Notebookcheck Logo

HP EliteBook 840 G5 (i7-8550U, SSD, FHD) Laptop Review

Privacy screen at the touch of a button.When it comes to Hewlett Packard's top-of-the-line model from their EliteBook 840 G5 series, the manufacturer is not fiddling about. On board you will find a very bright IPS display with a privacy screen, an LTE modem, 32 GB of RAM and an NVMe SSD. HP appears to have set their sights somewhat lower in terms of battery life—some of the competition has more to offer here.

The EliteBook 840 G5 belongs to the luxury class of 14-inch business laptops. We have already reviewed one model from this series—the EliteBook 840 G5 3JX66EA. Now we turn our attention to the series' current top model. HP is not cutting any corners when it comes to the laptop's configuration: A Core i7 processor, 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB NVMe SSD have made the grade. The competition comprises of notebooks like the Lenovo ThinkPad T480s, the Fujitsu LifeBook U747, the Dell Latitude 7480, the Acer TravelMate P648-G2-M, and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018.

Since we have already reviewed another EliteBook 840 G5 model, we will not cover the case, connectivity, input devices, display or speakers at length. For more information on these subjects, please see our review of the EliteBook 840 G5 3JX66EA.

Note: We updated our rating system to v7 recently (see here) and the rating of the EliteBook 840 G5 drops from 91 % to 88 %.

HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA (EliteBook 840 G5 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i7-8550U 4 x 1.8 - 4 GHz, Kaby Lake Refresh
Graphics adapter
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Core: 1150 MHz, dual-channel, 24.20.100.6025
Memory
32 GB 
, DDR4-2400, dual-channel, two memory slots (occupied)
Display
14.00 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 157 PPI, IVO M140NVF7 R0, IPS, HP SureView (privacy screen via function key), glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel Kaby Lake-U iHDCP 2.2 Premium PCH
Storage
Toshiba KXG50ZNV1T02, 1024 GB 
, 885 GB free
Soundcard
Conexant ISST Audio
Connections
2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 USB 3.1 Gen2, 1 Thunderbolt, 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: audio combo, 1 SmartCard, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Brightness Sensor, TPM 2.0
Networking
Intel Ethernet Connection I219-V (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.2, Intel XMM 7360LTE-Advanced, LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 17.9 x 326 x 234 ( = 0.7 x 12.83 x 9.21 in)
Battery
50 Wh, 4330 mAh Lithium-Ion, 11.55 V
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD
Primary Camera: 0.9 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, MS Office 365 (trial version), 36 Months Warranty
Weight
1.48 kg ( = 52.21 oz / 3.26 pounds), Power Supply: 353 g ( = 12.45 oz / 0.78 pounds)
Price
2599 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Size Comparison

332.6 mm / 13.1 inch 234 mm / 9.21 inch 19 mm / 0.748 inch 1.4 kg3.17 lbs328.7 mm / 12.9 inch 235.5 mm / 9.27 inch 21.2 mm / 0.835 inch 1.7 kg3.75 lbs331 mm / 13 inch 226.8 mm / 8.93 inch 18.45 mm / 0.726 inch 1.4 kg3.01 lbs326 mm / 12.8 inch 234 mm / 9.21 inch 17.9 mm / 0.705 inch 1.5 kg3.26 lbs323.5 mm / 12.7 inch 217.1 mm / 8.55 inch 15.95 mm / 0.628 inch 1.1 kg2.48 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connections

SD Card Reader
maximum SDCardreader Maximum Transfer Rate
Average of class Office
  (26.4 - 173.2, n=44, last 2 years)
65.2 MB/s
average SDCardreader Average Transfer Rate
Average of class Office
  (8 - 196.8, n=50, last 2 years)
55.6 MB/s
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
663 MBit/s
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
523 MBit/s -21%
Lenovo ThinkPad T480s-20L8S02D00
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
519 MBit/s -22%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
511 MBit/s -23%
Fujitsu LifeBook U747
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
509 MBit/s -23%
Acer TravelMate P648-G2-M-73T0
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265
509 MBit/s -23%
iperf3 receive AX12
Acer TravelMate P648-G2-M-73T0
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265
688 MBit/s +31%
Fujitsu LifeBook U747
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
655 MBit/s +25%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
644 MBit/s +23%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
633 MBit/s +21%
Lenovo ThinkPad T480s-20L8S02D00
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
618 MBit/s +18%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
524 MBit/s

Display - A very bright display is on board

The matte 14-inch display has a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. Its contrast ratio (1170:1) and brightness (629.8 cd/m²) are good and very good, respectively. The screen is equipped with HP's SureView technology. This innovation shields the display content from anyone peering from side angles. There is a function key for turning the privacy screen on and off.

At brightness levels of 90 percent and below, the display uses PWM backlight flickering at a frequency of 3125 Hz. A frequency in that high range should spare even sensitive users from eye problems and/or headaches.

Pixel grid
Pixel grid
Privacy screen deactivated
Privacy screen deactivated
Privacy screen activated
Privacy screen activated
610
cd/m²
642
cd/m²
617
cd/m²
607
cd/m²
655
cd/m²
625
cd/m²
635
cd/m²
628
cd/m²
649
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
IVO M140NVF7 R0 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 655 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 629.8 cd/m² Minimum: 14.2 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 93 %
Center on Battery: 616 cd/m²
Contrast: 1170:1 (Black: 0.56 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.27 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5, calibrated: 3.22
ΔE Greyscale 2.85 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
88% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
57% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
62.1% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
87.7% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
61% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.45
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Fujitsu LifeBook U747
IPS LED, 1920x1080, 14.00
Acer TravelMate P648-G2-M-73T0
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Lenovo ThinkPad T480s-20L8S02D00
IPS, 2560x1440, 14.00
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
IPS, 2560x1440, 14.00
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Dell Latitude 7480
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Display
2%
7%
17%
40%
-0%
6%
Display P3 Coverage
61
66.1
8%
67.2
10%
72.8
19%
87.7
44%
60.2
-1%
65.4
7%
sRGB Coverage
87.7
84.8
-3%
90.8
4%
97.9
12%
100
14%
88.2
1%
92.3
5%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
62.1
62
0%
66.4
7%
74.1
19%
99.9
61%
61.3
-1%
65.8
6%
Response Times
1%
-6%
-13%
-56%
-25%
-22%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
33 ?(15, 18)
36 ?(16.4, 19.6)
-9%
38 ?(20, 18)
-15%
38.4 ?(19.6, 18.8)
-16%
59.2 ?(28.4, 30.8)
-79%
42.4 ?(19.6, 22.8)
-28%
40.8 ?(19.2, 21.6)
-24%
Response Time Black / White *
26 ?(15, 11)
23.2 ?(12.4, 10.8)
11%
25 ?(14, 11)
4%
28.4 ?(15.6, 12.8)
-9%
34.4 ?(16.4, 18)
-32%
31.6 ?(18, 13.6)
-22%
31.2 ?(18.8, 12.4)
-20%
PWM Frequency
3125 ?(90)
Screen
-21%
-16%
-19%
22%
-20%
-5%
Brightness middle
655
291
-56%
275
-58%
352
-46%
578
-12%
414
-37%
344
-47%
Brightness
630
296
-53%
253
-60%
343
-46%
533
-15%
387
-39%
321
-49%
Brightness Distribution
93
84
-10%
85
-9%
91
-2%
84
-10%
87
-6%
85
-9%
Black Level *
0.56
0.32
43%
0.25
55%
0.46
18%
0.38
32%
0.25
55%
0.32
43%
Contrast
1170
909
-22%
1100
-6%
765
-35%
1521
30%
1656
42%
1075
-8%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
3.27
4.3
-31%
3.49
-7%
3.3
-1%
1.9
42%
5.5
-68%
2.6
20%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
5.92
7.5
-27%
6.77
-14%
7.3
-23%
3.8
36%
9.9
-67%
7.8
-32%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
3.22
0.8
75%
2.3
29%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
2.85
4.3
-51%
4.91
-72%
5.3
-86%
3
-5%
6.4
-125%
2.6
9%
Gamma
2.45 90%
2.31 95%
2.39 92%
2.22 99%
2.14 103%
2.31 95%
2.28 96%
CCT
6065 107%
6529 100%
6271 104%
6452 101%
6377 102%
7811 83%
7050 92%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
57
55.46
-3%
59
4%
68.4
20%
88.8
56%
56.9
0%
65.82
15%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
88
84.77
-4%
91
3%
98
11%
100
14%
88.1
0%
92.27
5%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-6% / -14%
-5% / -10%
-5% / -11%
2% / 16%
-15% / -17%
-7% / -5%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

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 detected 3125 Hz ≤ 90 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 3125 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 90 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 3125 Hz is quite high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18100 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

In factory default, the display's DeltaE 2000 color deviation comes to 3.27—just barely missing the target range (DeltaE less than 3). The screen has no blue cast to speak of. Calibrating the display does not improve the color reproduction.

CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Color saturation
CalMAN - Color saturation
CalMAN - ColorChecker (calibrated)
CalMAN - ColorChecker (calibrated)
CalMAN - Grayscale (calibrated)
CalMAN - Grayscale (calibrated)
CalMAN - Color saturation (calibrated)
CalMAN - Color saturation (calibrated)

Display Response Times

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
26 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 15 ms rise
↘ 11 ms fall
The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 57 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
33 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 15 ms rise
↘ 18 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 38 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

The IPS panel that HP has selected for the EliteBook has stable viewing angles, allowing the user to view the screen content from any perspective. Of course, this is only true if the privacy screen (SureView) is deactivated. Thanks to its high display brightness, the laptop can also be used outdoors. Even so, it is wise to avoid direct sunlight.

The EliteBook in outdoor use (photographed on a bright day; sun behind the device)
The EliteBook in outdoor use (photographed on a bright day; sun behind the device)
The EliteBook in outdoor use (photographed on a bright day; direct sunlight)
The EliteBook in outdoor use (photographed on a bright day; direct sunlight)

Performance - Thanks to the Core i7, nothing is lacking

The EliteBook 840 G5 belongs to the luxury class of 14-inch business laptops. The system provides enough processing power for all the usual application scenarios. The laptop is equipped with features typical of a business device, such as a docking port and a TPM. Our test device is available for around 2700 Euros (~$3125; US model with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB NVMe SSD on the market for $1737). HP also offers other versions of the computer with different hardware components.

HWInfo
HWInfo
Intel XTU
Intel XTU

Test conditions

In the computer's BIOS, there is an option labeled "Enable Turbo Boost on DC". This makes it possible to specify whether the CPU's turbo should be used in battery mode. Because the function is deactivated by default on our test device, we ran our tests with the function deactivated.

Processor

The EliteBook runs on an Intel Core i7-8550U (Kaby Lake Refresh) quad-core processor. This is a ULV model (TDP: 15 watts) that should satisfy the needs of most users. The CPU runs at a base clock speed of 1.8 GHz. Using turbo, it is possible to increase the speed to up to 4 GHz.

The Cinebench benchmark's multi-thread tests ran at 3.4 to 3.6 GHz for a few seconds and then the speed throttled down to between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz. The processor performed the entirety of the single-thread tests at 3.4 to 4 GHz, although that was only true in AC power mode. In battery mode, the CPU ran the tests at 1.6 to 1.8 GHz (multi-thread) and 1.6 to 2.2 GHz (single-thread). The reason: In the computer's BIOS, the option "Enable Turbo Boost on DC" is not activated. Should the user turn it on, the turbo will kick in even in battery mode.

To determine whether the CPU fully utilizes its turbo without interruption in AC power mode, we ran the Cinebench R15 multi-thread test for about 30 minutes in a continuous loop. The results were higher in the first run-through than the second, but after that they remained constant. The processor took advantage of its turbo, but the turbo's full potential remained untapped.

0102030405060708090100110120130140150160170180190200210220230240250260270280290300310320330340350360370380390400410420430440450460470480490500510520530540550560Tooltip
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64 Bit
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
6391
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
17281
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
10118
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
167 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
554 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
55.3 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.8 %
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Office
  (82.6 - 284, n=118, last 2 years)
215 Points +29%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
Intel Core i7-8550U
168 Points +1%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
Intel Core i7-8550U
167 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8550U
  (108 - 172, n=76)
159.6 Points -4%
Lenovo ThinkPad T480s-20L8S02D00
Intel Core i5-8250U
143 Points -14%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
Intel Core i5-8250U
143 Points -14%
Acer TravelMate P648-G2-M-73T0
Intel Core i7-7500U
142 Points -15%
Fujitsu LifeBook U747
Intel Core i5-7200U
130 Points -22%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Office
  (160.8 - 2642, n=120, last 2 years)
1380 Points +149%
Lenovo ThinkPad T480s-20L8S02D00
Intel Core i5-8250U
724 Points +31%
Lenovo ThinkPad T480s-20L8S02D00
Intel Core i5-8250U (undervolted)
716 Points +29%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
Intel Core i7-8550U (undervolted)
708 Points +28%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
Intel Core i7-8550U
648 Points +17%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
Intel Core i5-8250U
583 Points +5%
Average Intel Core i7-8550U
  (301 - 761, n=78)
576 Points +4%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
Intel Core i7-8550U
554 Points
Acer TravelMate P648-G2-M-73T0
Intel Core i7-7500U
341.4 Points -38%
Fujitsu LifeBook U747
Intel Core i5-7200U
331 Points -40%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Single 32Bit
Average of class Office
  (3465 - 9351, n=12, last 2 years)
6404 Points 0%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
Intel Core i7-8550U
6391 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8550U
  (4202 - 8211, n=31)
6328 Points -1%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
Intel Core i5-8250U
5519 Points -14%
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
Average of class Office
  (6611 - 40266, n=12, last 2 years)
27456 Points +59%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
Intel Core i5-8250U
19335 Points +12%
Average Intel Core i7-8550U
  (11694 - 24180, n=31)
17825 Points +3%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
Intel Core i7-8550U
17281 Points
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Multi-Core Score
Average of class Office
  (last 2 years)
16771 Points +20%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
Intel Core i7-8550U
13931 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8550U
  (8918 - 14144, n=12)
12315 Points -12%
32 Bit Single-Core Score
Average of class Office
  (last 2 years)
4096 Points +2%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
Intel Core i7-8550U
4020 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8550U
  (2471 - 4020, n=12)
3671 Points -9%
Geekbench 4.0
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
Intel Core i7-8550U
15294 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8550U
  (10747 - 15294, n=9)
13316 Points -13%
64 Bit Single-Core Score
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
Intel Core i7-8550U
4801 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8550U
  (4439 - 4858, n=9)
4686 Points -2%
Geekbench 4.4
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Average of class Office
  (4762 - 35532, n=19, last 2 years)
18933 Points +16%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
Intel Core i7-8550U
16294 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8550U
  (10869 - 16294, n=11)
14247 Points -13%
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Average of class Office
  (2776 - 7072, n=19, last 2 years)
5099 Points +2%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
Intel Core i7-8550U
4997 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8550U
  (4555 - 4997, n=11)
4858 Points -3%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Average of class Office
  (117.1 - 544, n=19, last 2 years)
369 Points +51%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
Intel Core i7-8550U (Edge 42)
244 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8550U
  (141.9 - 288, n=61)
234 Points -4%
Lenovo ThinkPad T480s-20L8S02D00
Intel Core i5-8250U (Edge 41.16299.248.0)
216.4 Points -11%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
Intel Core i5-8250U (EDGE 41.16299.248.0)
209.5 Points -14%
Acer TravelMate P648-G2-M-73T0
Intel Core i7-7500U (Firefox 53.0)
170.5 Points -30%
Fujitsu LifeBook U747
Intel Core i5-7200U (Edge)
161.4 Points -34%

System Performance

The system behavior is fluid and stable; we did not run into any problems. The EliteBook provides more than enough performance power for office and internet-related applications. Our subjective impression was validated by the laptop's very good scores in the PC Mark benchmarks. It is not possible to improve the computer's overall performance— HP has already maximized its computational power.

PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3966 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
4948 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
5004 points
PCMark 10 Score
3906 points
Help
PCMark 8 - Work Score Accelerated v2
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Toshiba KXG50ZNV1T02
5004 Points
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV256G
4832 Points -3%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
4664 Points -7%
Fujitsu LifeBook U747
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, Samsung MZYTY256HDHP
4653 Points -7%
Acer TravelMate P648-G2-M-73T0
HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U, SK Hynix HFS256G39TND-N210A
4639 Points -7%
Average Intel Core i7-8550U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (3518 - 5154, n=27)
4585 Points -8%
Lenovo ThinkPad T480s-20L8S02D00
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
4508 Points -10%
Average of class Office
  (1854 - 5610, n=12, last 2 years)
3746 Points -25%
PCMark 10
Score
Average of class Office
  (2325 - 7157, n=105, last 2 years)
5312 Points +36%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Toshiba KXG50ZNV1T02
3906 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
3905 Points 0%
Average Intel Core i7-8550U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (2629 - 4072, n=31)
3607 Points -8%
Lenovo ThinkPad T480s-20L8S02D00
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
3602 Points -8%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV256G
2429 Points -38%
Essentials
Average of class Office
  (5095 - 20841, n=105, last 2 years)
9781 Points +19%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Toshiba KXG50ZNV1T02
8236 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
7849 Points -5%
Average Intel Core i7-8550U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (6628 - 9291, n=29)
7780 Points -6%
Lenovo ThinkPad T480s-20L8S02D00
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
7358 Points -11%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV256G
7139 Points -13%
Productivity
Average of class Office
  (3041 - 10198, n=105, last 2 years)
7439 Points +12%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
6727 Points +1%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Toshiba KXG50ZNV1T02
6651 Points
Average Intel Core i7-8550U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (4889 - 7006, n=29)
6175 Points -7%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV256G
5844 Points -12%
Lenovo ThinkPad T480s-20L8S02D00
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
5739 Points -14%
Digital Content Creation
Average of class Office
  (1912 - 9056, n=105, last 2 years)
5732 Points +94%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
3062 Points +4%
Lenovo ThinkPad T480s-20L8S02D00
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
3004 Points +2%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Toshiba KXG50ZNV1T02
2954 Points
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV256G
2807 Points -5%
Average Intel Core i7-8550U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (1506 - 3160, n=29)
2748 Points -7%

Storage

An NVMe SSD from Toshiba serves as the system drive. This is an M.2 2280 model with a capacity of 1 TB. In factory default, around 885 GB remains available to the user. The remaining disk space is occupied by the Windows installation and the recovery partition. The SSD's transfer rates are excellent. NVMe SSDs reach substantially higher transfer rates than SATA III models as a result of their PCI Express 3.0 x4 connection.

Toshiba KXG50ZNV1T02
Sequential Read: 2087 MB/s
Sequential Write: 907 MB/s
512K Read: 993 MB/s
512K Write: 623 MB/s
4K Read: 32.84 MB/s
4K Write: 110.1 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 312.1 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 391.5 MB/s
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
Toshiba KXG50ZNV1T02
Fujitsu LifeBook U747
Samsung MZYTY256HDHP
Acer TravelMate P648-G2-M-73T0
SK Hynix HFS256G39TND-N210A
Lenovo ThinkPad T480s-20L8S02D00
Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV256G
Average Toshiba KXG50ZNV1T02
 
Average of class Office
 
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
-32%
-36%
49%
35%
-23%
0%
37%
Read Seq
2087
504
-76%
518
-75%
1540
-26%
2327
11%
1929
-8%
2087
0%
1895 ?(508 - 3536, n=3, last 2 years)
-9%
Write Seq
907
497.8
-45%
267.2
-71%
1613
78%
1808
99%
340
-63%
907
0%
2113 ?(459 - 3702, n=3, last 2 years)
133%
Read 512
993
396.7
-60%
562
-43%
835
-16%
419.3
-58%
908
-9%
993
0%
878 ?(392 - 1221, n=3, last 2 years)
-12%
Write 512
623
283.4
-55%
263.5
-58%
1716
175%
1272
104%
286.1
-54%
623
0%
1297 ?(389 - 2096, n=3, last 2 years)
108%
Read 4k
32.84
35.73
9%
32.88
0%
66.9
104%
60.6
85%
30.94
-6%
32.8
0%
43.3 ?(19.7 - 68.2, n=3, last 2 years)
32%
Write 4k
110.1
87.8
-20%
85.6
-22%
160.6
46%
132.9
21%
94.5
-14%
110.1
0%
132.5 ?(45.9 - 214, n=3, last 2 years)
20%
Read 4k QD32
312.1
399.1
28%
351.3
13%
444.9
43%
340.7
9%
244.7
-22%
312
0%
433 ?(186.4 - 761, n=3, last 2 years)
39%
Write 4k QD32
391.5
249.7
-36%
265.2
-32%
343
-12%
439.7
12%
351.3
-10%
392
0%
341 ?(222 - 526, n=3, last 2 years)
-13%

Graphics Card

Intel's UHD Graphics 620 graphics core is responsible for the laptop's graphics output. This card supports DirectX 12 and runs at speeds of between 300 and 1150 MHz. The results in the 3D Mark benchmarks are in the normal range for this GPU. The card benefits here from the memory that runs in dual-channel mode, maximizing its performance capabilities and delivering better results.

GPU-Z
GPU-Z
DXVAChecker
DXVAChecker
3DMark 11 Performance
2084 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
8696 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
1211 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Office
  (1474 - 12230, n=115, last 2 years)
5878 Points +218%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8550U
1901 Points +3%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8550U
1849 Points
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (1144 - 3432, n=244)
1749 Points -5%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
1653 Points -11%
Lenovo ThinkPad T480s-20L8S02D00
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
1633 Points -12%
Acer TravelMate P648-G2-M-73T0
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
1462 Points -21%
Fujitsu LifeBook U747
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
1409 Points -24%

Gaming Performance

The 840 G5's hardware can run some games smoothly—at low resolutions and minimum quality settings. Users will simply have to select titles that have little in the way of hardware demands. Because the laptop's memory runs in dual-channel mode, the system reaches higher frame rates than those achieved by comparable devices with memory running in single-channel mode. A game with substantial hardware demands—“Far Cry 5”, for example—is in no way playable on this computer.

low med. high ultra
BioShock Infinite (2013) 80.3 40.4 34.3 11

Emissions & Energy - Longer battery life would be better

Noise Emissions

A work computer is expected to make little to no noise. In this instance, the EliteBook does not disappoint. In idle mode the fan stands still as a general rule, leaving the machine to go about its work in total silence. The fan does not run very often under load either. Under both medium and full load, we recorded a sound pressure level of just 33.8 dB(A). Unfortunately, one of the computer's inner components occasionally generates an audible electronic crackle.

Noise Level

Idle
30.3 / 30.3 / 30.3 dB(A)
Load
33.8 / 33.8 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: 30.3 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2030.633.232.330.62530.932.132.730.93135.634.634.335.64032.129.530.232.15035.33332.735.36327.729.626.227.78026.526.826.926.510026.124.624.526.112525.424.125.225.416024.323.722.724.320023.723.822.123.725023.122.72223.131523.222.120.123.240021.22119.721.25002120.519.22163019.520.318.919.580021.421.318.321.4100021.321.617.821.312502221.917.622160023.323.617.323.3200023.323.317.523.3250024.124.317.724.1315022.622.717.922.6400020.220.317.920.2500019.819.618.119.863001918.618.419800019.118.718.519.11000019.218.718.519.21250019.118.618.419.11600019.918.818.519.9SPL33.833.830.333.8N1.81.81.21.8median 21.4median 21.6median 18.5median 21.4Delta22.31.12hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseHP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA

Temperature

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

The EliteBook completed our stress test (Prime95 and FurMark running simultaneously for at least an hour) in different ways in AC power mode vs. battery mode. In AC power mode, the processor and graphics core ran at 1.2 GHz and 400 MHz, respectively. In battery mode, the CPU went about its work at 900 to 1100 MHz. The GPU clocked at 700 MHz.

The EliteBook hardly warmed up at all during the stress test. The temperatures remained substantially below 40°C (104°F) in every spot we measured.

Max. Load
 31.2 °C
88 F
33.4 °C
92 F
32.7 °C
91 F
 
 30.5 °C
87 F
32.7 °C
91 F
32.2 °C
90 F
 
 25.5 °C
78 F
24.3 °C
76 F
26.9 °C
80 F
 
Maximum: 33.4 °C = 92 F
Average: 29.9 °C = 86 F
31.7 °C
89 F
31.4 °C
89 F
27.1 °C
81 F
31.6 °C
89 F
32.7 °C
91 F
28.9 °C
84 F
29.2 °C
85 F
28.6 °C
83 F
27.7 °C
82 F
Maximum: 32.7 °C = 91 F
Average: 29.9 °C = 86 F
Power Supply (max.)  36.6 °C = 98 F | Room Temperature 20.6 °C = 69 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 29.9 °C / 86 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 33.4 °C / 92 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 32.7 °C / 91 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 21.5 °C / 71 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 26.9 °C / 80.4 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 (+0.8 °C / 1.5 F).
Heat development top (load)
Heat development top (load)
Heat development bottom (load)
Heat development bottom (load)
Heat development top (idle)
Heat development top (idle)
Heat development bottom (idle)
Heat development bottom (idle)

Speakers

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2032.232.332.22531.332.731.33135.734.335.74031.630.231.65034.932.734.96329.226.229.2802726.92710026.124.526.112530.525.230.516039.722.739.720044.622.144.625040.52240.53155220.15240066.919.766.950067.819.267.863070.118.970.180067.418.367.4100071.817.871.8125071.317.671.3160072.317.372.3200070.517.570.5250074.217.774.2315072.817.972.8400073.217.973.250007518.175630074.718.474.7800073.318.573.3100007218.5721250068.218.468.21600059.718.559.7SPL84.430.384.4N57.61.257.6median 70.1median 18.5median 70.1Delta9.81.19.835.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseHP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EAApple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (75 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 31.2% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (11.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 1.7% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (6.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.5% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (2.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (20.5% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 39% of all tested devices in this class were better, 11% similar, 50% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 49% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 43% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, 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
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, 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 25%, worst was 134%

Energy Consumption

In idle mode, we registered a maximum energy consumption rate of 10.7 watts. During the stress test (Prime95 and FurMark running simultaneously for at least an hour), the power consumption only rose to up to 37 watts. When Prime95 ran alone, the number climbed to up to 67 watts. The power supply's output rating is 65 watts. Our test device comes with a USB Type-C power supply that plugs into the Thunderbolt 3 port.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.43 / 0.89 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 3.8 / 8.3 / 10.7 Watt
Load midlight 35.5 / 37 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.

Battery Life

Our WLAN test—designed to simulate normal, everyday use—uses a script to load new websites at regular intervals. The "balanced" profile is active, the display brightness is set to about 150 cd/m², and the energy saving functions are deactivated. The EliteBook reached a run time of 7:24 h, placing it right alongside its sister model (7:27 h).

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing (Edge 42)
7h 24min
Battery Runtime - WiFi Websurfing
Acer TravelMate P648-G2-M-73T0
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620, 54 Wh
672 min +51%
Average of class Office
  (272 - 1137, n=107, last 2 years)
589 min +33%
HP EliteBook 840 G4-Z2V22ES ABD
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620, 51 Wh (Edge 40.15063.0.0)
578 min +30%
Lenovo ThinkPad T480s-20L8S02D00
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, 57 Wh (Edge)
537 min +21%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
i5-8550U, UHD Graphics 620, 57 Wh (Edge)
519 min +17%
HP EliteBook 840 G4-Z2V45ES ABD
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620, 51 Wh (Edge 40.15063.0.0)
478 min +8%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX66EA
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, 50 Wh (EDGE 41.16299.248.0)
447 min +1%
HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA
i5-8550U, UHD Graphics 620, 50 Wh (Edge 42)
444 min
Fujitsu LifeBook U747
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620, 50 Wh (Edge)
430 min -3%

Pros

+ very bright, high-contrast IPS display
+ Full HD resolution
+ attractive and stable case
+ many security features
+ NVMe SSD
+ good system performance
+ comfy input devices
+ Thunderbolt 3
+ docking port

Cons

- mediocre battery life
- no memory card reader
- occasional electronic crackle
- PWM

Verdict

The HP EliteBook 840 G5 3JX61EA, courtesy of HP Germany
The HP EliteBook 840 G5 3JX61EA, courtesy of HP Germany

The EliteBook 840 G5 belongs to the luxury class of business laptops. Our test device is the top-of-the-line model. In terms of the laptop's configuration, HP makes no compromises. The Core i7 processor provides enough processing power for all the usual application scenarios.

A fast NVMe SSD enables the system to run quickly. There is certainly no dearth of storage space: The SSD has a capacity of 1 TB. These features are accompanied by 32 GB of RAM. The integrated LTE modem enables the user to access the internet and/or company network wirelessly.

The excellent keyboard is designed for heavy use and offers backlighting. The matte IPS display delights the eyes with its exceptionally high brightness, good contrast and stable viewing angles. The "SureView" privacy screen, which shields the screen content from prying eyes peering from the side, can be turned on and off at the touch of a key. 

Despite its high price of around 2700 Euros (~$3125; US model with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB NVMe SSD on the market for $1737), the device has its weaknesses.

Its battery life is no better than average. Several competitors have proven it is possible to achieve significantly more here. An occasional electronic crackle should not be heard from a device in this price range. The same goes for the PWM backlight flicker—even if only a select few are likely to notice, this price bracket demands better. A far greater number of users are likely to criticize HP for leaving out a memory card reader.

HP EliteBook 840 G5-3JX61EA - 10/22/2019 v7
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
89 / 98 → 90%
Keyboard
89%
Pointing Device
89%
Connectivity
70 / 80 → 88%
Weight
69 / 20-75 → 89%
Battery
76%
Display
90%
Games Performance
52 / 78 → 66%
Application Performance
85 / 95 → 89%
Temperature
96%
Noise
97%
Audio
50%
Camera
26 / 85 → 31%
Average
75%
88%
Office - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

Read all 3 comments / answer
static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > HP EliteBook 840 G5 (i7-8550U, SSD, FHD) Laptop Review
Sascha Mölck, 2018-05-31 (Update: 2020-05-19)