HP Inc., which a year ago came out with new workstations optimized for heavy-duty virtual and augmented reality video applications, pulled no punches July 18 in introducing what it unabashedly called “the world’s most powerful entry workstations” for product designers, architects, creative professionals, OEMs, educators and financial/office workers.
Whether they are indeed the world’s most powerful entry-level workstations has yet to be determined by an knowledgeable analyst who doesn’t work at HPI. Trust but verify.
The new HP Z Workstation lineup, which sounds related to IBM’s z System mainframes, are designed to improve productivity of professional workflows with speed, no loss of graphics power, expandability and hardware-based security.
HP said its new workstations—HP Z2 Mini, HP Z2 Small Form Factor and HP Z2 Tower, as well as the HP EliteDesk 800 Workstation Edition—feature built-in end-to-end HP security services, which provide protection from evolving malware threats with a self-healing BIOS and unique HP endpoint security controller.
They also feature high-end protection from hardware-enforced security solutions, such as HP Sure Start Gen4 and HP Sure Run, which help keep critical processes running even if malware tries to stop them. HP’s Manageability Kit Gen 2 manages multiple devices.
All HP Z2 Workstations, which are designed to 24/7 workstation reliability standards, connect with Thunderbolt for fast device connections.
Details on the fourth-generation entry HP Z Workstation lineup:
HP Z2 Mini G4 Workstation, offers next-level performance in a remarkably small package (2.7 liters in total volume). Compared to the previous generation HP Z2 Mini, it has two times more graphics power. Customers will experience industry-leading visual compute performance from the NVIDIA Quadro P600 or NVIDIA Quadro P1000 GPU. In addition, there is an option for AMD Radeon Pro WX4150 graphics. The HP Z2 Mini is the “world’s quietest mini workstation,” the company said.
The Z2 design allows users the flexibility to mount under a desk, behind a display or in a rack — up to 56 of the Mini workstations will fit in a standard 42U rack with the custom rackmount bracket accessory. With its flexible I/O, users can configure the system for connectivity of legacy serial ports, as well as support for up to six displays for peripheral and display connectivity needs. The design also lets users create their ideal setup. An added note: the HP Z2 G4 Mini is the world’s only mini workstation with six core Intel Xeon Processors.
HP Z2 Small Form Factor (SFF) G4 Workstation possesses 50 percent more processing power than the previous generation in the exact same size box, HPI said. The six-core CPU provides significant performance boosts, making the HP Z2 SFF the world’s most powerful small-form factor workstation currently in the market, the PC maker said.
The HP Z2 G4 SFF ships with four PCIe slots and dual M.2 storage slots. Its flexible I/O option enables users to customize networking, I/O or display needs without taking up PCIe slots or adding external adapters.
HP Z2 Tower G4 Workstation, the world’s most powerful entry workstation, is designed to tackle complex workloads like BIM (Building Information Modeling) and rendering with up to Ultra 3D graphics and the latest Intel Core or Intel Xeon processors. The HP Z2 Tower is equipped to handle demanding 3D projects due to 60 percent more graphics power than the previous generation. With high clock speeds, users can get full unthrottled performance, even with heavy workloads.
For high-end PC users who want to upgrade their performance and already have a professional certified desktop, HP launched the HP EliteDesk 800 Workstation Edition. It is aimed at those who want to upgrade to a workstation-class desktop with integrated ISV (independent software vendor) certified applications experience.
Designed for 2D/3D design and drafting, this SolidWorks and AutoCAD-approved desktop gives users reliable performance not previously available in a business-class PC. It is also optimized for VR engines, allowing VR developers to bring their content to life with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 processors. The HP EliteDesk 800 Workstation Edition includes specialized workstation customer support and has broad expandability.
Pricing and Availability
- HP Z2 Mini Workstation is expected to be available later in July for a starting price of $799.
- HP Z2 Small Form Factor Workstation is expected to be available later this month for a starting price of $749.
- HP Z2 Tower Workstation is expected to be available later this month for a starting price of $769.
- HP EliteDesk 800 Workstation Edition is expected to be available later this month for a starting price of $642, including NVIDIA Quadro P400 graphics.
For more information, go here.