Notebookcheck Logo

HP EliteBook Revolve 810 G2 Notebook Review Update

Better, thanks to Haswell. HP implanted a new heart in their EliteBooks: Instead of Ivy Bridge processors, now the convertibles are outfitted with Haswell CPUs. This was a worthwhile upgrade, as the renovated devices now offer a longer battery life -- and somewhat stronger performance.

For the original German review, see here.

In 2013, we reviewed the EliteBook Revolve 810 (Core i5-3437U, HD Graphics 4000). At the time, the device ran on an Ivy Bridge processor. Since then, HP has updated their EliteBook Revolve series. Now the line is equipped with Haswell processors. Do the devices profit from the new processors? Our review reveals the answer.

Because the EliteBook is structurally identical to its Ivy Bridge predecessor, we will not cover the case, connectivity, input devices, display or speakers in this article. A comprehensive analysis of those facets of the device can be found in our review of the Ivy Bridge model.

Performance

The EliteBook Revolve 810 G2 is a convertible from HP's high-grade business line. The devices are primarily designed for companies and/or professionals. The computers are outfitted with a docking connection and a TPM module, while a 3G modem is available for an additional fee. Our test device is currently on the market for around 1700 Euros (~$2285).

Processor

The EliteBook is equipped with a Core i5-4300U processor (Haswell architecture). It has two cores and runs at a base speed of 1.9 GHz. Using turbo, the processor can kick up its speed to 2.6 GHz (two cores) or 2.9 GHz (only one core). The CPU has a TDP of 15 Watts. The processor's full performance is available in AC power mode; the device completed the Cinebench benchmark's single-thread test at 2.6 GHz and the multi-thread test at 2.5 GHz. In battery mode, the processor executed both tests at 1.9 GHz.

The Haswell processor runs at the same base clock rate and the same maximum turbo speed as the Ivy Bridge CPU in the EliteBook's predecessor model. As a result, these two processors make an easy direct comparison. However, there is one small difference: If both CPU cores are in use, the Core i5-4300U processor's maximum clock rate is 2.6 GHz, while the Ivy Bridge processor worked at 2.7 GHz. Overall, the Core i5-4300U processor is supposed to deliver results that are about 5 to 10% better than the Core i5-3437U -- at the same speeds. A look at the results confirms this to us. All in all, the Core i5-4300U processor achieves good benchmark results. In normal use, throttling will not occur.

Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.25 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
2.67 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
13.6 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
110 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
250 Points
Help
Cinebench R11.5 - CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
HP EliteBook Revolve 810 G2
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Lite-On IT L8T-128L6G-HP
1.25 Points
Toshiba Portege Z10t
HD Graphics 4000, 3339Y, Toshiba THNSNF256GMCS
0.95 Points -24%
Panasonic Toughbook CF-AX2
HD Graphics 4000, 3427U, Samsung MZMPC128HBFU
0.99 Points -21%
Sony Vaio Duo 13 SVD1321M2E
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Samsung SSD PM841 MZMTD128HAGN mSATA
1.15 Points -8%
HP EliteBook Revolve 810
HD Graphics 4000, 3437U, Samsung MZ7PC128HBFU
1.19 Points -5%
Asus Transformer Book Trio TX201LA
HD Graphics 4400, 4500U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680
1.3 Points +4%
Fujitsu Lifebook T904
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Toshiba HG5d THNSNH256GCST
1.36 Points +9%
Cinebench R11.5 - CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
HP EliteBook Revolve 810 G2
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Lite-On IT L8T-128L6G-HP
2.67 Points
Panasonic Toughbook CF-AX2
HD Graphics 4000, 3427U, Samsung MZMPC128HBFU
1.9 Points -29%
Toshiba Portege Z10t
HD Graphics 4000, 3339Y, Toshiba THNSNF256GMCS
2.1 Points -21%
Sony Vaio Duo 13 SVD1321M2E
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Samsung SSD PM841 MZMTD128HAGN mSATA
2.47 Points -7%
Fujitsu Lifebook T904
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Toshiba HG5d THNSNH256GCST
2.49 Points -7%
HP EliteBook Revolve 810
HD Graphics 4000, 3437U, Samsung MZ7PC128HBFU
2.67 Points 0%
Asus Transformer Book Trio TX201LA
HD Graphics 4400, 4500U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680
2.71 Points +1%

System Performance

The system runs solidly and fluidly -- which is no surprise, after all, the computer has a stronger processor and a quick Solid State Drive at its command. The results in the PCMark benchmarks also prove to be good to very good.

PCMark 7 Score
4131 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
2394 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
2282 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
3711 points
Help
PCMark 7 - Score (sort by value)
HP EliteBook Revolve 810 G2
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Lite-On IT L8T-128L6G-HP
4131 Points
Asus Transformer Book Trio TX201LA
HD Graphics 4400, 4500U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680
2906 Points -30%
Toshiba Portege Z10t
HD Graphics 4000, 3339Y, Toshiba THNSNF256GMCS
4064 Points -2%
HP EliteBook Revolve 810
HD Graphics 4000, 3437U, Samsung MZ7PC128HBFU
4417 Points +7%
Sony Vaio Duo 13 SVD1321M2E
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Samsung SSD PM841 MZMTD128HAGN mSATA
4594 Points +11%
Panasonic Toughbook CF-AX2
HD Graphics 4000, 3427U, Samsung MZMPC128HBFU
4713 Points +14%
Fujitsu Lifebook T904
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Toshiba HG5d THNSNH256GCST
4837 Points +17%

Storage Devices

A 128 GB Solid State Drive from Lite On serves as the system's mass storage device. The SSD consistently offers good transfer rates. Our test model's SSD clearly eclipses the Samsung SSD in the EliteBook's predecessor. Nevertheless, the Lite On SSD does not quite reach the level of top-model SSDs. Faster models are available.

Lite-On IT L8T-128L6G-HP
Sequential Read: 505 MB/s
Sequential Write: 322.5 MB/s
512K Read: 383.3 MB/s
512K Write: 324 MB/s
4K Read: 34.21 MB/s
4K Write: 82.9 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 244.4 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 206.1 MB/s
HP EliteBook Revolve 810 G2
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Lite-On IT L8T-128L6G-HP
Toshiba Portege Z10t
HD Graphics 4000, 3339Y, Toshiba THNSNF256GMCS
HP EliteBook Revolve 810
HD Graphics 4000, 3437U, Samsung MZ7PC128HBFU
Panasonic Toughbook CF-AX2
HD Graphics 4000, 3427U, Samsung MZMPC128HBFU
AS SSD
-55%
-37%
-54%
Seq Read
494
502
2%
472.2
-4%
471.2
-5%
Seq Write
293.7
444.2
51%
251.3
-14%
250
-15%
4K Read
30.95
14.28
-54%
17.28
-44%
14.73
-52%
4K Write
70.6
19.9
-72%
42.8
-39%
33.31
-53%
4K-64 Read
228.7
338.5
48%
252.4
10%
284.6
24%
4K-64 Write
271.6
150.1
-45%
84.9
-69%
79
-71%
Access Time Read *
0.094
0.182
-94%
0.174
-85%
0.217
-131%
Access Time Write *
0.051
0.191
-275%
0.077
-51%
0.115
-125%

* ... smaller is better

Graphics Card

Our EliteBook houses an HD Graphics 4400 graphics core. It supports DirectX 11.1 and runs at speeds of between 200 and 1100 MHz. The results in the 3D Mark benchmarks are more or less what we expected. HP could have achieved better results had they equipped the computer with two memory modules. If they had, the working memory would have run in dual-channel mode and better maximized on the GPU's potential. Of course, dual-channel mode would also have improved the system's gaming performance.

3DMark 11 Performance
744 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
31564 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
3730 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
473 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance (sort by value)
HP EliteBook Revolve 810 G2
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Lite-On IT L8T-128L6G-HP
744 Points
Toshiba Portege Z10t
HD Graphics 4000, 3339Y, Toshiba THNSNF256GMCS
490 Points -34%
HP EliteBook Revolve 810
HD Graphics 4000, 3437U, Samsung MZ7PC128HBFU
601 Points -19%
Panasonic Toughbook CF-AX2
HD Graphics 4000, 3427U, Samsung MZMPC128HBFU
655 Points -12%
Fujitsu Lifebook T904
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Toshiba HG5d THNSNH256GCST
790 Points +6%
Sony Vaio Duo 13 SVD1321M2E
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Samsung SSD PM841 MZMTD128HAGN mSATA
967 Points +30%

Gaming Performance

The EliteBook is not primarily intended for gaming. Since this is the case, it is unsurprising that only some computer games play fluidly at low resolution and low quality settings. As a general rule, games from the Windows store that are designed for the Windows 8.1 Metro interface run without a problem.

low med. high ultra
Tomb Raider (2013) 33.9 17.3 10.2

Emissions

System Noise

The EliteBook goes about its work quietly, whether in idle mode or under full load. In idle mode the fan stands still, and under load it does not whir especially fast either. In terms of noise volume, the computer is clearly superior to its Ivy Bridge predecessor. However, the EliteBook's fan generates a faint whistling/chirping sound -- a flaw that should not be present in this price class.

Noise Level

Idle
28 / 28 / 34.4 dB(A)
Load
32.9 / 34.7 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-300 (15 cm distance)

Temperature

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

Our review device never grew excessively warm in our tests. During the stress test, we measured temperatures beyond 40 °C (104 °F) in three spots. In terms of heat generation too, the EliteBook does better than its Ivy Bridge predecessor. Under every level of load, the new HP device stays cooler.

The computer completed the stress test (Prime95 and Furmark running simultaneously for at least an hour) in the same way in both AC power mode and battery mode. The CPU went about its work at 1-1.1 GHz. The graphics core ran at 100-750 MHz. During the stress test, the CPU temperature leveled off at around 71 °C (159.8 °F).

Max. Load
 42.6 °C
109 F
42.3 °C
108 F
36.7 °C
98 F
 
 34.9 °C
95 F
36.6 °C
98 F
32.1 °C
90 F
 
 29.1 °C
84 F
28.4 °C
83 F
27.1 °C
81 F
 
Maximum: 42.6 °C = 109 F
Average: 34.4 °C = 94 F
34.7 °C
94 F
40.2 °C
104 F
38.9 °C
102 F
32.3 °C
90 F
37.7 °C
100 F
38.1 °C
101 F
27.6 °C
82 F
29.1 °C
84 F
28.8 °C
84 F
Maximum: 40.2 °C = 104 F
Average: 34.2 °C = 94 F
Power Supply (max.)  42.1 °C = 108 F | Room Temperature 22.5 °C = 73 F | Raytek Raynger ST
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 34.4 °C / 94 F, compared to the average of 30.2 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Convertible.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 42.6 °C / 109 F, compared to the average of 35.3 °C / 96 F, ranging from 19.6 to 55.7 °C for the class Convertible.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 40.2 °C / 104 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 28.4 °C / 83 F, compared to the device average of 30.2 °C / 86 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 29.1 °C / 84.4 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.1 °C / 82.6 F (-1 °C / -1.8 F).
HP EliteBook Revolve 810 G2
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Lite-On IT L8T-128L6G-HP
Toshiba Portege Z10t
HD Graphics 4000, 3339Y, Toshiba THNSNF256GMCS
HP EliteBook Revolve 810
HD Graphics 4000, 3437U, Samsung MZ7PC128HBFU
Panasonic Toughbook CF-AX2
HD Graphics 4000, 3427U, Samsung MZMPC128HBFU
Heat
-2%
-11%
-6%
Maximum Upper Side *
42.6
40.5
5%
45.8
-8%
47.2
-11%
Maximum Bottom *
40.2
38.6
4%
45.6
-13%
44.5
-11%
Idle Upper Side *
30.4
33.8
-11%
33.6
-11%
31.7
-4%
Idle Bottom *
31.8
33.1
-4%
35.5
-12%
30.5
4%

* ... smaller is better

Energy Management

Power Consumption

In idle mode, the EliteBook proves to be very frugal with its energy. This is what we have come to expect from devices with Haswell CPUs. Under load too, the computer's energy consumption rates lie in the expected range. Once again, the EliteBook beats its Ivy Bridge predecessor. Overall, the new device uses less energy.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0 / 0.01 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 2.1 / 4.4 / 4.6 Watt
Load midlight 24.7 / 31.1 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC 940
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 Revolve 810 G2
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Lite-On IT L8T-128L6G-HP
Toshiba Portege Z10t
HD Graphics 4000, 3339Y, Toshiba THNSNF256GMCS
HP EliteBook Revolve 810
HD Graphics 4000, 3437U, Samsung MZ7PC128HBFU
Panasonic Toughbook CF-AX2
HD Graphics 4000, 3427U, Samsung MZMPC128HBFU
Power Consumption
-51%
-113%
-63%
Idle Minimum *
2.1
5.2
-148%
7.1
-238%
4.9
-133%
Idle Average *
4.4
6.8
-55%
9.6
-118%
6.7
-52%
Idle Maximum *
4.6
8.6
-87%
10.8
-135%
8.2
-78%
Load Average *
24.7
20.8
16%
35.2
-43%
33.1
-34%
Load Maximum *
31.1
24.5
21%
41.1
-32%
36.7
-18%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

In our WLAN test, which is designed to simulate practical, everyday use, we run a script that automatically loads a new webpage every 40 seconds. The device's energy-saving profile is active, and the display brightness is set to about 150 cd/m². The EliteBook kept chugging along for 6:02 h -- longer than its Ivy Bridge predecessor model (5:15 h).

Battery Runtime
WiFi Surfing
6h 02min
Battery Runtime - WiFi (sort by value)
HP EliteBook Revolve 810 G2
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Lite-On IT L8T-128L6G-HP
362 min
Asus Transformer Book Trio TX201LA
HD Graphics 4400, 4500U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680
291 min
Toshiba Portege Z10t
HD Graphics 4000, 3339Y, Toshiba THNSNF256GMCS
298 min
HP EliteBook Revolve 810
HD Graphics 4000, 3437U, Samsung MZ7PC128HBFU
315 min
Panasonic Toughbook CF-AX2
HD Graphics 4000, 3427U, Samsung MZMPC128HBFU
324 min
Fujitsu Lifebook T904
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Toshiba HG5d THNSNH256GCST
411 min
Sony Vaio Duo 13 SVD1321M2E
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Samsung SSD PM841 MZMTD128HAGN mSATA
411 min

Verdict

With its many identical components, the HP EliteBook Revolve 810 G2 offers all the advantages of the Ivy Bridge predecessor model we reviewed in 2013. We will therefore focus in our verdict on the differences between the two devices. The new EliteBook surpasses its older sibling in several areas, mostly thanks to its Haswell processor. The new CPU helps the computer keep cooler, reduces the system's energy consumption rates and lengthens its battery life. The EliteBook's hard drive has changed as well: While the Ivy Bridge model housed an mSATA Solid State Drive, HP equipped their Haswell model with an SSD in M.2 format.

Unfortunately, just like its predecessor, the Haswell model's display deserves some criticism. HP used the same panel in this computer as in their Ivy Bridge model. Fundamentally, the display they chose is a good one (bright, high-contrast, good color values), but the resolution is only 1366x768 pixels. Considering the device's price, this is unjustifiable. We expected at least a Full HD screen here. A better panel is not available at extra cost either.

Read all 1 comments / answer
static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
In review: HP EliteBook Revolve 810 G2 (F6H54AW). Test model courtesy of: HP store
In review: HP EliteBook Revolve 810 G2 (F6H54AW). Test model courtesy of: HP store

Specifications

HP EliteBook Revolve 810 G2 (EliteBook Revolve Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-4300U 2 x 1.9 - 2.9 GHz, Haswell
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 4400, Core: 1100 MHz, 10.18.10.3345
Memory
4 GB 
, DDR3, Single-channel, Soldered
Display
11.60 inch 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixel, LGD03CF, IPS, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel Lynx Point-LP
Storage
Lite-On IT L8T-128L6G-HP, 128 GB 
, 75 GB free
Soundcard
Intel Lynx Point-LP - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: Audio combination, Card Reader: MicroSD, Sensors: Acceleration sensor, Gyroscope, Ambient light sensor, Compass, NFC, TPM 1.2
Networking
Intel I218-LM Gigabit (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Wireless-N 7260 (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 22 x 285 x 212 ( = 0.87 x 11.22 x 8.35 in)
Battery
44 Wh Lithium-Polymer
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (64 Bit) + Windows 8 Pro (64 Bit)
Camera
Webcam: HD webcam
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, HP Executive Tablet Pen, Cyberlink PowerDVD 12, Cyberlink YouCam, Microsoft Office 365 (trial version), Microsoft Security Essentials, PDF Complete Corporate Edition, 36 Months Warranty
Weight
1.3 kg ( = 45.86 oz / 2.87 pounds), Power Supply: 330 g ( = 11.64 oz / 0.73 pounds)
Price
1600 Euro

 

Similar Devices

Similar devices from a different Manufacturer

Devices from a different Manufacturer and/or with a different CPU

Devices with the same GPU and/or Screen Size

Dell Latitude 12 Rugged Extreme Convertible Review
HD Graphics 4400, Core i5 4300U, 2.72 kg

Devices with the same GPU

Asus Q302LA Convertible Review
HD Graphics 4400, Core i3 4030U, 13.30", 1.814 kg
Acer Aspire R13 R7-371T-779K Convertible Review
HD Graphics 4400, Core i7 4510U, 13.30", 1.46 kg
Lenovo Horizon 2s-F0AT0003US AIO Review
HD Graphics 4400, Core i5 4210U, 19.50", 2.478 kg
Toshiba Satellite Radius P50W-BST2N01 Convertible Review
HD Graphics 4400, Core i5 4210U, 15.60", 2.168 kg

Links

  • Manufacturer's information

Price Comparison

Pros

+Good display with very good viewing angle stability
+First-class input devices
+Excellent manufacturing quality
+Stable case
+Very good microphones
+Extensive software package
+Recovery DVDs for Windows 8.1 Pro
+Good battery life
+3-year warranty
 

Cons

-High price
-Missing important security features
-Lower panel brightness in battery mode
-No Full HD
-Fan whistles/chirps at high speeds

Shortcut

What we like

The materials HP chose and the computer's manufacturing quality are indisputably great. Its input devices do it credit as well.

What we'd like to see

A higher-resolution display.

What surprises us

A 3G modem is available at extra charge. At the prices HP is charging, a 3G modem should be part of the standard configuration.

The competition

Toshiba Portege Z10t, Panasonic Toughbook CF-AX2, Asus Transformer Book Trio TX201LA, Microsoft Surface Pro 3, Fujitsu Lifebook T904, Sony Vaio Duo 13 SVD1321M2E.

Rating

HP EliteBook Revolve 810 G2 - 07/18/2014 v4(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
93 / 98 → 95%
Keyboard
94%
Pointing Device
83%
Connectivity
67 / 80 → 84%
Weight
71 / 35-78 → 84%
Battery
89%
Display
82%
Games Performance
61 / 68 → 90%
Application Performance
71 / 87 → 82%
Temperature
89%
Noise
93%
Audio
69 / 91 → 76%
Camera
54 / 85 → 64%
Average
78%
84%
Convertible - Weighted Average
Sascha Mölck, 2014-07-31 (Update: 2018-05-15)