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HP ProBook 650 G3 Z2W44ET Notebook Review

Stingy in features. The ProBook delivers good input devices, long battery runtimes, and a low system noise. The display will not win any prizes: HP incorporated a low-contrast model with narrow viewing angles.

For the original German review, see here.

With the HP ProBook 650 G3, we have a new representative of HP's business notebook series under review. Changes can only be found inside: The new models come with Kaby Lake processors. The outside remained unchanged compared to its ProBook 650 G2 predecessor. Competitors include computers such as the Lenovo ThinkPad L560, the Dell Latitude 15 E5570, and the Acer TravelMate P658-M.

Since the ProBook 650 G2 and the ProBook 650 G3 share the same design, we will not cover case, connectivity, input devices, and speakers in detail here. Information about these is available in our ProBook 650 G2 T9X61ET Review.

HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET (ProBook 650 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-7200U 2 x 2.5 - 3.1 GHz, Kaby Lake
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 620, Core: 1000 MHz, single channel, 21.20.16.4541
Memory
4 GB 
, DDR4-2400, single channel, two RAM slots (one used)
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 141 PPI, AU Optronics, TN LED, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel Kaby Lake-U Premium PCH
Storage
Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630, 500 GB 
, 7200 rpm, 420 GB free
Soundcard
Conexant
Connections
3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 VGA, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 Serial Port, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: combo audio, Card Reader: SD, 1 SmartCard, 1 Fingerprint Reader, TPM 2.0
Networking
Intel Ethernet Connection I219-V (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 (a/b/g/h/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.2
Optical drive
HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GUE1N
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 27.4 x 378 x 257 ( = 1.08 x 14.88 x 10.12 in)
Battery
48 Wh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: no, Cyberlink Power Media Player 14, Cyberlink Power2Go, MS Office 365 (trial), 12 Months Warranty
Weight
2.31 kg ( = 81.48 oz / 5.09 pounds), Power Supply: 283 g ( = 9.98 oz / 0.62 pounds)
Price
1099 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Size Comparison

377 mm / 14.8 inch 256 mm / 10.1 inch 30.85 mm / 1.215 inch 2.4 kg5.29 lbs378 mm / 14.9 inch 257 mm / 10.1 inch 27.4 mm / 1.079 inch 2.3 kg5.09 lbs378 mm / 14.9 inch 257 mm / 10.1 inch 27.4 mm / 1.079 inch 2.3 kg5.09 lbs378 mm / 14.9 inch 257 mm / 10.1 inch 27.4 mm / 1.079 inch 2.3 kg5.09 lbs381 mm / 15 inch 254.5 mm / 10 inch 22.4 mm / 0.882 inch 2.1 kg4.61 lbs377 mm / 14.8 inch 256 mm / 10.1 inch 24 mm / 0.945 inch 2.1 kg4.63 lbs349 mm / 13.7 inch 241 mm / 9.49 inch 16 mm / 0.63 inch 1.8 kg3.98 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs
SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
 
155 MB/s +128%
Lenovo ThinkPad L560-20F10026GE
 
85.4 MB/s +25%
Acer TravelMate P658-M-537B
 
68.1 MB/s 0%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
 
68.1 MB/s
HP ProBook 650 G2 V1A44ET
 
57.3 MB/s -16%
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
 
36.3 MB/s -47%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
 
87.6 MB/s
Lenovo ThinkPad L560-20F10026GE
 
72.3 MB/s -17%
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Apple MacBook Pro 15 2016 (2.6 GHz, 450)
Broadcom BCM15700A2 802.11ac (Klaus I211)
949 MBit/s +58%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 (jseb)
602 MBit/s
iperf3 receive AX12
Apple MacBook Pro 15 2016 (2.6 GHz, 450)
Broadcom BCM15700A2 802.11ac (Klaus I211)
948 MBit/s +65%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 (jseb)
576 MBit/s
iperf Client (transmit) TCP 1 m
HP ProBook 650 G2 V1A44ET
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 (jseb)
79 MBit/s
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260
58 MBit/s
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
Broadcom BCM43228 (jseb)
50 MBit/s
iperf Server (receive) TCP 1 m
HP ProBook 650 G2 V1A44ET
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 (jseb)
234 MBit/s
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
Broadcom BCM43228 (jseb)
129 MBit/s
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260
77.4 MBit/s

Display

Pixel grid
Pixel grid

The ProBook comes with a matte 15.6-inch display with a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. As an alternative, the computer is also available with HD display (1366x768 pixels). The incorporated display delivers a good brightness (344.8 cd/m²) but performs poorly in contrast (540:1). We expect at least 1000:1 from a notebook of this price category. Unfortunately, the display shows PWM-flickering at a frequency of 200 Hz at brightness levels of 50% and lower. This might cause headaches and/or eye problems in sensitive people.

342
cd/m²
353
cd/m²
345
cd/m²
346
cd/m²
351
cd/m²
334
cd/m²
353
cd/m²
337
cd/m²
342
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
AU Optronics tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 353 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 344.8 cd/m² Minimum: 17.6 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 95 %
Center on Battery: 355 cd/m²
Contrast: 540:1 (Black: 0.65 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 11.02 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 13.14 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
81% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
52% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
57% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
81.1% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
55.2% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.7
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
TN LED, 1920x1080, 15.60
HP ProBook 650 G2 V1A44ET
TN LED, 1920x1080, 15.60
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
TN LED, 1366x768, 15.60
Acer TravelMate P658-M-537B
IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
TN LED, 1366x768, 15.60
Lenovo ThinkPad L560-20F10026GE
AH-IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Apple MacBook Pro 15 2016 (2.6 GHz, 450)
IPS, 2880x1800, 15.40
Display
-5%
-19%
12%
-26%
-29%
Display P3 Coverage
55.2
52.1
-6%
44.49
-19%
66.6
21%
40.48
-27%
39
-29%
sRGB Coverage
81.1
78.3
-3%
66.9
-18%
85.7
6%
60.9
-25%
58.3
-28%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
57
53.7
-6%
45.97
-19%
62.8
10%
41.82
-27%
40.33
-29%
Response Times
-3%
-8%
4%
-12%
-4%
19453%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
38 ?(16, 22, Plateau)
41 ?(23, 18)
-8%
44 ?(21, 23)
-16%
38 ?(14, 24)
-0%
47 ?(22, 25)
-24%
39.2 ?(18.8, 20.4)
-3%
47.3 ?(22.1, 25.2)
-24%
Response Time Black / White *
27 ?(9, 18, Plateau)
27 ?(10, 17)
-0%
29 ?(9, 20)
-7%
25 ?(6, 19)
7%
27 ?(10, 17)
-0%
28 ?(12.4, 15.6)
-4%
31.2 ?(16.7, 14.5)
-16%
PWM Frequency
200 ?(50)
200 ?(90)
0%
200 ?(90)
0%
117000 ?(80, 200)
58400%
Screen
-6%
-6%
15%
-10%
7%
69%
Brightness middle
351
313
-11%
248
-29%
308
-12%
228
-35%
262
-25%
483
38%
Brightness
345
296
-14%
230
-33%
319
-8%
236
-32%
250
-28%
465
35%
Brightness Distribution
95
90
-5%
88
-7%
71
-25%
90
-5%
92
-3%
92
-3%
Black Level *
0.65
0.59
9%
0.56
14%
0.61
6%
0.56
14%
0.29
55%
0.33
49%
Contrast
540
531
-2%
443
-18%
505
-6%
407
-25%
903
67%
1464
171%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
11.02
11.89
-8%
8.7
21%
4.51
59%
10.02
9%
8.49
23%
1.4
87%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
17.68
20.81
-18%
14.96
15%
10.19
42%
15.93
10%
17.99
-2%
3
83%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
13.14
12.95
1%
11.48
13%
2.91
78%
10.66
19%
8.11
38%
1.5
89%
Gamma
2.7 81%
2.4 92%
2.38 92%
2.4 92%
2.48 89%
2.37 93%
2.34 94%
CCT
16626 39%
15063 43%
11179 58%
6740 96%
11800 55%
6300 103%
6650 98%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
52
50
-4%
42
-19%
56
8%
39
-25%
37.07
-29%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
81
78
-4%
67
-17%
86
6%
61
-25%
57.94
-28%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-5% / -5%
-11% / -9%
10% / 13%
-16% / -13%
-9% / -2%
9761% / 5355%

* ... 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 200 Hz ≤ 50 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 200 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 50 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 200 Hz is relatively low, so sensitive users will likely notice flickering and experience eyestrain at the stated brightness setting and below.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

ProBook vs. sRGB
ProBook vs. sRGB
ProBook vs. AdobeRGB
ProBook vs. AdobeRGB

The display cannot shine in color representation, either. The DeltaE 2000 shift is 11.02 out-of-the box. This is an average value. A value smaller than 3 would be desirable. In addition, the display is bluish. The AdobeRGB and sRGB color spaces cannot be covered. It covers 81% for sRGB and 52% of AdobeRGB.

CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Color Saturation
CalMAN - Color Saturation

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
27 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 9 ms rise
↘ 18 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. » 63 % 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
38 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 16 ms rise
↘ 22 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. » 49 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

HP equipped the computer with a viewing-angle unstable TN panel. Hence, it is not possible to read from the display from all positions. The matte display surface and the relatively high brightness allow outdoor use. However, the sun should not be shining too brightly.

The ProBook outdoors (sky was overcast when the picture was taken)
The ProBook outdoors (sky was overcast when the picture was taken)
Viewing angles
Viewing angles

Performance

The ProBook 650 G3 is a 15.6-inch mid-range business notebook. It delivers sufficient performance for all usual application scenarios. The computer brings features which are typical for business devices such as a docking port and TPM. An LTE modem is optionally available. Our test model cost about 1,050 Euros (~$1111). Only a second configuration was offered at the time of testing.

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

Processor

The ProBook is also equipped with the latest CPU generation now. With the Core i5-7200U (Kaby Lake) dual-core processor, it uses a CPU which can be found in most Kaby Lake notebooks. It is the current ULV mid-range model, which should meet the requirements of most users. The extra costs for a ProBook model with Core i7-7500U processor hardly pays off in most cases. The slightly higher maximum performance would bring a significantly higher price. The used Core i5 processor works at a base clock of 2.5 GHz. Thanks to Turbo, the clock rate can increase to up to 3.1 GHz (both cores). The Turbo is actually used in mains operation. In order to have it available on battery, you have to set the option "Enable Turbo Boost on DC" to "on" in the BIOS.

According to the maintenance guide, the ProBook is also available with more powerful quad-core processors (Core i5-7440HQ, Core i7-7820HQ). We cannot say whether such models will be available in Germany or Austria or will be offered by shops at all.

The CPU is soldered.
The CPU is soldered.
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
6520
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
11073
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
4942
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
25.8 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
3.59 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.37 Points
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.7 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
33.45 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
320 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
122 Points
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Apple MacBook Pro 15 2016 (2.6 GHz, 450)
Intel Core i7-6700HQ
141 Points +16%
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
Intel Core i5-6300U
124 Points +2%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel Core i5-7200U
122 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad L560-20F10026GE
Intel Core i5-6200U
116 Points -5%
HP ProBook 650 G2 V1A44ET
Intel Core i5-6200U
116 Points -5%
Acer TravelMate P658-M-537B
Intel Core i5-6200U
78 Points -36%
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
AMD Pro A8-8600B
69 Points -43%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Apple MacBook Pro 15 2016 (2.6 GHz, 450)
Intel Core i7-6700HQ
666 Points +108%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel Core i5-7200U
320 Points
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
Intel Core i5-6300U
310 Points -3%
HP ProBook 650 G2 V1A44ET
Intel Core i5-6200U
291 Points -9%
Lenovo ThinkPad L560-20F10026GE
Intel Core i5-6200U
290 Points -9%
Acer TravelMate P658-M-537B
Intel Core i5-6200U
219 Points -32%
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
AMD Pro A8-8600B
181 Points -43%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel Core i5-7200U
11073 Points
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
Intel Core i5-6300U
10667 Points -4%
Lenovo ThinkPad L560-20F10026GE
Intel Core i5-6200U
9987 Points -10%
HP ProBook 650 G2 V1A44ET
Intel Core i5-6200U
9934 Points -10%
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
AMD Pro A8-8600B
5885 Points -47%
Rendering Single 32Bit
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel Core i5-7200U
4942 Points
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
Intel Core i5-6300U
4657 Points -6%
Lenovo ThinkPad L560-20F10026GE
Intel Core i5-6200U
4313 Points -13%
HP ProBook 650 G2 V1A44ET
Intel Core i5-6200U
4308 Points -13%
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
AMD Pro A8-8600B
2111 Points -57%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Single-Core Score
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
Intel Core i5-6300U
2874 Points +2%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel Core i5-7200U
2818 Points
HP ProBook 650 G2 V1A44ET
Intel Core i5-6200U
2661 Points -6%
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
AMD Pro A8-8600B
1858 Points -34%
32 Bit Multi-Core Score
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel Core i5-7200U
6314 Points
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
Intel Core i5-6300U
6172 Points -2%
HP ProBook 650 G2 V1A44ET
Intel Core i5-6200U
5718 Points -9%
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
AMD Pro A8-8600B
4173 Points -34%
Geekbench 4.0
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Apple MacBook Pro 15 2016 (2.6 GHz, 450)
Intel Core i7-6700HQ
4182 Points +19%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel Core i5-7200U
3508 Points
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
AMD Pro A8-8600B
1896 Points -46%
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Apple MacBook Pro 15 2016 (2.6 GHz, 450)
Intel Core i7-6700HQ
12619 Points +92%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel Core i5-7200U
6556 Points
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
AMD Pro A8-8600B
3736 Points -43%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Apple MacBook Pro 15 2016 (2.6 GHz, 450)
Intel Core i7-6700HQ
234.1 Points +9%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel Core i5-7200U
214.2 Points
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
Intel Core i5-6300U
119.8 Points -44%
HP ProBook 650 G2 V1A44ET
Intel Core i5-6200U
112.6 Points -47%
Lenovo ThinkPad L560-20F10026GE
Intel Core i5-6200U
110.1 Points -49%
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
AMD Pro A8-8600B
61.4 Points -71%

System Performance

The system runs smoothly without problems. The performance is sufficient for office and Internet applications. Good results in the PCMark benchmarks emphasize this impression. However, you still cannot be satisfied with the system performance, since HP does not use the full potential, although it is fair to expect this in view of a price of 1000 Euros (~$1058). In order to use the full potential of the computer, owners have to spend extra money. First of all, the HDD should be replaced by an SSD. This would make the system more responsive and loading would take less time. In addition, you can add a second RAM module in order to activate dual-channel mode.

Two RAM slots are available.
Two RAM slots are available.
PCMark 7 Score
3124 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3149 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
3741 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4118 points
Help
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Apple MacBook Pro 15 2016 (2.6 GHz, 450)
Radeon Pro 450, 6700HQ, Apple SSD SM0256L
3637 Points +15%
Acer TravelMate P658-M-537B
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8152S3256GG2
3475 Points +10%
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
HD Graphics 520, 6300U, Samsung SSD PM871 MZ7LN128HCHP
3282 Points +4%
HP ProBook 650 G2 V1A44ET
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Sandisk X300 SD7SN6S-256G-1006
3234 Points +3%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
3149 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad L560-20F10026GE
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, WDC Slim WD10SPCX-21KHST0
2886 Points -8%
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
Radeon R6 (Carrizo), Pro A8-8600B, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
2634 Points -16%
Work Score Accelerated v2
Acer TravelMate P658-M-537B
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8152S3256GG2
4467 Points +8%
Apple MacBook Pro 15 2016 (2.6 GHz, 450)
Radeon Pro 450, 6700HQ, Apple SSD SM0256L
4426 Points +7%
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
HD Graphics 520, 6300U, Samsung SSD PM871 MZ7LN128HCHP
4301 Points +4%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
4118 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad L560-20F10026GE
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, WDC Slim WD10SPCX-21KHST0
3861 Points -6%
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
Radeon R6 (Carrizo), Pro A8-8600B, Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
3577 Points -13%

Storage Devices

A 2.5-inch hard drive from HGST is used as system drive. It features a capacity of 500 GB and works at 7200 RPM. The transfer rates of the HDD are normal for a 7200-RPM model. In addition, the ProBook comes with an M.2 slot. However, it can only be used after removing the 2.5-inch drive. It is not possible to use a 2.5-inch HDD and an M.2 SSD at the same time.

Apart from SATA SSDs, PCIe models can be connected to the M.2 slot. According to the maintenance guide, HP offers SSDs for the ProBook, which are connected via PCI Express 3.0 x4 (NVMe support available). Such SSDs achieve significantly higher transfer rates than SATA models.

The hard drive could be replaced.
The hard drive could be replaced.
Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
Transfer Rate Minimum: 16.5 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 129.4 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 94.4 MB/s
Access Time: 16.6 ms
Burst Rate: 240.5 MB/s
CPU Usage: 4.5 %
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
Seagate ST500LM021-1KJ15
Acer TravelMate P658-M-537B
Kingston RBU-SNS8152S3256GG2
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
Samsung SSD PM871 MZ7LN128HCHP
Lenovo ThinkPad L560-20F10026GE
WDC Slim WD10SPCX-21KHST0
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
12%
8793%
10223%
42%
Read Seq
109.4
122.1
12%
479.1
338%
474.7
334%
113.6
4%
Write Seq
99.9
110.7
11%
333.1
233%
155
55%
111.7
12%
Read 512
16.34
33.53
105%
418
2458%
393.6
2309%
39.65
143%
Write 512
43.45
51.3
18%
320.5
638%
119.7
175%
55.3
27%
Read 4k
0.337
0.357
6%
25.66
7514%
34
9989%
0.488
45%
Write 4k
0.866
0.641
-26%
64.7
7371%
96.6
11055%
1.022
18%
Read 4k QD32
0.826
0.778
-6%
226.2
27285%
383.3
46304%
1.367
65%
Write 4k QD32
0.859
0.672
-22%
211.4
24510%
100.2
11565%
1.036
21%

Graphics Card

Our test model does not use a dedicated graphics card. However, models with dedicated graphics cards are available. HP uses a Radeon R7 M465X graphics card from AMD in these. However, our current test model only comes with Intel's integrated HD Graphics 620 GPU, which supports DirectX 12 and works at up to 1,000 MHz. The results of the 3DMark benchmarks are normal for this GPU. Adding a second RAM module (activates dual-channel mode) will increase the graphics performance.

3DMark 06 Standard Score
6656 points
3DMark 11 Performance
1359 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
46690 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
5064 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
600 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Apple MacBook Pro 15 2016 (2.6 GHz, 450)
AMD Radeon Pro 450, Intel Core i7-6700HQ
4502 Points +247%
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
AMD Radeon R6 (Carrizo), AMD Pro A8-8600B
1349 Points +4%
Acer TravelMate P658-M-537B
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i5-6200U
1347 Points +4%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
1298 Points
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i5-6300U
1296 Points 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad L560-20F10026GE
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i5-6200U
1225 Points -6%
HP ProBook 650 G2 V1A44ET
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i5-6200U
1220 Points -6%
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Apple MacBook Pro 15 2016 (2.6 GHz, 450)
AMD Radeon Pro 450, Intel Core i7-6700HQ
21533 Points +268%
Acer TravelMate P658-M-537B
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i5-6200U
6963 Points +19%
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i5-6300U
6586 Points +12%
Lenovo ThinkPad L560-20F10026GE
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i5-6200U
6126 Points +5%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
5855 Points
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Apple MacBook Pro 15 2016 (2.6 GHz, 450)
AMD Radeon Pro 450, Intel Core i7-6700HQ
3252 Points +408%
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i5-6300U
762 Points +19%
Lenovo ThinkPad L560-20F10026GE
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i5-6200U
652 Points +2%
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
640 Points

Gaming Performance

The hardware of the ProBook can run many games smoothly. Primarily this is true for not too demanding titles. However, you also have to accept low resolutions and low quality settings here. Adding a second RAM module (activates dual-channel mode) will increase the frame rates. However, demanding games such as Mafia 3 will still remain unplayable.

low med. high ultra
Tomb Raider (2013) 52.1 26.2 14.4 9.6
BioShock Infinite (2013) 32.9 20.1 16.1 6.9
Battlefield 4 (2013) 24.4 19.3 12.2 6.1

Emissions

System Noise

A work device such as the ProBook should produce as little noise as possible. The ProBook meets this requirement. In idle mode, the fan usually stands still. Although it occasionally runs at low speed, you will not be able to hear it since the hard drive is louder. Even when the HDD stands still, the fan is hardly noticeable. You can make the device quieter by replacing the HDD by an SSD. The fan only gets slightly louder under load. The noise level increases to 33.3 dB during the stress test.

Noise Level

Idle
31.5 / 31.5 / 31.5 dB(A)
HDD
32 dB(A)
DVD
36.7 / dB(A)
Load
34.6 / 33.3 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: 30.7 dB(A)
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620
HP ProBook 650 G2 V1A44ET
6200U, HD Graphics 520
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
Pro A8-8600B, Radeon R6 (Carrizo)
Acer TravelMate P658-M-537B
6200U, HD Graphics 520
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
6300U, HD Graphics 520
Lenovo ThinkPad L560-20F10026GE
6200U, HD Graphics 520
Apple MacBook Pro 15 2016 (2.6 GHz, 450)
6700HQ, Radeon Pro 450
Noise
-0%
-0%
-9%
-4%
3%
-5%
off / environment *
30.7
30.5
1%
31.5
-3%
31.2
-2%
31.2
-2%
29.4
4%
30.4
1%
Idle Minimum *
31.5
30.5
3%
31.6
-0%
32.5
-3%
31.2
1%
30.1
4%
30.6
3%
Idle Average *
31.5
31.6
-0%
31.6
-0%
32.5
-3%
33.2
-5%
30.1
4%
30.6
3%
Idle Maximum *
31.5
31.9
-1%
31.6
-0%
35
-11%
34.3
-9%
30.1
4%
30.6
3%
Load Average *
34.6
34.7
-0%
33.5
3%
42
-21%
36.6
-6%
33.4
3%
34.7
-0%
Load Maximum *
33.3
34.5
-4%
33.5
-1%
37.5
-13%
34.7
-4%
34.7
-4%
46.3
-39%

* ... smaller is better

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2034.533.437.335.834.52535.133.334.833.335.13131.833.532.932.631.84032.130.53431.332.15031.430.83029.931.463313030.631.1318030.430.329.428.230.410031.730.630.528.331.712526.425.926.425.326.41602725.926.425.62720025.6252624.925.625024.324.124.623.524.331524.523.723.622.924.540023.522.422.321.823.550022.522.221.620.922.563022.521.821.119.922.580024.122.620.819.324.1100026.124.520.318.926.1125023.222.319.318.223.2160025.623.519.418.225.620002522.318.717.825250021.219.718.217.621.2315019.118.918.117.619.1400018.518.31817.618.5500018.117.918.117.618.163001817.917.917.81880001817.91817.8181000017.917.817.917.717.91250017.717.617.717.517.71600017.817.617.817.717.8SPL34.633.331.630.834.6N2.11.91.71.52.1median 23.2median 22.3median 19.4median 18.2median 23.2Delta3.63.132.43.6hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseHP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET

Temperature

The ProBook during the stress test
The ProBook during the stress test

Our test model behaves differently in our stress test (Prime95 and Furmark run for at least one hour) in mains operation and on battery. In mains operation, the CPU clock permanently fluctuates between 1.6 and 2.2 GHz. The graphics core works at full speed (1,000 MHz). On battery, the processor works at 1.4 to 1.6 GHz and the GPU clocks at 450 MHz. Even though the CPU clocks at lower rates in our stress test, you do not have to worry. The CPU uses the full Turbo potential during everyday tasks. Our benchmark results confirm this. It can't be said that the ProBook really gets warmer. During the stress test, it only slightly exceeds the 30 °C level in a few spots.

Max. Load
 30.6 °C
87 F
31.9 °C
89 F
30 °C
86 F
 
 27.8 °C
82 F
29.6 °C
85 F
29.3 °C
85 F
 
 23.7 °C
75 F
24.2 °C
76 F
25.6 °C
78 F
 
Maximum: 31.9 °C = 89 F
Average: 28.1 °C = 83 F
31 °C
88 F
30.5 °C
87 F
32.1 °C
90 F
30.9 °C
88 F
29.6 °C
85 F
26.1 °C
79 F
26.7 °C
80 F
27.1 °C
81 F
24 °C
75 F
Maximum: 32.1 °C = 90 F
Average: 28.7 °C = 84 F
Power Supply (max.)  40 °C = 104 F | Room Temperature 21.8 °C = 71 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 28.1 °C / 83 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 31.9 °C / 89 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 32.1 °C / 90 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 22.1 °C / 72 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 25.6 °C / 78.1 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 (+2.1 °C / 3.8 F).
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620
HP ProBook 650 G2 V1A44ET
6200U, HD Graphics 520
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
Pro A8-8600B, Radeon R6 (Carrizo)
Acer TravelMate P658-M-537B
6200U, HD Graphics 520
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
6300U, HD Graphics 520
Lenovo ThinkPad L560-20F10026GE
6200U, HD Graphics 520
Apple MacBook Pro 15 2016 (2.6 GHz, 450)
6700HQ, Radeon Pro 450
Heat
-26%
-26%
-17%
-36%
-23%
-18%
Maximum Upper Side *
31.9
39.6
-24%
35.8
-12%
35.2
-10%
37.3
-17%
37.2
-17%
43
-35%
Maximum Bottom *
32.1
41.8
-30%
37.6
-17%
38
-18%
41.5
-29%
36
-12%
40
-25%
Idle Upper Side *
23.5
31.6
-34%
33.4
-42%
29.5
-26%
34.2
-46%
30.7
-31%
26
-11%
Idle Bottom *
25.3
29.7
-17%
33.2
-31%
29
-15%
38.8
-53%
32.8
-30%
25
1%

* ... smaller is better

Temperature on the top side (load)
Temperature on the top side (load)
Temperature on the underside (load)
Temperature on the underside (load)
Temperature on the top side (idle)
Temperature on the top side (idle)
Temperature on the underside (idle)
Temperature on the underside (idle)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2034.635.834.62533.533.333.53134.232.634.24036.531.336.55035.529.935.5633931.1398038.228.238.210038.128.338.112538.825.338.816040.925.640.920043.724.943.725045.823.545.831555.622.955.64005721.85750056.620.956.663057.619.957.680058.419.358.4100063.518.963.5125064.418.264.4160061.918.261.9200064.117.864.125006717.667315067.317.667.3400069.317.669.3500066.817.666.8630071.317.871.3800063.917.863.91000062.417.762.41250058.317.558.31600056.617.756.6SPL78.130.878.1N40.61.540.6median 58.4median 18.2median 58.4Delta6.42.46.435.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseHP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ETApple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (68 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 14.6% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (7.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 8.5% higher than median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (7.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (21% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 43% of all tested devices in this class were better, 11% similar, 46% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 52% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 40% 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%

Frequency comparison (checkboxes select/deselectable!)

Energy Management

Power Consumption

In idle mode, we recorded a maximum power consumption of 7.6 Watt - a good value. During the stress test, it increased to 28.7 Watt. It becomes apparent here that the CPU does not use its Turbo during the stress test. If it did, the value would be higher. The power adapter is rated at 45 Watt.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.23 / 0.28 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 4 / 6.9 / 7.6 Watt
Load midlight 29 / 28.7 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 Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620
HP ProBook 650 G2 V1A44ET
6200U, HD Graphics 520
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
Pro A8-8600B, Radeon R6 (Carrizo)
Acer TravelMate P658-M-537B
6200U, HD Graphics 520
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
6300U, HD Graphics 520
Lenovo ThinkPad L560-20F10026GE
6200U, HD Graphics 520
Apple MacBook Pro 15 2016 (2.6 GHz, 450)
6700HQ, Radeon Pro 450
Power Consumption
2%
-16%
-46%
-7%
-13%
-77%
Idle Minimum *
4
3.4
15%
5.8
-45%
6.6
-65%
4.5
-13%
5
-25%
2.9
27%
Idle Average *
6.9
7.5
-9%
7.5
-9%
10.4
-51%
7.6
-10%
7.9
-14%
9.7
-41%
Idle Maximum *
7.6
7.6
-0%
8.6
-13%
12.7
-67%
8.7
-14%
8.6
-13%
10.1
-33%
Load Average *
29
28.4
2%
31
-7%
36
-24%
28.5
2%
27.5
5%
65
-124%
Load Maximum *
28.7
28.4
1%
30.5
-6%
35
-22%
29.2
-2%
33.7
-17%
89.5
-212%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

Our real-world Wi-Fi test simulates the load needed for opening websites. The "balanced" profile is enabled, energy-saving options are disabled, and the brightness is decreased to about 150 cd/m². The ProBook achieves 7:47 h. The HP computer lasts 6:42 h in our video test. For this test, the short file Big Buck Bunny (H.264 codec, 1920x1080 pixels) runs in a loop. All wireless modules are deactivated and the screen is once again set to about 150 cd/m².

The ProBook 650 G3 delivers very good battery runtimes overall. It outperforms its Skylake predecessors despite the same battery capacity.

It is possible to replace the battery.
It is possible to replace the battery.
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
12h 45min
WiFi Websurfing (Edge 38)
7h 47min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
6h 42min
Load (maximum brightness)
2h 57min
HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620, 48 Wh
HP ProBook 650 G2-T9X61ET
6200U, HD Graphics 520, 48 Wh
HP ProBook 650 G2 V1A44ET
6200U, HD Graphics 520, 48 Wh
HP ProBook 655 G2 T9X09ET
Pro A8-8600B, Radeon R6 (Carrizo), 48 Wh
Acer TravelMate P658-M-537B
6200U, HD Graphics 520, 55 Wh
Dell Latitude 15 E5570
6300U, HD Graphics 520, 62 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad L560-20F10026GE
6200U, HD Graphics 520, 48 Wh
Apple MacBook Pro 15 2016 (2.6 GHz, 450)
6700HQ, Radeon Pro 450, 76 Wh
Battery Runtime
-9%
-9%
-53%
-4%
31%
-23%
-4%
Reader / Idle
765
690
-10%
840
10%
1231
61%
698
-9%
H.264
402
382
-5%
571
42%
277
-31%
516
28%
WiFi v1.3
467
408
-13%
424
-9%
220
-53%
512
10%
632
35%
406
-13%
602
29%
Load
177
163
-8%
123
-31%
151
-15%
109
-38%
55
-69%

Pros

+ matte, bright screen
+ Full HD resolution
+ works quietly
+ hardly gets warmer
+ docking port
+ good battery life
+ good input devices
+ Type C USB (USB 3.1 Gen 1)

Cons

- low-contrast display with narrow viewing angles
- no SSD
- only 4 GB of RAM (1x 4 GB)
- only one-year warranty
- no keyboard light
- no LTE modem (slot and antennas are available)

Verdict

In review: HP ProBook 650 G3 Z2W44ET. Test model provided by Cyberport.de
In review: HP ProBook 650 G3 Z2W44ET. Test model provided by Cyberport.de

HP's mid-range business notebook achieves a slightly better performance thanks to the new Kaby Lake processors. However, this will hardly be noticeable during everyday tasks. The new processors improve the battery runtimes. The laptop can exceed the already good results of the predecessors. The computer works quietly and hardly gets warmer regardless of the load. Thanks to a 500 GB hard drive, you will not run out of storage space quickly. It is possible to replace the HDD by an SSD. This would require removing the underside - which is done quite easily.

In general, HP delivers a solid business notebook with the ProBook 650 G3. However, the test model is less attractive than it could be since the price is too high for the included features. 

Speaking of the SSD: HP actually offers a 1,050-Euro (~$1111) notebook with an HDD instead of an SSD. This is certainly a significant con. The used keyboard appears good and is made for prolific typists. However, it lacks a backlight. This should be a standard feature in view of the computer's price. Moreover, the display is really disappointing. The company incorporated a low-contrast TN model with narrow viewing angles. This display should be absolutely out of the question in a notebook of this price class. We expect an IPS model.

HP Probook 650 G3 Z2W44ET - 02/21/2017 v6(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
81 / 98 → 83%
Keyboard
85%
Pointing Device
88%
Connectivity
56 / 80 → 70%
Weight
61 / 20-67 → 87%
Battery
89%
Display
79%
Games Performance
53 / 68 → 78%
Application Performance
76 / 92 → 82%
Temperature
96%
Noise
91%
Audio
66%
Camera
48 / 85 → 56%
Average
74%
84%
Office - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > HP ProBook 650 G3 Z2W44ET Notebook Review
Sascha Mölck, 2017-02-23 (Update: 2018-05-15)