HP Z440, we tested this workstation

HP Z440

The HP Z440 PC is a powerful workstation for the professional environment. A team designed for graphic design professionals and demanding users. The configuration we have tested includes a powerful Intel Xeon processor from the E5 family with four processing cores, a 16 GB RAM or an NVIDIA Quadro K2200 graphics card to cope with applications that handle heavy graphics. All this in a 4U format to expand the included storage and with a good cooling system to keep the equipment at a good temperature. This model is available in the market for an approximate price of 1,670 euros. We have had the opportunity to test this model in depth, we will tell you our impressions.

HP Z440

Power and more power

If something cannot go wrong with a workstation worth its salt, it is power. And the HP Z440 more than meets this premise, through an Intel Xeon processor from the E5 family. Specifically, our unit integrates the Intel Xeon E5-1630 v3 chip with four cores and a power of 3.7 GHz per core. This speed can be brought up to 3.8 GHz through turbo mode. More interesting if possible is the ability to work as if we actually had eight physical cores, an advantage that can greatly speed up complex processes. Along with this chip we find a 16 GB RAM , although the maximum of this equipment 128 GBthrough eight different slots. As is normal in these cases, we can customize the station to our liking with different Intel Xeon chips.

This set is completed with a dedicated NVIDIA Quadro K2200 graphics card, a card designed for the world of graphic design and which is in the mid-range of these offerings. This model has a dedicated memory of 4 GB and the capacity to use four different screens at the same time. In principle, it should offer remarkable performance in most CAD applications and only in the most demanding operations would it be noticeable its limitations compared to more powerful cards in the Quadro family. And it is that this model can also integrate in its most advanced configuration an NVIDIA Quadro K6000 graphics card with 12 GB of dedicated memory.

HP Z440

Versatile storage

Another important point when dealing with one of these workstations is its versatility when it comes to offering storage capacities. The HP Z440 arrives in a 4U factor , which will allow us to play with various configurations. Thus, for example, we can use SAS disks between 300 GB and 600 GB with a speed of 15,000 rpm. We also have a choice of 10,000 rpm SAS drives between 300GB and 1.2TB of storage. In the case of working with sensitive data, it may be a good idea to go for a 500 GB SATA SED hard drive (capable of self-encrypting stored data) or a 256 GB SSD drive. And to boost the speed of work we have SSD disks from 128 GB to 1 TB of space. Professionals can complete these options with different RAID configurations to improve speed or enhance computer security.

HP Z440

Design and connections

The HP computer is built with the need to work for a long time without stopping and with high energy demands in mind. One of the elements that immediately draws the attention of this model is the use of vertical grilles on the front that give it a differential touch and also help to better cool the PC. In addition, we have been pleasantly surprised by the silent operation of the Z440 , so it is not a problem to have this device around and it goes unnoticed most of the time. Another point that should be highlighted in its design is that HPhas left several connections on the front to make it easier to connect devices such as mice, USB sticks or keyboards. Specifically, we have four high-speed USB 3.0 ports with transfer rates ten times faster than traditional USB. We also have a headphone slot and a microphone slot.

The rear of the HP Z440 is where the bulk of the connectors are concentrated. This includes four more USB 3.0 ports, another two USB 2.0 ports for devices that do not need more speed like keyboards or mice, two DisplayPort ports or a DVI port to connect the signal from a monitor. Keep in mind that this workstation does not include an HDMI port, so we will have to buy an adapter if we have to use this connection. Other available connectors are an audio input and a digital audio output. On the other hand, the connection to the network is carried out directly through an Ethernet cable. The functionality of this equipment can be completed with a WiFi module , but it is an optional add-on. The connections are completed with several PCIe expansion slots.

The full dimensions of the HP Z440 Workstation go up to 44.5 x 43.2 x 16.9 centimeters, along with a weight of 11 kilos . All this with a sober and elegant design in black that combines very well with the seriousness of a work environment.

HP Z440

Price and reviews

The HP Z440 workstation is available in the market at a starting price of 1,890 euros. In short, this is a team that has a very good balance between power, graphic capacity and versatility when choosing storage options. We especially liked the design of its case and its cooling system, which maintains a good temperature when the computer is squeezed. And all this with a really quiet operation that will be appreciated when you are working with the machine for many hours. Not surprisingly, HP maintains a prominent position in the business market with proposals like this one.

HP Z440

BrandHP
ModelHP Z440

Power and graphics 

CPU processorIntel Xeon E5-1680 v3 (3.2 GHz, 20 MB cache, 8 cores, Intel vProâ „¢)

Intel Xeon E5-1660 v3 (3.0 GHz, 20 MB cache, 8 cores, Intel vProâ „¢)

Intel Xeon E5-2630 v3 (2.4 GHz, 20 MB cache, 8 cores, Intel vProâ „¢)

Intel Xeon E5-1650 v3 (3.5 GHz, 15 MB cache, 6 cores, Intel vProâ „¢)

Intel Xeon E5-1630 v3 (3.7 GHz, 10 MB cache, 4 cores, Intel vProâ „¢)

Intel Xeon E5-1620 v3 (3.5 GHz, 10 MB cache, 4 cores, Intel vProâ „¢)

Intel Xeon E5-1607 v3 (3.1 GHz, 10 MB cache, 4 cores, Intel vProâ „¢)

Intel Xeon E5-1603 v3 (2.8 GHz, 10 MB cache, 4 cores, Intel vProâ „¢)

Number of cores4 (eight process threads), 6 (twelve process threads), 8 (16 process threads)
PowerDepends on the model
Graphics processor (GPU)Professional 2D:

  • NVIDIA NVS 310 (512MB)
  • NVIDIA NVS 315 (1GB)
  • NVIDIA NVS 510 (2GB)

Basic range 3D:

  • NVIDIA Quadro K420 (1GB)
  • NVIDIA Quadro K620 (2GB)

Mid-range 3D:

  • NVIDIA Quadro K2200 (4GB)
  • AMD FirePro W2100 (2GB)
  • AMD FirePro W5100 (4GB)

High-tech 3D:

  • NVIDIA Quadro K4200 (4GB)
  • NVIDIA Quadro K5200 (8GB)
  • NVIDIA Quadro K6000 (12GB)
  • AMD FirePro W7100 (8GB)
RAM 128GB (maximum)

Memory

Format300GB up to 600GB SAS (15,000 rpm)

300GB up to 1.2TB SAS (10,000 rpm)

500 GB up to 4 TB SATA (7200 rpm)

500 GB SATA SED (7200 rpm)

128GB up to 1TB SATA SSD

256GB SE SSD SATA

256GB up to 512GB HP Z Turbo Drive (PCIe SSD)

Capacity According to configuration
Expansion2 PCIe Gen3 x16

1 PCIe Gen3 x8 (open end)

1 PCIe Gen2 x4 (open end)

1 PCIe Gen2 x1 (open end)

1 PCI

Design

Dimensions16.9 x 44.5 x 43.2 cm
Weight11 kilos
ColorsBlack
OthersVentilation through the front

Sound

Power-
SpeakersAudio output and speaker output
Others-

software

Operating systemWindows 8.1 64-bit
Applications Desktop applications

Microsoft App Store

Connections

Mobile NetworkNot
WifiOptional WiFi
USB ports8 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.0
HDMINot
EthernetYes
VgaNot
DisplayPort2 x DisplayPort 1.2
Card readerCard reader
BluetoothBluetooth 4.0
OthersDVD-RAM / ± R / ± RW recorder, 1 x DVI

+ info

Release dateAvailable
Manufacturer's websiteHP

Price 1,670 euros