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HP 14 (i5-8250U, Intel Optane Memory, HD Display) Laptop Review

Déjà-vu. HP’s latest 14-inch notebook boasts a quad-core processor, 8 GB of dual-channel RAM and Intel Optane Memory. Unfortunately, the display is bitterly disappointing.
Kaby Lake Laptop Windows

HP Inc. introduces a new HP 14, a 14-inch notebook that is powered by a ULV quad-core processor. The HP 14-ma0312ng is the sister model of the HP 14-bp001ng, a device that we reviewed in March. We have chosen to compare the 14-ma0312ng against not only its sibling but also the ASUS VivoBook S14 S406UA, the Lenovo IdeaPad 320s-14IKB and the Acer Swift 1 SF114-32.

We will not be examining the case, the connectivity, the input devices or the speakers in this review as they resemble that which HP used in the 14-bp001ng. Please see our HP-14bp001ng review for a detailed examination of these areas.

HP 14-ma0312ng
Processor
Intel Core i5-8250U 4 x 1.6 - 3.4 GHz, Kaby Lake Refresh
Graphics adapter
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Core: 1100 MHz, Dual-Channel, 24.20.100.6194
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR4-2666, dual-channel, two SO-DIMM slots – both occupied
Display
14.00 inch 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixel 112 PPI, AU Optronics B140XTN07.2, TN LED, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel Kaby Lake-U iHDCP 2.2 Premium PCH
Storage
Intel Optane 16 GB MEMPEK1J016GAH + HGST HTS541010B7E610 1 TB HDD, 883 GB free
Soundcard
Realtek ALC236 @ Intel Sunrise Point-LP PCH - High Definition Audiocontroller
Connections
3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm jack, Card Reader: SD, TPM 2.0
Networking
Realtek RTL8168/8111 Gigabit-LAN (10/100/1000MBit/s), Realtek RTL8723DE (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.2
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 19.9 x 324 x 225.9 ( = 0.78 x 12.76 x 8.89 in)
Battery
41.7 Wh, 3615 mAh Lithium-Ion, 11.55 V
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HP
Primary Camera: 0.9 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: no, McAfee LiveSafe trial version, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
1.51 kg ( = 53.26 oz / 3.33 pounds), Power Supply: 283 g ( = 9.98 oz / 0.62 pounds)
Price
599 Euro
Links
HP homepage
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

The BIOS slows down the computer

Our test device performed poorly in our first set of benchmarks with the system fully exploiting neither the CPU nor the integrated GPU. Initially, the CPU clocked at between 1.2-1.3 GHz in a Cinebench R15 multi-threaded benchmark, which is 300-400 MHz slower than the CPU’s base clock speed. Moreover, our test device started to thermal throttle once the CPU reached 50 °C (122 °F), which is a particularly low-temperature threshold and one which our test device quickly reached.

After several hours of debugging we isolated the issue to the BIOS, specifically to revisions F.11 and F.12. We managed to resolve the thermal issue by downgrading our test device to BIOS revision F.05. HP released a BIOS revision F.14 at the end of August but we were unable to test it with our test device.

Case and Connectivity

  • While the 14-bq001ng has a solid black body, HP has used a combination of dark anthracite and a silver-gray color for our test device.
  • Both devices have the same ports, but they are arranged differently. For example, while our test device has two USB Type-A ports on its right-hand side, HP has placed them on the opposite side with its sister model.
  • Additionally, our test device has two SO-DIMM RAM slots and is actively cooled whereas the 14-bq001ng only has one and is passively cooled.

Size Comparison

❌
327.4 mm / 12.9 inch 236.5 mm / 9.31 inch 19.3 mm / 0.76 inch 1.5 kg3.21 lbs324 mm / 12.8 inch 225.9 mm / 8.89 inch 19.9 mm / 0.783 inch 1.5 kg3.33 lbs328 mm / 12.9 inch 226.5 mm / 8.92 inch 14.8 mm / 0.583 inch 1.2 kg2.65 lbs323 mm / 12.7 inch 228 mm / 8.98 inch 14.95 mm / 0.589 inch 1.4 kg3.09 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity

Left-hand side: Kensington Lock, USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 1, SD card slot
Left-hand side: Kensington Lock, USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 1, SD card slot
Right-hand side: 3.5 mm jack, 2 x USB Type-A 3.1 Gen 1, HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet, Power connector
Right-hand side: 3.5 mm jack, 2 x USB Type-A 3.1 Gen 1, HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet, Power connector
SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Lenovo IdeaPad 320s-14IKB
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
79.2 MB/s ∼100% +236%
Average of class Office
  (8 - 196.8, n=58, last 2 years)
56.5 MB/s ∼71% +139%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
38.7 MB/s ∼49% +64%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
24.6 MB/s ∼31% +4%
HP 14-ma0312ng
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
23.6 MB/s ∼30%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Lenovo IdeaPad 320s-14IKB
 
88 MB/s ∼100% +232%
Average of class Office
  (25.8 - 183.3, n=54, last 2 years)
65.3 MB/s ∼74% +146%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
37.8 MB/s ∼43% +43%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
37.4 MB/s ∼43% +41%
HP 14-ma0312ng
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
26.5 MB/s ∼30%
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Average of class Office
  (87 - 1404, n=29, last 2 years)
866 MBit/s ∼100% +793%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
676 MBit/s ∼78% +597%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320s-14IKB
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
340 MBit/s ∼39% +251%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
322 MBit/s ∼37% +232%
HP 14-ma0312ng
Realtek RTL8723DE
97 MBit/s ∼11%
iperf3 receive AX12
Average of class Office
  (288 - 1690, n=29, last 2 years)
917 MBit/s ∼100% +836%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
655 MBit/s ∼71% +568%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
335 MBit/s ∼37% +242%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320s-14IKB
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
276 MBit/s ∼30% +182%
HP 14-ma0312ng
Realtek RTL8723DE
98 MBit/s ∼11%

Maintenance

Our test model lacks a maintenance cover, so accessing internal components requires removing the bottom case. This is relatively easy to remove but does require taking some care when doing so. You will need to remove all screws from the bottom case, most of which are hidden behind two long rubber strips. These are easy to remove but we suggest taking care to not break or bend them. Once these have been removed the bottom case can be pried up with a flat tool, preferably a tool that will not cause any damage like a plastic pry tool. Upon removing the bottom case you will have immediate access to the hard drives, the SO-DIMM slots, the heatsink, the Wi-Fi card and the battery.

Display

Sub-pixel array
Sub-pixel array

The 14-ma0312ng has a 14-inch matte TN display that has a 1,366 x 768 native resolution. Our test device achieved an average maximum brightness of 215.9 cd/m² as measured by X-Rite i1Pro 2 and has an 84% uniformly bright display. These values are on par with our comparison devices, although the Lenovo IdeaPad 320s-14IKB gets 14% brighter than our test device. Our test device has a 0.56 cd/m² black level, which is comparatively high. This value contributes to the poor 429:1 contrast ratio, which is resoundingly beaten by our comparison devices. The Acer Swift 1 has a 1,923:1 contrast ratio, which will make colors appear more vividly onscreen among other improvements. While our test device is largely comparable to our comparison devices in terms of display quality, our test device fails to meet our expectations. Generally, a display with a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and a 300 cd/m² average maximum brightness will be considered good, both of which the HP 14 falls short. Positively, our test device exhibits no pulse-width modulation (PWM) to regulate display brightness.

213
cd/m²		202
cd/m²		208
cd/m²
228
cd/m²		240
cd/m²		215
cd/m²
216
cd/m²		218
cd/m²		203
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
AU Optronics B140XTN07.2
X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 240 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 215.9 cd/m² Minimum: 14.6 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 84 %
Center on Battery: 229 cd/m²
Contrast: 429:1 (Black: 0.56 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 13.14 | 0.55-29.43 Ø5.1, calibrated: 12.71
ΔE Greyscale 14.89 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
59% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
38% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
40.61% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
59.2% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
39.31% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.62
HP 14-ma0312ng
TN LED, 1366x768, 14.00		Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00		Lenovo IdeaPad 320s-14IKB
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00		Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
TN LED, 1366x768, 14.00
Display
-4%
5%
-1%
Display P3 Coverage
39.31
37.96
-3%
41.65
6%
38.82
-1%
sRGB Coverage
59.2
56.5
-5%
61.8
4%
58.2
-2%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
40.61
39.22
-3%
43.03
6%
40.11
-1%
Response Times
-40%
-50%
7%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
40 ?(21, 19)
42 ?(22, 20)
-5%
42 ?(21, 21)
-5%
42 ?(22, 20)
-5%
Response Time Black / White *
16 ?(11, 5)
28 ?(16, 12)
-75%
31 ?(16, 15)
-94%
13 ?(7, 6)
19%
PWM Frequency
352 ?(90)
200 ?(90)
Screen
60%
38%
11%
Brightness middle
240
250
4%
274
14%
215
-10%
Brightness
216
240
11%
253
17%
208
-4%
Brightness Distribution
84
81
-4%
85
1%
81
-4%
Black Level *
0.56
0.13
77%
0.31
45%
0.4
29%
Contrast
429
1923
348%
884
106%
538
25%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
13.14
5.54
58%
5.74
56%
9.37
29%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
21.06
10.5
50%
8.26
61%
15.84
25%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
12.71
Greyscale dE 2000 *
14.89
5.2
65%
4.61
69%
10.52
29%
Gamma
2.62 84%
2.29 96%
2.14 103%
2.45 90%
CCT
19625 33%
5796 112%
7281 89%
11214 58%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
38
36
-5%
39
3%
37
-3%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
59
56
-5%
61
3%
58
-2%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
5% / 34%
-2% / 19%
6% / 8%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

ℹ
To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 54 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 19003 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

We do not like our test device’s color accuracy either. At default settings we measured Delta E 2000 color deviations at 13.14, which is magnitudes higher than the ideal value of 3. The display has a clear blue tint to it, while our test device is only 38% AdobeRGB accurate and 59% sRGB accurate. Unfortunately, we could not improve color accuracy with additional calibration.

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

Display Response Times

ℹ
Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
   ↔    Response Time Black to White
16 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 11 ms rise
↘ 5 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 30 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (21.9 ms).
   ↔    Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
40 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 21 ms rise
↘ 19 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.25 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 54 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (34.6 ms).

The 14-ma0312ng is equipped with a TN display, which are prone to having poor viewing angles. Our test device is practically unreadable from any off-centred angle. Moreover, our test device is difficult to use outdoors because of its relatively low maximum brightness. We would recommend finding a shady spot to use the 14-ma0312ng if you must use it outdoors.

Using the HP 14-ma0312ng outdoors on a sunny day with the sun shining directly onto the device.
Using the HP 14-ma0312ng outdoors on a sunny day with the sun shining directly onto the device.
Using the HP 14-ma0312ng outdoors on a sunny day with the sun behind the device.
Using the HP 14-ma0312ng outdoors on a sunny day with the sun behind the device.
Viewing Angles
Viewing Angles

Performance

The 14-ma0312ng is a 14-inch office notebook that should be powerful enough for most office and Internet-based applications. Our test device’s configuration costs around €600 (~$700) at the time of writing. Other variants are available too.

CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
GPU-Z
HWInfo
LatencyMon

Processor

The 14-ma0312ng is powered by an Intel Core i5-8250U processor. The Core i5-8250U is a quad-core, ultra-low voltage (ULV) CPU with a 15 W thermal design platform (TDP). The Core i5-8250U in our test device has a 1.6 GHz base clock speed that can temporarily increase up to 3.4 GHz thanks to Intel Turbo Boost. Overall, the Core i5-8250U should be powerful enough for the needs of most users.

When running a Cinebench R15 multi-threaded benchmark our test device starts by operating at between 2.8-3.2 GHz. After a few seconds, this drops to between 2.2-2.3 GHz. By contrast, Cinebench R15 single-threaded benchmarks run consistently at 3.4 GHz. This benchmark behaviour applies to when the device is used on either battery or mains power.

Cinebench R15 single threaded benchmark
Cinebench R15 single threaded benchmark
Cinebench R15 multi-threaded benchmark
Cinebench R15 multi-threaded benchmark
Intel XTU
Intel XTU

We checked the extent of our test device’s Turbo Boost performance by running a Cinebench R15 multi-threaded benchmark on a thirty-minute loop. Initially, our test device scored 514 points, when then decreased on the second benchmark run to 492, which represents around a 5% performance drop. Our test device then settled at between 491 and 495 for the remained of the benchmark loop. While the turbo is used throughout the test, our test device cannot operate at peak CPU clock speeds.

0102030405060708090100110120130140150160170180190200210220230240250260270280290300310320330340350360370380390400410420430440450460470480490500510520Tooltip
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64 Bit

The results from our CPU benchmarks are at the expected level for a Core i5-8250U powered device.

Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
8878
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
16359
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
5516
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
36.06 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
5.56 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.63 Points
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.8 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
46.02 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
514 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
142 Points
Help
Cinebench R15 | Cinebench R11.5 | Cinebench R10 | Geekbench 3 | Geekbench 4.0 | Geekbench 4.1 - 4.4 | Mozilla Kraken 1.1 | Octane V2 | JetStream 1.1
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Office
  (82.6 - 284, n=125, last 2 years)
205 Points ∼100% +44%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
Intel Core i5-8250U
143 Points ∼70% +1%
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel Core i5-8250U
142 Points ∼69%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (81 - 147, n=97)
141.1 Points ∼69% -1%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320s-14IKB
Intel Pentium Gold 4415U
93 Points ∼45% -35%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000
73 Points ∼36% -49%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Office
  (160.8 - 2492, n=128, last 2 years)
1186 Points ∼100% +131%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
Intel Core i5-8250U
606 Points ∼51% +18%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (320 - 730, n=101)
570 Points ∼48% +11%
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel Core i5-8250U
514 Points ∼43%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320s-14IKB
Intel Pentium Gold 4415U
238 Points ∼20% -54%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000
236 Points ∼20% -54%
Cinebench R11.5
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Office
  (1.93 - 20.3, n=14, last 2 years)
9.59 Points ∼100% +72%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (3.15 - 7.76, n=35)
6.02 Points ∼63% +8%
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel Core i5-8250U
5.56 Points ∼58%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000
2.8 Points ∼29% -50%
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Office
  (0.75 - 2.97, n=14, last 2 years)
2.04 Points ∼100% +25%
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel Core i5-8250U
1.63 Points ∼80%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (0.91 - 1.79, n=35)
1.615 Points ∼79% -1%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000
0.94 Points ∼46% -42%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
Average of class Office
  (3518 - 40266, n=14, last 2 years)
21865 Points ∼100% +34%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
Intel Core i5-8250U
18814 Points ∼86% +15%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (14148 - 22097, n=42)
18261 Points ∼84% +12%
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel Core i5-8250U
16359 Points ∼75%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000
6610 Points ∼30% -60%
Rendering Single 32Bit
Average of class Office
  (1381 - 9351, n=14, last 2 years)
5820 Points ∼100% +6%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (5349 - 8356, n=42)
5631 Points ∼97% +2%
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel Core i5-8250U
5516 Points ∼95%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
Intel Core i5-8250U
5501 Points ∼95% 0%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000
2287 Points ∼39% -59%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Multi-Core Score
Average of class Office
  (last 2 years)
16771 Points ∼100% +32%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
Intel Core i5-8250U
12793 Points ∼76% +1%
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel Core i5-8250U
12691 Points ∼76%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (10893 - 13553, n=18)
12606 Points ∼75% -1%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000
5353 Points ∼32% -58%
32 Bit Single-Core Score
Average of class Office
  (last 2 years)
4096 Points ∼100% +18%
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel Core i5-8250U
3475 Points ∼85%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
Intel Core i5-8250U
3412 Points ∼83% -2%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (3148 - 3503, n=18)
3302 Points ∼81% -5%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000
1707 Points ∼42% -51%
Geekbench 4.0
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel Core i5-8250U
13383 Points ∼100%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
Intel Core i5-8250U
12394 Points ∼93% -7%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (10751 - 13486, n=19)
12210 Points ∼91% -9%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000
5211 Points ∼39% -61%
64 Bit Single-Core Score
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel Core i5-8250U
4243 Points ∼100%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (3924 - 4243, n=19)
4076 Points ∼96% -4%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
Intel Core i5-8250U
4029 Points ∼95% -5%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000
2039 Points ∼48% -52%
Geekbench 4.1 - 4.4
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Average of class Office
  (3470 - 35532, n=24, last 2 years)
17323 Points ∼100% +29%
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel Core i5-8250U
13414 Points ∼77%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
Intel Core i5-8250U
13030 Points ∼75% -3%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (11269 - 14228, n=25)
12833 Points ∼74% -4%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000
5467 Points ∼32% -59%
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Average of class Office
  (1579 - 7072, n=24, last 2 years)
4986 Points ∼100% +18%
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel Core i5-8250U
4230 Points ∼85%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
Intel Core i5-8250U
4122 Points ∼83% -3%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (3453 - 4330, n=25)
4116 Points ∼83% -3%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000
2014 Points ∼40% -52%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total Score
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000 (Edge 42)
2797 ms * ∼100% -110%
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel Core i5-8250U (Edge 42)
1334 ms * ∼48%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (986 - 1532, n=59)
1221 ms * ∼44% +8%
Average of class Office
  (479 - 1800, n=118, last 2 years)
754 ms * ∼27% +43%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Average of class Office
  (20009 - 93596, n=51, last 2 years)
65560 Points ∼100% +116%
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel Core i5-8250U (Edge 42)
30336 Points ∼46%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (22772 - 35817, n=54)
30123 Points ∼46% -1%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000 (Edge 42)
13075 Points ∼20% -57%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Average of class Office
  (109.5 - 452, n=23, last 2 years)
312 Points ∼100% +42%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
Intel Core i5-8250U (Edge 41)
238.1 Points ∼76% +9%
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel Core i5-8250U (Edge 42)
219.2 Points ∼70%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (151.5 - 256, n=78)
215 Points ∼69% -2%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel Pentium Silver N5000 (Edge 42)
108 Points ∼35% -51%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320s-14IKB
Intel Pentium Gold 4415U
98.8 Points ∼32% -55%

* ... smaller is better

System Performance

The combination of a quad-core processor, dual-channel RAM and Intel Optane Memory ensures smooth system performance. The CPU is more than capable for most office and Internet-based applications too. Our test device scored well in PCMark benchmarks, confirming our initial impressions. We encountered no problems with our test device during testing either.

PC Mark 10
PC Mark 10
PCMark 7 Score
5603 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3709 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
4053 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4909 points
PCMark 10 Score
3447 points
Help
PCMark 8 | PCMark 10
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SanDisk SD8SN8U256G1002
3937 Points ∼100% +6%
Average of class Office
  (1275 - 4830, n=14, last 2 years)
3824 Points ∼97% +3%
HP 14-ma0312ng
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Intel Optane 16 GB MEMPEK1J016GAH + HGST HTS541010B7E610 1 TB HDD
3709 Points ∼94%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (2986 - 4458, n=69)
3584 Points ∼91% -3%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320s-14IKB
HD Graphics 610, Pentium 4415U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW128HEGR
2657 Points ∼67% -28%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
UHD Graphics 605, Pentium N5000, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
2141 Points ∼54% -42%
Work Score Accelerated v2
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SanDisk SD8SN8U256G1002
5106 Points ∼100% +4%
HP 14-ma0312ng
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Intel Optane 16 GB MEMPEK1J016GAH + HGST HTS541010B7E610 1 TB HDD
4909 Points ∼96%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (2699 - 5106, n=58)
4646 Points ∼91% -5%
Average of class Office
  (1854 - 5610, n=13, last 2 years)
3416 Points ∼67% -30%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
UHD Graphics 605, Pentium N5000, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
3259 Points ∼64% -34%
PCMark 10
Digital Content Creation
Average of class Office
  (1912 - 8299, n=109, last 2 years)
5305 Points ∼100% +95%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SanDisk SD8SN8U256G1002
2852 Points ∼54% +5%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (2613 - 3082, n=67)
2733 Points ∼52% +1%
HP 14-ma0312ng
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Intel Optane 16 GB MEMPEK1J016GAH + HGST HTS541010B7E610 1 TB HDD
2715 Points ∼51%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
UHD Graphics 605, Pentium N5000, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
1334 Points ∼25% -51%
Productivity
Average of class Office
  (3053 - 9624, n=109, last 2 years)
7077 Points ∼100% +29%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SanDisk SD8SN8U256G1002
6004 Points ∼85% +9%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (3851 - 6653, n=67)
5725 Points ∼81% +4%
HP 14-ma0312ng
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Intel Optane 16 GB MEMPEK1J016GAH + HGST HTS541010B7E610 1 TB HDD
5504 Points ∼78%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
UHD Graphics 605, Pentium N5000, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
3202 Points ∼45% -42%
Essentials
Average of class Office
  (5095 - 20841, n=109, last 2 years)
9573 Points ∼100% +29%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SanDisk SD8SN8U256G1002
7468 Points ∼78% 0%
HP 14-ma0312ng
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Intel Optane 16 GB MEMPEK1J016GAH + HGST HTS541010B7E610 1 TB HDD
7439 Points ∼78%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (5855 - 9289, n=67)
7398 Points ∼77% -1%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
UHD Graphics 605, Pentium N5000, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
4544 Points ∼47% -39%
Score
Average of class Office
  (2325 - 6741, n=109, last 2 years)
5057 Points ∼100% +47%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SanDisk SD8SN8U256G1002
3612 Points ∼71% +5%
HP 14-ma0312ng
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Intel Optane 16 GB MEMPEK1J016GAH + HGST HTS541010B7E610 1 TB HDD
3447 Points ∼68%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (3358 - 4081, n=67)
3296 Points ∼65% -4%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
UHD Graphics 605, Pentium N5000, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
1926 Points ∼38% -44%

Storage Devices

The 14-ma0312ng is equipped with a 1 TB 2.5-inch HDD and 16 GB of Intel Optane Memory. The latter acts as a dedicated cache for the larger HDD that is intended to reduced boot times and improve general system performance like reducing the time to save large files. Subjectively, our test device feels snappier than comparable devices also equipped with a 5,400 RPM HDD.

The transfer speeds in CrystalDiskMark reflect this with our test device achieving particularly high random access read speeds. The Optane Memory cannot match NVMe SSDs for sequential data transfer speeds though; our test device is roughly between SATA III and NVMe SSDs in this regard.

It is worth keeping in mind that you do not have to use the Optane Memory drive. You could instead use the M.2-2280 slot for higher volume SATA III and NVMe SSDs. You could then run the HDD and a larger SSD together or remove the HDD too and just run the device from an SSD.

CrystalDiskMark 3.0
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
AS SSD
hddimg
Intel Optane 16 GB MEMPEK1J016GAH + HGST HTS541010B7E610 1 TB HDD
Sequential Read: 855 MB/s
Sequential Write: 157.3 MB/s
512K Read: 797 MB/s
512K Write: 154.6 MB/s
4K Read: 147.9 MB/s
4K Write: 81.6 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 474.2 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 162.1 MB/s
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel Optane 16 GB MEMPEK1J016GAH + HGST HTS541010B7E610 1 TB HDD		Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN		Lenovo IdeaPad 320s-14IKB
Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW128HEGR		Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
SanDisk SD8SN8U256G1002		Average Intel Optane 16 GB MEMPEK1J016GAH + HGST HTS541010B7E610 1 TB HDD
 
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
-7%
29%
3%
0%
Read Seq
855
425.2
-50%
991
16%
480.1
-44%
855
0%
Write Seq
157.3
377.3
140%
792
403%
440.3
180%
157.3
0%
Read 512
797
280.3
-65%
482.2
-39%
277.5
-65%
797
0%
Write 512
154.6
346.6
124%
138.5
-10%
300.6
94%
154.6
0%
Read 4k
147.9
19.78
-87%
28.11
-81%
28.18
-81%
147.9
0%
Write 4k
81.6
62.4
-24%
79
-3%
52.6
-36%
81.6
0%
Read 4k QD32
474.2
148.7
-69%
320.9
-32%
273.4
-42%
474
0%
Write 4k QD32
162.1
123
-24%
124.8
-23%
192.4
19%
162.1
0%

Intel Optane Memory – useful or unnecessary?

The benefits of Intel Optane Memory will be negligible to most users. Ultimately, Intel Optane Memory is suitable for those who use programs that benefit from fast random read speeds of small files, like database software. The drive would also be suitable for those who have a system that is equipped with one HDD, but they do not want to entirely rebuild the system on a new SSD.

There are some physical requirements for equipping a system with an Intel Optane drive though. Intel Optane Memory only supports devices that are equipped with at least seventh generation Intel CPUs, a 200 series chipset, an M.2-2280 NVMe port and a 2.5-inch drive bay. Evidently, this limits the use of Intel Optane Memory to a specific set of devices that most users will not possess.

Lastly, Intel Optane Memory is expensive. The 16 GB drive used in our test device costs around €30  (~$35), which is considerably more expensive per gigabyte than SATA III and NVMe SSDs. Overall, an upgrade to a fast SSD would be a more economical solution for those who are looking to upgrade from traditional HDDs than buying a dedicated cache SSD.

Graphics Card

Intel UHD Graphics 620 handles graphics and operates at between 300-1,100 MHz. The DirectX 12 supporting GPU performs 3DMark benchmarks as expected for a system running in dual-channel mode. Dual-channel memory helps a system get the best performance from a GPU, which in turn improves graphics performance. 

Ice Storm Unlimited
Ice Storm Unlimited
Cloud Gate
Cloud Gate
Fire Strike
Fire Strike
3DMark 11 Performance
1838 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
58047 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
8196 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
1053 points
Help
3DMark 11 | 3DMark
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Office
  (599 - 12195, n=123, last 2 years)
5243 Points ∼100% +219%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (1144 - 3432, n=244)
1749 Points ∼33% +6%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
1743 Points ∼33% +6%
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
1645 Points ∼31%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320s-14IKB
Intel HD Graphics 610, Intel Pentium Gold 4415U
804 Points ∼15% -51%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel UHD Graphics 605, Intel Pentium Silver N5000
612 Points ∼12% -63%
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Average of class Office
  (5681 - 58068, n=109, last 2 years)
21689 Points ∼100% +128%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
9969 Points ∼46% +5%
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
9520 Points ∼44%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (6205 - 16400, n=225)
9262 Points ∼43% -3%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel UHD Graphics 605, Intel Pentium Silver N5000
3261 Points ∼15% -66%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average of class Office
  (712 - 8815, n=124, last 2 years)
3683 Points ∼100% +218%
Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
1178 Points ∼32% +2%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (557 - 2608, n=213)
1161 Points ∼32% 0%
HP 14-ma0312ng
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
1160 Points ∼31%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Intel UHD Graphics 605, Intel Pentium Silver N5000
434 Points ∼12% -63%

Gaming Performance

The CPU and integrated GPU can play some games, primarily those that have relatively moderate system requirements. Our test device can play some games at low quality and at low resolutions as our gaming benchmark table demonstrates. The dual-channel memory helps give the 14-ma0312ng better gaming performance than comparable devices that run in single-channel mode.

low med. high ultra
Tomb Raider (2013) 89.4 46.2 29.8
BioShock Infinite (2013) 64.9 34.1 28.7
Rise of the Tomb Raider (2016) 20.7 12.5
Fortnite (2018) 39
Kingdom Come: Deliverance (2018) 13.1
X-Plane 11.11 (2018) 25.5
Far Cry 5 (2018) 13
The Crew 2 (2018) 19.8

Emissions

Fan Noise

The fan is always on by default, the culprit of which is found in the BIOS. Switching off the “Fan always on” BIOS setting rectifies this. Thereafter the fan is usually silent and only reaches a maximum of 33.7 dB(A) when running a stress test. This is notably quiet.

Noise Level

Idle
31.4 / 31.4 / 31.6 dB(A)
Load
31.5 / 33.7 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
  
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 30.25 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2033.239.23332.933.22541.244.540.840.141.23156.641.439.839.456.64039.235.833.530.539.25039.836.840.434.739.86329.729.233.129.929.78027.127.626.826.627.110026.626.926.124.926.612530.327.125.225.430.316024.424.424.523.924.420023.122.922.822.823.125022.622.322.32222.631522.22221.821.322.240020.122.420.819.920.150019.521.72019.319.56302021.419.818.9208002326.223.718.523100021.125.422.51821.1125019.122.319.817.619.1160018.822.819.217.518.8200017.92318.217.417.9250017.821.41817.417.8315017.919.31817.517.9400017.717.817.817.617.7500017.818.217.817.917.8630017.91817.91817.980001817.918181810000181817.918181250017.817.817.817.917.81600017.817.817.917.917.8SPL31.533.831.730.331.5N1.41.71.41.21.4median 19.1median 22median 19.8median 18median 19.1Delta2.232.11.42.2hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseHP 14-ma0312ng
HP 14-ma0312ng
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620		Lenovo IdeaPad 320s-14IKB
Pentium 4415U, HD Graphics 610		Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620		Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
 		Average of class Office
 
Noise
-1%
-6%
2%
8%
off / environment *
30.25
30.2
-0%
29 ?(23 - 30.7, n=249)
4%
24.6 ?(21.1 - 29.9, n=104, last 2 years)
19%
Idle Minimum *
31.4
31.1
1%
30.2
4%
29.1 ?(23.8 - 32.5, n=250)
7%
24.8 ?(22.4 - 29.9, n=105, last 2 years)
21%
Idle Average *
31.4
31.1
1%
30.2
4%
29.1 ?(23.8 - 33.9, n=250)
7%
25.1 ?(22.4 - 30.8, n=105, last 2 years)
20%
Idle Maximum *
31.6
31.1
2%
31.3
1%
29.7 ?(24.4 - 41.1, n=250)
6%
25.9 ?(22.8 - 33.4, n=105, last 2 years)
18%
Load Average *
31.5
34.8
-10%
40.1
-27%
33.5 ?(24.2 - 44.8, n=247)
-6%
34.9 ?(22.8 - 47.6, n=105, last 2 years)
-11%
Load Maximum *
33.7
33.7
-0%
40.4
-20%
36.1 ?(27.5 - 46.8, n=250)
-7%
39.6 ?(27.3 - 50, n=105, last 2 years)
-18%

* ... smaller is better

Temperature

The HP 14-ma0312ng during a stress test
The HP 14-ma0312ng during a stress test

Our combined FurMark and Prime95 one-hour stress test runs equally well on battery as it does on mains power. The CPU operates at 2.2 GHz during the first couple of minutes of stress testing after which it throttles to 900 MHz. When this happens the GPU clock speed increases from 300 MHz to 700 MHz. The CPU and GPU share the same TDP so as the CPU throttles and reduces its wattage the GPU can tap into the freed-up wattage.

The 14-ma0312ng is a relatively cool laptop even under load. Our test device averages around 30 °C (86 °F) under maximum load and only reaches a maximum of 36.6 °C (98 °F); this is at the top right of the top case. Surface temperatures at idle reach a maximum of 28 °C (82.4 °F) and averages 26 °C (78.8 °F). These are impressively low surface temperatures at idle.

It is worth bearing in mind that the surface temperatures we measured at maximum load are rather artificial. We achieved these during stress testing, which subjects the components to extreme load conditions that would not occur during daily use. We run these stress tests to ensure that our test devices are stable under maximum load.

Max. Load
 34.5 °C
94 F		36 °C
97 F		36.6 °C
98 F		 
 28.4 °C
83 F		33 °C
91 F		34 °C
93 F		 
 24.4 °C
76 F		24.9 °C
77 F		28 °C
82 F		 
Maximum: 36.6 °C = 98 F
Average: 31.1 °C = 88 F
29.5 °C
85 F		33.4 °C
92 F		29 °C
84 F
30.6 °C
87 F		31.8 °C
89 F		26.7 °C
80 F
27.9 °C
82 F		26.4 °C
80 F		25.7 °C
78 F
Maximum: 31.8 °C = 89 F
Average: 29 °C = 84 F
Power Supply (max.)  38.9 °C = 102 F | Room Temperature 21.6 °C = 71 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 31.1 °C / 88 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 36.6 °C / 98 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 31.8 °C / 89 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 26.3 °C / 79 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 28.4 °C / 83.1 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.8 °C / 82 F (-0.6 °C / -1.1 F).
Top case surface temperatures under load
Top case surface temperatures under load
Bottom case surface temperatures under load
Bottom case surface temperatures under load
Top case surface temperatures at idle
Top case surface temperatures at idle
Bottom case surface temperatures at idle
Bottom case surface temperatures at idle
HP 14-ma0312ng
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620		Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Pentium N5000, UHD Graphics 605		Lenovo IdeaPad 320s-14IKB
Pentium 4415U, HD Graphics 610		Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620		Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
 		Average of class Office
 
Heat
-4%
4%
-10%
-11%
-14%
Maximum Upper Side *
36.6
36.5
-0%
34.3
6%
42.2
-15%
41.1 ?(29 - 53.2, n=248)
-12%
40.6 ?(31.6 - 50, n=111, last 2 years)
-11%
Maximum Bottom *
31.8
39.7
-25%
30.1
5%
39.4
-24%
44.3 ?(31.8 - 67.2, n=248)
-39%
43.8 ?(26.2 - 63.6, n=111, last 2 years)
-38%
Idle Upper Side *
28.4
26.6
6%
28.1
1%
28.1
1%
26.8 ?(21.4 - 40.8, n=245)
6%
28.2 ?(21.6 - 38.6, n=110, last 2 years)
1%
Idle Bottom *
28
26.8
4%
27.5
2%
28.1
-0%
27.7 ?(21.8 - 40.4, n=245)
1%
29.6 ?(21.6 - 47.3, n=110, last 2 years)
-6%

* ... smaller is better

Speakers

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2031.331.631.32532.232.232.23132.730.232.74031.129.131.15031.129.831.16327.728.127.78027.226.627.210026.225.626.212526.32526.316026.324.326.320032.622.632.625045.221.545.231554.420.754.440062.62062.650061.118.861.163063.418.163.480061.118.161.1100066.717.666.7125068.717.268.7160066.917.466.920006717.467250069.617.369.6315064.617.464.6400063.717.863.7500063.81863.8630064.118.164.1800061.718.361.71000065.818.665.81250061.918.761.91600055.619.155.6SPL77.730.277.7N38.51.238.5median 62.6median 18.3median 62.6Delta8.81.68.835.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseHP 14-ma0312ngApple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
HP 14-ma0312ng audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (72 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 27.5% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (11% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.8% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (6.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (22.6% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 55% of all tested devices in this class were better, 9% similar, 35% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 60% of all tested devices were better, 6% similar, 33% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 26%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 4% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 94% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 20%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 26%, worst was 134%

Power Management

Power Consumption

The 14-ma0312ng is a relatively power efficient device. We measured a maximum power consumption of 6.8 W at idle, which is considerably lower than the average of Intel UHD Graphics 620 equipped devices that we have currently tested. This increases to 30.4 W during a combined FurMark and Prime95 stress test, which is 9% lower than the ASUS VivoBook S14, our only Core i5-8250U powered comparison device.

HP includes a 45 W power supply with the 14-ma0312ng. As our power consumption table demonstrates, the included charger will comfortably be able to charge the 14-ma0312ng even when it is under maximum load.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.25 / 0.4 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 4.7 / 6.3 / 6.8 Watt
Load midlight 15 / 30.4 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
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 14-ma0312ng
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620		Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Pentium N5000, UHD Graphics 605		Lenovo IdeaPad 320s-14IKB
Pentium 4415U, HD Graphics 610		Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620		Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
 		Average of class Office
 
Power Consumption
16%
0%
-28%
-42%
-57%
Idle Minimum *
4.7
3.4
28%
3.4
28%
3.7
21%
3.81 ?(1 - 12.4, n=259)
19%
4.16 ?(2.2 - 8.6, n=110, last 2 years)
11%
Idle Average *
6.3
5.9
6%
6.3
-0%
5.6
11%
6.94 ?(2.8 - 15.7, n=261)
-10%
7.33 ?(3.8 - 20.6, n=110, last 2 years)
-16%
Idle Maximum *
6.8
7.5
-10%
6.7
1%
7.6
-12%
8.75 ?(3.8 - 30, n=259)
-29%
8.98 ?(4.7 - 23.9, n=110, last 2 years)
-32%
Load Average *
15
14.5
3%
24.5
-63%
37.4
-149%
35 ?(8.1 - 51.6, n=259)
-133%
38.8 ?(8.2 - 75.2, n=110, last 2 years)
-159%
Load Maximum *
30.4
15
51%
20.2
34%
33
-9%
47.5 ?(22 - 96.3, n=261)
-56%
57.3 ?(8.7 - 107.9, n=110, last 2 years)
-88%

* ... smaller is better

Battery life

The 14-ma0312ng has a 41.7 Wh battery. This is considerably smaller than the 53.9 Wh battery used in the Acer Swift 1 SF114 but is larger than the batteries used in our other comparison devices. It is worth noting that we set our test device to the "Balanced" profile Windows power profile and the display to 150 cd/m². Under these conditions, our test device achieved a runtime of seven hours and twenty-five minutes in our Wi-Fi battery test, during which we run a script that simulates the load required to render websites. Likewise, our test device lasted for six hours and thirty-nine minutes with the film Big Buck Bunny playing in H.264 on a continuous loop at 1,920 x 1,080.

A view of the 14-ma0312ng's 41.7 Wh battery
A view of the 14-ma0312ng's 41.7 Wh battery
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
15h 37min
WiFi Websurfing (Edge 42)
7h 25min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
6h 39min
Load (maximum brightness)
2h 30min
HP 14-ma0312ng
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, 41.7 Wh		Acer Swift 1 SF114-32-P8GG
Pentium N5000, UHD Graphics 605, 53.9 Wh		Lenovo IdeaPad 320s-14IKB
Pentium 4415U, HD Graphics 610, 30 Wh		Asus VivoBook S14 S406UA-BV023T
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, 39 Wh		Average of class Office
 
Battery Runtime
66%
3%
7%
32%
Reader / Idle
937
1359 ?(483 - 2359, n=27, last 2 years)
45%
H.264
399
680 ?(348 - 1112, n=40, last 2 years)
70%
WiFi v1.3
445
740
66%
460
3%
476
7%
587 ?(272 - 1715, n=110, last 2 years)
32%
Load
150
119 ?(56 - 285, n=62, last 2 years)
-21%

Verdict

Pros

+ matte display
+ adequate battery life

Cons

- dark display
- low-contrast ratio
- poor viewing angles
- slow memory card reader
- slow WiFi speeds
- no ac WiFi
The HP 14-ma0312ng, courtesy of Intel Germany.
The HP 14-ma0312ng, courtesy of Intel Germany.

The HP 14-ma0312ng is a 14-inch office notebook that is powerful enough for all typical Internet-based and office applications thanks to its Core i5-8250U quad-core processor. Additionally, the device runs in dual-channel mode and is equipped with an Intel Optane Memory drive that distinguishes it from the competition.

While the keyboard is good enough for daily use the lack of backlighting is a shame. The 14-ma0312ng won’t break any battery life records, but it is enough for most uses. 

The HP 14-ma0312ng is an otherwise good office device that is let down by some outdated hardware.

The remaining hardware is uninspired. The display is a dark TN panel, with low-contrast and poor viewing-angle screen. The display has a low-resolution too at 1,366 x 768. Moreover, Wi-Fi speeds are slow and there is no support for 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, which should be standard issue for devices released in 2018. Even the memory card reader is slow.

HP 14-ma0312ng - 09/01/2018 v6(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
77 / 98 → 78%
Keyboard
72%
Pointing Device
79 / 20-67 → 100%
Connectivity
39%
Weight
69%
Battery
89 / 92 → 97%
Display
74%
Games Performance
59%
Application Performance
89%
Temperature
94%
Noise
92%
Audio
56%
Camera
44%
Average
72%
80%
Office - Weighted Average

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> Notebook / Laptop Reviews and News > Reviews > HP 14 (i5-8250U, Intel Optane Memory, HD Display) Laptop Review
Sascha Mölck, 2018-09- 3 (Update: 2018-09- 8)