HP ProBook 650 H5G81ET Notebook Review Update

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 i3-4000M, HD Graphics 4600). We even tested its sibling, the ProBook 655 (AMD A6-5350M, Radeon 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 i5-4200M, HD Graphics 4600) and Dell Latitude E5540 (Core i5-4300U, HD 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.
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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 Ø4.89
ΔE Greyscale 13.75 | 0.5-98 Ø5.1
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.
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).
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 |
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.
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 | |
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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 |
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 | |
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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) |
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30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
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Temperature
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.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 36.2 °C / 97 F, compared to the average of 34.3 °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 36.8 °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 27.6 °C / 81.7 F (-2.4 °C / -4.3 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.
Off / Standby | ![]() ![]() |
Idle | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Load |
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Key:
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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 | |
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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
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.