HP Z2 Mini G3 - Review 2022 - Dobbins Ladmoultan

The HP Z2 Mini G3 (Starts at $699; $1,698 equally tested) is the most meaty small-grade-factor (SFF) desktop workstation you can buy. Information technology can exist configured with an Intel Core or Xeon processor along with a fairly powerful Nvidia Quadro workstation-form GPU. Information technology's all packed into a case that'due south smaller than traditional belfry workstations like our tiptop pick, the Dell Precision Belfry 3000 Series (3620). And it'south reasonably priced, so it makes perfect sense for space-constrained power users similar financial analysts, engineers using CAD/CAM software, and workshop supervisors. Small-scale in stature, but big in ability, the Z2 Mini G3 is our latest Editors' Choice for unmarried-processor workstations.

Compact, Connected, Secure Chassis

Although information technology resembles other squared-off SFF PCs like the Apple Mac mini and the HP Elite Piece, the Z2 Mini G3 is a chip thicker and wider, measuring two.eight past 8.5 by viii.five inches (HWD). It can easily fit under or on summit of a desk, or bolted to the back of a VESA-mounted monitor. The exterior is all black, with vents carved into its corners for the organisation'due south internal fans. The case is generally metal, then information technology volition survive a harsh environment like a manufacturing assembly line. It can be locked down with a VESA Sleeve ($45) that blocks access to the I/O ports, which is of import to forbid USB thumb drives from infecting the arrangement.

The Z2 Mini G3 is ISV-certified, making it a especially good pick for architecture, technology, and construction users of CAD/CAM programs like AutoCAD, Revit, and Solidworks. That means the system and its components accept been tested and verified to perform every bit expected by the developers of these professional person apps and programs. ISV certification is often a prerequisite before bidding on contracts, so the choice to operate on a workstation rather than a high-end consumer or business desktop should pay off in the future.

HP Z2 Mini G3

Connectivity is excellent, starting with a headset jack and 2 USB 3.0 ports on the left side. Around dorsum, you lot'll find the jack for the AC adapter, iv DisplayPorts, an Ethernet jack, two USB iii.0 ports, and ii USB-C ports (these aren't included in the base model due to its slightly different chassis). It's notable that the latter don't have Thunderbolt 3 capabilities, a slight disappointment, since you won't enjoy faster throughput speeds with external solid-state drives (SSDs) or graphics accelerators using that technology. The organization's iv DisplayPorts and its Quadro M620 GPU are powerful enough to drive vi screens, a benefaction for those who continuously monitor dissimilar data sources, similar stockbrokers and manufactory foremen. 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.two handle wireless connections.

HP Z2 Mini G3

There is a locking security slot on the dorsum to keep users from fiddling inside, but once open, access to the interior is equally easy equally sliding a switch on the back panel. The summit hat pops open up, and you (or your It staff) will be able to service or replace the cooling fans, the RAM, a 2.5-inch hard bulldoze, the G.ii SSD, or the motherboard. On the well-equipped configuration nosotros tested, you'll demand to replace rather than add parts, since there are no empty slots or drive bays available. If you need multiple hard drives or replaceable graphics, you will demand to opt for a more expandable PC like the HP Z240 SFF Workstation or the Dell Precision 3620.

Serenity and Well Equipped

Two fans, one each for the CPU and the GPU, continue the Z2 cool. They are hardly aural in functioning, unless you lot put your ear up to ane of the vents. That'south as quiet every bit the Cerise Round Computer, a larger SFF workstation that is as well notable for being almost silent. The Z2 Mini G3 is a good pick for workspaces where noise is a concern, like in an audio recording studio or a video-recording bay.

HP Z2 Mini G3

The base of operations Z2 Mini comes sparsely configured, with an Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, and integrated graphics. Our upgraded examination model comes with 32GB of RAM, a quad-cadre Intel Core i7 processor, a 256GB SSD boot drive, a 1TB data drive, 2GB Nvidia Quadro M620 graphics, and a wireless mouse and keyboard. It's equipped with Windows 10 Pro (with Windows seven Pro downgrade rights), and comes with a 3-year warranty with on-site service.

Ability for CAD/CAM Projects and More than

The Core i7-6700 processor and Quadro M620 graphics helped the Z2 Mini produce respectable results on the PCMark 8 Piece of work Conventional test (3,721 points). That's only about 40 points lower than the Digital Storm Slade Pro (3,760), which is remarkable because that arrangement has a 10-cadre Intel Xeon processor. It edged out a win over both the Cerise Circular Computer and the Dell Precision 3620 on the same test. The Slade Pro was a lot faster on some of the more than strenuous multimedia tasks like Handbrake and CineBench, but the Z2 Mini yet showed first-class results (0:54 on Handbrake; 819 points on CineBench). Its score of 2:41 on the Photoshop test is better than the Slade Pro (3:05), and was but 11 to 12 seconds behind the Cherry Circular Computer (2:29) and the Dell Precision 3620 (2:30). (Nether a minute on Handbrake and less than 3 minutes for Photoshop are considered excellent scores. CineBench scores above 700 points show high aptitude for CPU-intensive processes.)

HP Z2 Mini G3 BM1

3D test results were also skillful, matching those of the HP Z240 SFF workstation. Though you wouldn't expect to play games on this business PC, the Z2 Mini'southward GPU produced playable frame rates on our Heaven (72 fps) and Valley (72 fps) tests at medium-quality settings. Both the Quadro M620 in the Z2 Mini and the Quadro K1200 in the Z240 are entry-to-mid-level 3D graphics processors, suitable for CAD/CAM work, accelerating content cosmos/multimedia tasks, and the light-to-medium 3D rendering that you lot'd need for compages and blueprint software. The college-finish Quadro M4000 in the Digital Storm Slade Pro and the Dell Precision 3620 is a amend bet for college-end 3D tasks.

HP Z2 Mini G3 BM2

Mesomorphic Performance in a Svelte Bundle

The HP Z2 Mini G3 is an excellent pick for businesses that perform multimedia-heavy tasks similar CAD/CAM rendering, second/3D design piece of work, big database and spreadsheet calculations, and audio/video recording and transcoding. Information technology has ISV certifications, which will requite you a leg up when behest on projects with competitors who are using uncertified high-end business desktops. It'southward not every bit expandable as the Dell Precision Tower 3000 Serial (3620), merely information technology is as powerful on all but the most strenuous 3D tasks. You'd still want a tower like the Dell Precision or the Digital Storm Slade Pro if 3D performance is a top priority for your business concern. Notwithstanding, as seen hither, the Z2 Mini costs nigh $1,000 less than the Precision 3620. For its compact form factor, quiet operation, functioning, forward-looking technology, solid port selection, and overall value, the HP Z2 Mini G3 earns Editor'southward Choice honors.