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HP EliteBook 840 G2 Notebook Review

Not without flaw. The EliteBook was good to start with and has been slightly improved owing to the Broadwell processor, which results in a longer battery life due to lower power consumption. Unfortunately, HP has not taken care of the laptop's shortcoming - the screen.

For the original German review, see here.

The laptops from the EliteBook 800 lineup belong to the upper-range business laptops. We have tested many models from this series, and now have the 14-inch model of the line with the EliteBook 840 G2. The biggest modernization is the Broadwell processor. Apart from that, nothing has changed compared to the former Haswell-based EliteBook 840 G1. The latter managed to deliver a "Good" in our test (87%). Our report reveals whether the G2 model can score even better.

The EliteBook finds rivals in the Lenovo ThinkPad T450sDell Latitude 14 E7540, and Fujitsu Lifebook E744. HP also has a homegrown contender in its portfolio in the form of the identically built EliteBook 745. However, the company relies on AMD APUs here.

Since both tested EliteBook 840 models feature an identical build, we will not go in-depth about casing, connectivity, input devices or speakers. The corresponding information can be found in the review of the EliteBook 840 G1. Note: The following pictures are of the EliteBook 840 G1.

HP EliteBook 840 G2 (EliteBook 840 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-5200U 2 x 2.2 - 2.7 GHz, Broadwell
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 5500, Core: 900 MHz, single-channel, 10.18.10.3995
Memory
4 GB 
, DDR3-1600, single-channel, two memory banks (one filled)
Display
14.00 inch 16:9, 1600 x 900 pixel, Samsung, TN LED, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel Broadwell-U PCH-LP (Premium)
Storage
Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP, 256 GB 
, 190 GB free
Soundcard
Realtek ALC280 @ Intel Broadwell PCH-LP High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
4 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 VGA, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: combo audio, Card Reader: SD, 1 SmartCard, 1 Fingerprint Reader, TPM 1.2
Networking
Intel I218-LM Gigabit (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 (a/b/g/h/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.0
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 21 x 339 x 237 ( = 0.83 x 13.35 x 9.33 in)
Battery
50 Wh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Windows 8.1 Professional (64 Bit) + Windows 7 Professional (64 Bit)
Camera
Webcam: HD webcam
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, recovery DVD, driver DVD, Cyberlink PowerDVD 12, Cyberlink YouCam, Foxit PhantomPDF, MS Office (trial), Microsoft Security Essentials, 36 Months Warranty
Weight
1.762 kg ( = 62.15 oz / 3.88 pounds), Power Supply: 334 g ( = 11.78 oz / 0.74 pounds)
Price
1500 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Display

Our review sample has been equipped with a matte, 14-inch screen that has a native resolution of 1600x900 pixels. EliteBook models with a Full HD screen are also available. The buyer can rightly expect an excellent screen for a price of approximately 1500 Euros (~$1631). The EliteBook does not provide one though. It only achieves a brightness of 239.8 cd/m². We would have expected a rate well beyond 300 cd/m². Still, the brightness levels of the screens in contenders like the ThinkPad T450s (268.4 cd/m²) and Latitude E7450 (257.3 cd/m²) are nothing to brag about either.

223
cd/m²
250
cd/m²
226
cd/m²
232
cd/m²
267
cd/m²
236
cd/m²
245
cd/m²
246
cd/m²
233
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Samsung tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 267 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 239.8 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 84 %
Center on Battery: 267 cd/m²
Contrast: 334:1 (Black: 0.8 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 12.71 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 13.91 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
37.2% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
40.11% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
58.4% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
38.82% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.35
EliteBook vs. sRGB
EliteBook vs. sRGB
EliteBook vs. AdobeRGB
EliteBook vs. AdobeRGB

Both the contrast of 334:1 and black level of 0.8 cd/m² of the EliteBook's screen is also disappointing. The screens in the ThinkPad T450s (1110:1; 0.25 cd/m²) and Latitude E7450 (933:1; 0.3 cd/m²) present better rates. The screen cannot reproduce either the sRGB or AdobeRGB color spaces. The coverage rates are 53.7% (sRGB) and 37.2% (AdobeRGB).

The screen's color reproduction is not compelling, either. It presents an average DeltaE 2000 shift of 12.71 in state of delivery. We also find these rates in laptops from the low-cost sector. A rate less than 3 would be the target. Furthermore, the screen has a bluish cast. Calibrating the screen leads to a considerable improvement. The color shift dropped to a rate of 3.18 after we calibrated it, and it thus misses the target range by hair's breadth. Calibrating also completely eliminated the bluish cast.

CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps
CalMAN - ColorChecker (calibrated)
CalMAN - ColorChecker (calibrated)
CalMAN - Grayscale (calibrated)
CalMAN - Grayscale (calibrated)
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps (calibrated)
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps (calibrated)

HP installs a viewing angle dependent TN screen in the EliteBook. The image quickly distorts when the vertical viewing angle is changed. It looks better horizontally, and even several viewers can look on the screen simultaneously. It is quite possible to use the laptop outdoors.

The EliteBook outdoors
The EliteBook outdoors
Viewing angles: EliteBook
Viewing angles: EliteBook
HP EliteBook 840 G2
TN 1600x900
HP EliteBook 840 G1
TN 1600x900
HP Elitebook 745 G2
TN 1366x768
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
IPS 1920x1080
Dell Latitude E7450
IPS 1920x1080
Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147
TN 1600x900
Fujitsu LifeBook E744
TN 1600x900
Display
7%
-6%
54%
66%
4%
4%
Display P3 Coverage
38.82
41.65
7%
36.42
-6%
64.8
67%
66.6
72%
40.32
4%
40.33
4%
sRGB Coverage
58.4
62.3
7%
54.7
-6%
83.8
43%
92.4
58%
60.6
4%
60.4
3%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
40.11
43.08
7%
37.64
-6%
61.2
53%
67.7
69%
41.68
4%
41.71
4%
Screen
15%
-7%
64%
57%
-10%
-1%
Brightness middle
267
280
5%
208
-22%
272
2%
280
5%
256
-4%
265
-1%
Brightness
240
280
17%
202
-16%
268
12%
257
7%
251
5%
265
10%
Brightness Distribution
84
87
4%
76
-10%
91
8%
75
-11%
87
4%
89
6%
Black Level *
0.8
0.69
14%
0.72
10%
0.245
69%
0.3
62%
1.36
-70%
1.15
-44%
Contrast
334
406
22%
289
-13%
1110
232%
933
179%
188
-44%
230
-31%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
12.71
9.41
26%
12.51
2%
4.35
66%
3.45
73%
10.86
15%
9.66
24%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
13.91
10.19
27%
13.57
2%
3.7
73%
3.35
76%
11.71
16%
10.37
25%
Gamma
2.35 94%
2.49 88%
2.15 102%
2.68 82%
2.37 93%
2.16 102%
2.67 82%
CCT
20099 32%
12671 51%
15339 42%
6076 107%
6940 94%
12518 52%
11804 55%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
37.2
40
8%
35
-6%
54.7
47%
60
61%
38
2%
38
2%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
83.5
92
Total Average (Program / Settings)
11% / 13%
-7% / -6%
59% / 61%
62% / 59%
-3% / -6%
2% / 0%

* ... smaller is better

Performance

HP has an upper-range business laptop in its portfolio with the EliteBook 840 G2. As appropriate for a business device, it sports a docking port and TPM. It is also possible to retrofit an LTE/3G modem. Our review sample costs approximately 1500 Euros (~$1631), and other configurations are available. The models of the EliteBook 840 G1 line are sold for considerably less. We found models for below 1000 Euros (~$1088) in multiple shops at test time. They are likely clearing the remainders. The members of the identically built EliteBook 745 line are also sold for less. Their prices start at 730 Euros (~$794).

CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
GPU-Z
HWInfo
LatencyMon
System information: HP EliteBook 840 G2

Processor

Intel's Core i5-5200U (Broadwell) dual-core processor is installed in our review sample. The processor operates with a base clock of 2.2 GHz. Its speed can be boosted to 2.5 GHz (both cores) and 2.7 GHz (one core) via Turbo. The Turbo is only utilized in AC mode. The processor clocks with 2.2 GHz in battery mode. Owing to the slightly higher speeds and the improvements of the Broadwell architecture, the Core i5-5200U scores somewhat better in our benchmarks than its precursors from the Haswell generation (Core i5-4200UCore i5-4210U). The Core i5-5200U processor cannot outperform the Core i7-4600U installed in our review sample of the EliteBook 840 G1.

Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
5210
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
8851
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
4113
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
17.1 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
2.81 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.26 Points
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
98 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
23.17 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
259 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
109 Points
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
259 Points
HP EliteBook 840 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
272 Points +5%
HP Elitebook 745 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
162 Points -37%
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
302 Points +17%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
280 Points +8%
Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
231 Points -11%
Fujitsu LifeBook E744
HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
509 Points +97%
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
109 Points
HP EliteBook 840 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
126 Points +16%
HP Elitebook 745 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
49 Points -55%
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
130 Points +19%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
117 Points +7%
Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
100 Points -8%
Fujitsu LifeBook E744
HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
124 Points +14%
Cinebench R11.5
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
2.81 Points
HP EliteBook 840 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
2.92 Points +4%
HP Elitebook 745 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
1.83 Points -35%
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
3.31 Points +18%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
3.07 Points +9%
Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
2.49 Points -11%
Fujitsu LifeBook E744
HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
5.43 Points +93%
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
1.26 Points
HP EliteBook 840 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
1.46 Points +16%
HP Elitebook 745 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
0.68 Points -46%
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
1.51 Points +20%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
1.35 Points +7%
Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
1.11 Points -12%
Fujitsu LifeBook E744
HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
1.4 Points +11%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
8851 Points
HP EliteBook 840 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
8924 Points +1%
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
10435 Points +18%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
9396 Points +6%
Fujitsu LifeBook E744
HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
15152 Points +71%
Rendering Single 32Bit (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
4113 Points
HP EliteBook 840 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
4632 Points +13%
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
4921 Points +20%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
4465 Points +9%
Fujitsu LifeBook E744
HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
4586 Points +12%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
2451 Points
HP Elitebook 745 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
1390 Points -43%
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
3004 Points +23%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
2645 Points +8%
32 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
4937 Points
HP Elitebook 745 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
3733 Points -24%
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
6357 Points +29%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
5422 Points +10%
Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
125.3 ms *
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
86.8 ms * +31%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
102.1 ms * +19%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
2582 ms *
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
2074 ms * +20%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
2371 ms * +8%
Octane V2 - Total Score (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
12822 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
15845 Points +24%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
13579 Points +6%
Peacekeeper - --- (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
2414 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
2958 Points +23%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
2668 Points +11%

* ... smaller is better

System Performance

The system's overall performance cannot be criticized. The laptop runs smoothly. The very good PCMark benchmark scores confirm that. However, it is possible to marginally increase the overall performance. The working memory would operate in dual-channel mode when a second working memory module is installed. That would result in better graphics performance. It is inconceivable why HP does not furnish the laptop with two 4 GB memory modules ex-factory. After all, the company puts a relatively steep price tag on this laptop.

PCMark 7 Score
4139 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
2936 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
3139 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4044 points
Help
PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
2936 Points
HP EliteBook 840 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
3610 Points +23%
HP Elitebook 745 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
2444 Points -17%
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
3270 Points +11%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
2932 Points 0%
Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
2810 Points -4%
Fujitsu LifeBook E744
HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
2790 Points -5%
PCMark 7 - Score (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
4139 Points
HP EliteBook 840 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
5303 Points +28%
HP Elitebook 745 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
2005 Points -52%
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
4797 Points +16%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
4650 Points +12%
Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
4126 Points 0%
Fujitsu LifeBook E744
HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
4334 Points +5%

Storage Device

Like the (here depicted) precursor, the EliteBook 840 G2 also has an empty M.2 slot
Like the (here depicted) precursor, the EliteBook 840 G2 also has an empty M.2 slot

A solid-state drive from Samsung is installed in our review sample. The customary 2.5-inch model has a capacity of 256 GB. Its read speeds are good, but the write speeds lag behind the possibilities of modern SSDs. The EliteBook also features an additional, empty M.2 slot (full-size) that is intended for a corresponding SSD.

Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
Sequential Read: 528 MB/s
Sequential Write: 267.9 MB/s
512K Read: 446.4 MB/s
512K Write: 267.8 MB/s
4K Read: 29.19 MB/s
4K Write: 125.7 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 351.1 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 248.1 MB/s

Graphics Card

Intel's HD Graphics 5500 GPU is responsible for video output. It is an integrated graphics core that supports DirectX 11.2 and clocks with up to 900 MHz. The 3DMark results do not reveal any surprises, and are on the normal level for this graphics core. The HD Graphics 4400 graphics core installed in the former EliteBook 840 G1 model achieved a slightly better score, but only because its working memory operates in dual-channel mode. The EliteBook 840 G2 clearly outperformed its precursor and reaped in 1148 points in the 3DMark 11 benchmark when we installed a second working memory module (= dual-channel mode active). Users who want/need more graphics power can take an EliteBook model based on a dedicated Radeon R7 M260X graphics core.

3DMark 11 Performance
940 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
37502 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
4342 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
548 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
940 Points
HP EliteBook 840 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
988 Points +5%
HP Elitebook 745 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
1188 Points +26%
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
1251 Points +33%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
1023 Points +9%
Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
782 Points -17%
Fujitsu LifeBook E744
HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
1058 Points +13%
3DMark
1280x720 Ice Storm Standard Score (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
37502 Points
HP EliteBook 840 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
40658 Points +8%
HP Elitebook 745 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
32355 Points -14%
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
55793 Points +49%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
43346 Points +16%
Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
28516 Points -24%
Fujitsu LifeBook E744
HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
44370 Points +18%
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Score (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
4342 Points
HP EliteBook 840 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
4778 Points +10%
HP Elitebook 745 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
3158 Points -27%
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
5782 Points +33%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
4655 Points +7%
Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
3789 Points -13%
Fujitsu LifeBook E744
HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
5515 Points +27%
1280x720 Sky Diver Score (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
2372 Points
HP Elitebook 745 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
2446 Points +3%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Score (sort by value)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
548 Points
HP EliteBook 840 G1
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H
632 Points +15%
HP Elitebook 745 G2
Radeon R6 (Kaveri), A10 Pro-7350B, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
578 Points +5%
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
HD Graphics 5500, 5600U, Intel SSD Pro 2500 Series SSDSC2BF360A5L
753 Points +37%
Dell Latitude E7450
HD Graphics 5500, 5300U, Samsung SSD PM851 mSATA 128 GB
619 Points +13%
Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
500 Points -9%
Fujitsu LifeBook E744
HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
590 Points +8%

Gaming Performance

The EliteBook 840 G2 is a work device, and its gaming suitability is thus irrelevant. However, games run on the laptop although that primarily applies to titles that have been in the market for a longer time and/or only have moderate hardware requirements. These games also only achieve smooth frame rates when low resolutions and low quality settings are selected. Up-to-date hits like Assassin's Creed Unity are not playable. As mentioned, installing a second working memory module can increase the laptop's graphics performance. That naturally also has a favorable effect in computer games in the form of higher frame rates. An increase of 5% to 40% is possible depending on the game.

low med. high ultra
Tomb Raider (2013) 41 21.4 13.8 6.8
BioShock Infinite (2013) 31.7 16.9 13.6 4.3
GRID 2 (2013) 47.2 25.9 18.9 12.5
Battlefield Hardline (2015) 19.7 13.7 5.5 2.9

Emissions

The fan is mostly idle, but spins quietly when active.
The fan is mostly idle, but spins quietly when active.

System Noise

A laptop like the EliteBook should generally produce either no or only little noise in order to ensure concentrated work. The EliteBook can boast greatly in this regard. The fan is normally inactive in idle mode, but it does not speed up much during load, either. We measured a noise level of just 34.2 dB(A) during the stress test. That clearly makes the EliteBook even quieter than the former EliteBook 840 G1 model. Unfortunately, a quiet electronic whistling/beeping noise ruins the EliteBook's good impression. Although it is barely audible in normal ambient noise levels, it gets very annoying in quiet surroundings.

Noise Level

Idle
29.1 / 29.1 / 29.1 dB(A)
Load
32.2 / 34.2 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Voltcraft sl-451 (15 cm distance)
HP EliteBook 840 G2
5500/5200U
HP EliteBook 840 G1
4400/4600U
HP Elitebook 745 G2
R6 (Kaveri)/A10 Pro-7350B
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
5500/5600U
Dell Latitude E7450
5500/5300U
Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147
4400/4200U
Fujitsu LifeBook E744
4600/4702MQ
Noise
-6%
-5%
-2%
-5%
-1%
-8%
Idle Minimum *
29.1
29.4
-1%
31.2
-7%
29.1
-0%
29.1
-0%
28.7
1%
28.2
3%
Idle Average *
29.1
29.4
-1%
31.2
-7%
29.1
-0%
29.1
-0%
28.7
1%
28.2
3%
Idle Maximum *
29.1
29.4
-1%
31.2
-7%
29.1
-0%
30
-3%
30.2
-4%
28.2
3%
Load Average *
32.2
37.4
-16%
32.7
-2%
34.3
-7%
36.4
-13%
31.2
3%
37.4
-16%
Load Maximum *
34.2
38.6
-13%
35.3
-3%
34.8
-2%
37.8
-11%
35.6
-4%
45.2
-32%

* ... smaller is better

Temperature

The EliteBook in the stress test
The EliteBook in the stress test

The EliteBook not only runs quietly, it also barely heats up. The temperatures remained below 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) on every measuring point during the stress test. The EliteBook performed the stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run for at least one hour) in AC and battery mode in the same manner. The CPU and GPU only ran with their full speed for about one minute before being throttled. The processor then clocked with 1.6 GHz and the graphics core operated with about 800 MHz (750 to 850 MHz).

Max. Load
 36.3 °C
97 F
34.2 °C
94 F
31.6 °C
89 F
 
 31.5 °C
89 F
37.5 °C
100 F
31 °C
88 F
 
 28.4 °C
83 F
29.1 °C
84 F
31.5 °C
89 F
 
Maximum: 37.5 °C = 100 F
Average: 32.3 °C = 90 F
34.6 °C
94 F
38.4 °C
101 F
34.4 °C
94 F
33.1 °C
92 F
33.9 °C
93 F
32.7 °C
91 F
31.8 °C
89 F
31 °C
88 F
29.6 °C
85 F
Maximum: 38.4 °C = 101 F
Average: 33.3 °C = 92 F
Power Supply (max.)  48.9 °C = 120 F | Room Temperature 21.2 °C = 70 F | Fluke 62 Max
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 32.3 °C / 90 F, compared to the average of 29.5 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Office.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 37.5 °C / 100 F, compared to the average of 34.2 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 38.4 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27.8 °C / 82 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 31.5 °C / 88.7 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (-3.8 °C / -6.8 F).

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The EliteBook does not show any weaknesses in terms of energy requirement. The idle power consumption was clearly below 10 watts, and climbed to a maximum of 36.8 watts in the stress test. However, this rate dropped to 30.6 watts after about a minute because both the CPU and GPU were throttled.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0 / 0.1 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 2.6 / 5.1 / 5.8 Watt
Load midlight 28.7 / 36.8 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Extech Power Analyzer 380803
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
HP EliteBook 840 G2
5500/5200U
HP EliteBook 840 G1
4400/4600U
HP Elitebook 745 G2
R6 (Kaveri)/A10 Pro-7350B
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
5500/5600U
Dell Latitude E7450
5500/5300U
Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147
4400/4200U
Fujitsu LifeBook E744
4600/4702MQ
Power Consumption
-34%
-56%
-23%
-30%
-8%
-59%
Idle Minimum *
2.6
4.3
-65%
6.1
-135%
2.9
-12%
4
-54%
3.7
-42%
5
-92%
Idle Average *
5.1
7.7
-51%
8.8
-73%
6.6
-29%
7.8
-53%
6
-18%
8.8
-73%
Idle Maximum *
5.8
9.3
-60%
9.9
-71%
7.9
-36%
9
-55%
6.3
-9%
9
-55%
Load Average *
28.7
30.6
-7%
31.2
-9%
30.8
-7%
31.6
-10%
26.5
8%
39.6
-38%
Load Maximum *
36.8
31.6
14%
33.5
9%
48.8
-33%
29.6
20%
28.3
23%
50.1
-36%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Runtime

The EliteBook managed an idle runtime of 16:01 hours, which is longer than rivals like Lenovo's ThinkPad T450s (12:54 h) and Dell's Latitude E7450 (11:54 h). Idle mode is simulated with the Battery Eater Reader's test using minimum screen brightness, enabled power-saving profile, and disabled wireless modules. Under load the EliteBook shut down after 1:53 hours. The Latitude is on par (1:55 h), and the ThinkPad (1:28 h) lags behind its contenders. The load runtime is ascertained using the Battery Eater Classic test with maximum screen brightness, the high-performance profile and enabled wireless modules.

HP's laptop stopped our Wi-Fi test after 7:02 hours. The Latitude (7:02 h) and the EliteBook are again on par. The ThinkPad (4:36 h) shuts down considerably sooner. Websites are opened automatically every 40 seconds using the "Balanced" profile and a screen brightness of approximately 150 cd/m² for this test. We check the video playback time by running the short movie Big Buck Bunny (H.264 encoding, 1920x1080 pixels) in a loop. The wireless modules are disabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². The EliteBook achieved a runtime of 5:25 hours, which is similar to that of the ThinkPad (5:22 h). The Latitude (7:32 h) clearly outruns it contenders.

The EliteBook achieves very good battery runtimes in total. It can even outclass its precursor in almost all battery tests. Users who need a longer runtime from the EliteBook can strap an additional battery (HP CO06XL, 60 Wh, approx. 200 Euros/~$218) under the device. That should at least double the battery life.

The port for the mentioned secondary battery is on the underside.
The port for the mentioned secondary battery is on the underside.
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
16h 01min
WiFi Websurfing (IE 11)
7h 02min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
5h 24min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 52min
HP EliteBook 840 G2
5500/5200U
HP EliteBook 840 G1
4400/4600U
HP Elitebook 745 G2
R6 (Kaveri)/A10 Pro-7350B
Lenovo ThinkPad T450s-20BWS03F00
5500/5600U
Dell Latitude E7450
5500/5300U
Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147
4400/4200U
Fujitsu LifeBook E744
4600/4702MQ
Battery Runtime
-9%
-27%
-19%
4%
-1%
-7%
Reader / Idle
961
778
-19%
562
-42%
774
-19%
714
-26%
586
-39%
881
-8%
H.264
324
296
-9%
246
-24%
322
-1%
452
40%
385
19%
WiFi v1.3
422
276
-35%
422
0%
Load
112
112
0%
95
-15%
88
-21%
115
3%
131
17%
106
-5%
WiFi
364
279
336
459
426
351

Pros

+ Rigid casing
+ Decent build
+ Outstanding input devices
+ High application performance
+ Long battery life
+ Empty M.2 slot
+ Prepared for an LTE/3G modem
+ 3 year warranty

Cons

- Low-contrast, viewing angle dependent screen
- Laptop produces an electronic whistling/beeping noise

Verdict

HP EliteBook 840 G2 H9W32ET, courtesy of HP Germany.
HP EliteBook 840 G2 H9W32ET, courtesy of HP Germany.

HP's EliteBook 840 G2 is primarily a Broadwell upgrade. HP has not modified anything apart from exchanging the processor. The Broadwell processor involves some improvements over the precursor. The EliteBook 840 G2 consumes less power, has a lower operating noise and slightly lower temperatures, and lasts longer in our real-life battery tests. For the avoidance of doubt: The EliteBook 840 G1 did not score badly in any of the listed tests. The G1 and G2 model are otherwise identical. Both sport decent input devices, very good maintenance options, and a slim, high-quality casing. Furthermore, both models feature a preparation for an SSD in the M.2 format and an LTE/3G modem. The G1 model that we tested is shipped with the corresponding modem. Unfortunately, HP has not eliminated the biggest weak point of the EliteBook 840 G1, and carries it on in the EliteBook 840 G2: The screen. The screens in both models have low brightness and low contrast. They are also viewing angle dependent TN screens. HP demands 1500 Euros (~$1631) for the laptop; a bright, high-contrast IPS screen should belong to the standard configuration in view of this price.

HP EliteBook 840 G2 - 03/27/2015 v4(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
92 / 98 → 94%
Keyboard
90%
Pointing Device
89%
Connectivity
75 / 80 → 94%
Weight
66 / 20-67 → 98%
Battery
88%
Display
74%
Games Performance
65 / 68 → 96%
Application Performance
76 / 92 → 83%
Temperature
91%
Noise
96%
Audio
63%
Camera
45 / 85 → 53%
Average
78%
85%
Office - Weighted Average

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Sascha Mölck, 2015-04- 1 (Update: 2015-04- 3)