The HP Z2 G8 Tower (starts at $1,219; $3,424 as tested) is a single-CPU desktop workstation that offers a wide mix of customization options prior to purchase, along with plenty of expansion possibilities once it’s yours. With the eighth generation of its Z2 Tower, HP offers both Intel Core and Xeon “Rocket Lake” CPUs and both Nvidia and AMD professional GPUs. Our test system featured an eight-core Intel Core i9-11900K processor and Nvidia RTX A4000 graphics to provide the muscle needed for professional creative work ranging from computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) workflows to video editing and virtual reality. The toolless chassis is easy to access for repairs and upgrades, which is an appreciated plus for the IT staff supporting a design shop and the budget manager keeping an eye on ROI. The HP Z2 G8 Tower deserves a spot on your entry-level workstation shortlist.
Configuring All the Day Long
It’s almost certain you’ll be able to find a Z2 G8 Tower that suits your workstation needs and budget, as long as you aren’t looking for a dual-CPU setup. HP offers long lists of available CPUs, GPUs, memory configurations, and storage options, along with a trio of power supplies. Your processor choices start with six-core Core i5 chips and rise to eight-core Xeon-W CPUs.
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(Photo: Molly Flores)
As mentioned, both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards are on the menu. Nvidia options span from an older Quadro card to the latest RTX A-series. On the AMD side, there are a number of Radeon Pro cards on offer up to the 32GB Radeon Pro 6800. All are single-slot GPUs except for one, the flagship RTX A5000. Our test system featured a 16GB Nvidia RTX A4000.
(Photo: Molly Flores)
The three power supply units on offer provide 350, 500, and 700 watts. To service the power-hungry RTX A4000, our test unit boasted the topmost PSU.
Four DIMM slots hold up to 128GB of RAM. Error-correcting-code (ECC) memory is available if you select an Intel Xeon processor. Our Core i9-based test system stocked 32GB in a dual-channel setup with two 16GB DDR4-3200 modules.
(Photo: Molly Flores)
The motherboard has three M.2 slots, one occupied by a 1TB NVMe solid-state drive. You’ll also find two 3.5-inch bays for additional SATA drives. Power and data cables are in place …….