Notebookcheck Logo

HP ProBook 650 H5G81ET Notebook Review Update

Any Wishes? The HP ProBook offers all features a modern business laptop should offer: matte Full HD screen, SSD, docking port, TPM and 3G modem. In this update, we will check whether the model can deliver on its promises.

For the original German review, see here.

The ProBook 650 has been around the block a few times. We have previously tested a configuration of this model: ProBook 650 H5G74E (Core i3-4000MHD Graphics 4600). We even tested its sibling, the ProBook 655 (AMD A6-5350MRadeon HD 8450G). The ProBook 650 H5G81ET ranks high in this series due to its SSD, FHD panel and 3G modem. We will check to see if it can match the high standards set by its predecessors.

We will use the Lenovo ThinkPad L540 (Core i5-4200MHD Graphics 4600) and Dell Latitude E5540 (Core i5-4300UHD Graphics 4400) for comparison.

As the ProBook has been exhaustively tested before, we will not discuss the case, the connectivity, the input devices or the speakers again. This information can be found in the review of the first ProBook 650 we tested.

Display

The ProBook is fitted with a matte 15.6-inch panel, which has a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The brightness is a good 264.4 cd/m² but could be better given the price tag of 1,000 Euros (~$1354). We were less happy to discover the low contrast (299:1) and poor black value (0.9 cd/m²). These numbers are only acceptable in cheaper models.

296
cd/m²
259
cd/m²
279
cd/m²
265
cd/m²
269
cd/m²
263
cd/m²
265
cd/m²
231
cd/m²
253
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
ChiMei tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 296 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 264.4 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 78 %
Center on Battery: 269 cd/m²
Contrast: 299:1 (Black: 0.9 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 12.12 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 13.75 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
51.3% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
72.3% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
49.82% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.59
HP ProBook 650-H5G81ET
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Liteonit LCS-128M6S
Dell Latitude E5540
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
Lenovo ThinkPad L540 20AV002YGE
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
Display
6%
7%
Display P3 Coverage
49.82
52.6
6%
53.5
7%
sRGB Coverage
72.3
76.5
6%
76.7
6%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
51.3
54.6
6%
54.8
7%
Screen
25%
15%
Brightness middle
269
297
10%
303
13%
Brightness
264
273
3%
290
10%
Brightness Distribution
78
87
12%
85
9%
Black Level *
0.9
0.59
34%
0.7
22%
Contrast
299
503
68%
433
45%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
12.12
8.98
26%
11.58
4%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
13.75
10.26
25%
13.65
1%
Gamma
2.59 85%
2.49 88%
2.59 85%
CCT
13228 49%
12696 51%
13248 49%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
50
51.12
Total Average (Program / Settings)
16% / 20%
11% / 12%

* ... smaller is better

The colors of the panel are not impressive either. The average DeltaE-2000 deviation (with factory settings) is 12. The target space (DeltaE smaller than 3) is completely missed. Furthermore, the panel has a blue tinge, which can thankfully be removed with calibration.

CalMAN - Color Checker
CalMAN - Color Checker
CalMAN - Gray levels
CalMAN - Gray levels
CalMAN - Color saturation
CalMAN - Color saturation
ProBook outdoors.
ProBook outdoors.

According to the HP homepage, the SVA panel of the test model should offer wider viewing angles than typical TN panels. However, the SVA panel still falls short of an IPS panel, despite performing better than a TN panel. We were able to use the laptop comfortably outdoors thanks to the good brightness and matte screen surface.

Performance

HP offers medium priced business notebooks in the ProBook 650 series. As such, the performance is sufficient for office work or everyday tasks, like surfing the web. Furthermore, the models offer useful features like a docking interface and a Trusted Platform Module. Our test model even has a 3G modem. The price of our test model is currently 1,000 Euros (~$1354) and HP offers many other configurations.

Processor

The ProBook runs on the Core i5-4200M CPU, which is a dual-core processor based on the latest Intel Haswell architecture. It runs at a base clock speed of 2.5 GHz and offers Turbo Boost: up to 3 GHz (both cores) or 3.1 GHz (single-core). This is a standard mobile processor (not ULV) and has a TDP value of 37 W. The CPU tests of the Cinebench benchmark are run by the ProBook at full speed when plugged in. On battery, the CPU does not use Turbo and operates at 2.5 GHz. As such, it delivers lower scores in the Cinebench benchmarks while running on battery (Cinebench R11.5: single: 1.1; multi: 2.69).

Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.34 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
3.23 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
21.93 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
116 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
295 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
22.16 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
99.6 %
Help
Cinebench R11.5 - CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
HP ProBook 650-H5G81ET
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Liteonit LCS-128M6S
1.34 Points
HP ProBook 655
Radeon HD 8450G, A6-5350M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
0.64 Points -52%
Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E545-20B2000PGE
Radeon HD 8650G + HD 8570M Dual Graphics, A10-5750M, WDC Scorpio Blue WD10JPVX-22JC3T0
0.84 Points -37%
HP ProBook 650 G1 H5G74E
HD Graphics 4600, 4000M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
1.05 Points -22%
Acer TravelMate P455-M-54204G50Makk
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Seagate Momentus Thin ST500LT0 12-9WS142
1.11 Points -17%
Dell Latitude E5540
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
1.2 Points -10%
Lenovo ThinkPad L540 20AV002YGE
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
1.36 Points +1%
Cinebench R11.5 - CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
HP ProBook 650-H5G81ET
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Liteonit LCS-128M6S
3.23 Points
HP ProBook 655
Radeon HD 8450G, A6-5350M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
1.32 Points -59%
Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E545-20B2000PGE
Radeon HD 8650G + HD 8570M Dual Graphics, A10-5750M, WDC Scorpio Blue WD10JPVX-22JC3T0
2.19 Points -32%
Acer TravelMate P455-M-54204G50Makk
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Seagate Momentus Thin ST500LT0 12-9WS142
2.46 Points -24%
HP ProBook 650 G1 H5G74E
HD Graphics 4600, 4000M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
2.6 Points -20%
Dell Latitude E5540
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
2.76 Points -15%
Lenovo ThinkPad L540 20AV002YGE
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
3.25 Points +1%

System Performance

The system runs smoothly thanks to the SSD. This is supported by the PC Mark scores: PC Mark 7 records a better score for the ProBook (thanks to its SSD) than the other two competitors.

PCMark 7 Score
4215 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
2434 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
2230 points
Help
PCMark 7 - Score (sort by value)
HP ProBook 650-H5G81ET
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Liteonit LCS-128M6S
4215 Points
HP ProBook 655
Radeon HD 8450G, A6-5350M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
1890 Points -55%
Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E545-20B2000PGE
Radeon HD 8650G + HD 8570M Dual Graphics, A10-5750M, WDC Scorpio Blue WD10JPVX-22JC3T0
2025 Points -52%
Acer TravelMate P455-M-54204G50Makk
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Seagate Momentus Thin ST500LT0 12-9WS142
2344 Points -44%
HP ProBook 650 G1 H5G74E
HD Graphics 4600, 4000M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
2569 Points -39%
Lenovo ThinkPad L540 20AV002YGE
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
2805 Points -33%
Dell Latitude E5540
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
3693 Points -12%

Storage Devices

HP has provided a Solid State Disk (2.5-inch) for our test model. The disk is manufactured by Lite-On and offers a capacity of 128 GB. Overall, it offers good performance, but cannot compete with top tier models, like the Samsung 840 SSD.

Liteonit LCS-128M6S
Sequential Read: 469.1 MB/s
Sequential Write: 321.7 MB/s
512K Read: 335.9 MB/s
512K Write: 316.6 MB/s
4K Read: 22.2 MB/s
4K Write: 55.8 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 235.9 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 216.3 MB/s
HP ProBook 650-H5G81ET
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Liteonit LCS-128M6S
Lenovo ThinkPad X240
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV
SCHENKER B713
HD Graphics 4600, 4310M, Crucial M500 120 GB CT120M500SSD3
Lenovo ThinkPad W540 20BG001BGE
Quadro K2100M, 4800MQ, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV
AS SSD
36%
10%
20%
Seq Read
494.9
517
4%
490.9
-1%
514
4%
Seq Write
300.1
242.8
-19%
115.2
-62%
244.4
-19%
4K Read
19.7
29.93
52%
26.02
32%
26.38
34%
4K Write
46.9
106.2
126%
93.4
99%
73
56%
4K-64 Read
237.5
315.4
33%
259
9%
354
49%
4K-64 Write
195.5
181.7
-7%
116.7
-40%
209.5
7%
Access Time Read *
0.12
0.071
41%
0.086
28%
0.126
-5%
Access Time Write *
0.074
0.033
55%
0.066
11%
0.047
36%

* ... smaller is better

Graphics Card

The Intel HD Graphics 4600 IGP is responsible for graphics. The chip supports DirectX 11.1 and operates at speeds between 200 MHz and 1,150 MHz. In the 3D Mark benchmarks, the ProBook performs best, although the ThinkPad is equipped with the same GPU. We found this surprising but upon investigating, we found that the test model employs dual-channel RAM, which allows its IGP to perform better. If the ThinkPad had a second RAM module installed, it could perform just as well as our ProBook.

3DMark 11 Performance
1079 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
53520 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
5394 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
682 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance (sort by value)
HP ProBook 650-H5G81ET
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Liteonit LCS-128M6S
1079 Points
Acer TravelMate P455-M-54204G50Makk
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Seagate Momentus Thin ST500LT0 12-9WS142
777 Points -28%
HP ProBook 655
Radeon HD 8450G, A6-5350M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
787 Points -27%
Lenovo ThinkPad L540 20AV002YGE
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
849 Points -21%
HP ProBook 650 G1 H5G74E
HD Graphics 4600, 4000M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
877 Points -19%
Dell Latitude E5540
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
1009 Points -6%
Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E545-20B2000PGE
Radeon HD 8650G + HD 8570M Dual Graphics, A10-5750M, WDC Scorpio Blue WD10JPVX-22JC3T0
1802 Points +67%

Gaming Performance

Although the hardware is capable of running games, we recommend only running at low settings to achieve a fluid gaming experience. Some games can be run at higher settings: like FIFA 14 or Counter-Strike: GO. The details on how games perform on this IGP can be found in our FAQ.

low med. high ultra
Tomb Raider (2013) 64.8 32.1 18.2

Emissions

System Noise

While idle, the test model stays quiet as the fan is often entirely off. During load, the fan turns on. The noise emissions reach 37.6 dB(A) (medium load) or 40 dB(A) (stress test), which is perfectly acceptable.

Noise Level

Idle
28.6 / 28.6 / 30.8 dB(A)
DVD
36.7 / dB(A)
Load
37.6 / 40.2 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance)

Temperature

The ProBook in the stress test.
The ProBook in the stress test.

Our three models barely heat up while idling. During the stress test, the outer surfaces heat up moderately. The test model exceeded the 40 degrees Celsius mark (104 Fahrenheit) in two areas. Overall, the Latitude is the coolest of the trio as it uses a ULV processor.

The stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run for at least an hour) is run by the IGP at full speed (1,150 MHz). The processor operates at 3 GHz while plugged in and at 2.5 GHz on battery. The CPU temperatures stayed around 75 degrees Celsius (167 Fahrenheit, plugged in) during the test.

Max. Load
 30.8 °C
87 F
34.8 °C
95 F
31.2 °C
88 F
 
 28.7 °C
84 F
34.6 °C
94 F
36.2 °C
97 F
 
 26.7 °C
80 F
27.9 °C
82 F
30 °C
86 F
 
Maximum: 36.2 °C = 97 F
Average: 31.2 °C = 88 F
47.8 °C
118 F
35.1 °C
95 F
31.3 °C
88 F
37.6 °C
100 F
42.2 °C
108 F
27.9 °C
82 F
29.7 °C
85 F
33.8 °C
93 F
28 °C
82 F
Maximum: 47.8 °C = 118 F
Average: 34.8 °C = 95 F
Power Supply (max.)  63.3 °C = 146 F | Room Temperature 24.2 °C = 76 F | Voltcraft IR-360
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 31.2 °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 36.2 °C / 97 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 47.8 °C / 118 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29.7 °C / 85 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 30 °C / 86 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 (-2.3 °C / -4.1 F).

Energy Management

Power Consumption

When idle, the ProBook is very power-hungry, similar to the ThinkPad. Lenovo proves that it is possible to do better with its IdeaPad Z510 (similar hardware). The power consumption of that model while idling stays below 10 W. Our test model consumes a lot of power, even at medium (3D Mark 06 running) and full load (stress test, Prime95 and FurMark running). The ThinkPad requires a lot less power, although its CPU and IGP also run at full throttle.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.1 / 0.3 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 9.2 / 14.6 / 15.5 Watt
Load midlight 47 / 60.6 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 ProBook 650-H5G81ET
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Liteonit LCS-128M6S
Dell Latitude E5540
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
Lenovo ThinkPad L540 20AV002YGE
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
HP ProBook 650 G1 H5G74E
HD Graphics 4600, 4000M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
Lenovo IdeaPad Z510
GeForce GT 740M, 4200M, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
Power Consumption
20%
11%
37%
15%
Idle Minimum *
9.2
7.4
20%
9.5
-3%
4.6
50%
7
24%
Idle Average *
14.6
12.8
12%
13.1
10%
8.2
44%
10.2
30%
Idle Maximum *
15.5
13.1
15%
13.4
14%
9.4
39%
10.4
33%
Load Average *
47
39
17%
38.6
18%
37.1
21%
57.9
-23%
Load Maximum *
60.6
39.8
34%
49.5
18%
41.5
32%
55.4
9%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

In the practical surfing test, we load websites every 40 seconds. The "Power Saver" profile is on and brightness is set to 150 cd/m². The ProBook runs for around 4:18 hours. The ThinkPad (4:58 h) and the Latitude (7:03 h) manage to hold out longer.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Surfing
4h 18min
Battery Runtime - WiFi (sort by value)
HP ProBook 650-H5G81ET
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Liteonit LCS-128M6S
258 min
HP ProBook 655
Radeon HD 8450G, A6-5350M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
288 min
Lenovo ThinkPad L540 20AV002YGE
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
298 min
HP ProBook 650 G1 H5G74E
HD Graphics 4600, 4000M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
316 min
Dell Latitude E5540
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
423 min

Verdict

The ProBook 650 H5G81ET offers all the advantages of the previously tested models and then some. The test model shines thanks to good system performance, simple maintenance/upgrade options, extensive connectivity and nice input devices. The battery life during the WLAN test is acceptable, but falls short of the mark set by its sister model. The model has been upgraded with an SSD, a 3G modem and a Full HD panel. However, the screen is a source of disappointment: the matte surface and decent brightness are no match for the poor contrast and blue tinge. HP thwarts its chances by employing this panel in a 1,000 Euro (~$1354) laptop.

The Lenovo ThinkPad L540 is a good alternative thanks to the great keyboard. The Dell Latitude E5540 is a good choice, if you are looking for the longest battery life.

static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
In Review: HP ProBook 650 G1 (H5G81ET). Test model provided by Hewlett Packard.
In Review: HP ProBook 650 G1 (H5G81ET). Test model provided by Hewlett Packard.

Specifications

HP ProBook 650-H5G81ET (ProBook 650 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-4200M 2 x 2.5 - 3.1 GHz, Haswell
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 4600, Core: 1150 MHz, 9.18.10.3324
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR3, Dual-Channel, Two slots (both occupied)
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel, ChiMei, SVA, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel HM87 (Lynx Point)
Storage
Liteonit LCS-128M6S, 128 GB 
, 80 GB free
Soundcard
Intel Lynx Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
5 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 VGA, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 Serial Port, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: Audio combi jack, Card Reader: SD, 1 SmartCard, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Trusted Platform Module 1.2
Networking
Intel I217-V (ClarkvilleV) Network Adapter (10/100/1000MBit/s), Broadcom BCM43228 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0, HP hs3110 HSPA+
Optical drive
hp DVD RAM UJ8E2
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 25.7 x 376 x 257 ( = 1.01 x 14.8 x 10.12 in)
Battery
55 Wh Lithium-Ion, 10.8 V, 4910mAh
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: no, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
2.32 kg ( = 81.84 oz / 5.11 pounds), Power Supply: 235 g ( = 8.29 oz / 0.52 pounds)
Price
999 Euro

 

Similar Devices

Similar devices from a different Manufacturer

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

Fujitsu Lifebook E554 Notebook Review
HD Graphics 4600, Core i5 4210M
Review Update HP ProBook 450 G1 E9Y58EA Notebook
HD Graphics 4600, Core i7 4702MQ

Devices with the same GPU

Fujitsu Lifebook E544 Notebook Review
HD Graphics 4600, Core i5 4210M, 14.00", 2.064 kg

Links

Price Comparison

Pros

+5x USB 3.0
+Serial interface
+Very easy to upgrade/maintain
+Docking port
+Matte FHD screen
+SSD
+3G modem
+Installations DVDs for Windows 7 and Windows 8
 

Cons

-12 months warranty
-Poor contrast and viewing angles
-Panel has a blue tinge

Shortcut

What we like

The good system performance, the low emissions and the simple maintenance/upgrade options.

What we miss

A higher-quality panel with better contrast.

What surprises us

HP offers a mere 1-year warranty for a laptop which costs 1,000 Euros.

The competition

Dell Latitude E5540, Lenovo ThinkPad L540, Acer Travelmate P455-M, Dell Latitude 3540, Fujitsu Lifebook E753, HP Probook 450HP Probook 455Lenovo B580, Lenovo B590, Lenovo ThinkPad S540, Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E540, Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E535

Test Lenovo Thinkpad Edge E535 Notebook

Rating

HP ProBook 650-H5G81ET - 05/28/2014 v4(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
80 / 98 → 82%
Keyboard
75%
Pointing Device
83%
Connectivity
84 / 80 → 100%
Weight
61 / 20-67 → 87%
Battery
84%
Display
73%
Games Performance
72 / 68 → 100%
Application Performance
71 / 92 → 77%
Temperature
85%
Noise
92%
Audio
50%
Camera
40 / 85 → 47%
Average
73%
79%
Office - Weighted Average
Sascha Mölck, 2014-06- 5 (Update: 2018-05-15)