HP's EliteBook 845 G10 is the better choice with the slower AMD Zen4 processor

The HP EliteBook 845 G10 is now available with AMD's new Zen4 mobile processors. In addition to the U-series chips, AMD also uses the faster HS-series processors, as in the past. We've already reviewed the high-end model with the Ryzen 9 Pro 7940HS, which can consume up to 51 watts. The raw performance of the processor (especially multi-core) is very good, but the cooling is a bit overtaxed under the high consumption rates and the fan keeps kicking in, even during basic everyday tasks. Unfortunately, users have no way of solving this problem via more efficient energy profiles, as HP provides very few options here. The only solution is to use additional software, which can be problematic for company computers.

A few days ago we reviewed a cheaper version of the EliteBook 845 G10, which is equipped with the Ryzen 7 7840U. The energy profiles aren't configured particularly well either here, but with 30 watts for short periods and 25 watts for long-term loads, the cooling copes much better and the fan actually never starts up in everyday life. Even under heavy load, it takes around a minute before you can actually hear the fan. The maximum multi-core performance is slightly lower, but still much better than current Intel models with comparable power limits. In everyday life, the device is clearly the better companion thanks to the significantly quieter fan.

When choosing a display, it depends on whether you value image quality or long battery life. The regular low-power display with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 offers solid image quality, especially for a business computer, and is at the same time very efficient - we recorded a battery life of almost 13 hours in our tests at 150 cd/m². The optional WHQD screen, on the other hand, impresses thanks to 120 Hz, higher maximum brightness, higher resolution, faster response times and larger color space coverage, but also requires significantly more power. Even at 150 cd/m², we measured 4-5 hours less in the same battery tests. This makes a huge difference for those using laptops without a power supply.

All further information about the two models can be found in our detailed reviews:

• HP EliteBook 845 G10 Ryzen 7 7840U (400 nits low-power display)
• HP EliteBook 845 G10 Ryzen 9 Pro 7940HS (500 nits WQHD panel at 120 Hz)