 corresponds to the sixth generation), while "A" designates AMD variants, and "i" identifies Intel processors within the Fury lineup. Certain models, including the ZBook x2 G4, Studio x360 G5, and select G11 versions, offer touchscreen and stylus capabilities. Availability of SIM card slots varies by model, with examples like the ZBook14u G5 featuring this option. Although earlier models such as the ZBook x2 G4 and Studio G5 have been discontinued, they remain accessible in refurbished condition.