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Review Update HP ZBook 15 DreamColor Workstation

Color master. The HP ZBook 15 mobile workstation is available in a variety of configurations. The first version we reviewed already proved itself in our battery of tests. Now we turn our sights to a configuration with a high-intensity DreamColor display and a speedy Nvidia Quadro K2100M graphics card. What can you expect from this combination? Read our update to find out.

For the original German review, see here.

The current generation of HP's 15-inch workstation continues the manufacturer's long-standing tradition of producing quality 15-inch devices and offers many features expected of notebooks in this price class. On paper, HP presents a plethora of possible combinations in terms of the notebook's processor, graphics chip, display, mass storage device, RAM and much more. While it was possible until recently to piece together your ZBook 15 individually in an online configurator, this option no longer appears to be available. Our test model is equipped with an Intel Core i7-4700MQ CPU, 8 GB RAM, a 750 GB hard drive combined with 32 GB of SSD cache, Nvidia's professional Quadro K2100M graphics chip and an RGB LED display with high-intensity color, termed "DreamColor" by HP. This configuration currently costs around 3000 Euros (~$4115).

Case

Our test device's case is identical to that of the HP ZBook 15 reviewed by our US editors. Its various parts are solid and stand up to pressure very well. The case can only be pressed inward ever so slightly in a few spots. In contrast to some competing devices, there are no weak spots over the optical drive or the battery bay. Visually, the uneven gaps in the area near the hinges are not very attractive, but this flaw does no harm in terms of the notebook's functionality. The hinges hold the display in position very tightly -- in fact, we deem the notebook exemplary in this respect. At a weight of about 3.4 kg (~7.5 lbs), the HP device sets no records for lightness. The Toshiba Tecra W50, for example, weighs a whole 600 grams (~1.3 lbs) less. If you also consider its mediocre battery life, this version of the HP ZBook 15 is clearly not particularly well suited for mobile use. The notebook's case is addressed in greater detail in our previous review of the HP ZBook 15.

Mobile Workstation HP ZBook 15
Mobile Workstation HP ZBook 15
The case is stable, but you have to be willing to compromise when it comes to weight.
The case is stable, but you have to be willing to compromise when it comes to weight.

Connectivity

Our review device offers a wide range of connectivity options and is in step with the times here. A DisplayPort, VGA, four USB ports (3x USB 3.0) and a card reader are musts. A Thunderbolt port opens up further possibilities for connecting external monitors and mass storage devices. But, unlike on the Lenovo ThinkPad W540, the HP computer's Thunderbolt port did not recognize our mass storage device on Seagate's Thunderbolt Adapter. Every connection we have tested thus far has complained that the Seagate Adapter is not compatible, but we could still utilize it with no problems on the ThinkPad W540. Because we were unable to use the port, we did not measure its speeds. Via USB 3.0, we reached about 190 MB/s in reading and writing with an OCZ Vector150 SSD, and a Transcend SDXC memory card managed a read speed of 81 MB/s and a write speed of 18 MB/s.

Further expansions can be integrated via ExpressCard or a proprietary docking station. The connections could have been positioned more wisely. For one, some of the ports are too close to each other -- connected cables and devices can block neighboring ports. For another, they are located towards the front of the notebook, which becomes cumbersome when devices are connected.

Front: No connections
Front: No connections
Left: Kensington lock, USB 2.0, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, USB 3.0, Smart Card Reader, ExpressCard 54/34
Left: Kensington lock, USB 2.0, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, USB 3.0, Smart Card Reader, ExpressCard 54/34
Rear: USB 3.0, Power connection, LAN
Rear: USB 3.0, Power connection, LAN
Right: Card reader, Audio in/out, USB 3.0, Optical drive, VGA
Right: Card reader, Audio in/out, USB 3.0, Optical drive, VGA

Communication

WLAN performance
WLAN performance

Except for a WWAN module, our test notebook is equipped with every important communication device. Gigabit LAN, dual-band WLAN, Bluetooth 4.0 and a 720p webcam are enough to meet most needs. We tested the WLAN performance with an 802.11n router on a 2.4 GHz band and reached speeds of between 2 MB/s and 5.37 MB/s. See the diagram to the right for more information. We did not experience any unusual breaks in the connection or other problems with the WLAN module. The webcam quality is sufficient in well-lit rooms, but degrades visibly in poor lighting.

Security 

Alongside the usual password protection on both the BIOS and system levels, the HP ZBook 15 also has a comprehensive repertoire of hardware security features at its command. An optional Computrace service, Intel Anti-Theft, TPM 1.2, a smart card reader and a fingerprint reader should alleviate most security concerns. You can find more information on the subject of notebook security solutions in our FAQ article.

Maintenance

HP makes it especially easy for users to gain access to important system hardware, including components the user may wish to replace. The large maintenance hatch on the underside of the notebook is attached without screws and can be unlocked by moving two sliders. Underneath you will find the 2.5-inch mass storage device, the LITEON mSATA cache drive, the wireless modules, the half-covered fan and two open RAM slots. Two more working memory slots are located under the keyboard. The notebook comes with a 4 GB module in each of the two slots. We did not find antennae for the possible future installation of UMTS or LTE modules. Lacking antennae, an upgrade of this kind will be much more difficult, if not impossible. Because we did not have a corresponding M.2 SSD, we were unable to determine whether the open M.2 slot accepts SSDs.

Warranty

Unlike the Toshiba Tecra W50 and the Dell Precision M3800, the HP ZBook 15 has a warranty period of 36 months, which is typical for devices in its class. As usual, extensions and expansions are available for an additional fee. To prolong the warranty to 5 years, for instance (U7869E, pick-up and delivery service), costs a moderate 190 Euros (~$260).

Input Devices

Keyboard

Even the test device we acquired for our German review had an English QWERTY keyboard, which differs from the German keyboard mostly in terms of key layout. The keyboard is equipped with a separate number block and takes up almost the full breadth of the case. The key mat is well secured to the case, the keys have a clear click-point and the click sound is agreeable to the ear. Those who spend a lot of time typing will enjoy this keyboard. We also appreciated the keyboard's additional features, like its lighting and separate "wireless" and "mute" keys. Our only complaint concerns the vertical arrow keys, which seem a little small and somewhat crowded together.

Touchpad

At a size of 104 x 58 mm (4.1 x 2.3 inches), the touchpad offers ample room for executing multi-touch gestures, using scroll bars and working with the pad's various sectors with individually assigned functions. With its six separate keys, the touchpad can be easily adapted to suit each user's personal needs. We consider this a successful alternative to the ClickPad more commonly in use today. Anyone who does not expect to use the highly precise TouchStyk can assign special functions to its keys and utilize it in conjunction with the touchpad.

Keyboard
Keyboard
Arrow keys
Arrow keys
Left side
Left side
PointStyk
PointStyk
Touchpad
Touchpad

Display

HP ZBook 15 with DreamColor display
HP ZBook 15 with DreamColor display

According to HP's specifications, the ZBook 15 is only offered with matte FullHD displays. However, there are three to choose from, and they differ greatly from each other. A TN version is the entry-level option -- the standard model for all the cheaper configurations of the notebook. This panel's viewing angle stability is only good enough for use at normal viewing angles. The middle option has especially wide viewing angles and uses IPS technology. The first ZBook 15 device we reviewed was equipped with this display. It scored well for its good brightness, acceptable contrast and various other respectable characteristics. Our current test device is outfitted with the DreamColor display. This RGB LED display should set itself especially far apart from the cheaper panels with its extensive color space coverage.

229
cd/m²
234
cd/m²
231
cd/m²
218
cd/m²
222
cd/m²
223
cd/m²
224
cd/m²
216
cd/m²
218
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
LGD0220 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 234 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 223.9 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 92 %
Center on Battery: 227 cd/m²
Contrast: 793:1 (Black: 0.28 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.44 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 3.1 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
98.5% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
95% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
68.3% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
98.6% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
67.9% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.17

We measured the panel's brightness level in nine different places and recorded numbers between 216 cd/m² and 234 cd/m². Just looking at the numbers, the brightness distribution comes to a very even 92% similarity across the screen. In practice, however, when the screen content was completely black, on the upper edge of the screen we observed areas where the light was visibly stronger. This could be a nuisance while playing films, viewing photos or working with image editing software. With 20 different levels available, the panel brightness can be very finely tuned, and the steps are relatively even. We measured a brightness level of 143 cd/m² at level 16, which is the setting we chose for our battery life tests. The screen's minimum brightness came to 18 cd/m², and its maximum brightness is available even in battery mode.

The display is not made matte by the typical means. Instead, the screen is covered with a kind of anti-reflective coating. This coating greatly diminishes reflections, though they still appear diffusely on the panel surface. The reflections are much less bothersome than on classic glossy displays, which is a real advantage.

Due to poor weather conditions, we were unable to assess the panel outdoors, but the combination of a matte display surface and brightness levels of over 200 cd/m² should prove to be more than sufficient for outdoor use. Even so, direct sunlight and other kinds of adverse lighting conditions are best avoided.

We measured a contrast value of 778:1 -- well above our long-standing average. Films, photos and games appear considerably more realistic, and the panel's comparably rich black makes them come alive. The pools of light at the top edge of the screen on our test device were bothersome when the screen content was dark, and their appearance could only be minimized when we set the display brightness much lower (starting around level 6).

DreamColor sRGB profile vs. AdobeRGB (t) and sRGB (t)
DreamColor sRGB profile vs. AdobeRGB (t) and sRGB (t)
DreamColor native vs. AdobeRGB (t) and sRGB (t)
DreamColor native vs. AdobeRGB (t) and sRGB (t)
sRGB (Correction 20.5.2015 due to a wrong sRGB-reference-profile: coverage 99%).
sRGB (Correction 20.5.2015 due to a wrong sRGB-reference-profile: coverage 99%).
Inconsistencies in brightness
Inconsistencies in brightness

Color space coverage is the main reason why a buyer might be interested in the DreamColor display. At over 1.4 million displayable colors, the color gamut is enormous and significantly exceeds the number of colors displayable in the AdobeRGB color space. Still, the display only covers about 95% of the AdobeRGB color space, as a portion of the colors lie outside the areas where the two intersect. Mainly the blue-green area comes a little short. The comparison with the sRGB color space looks similar; the coverage is not quite the same in the blue area there either. For a notebook, however, both of these results are spectacular and should be sufficient for professional use.

Because the range of displayable colors includes unnaturally bright ones, these should be subdued using the corresponding color profiles. For some time now, HP has offered their Mobile Display Assistant for use with RGB LED displays. With the click of a mouse, the user can comfortably switch between various color spaces. In addition to the tests we normally do, which are oriented towards the sRGB color space, we also ran several tests on our review device with the AdobeRGB color space in mind. Overall, the presets are precise enough that the user can expect to work with relatively accurate colors without having to spend much time altering the settings. The gamma curve is the only place where the DeltaE 2000 values of individual mixed colors significantly exceed the target of 3 or less. The panel first reaches its optimal values (grayscale resolution, color accuracy, etc.) after calibration, though this is always necessary in professional image processing. The gamma curve and RGB balance both approach their ideal values after calibration as well.

Grayscale
Grayscale
Color accuracy
Color accuracy
Color saturation
Color saturation
Mixed colors
Mixed colors
Grayscale calibrated
Grayscale calibrated
Color accuracy calibrated
Color accuracy calibrated
Color saturation calibrated
Color saturation calibrated
Mixed colors calibrated
Mixed colors calibrated
Grayscale AdobeRGB profile
Grayscale AdobeRGB profile
Color accuracy AdobeRGB profile
Color accuracy AdobeRGB profile
Mixed colors AdobeRGB profile
Mixed colors AdobeRGB profile
Mobile Display Assistant
Mobile Display Assistant

The IPS panel's viewing angle stability is very good and leaves no room for criticism. Only if you view the screen from above at a diagonal do diffuse reflections begin to obscure the image content. The display's brightness and colors are only minimally affected, and we did not observe the glimmer effect that can occur with IPS panels.

Viewing angles: HP ZBook 15 DreamColor
Viewing angles: HP ZBook 15 DreamColor

Performance

According to the specifications released by HP, the manufacturer offers a wide variety of hardware components for their ZBook 15. HP lists three different dual-core CPUs, three quad-core CPUs, three graphics chips, three displays, and innumerable mass storage options. You can select a RAID 0 or RAID 1 array in combination with a second mass storage device, and in the case of the quad-core CPUs, you can choose working memory modules up to 32 GB in size. Besides its color-intensive display, the most significant distinctions between our current test device and the HP ZBook 15 we previously reviewed are its graphics chip and CPU. We will take a closer look at how these new components affect the notebook's performance in the following section.

CPU
Caches
Mainboard
Memory
SPD
GPU
HD Tune
DPC Latency Checker
System information: HP ZBook 15

Processor

Audio conversion
Audio conversion
Stress test after 8 minutes
Stress test after 8 minutes
Stress test after 96 minutes
Stress test after 96 minutes

Intel's Core i7-4700MQ is the “bread and butter” version of the three available quad-core CPUs and is at work in many notebooks across a wide variety of classes. Thanks to its four real processor cores, four additional virtual cores (Hyperthreading) and Turbo Boost technology, this processor is able to reach optimal performance levels by various means. Multi-core-optimized software profits from the fact that eight threads can be processed simultaneously, and programs that only use one core do well with the CPU's clock rate of up to 3400 MHz.

Compared to the Intel Core i7-4800MQ CPU in the ZBook 15 we previously reviewed, our i7-4700 should perform somewhat slower. But the results prove to be a two-sided coin. While the supposedly slower CPU falls behind a little in the single-core benchmarks (as expected), it consistently achieves better results in the multi-core tests. In Cinebench R10 64-bit (Single), our test device scores 6371 points (compared to 6602 points), but in Cinebench R10 64-bit (Multi), our ZBook 15 manages 24690 points (compared to 23019 points). In our practical test with iTunes, the system reaches a speed of 52.7x converting audio files from MP3 to AAC format. Here, as expected, the CPU comes in behind the Intel Core i7-4800MQ. In the realm of video conversion, however, the Core i7-4700MQ CPU surpasses the i7-4800's speed in one of three tests.

In battery mode, we observed a decrease in performance by a margin of about 20%. In Cinebench R11.5 (Multi), for instance, the notebook only scores 5.21 points, rather than the 6.84 points it scored in AC power mode. In the stress test, with the power supply connected, the computer's performance remains relatively stable and does not fall below the base clock rate. After FurMark and Prime95 run simultaneously for about 1:30 hours, the clock rates fluctuate between 2600 and 2700 MHz.

Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
6816
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
18862
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
4830
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
6820 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
24690 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
6371 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
6.84 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
57.6 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.5 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
130 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
631 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
67.8 fps
Help

System Performance

Overall, the notebook's system performance proves to be quite balanced, though it falls short of our expectations when it comes to the mass storage device. While the benchmarks appear to profit greatly from the quick SSD cache, we only experienced these positive effects to a limited extent in our practical work with the system. The system start takes 21 seconds -- a good long time. An Asus N76VZ with a Samsung 840 SSD (also with Windows 7) only needs 14 seconds. The transfer of large data files is limited by the hard drive speed and levels off at around 80 MB/s after some time. The system reacts a little quicker opening programs and files, and it may gain even more speed with frequently used programs. Otherwise, the system performance is good enough to cover a wide spectrum of potential uses, including more performance-intensive ones. The notebook handles both conversion tasks and 3D-intensive graphics tasks very well.

PCMark Vantage Result
11084 points
PCMark 7 Score
5312 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated
4470 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated
3377 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated
4790 points
Help

Mass Storage

Our test model contains a conventional 750 GB hard drive from Hitachi. The conventional HDD is supported by a 32 GB SSD cache from Liteon, which means the user should enjoy improved performance in certain application scenarios. As we mentioned in the System Performance section of this review, in practice this supposed improvement in performance is not very noticeable. Compared to 7200-rpm hard drives that work alone, our test device's results are only better in specific disciplines. The drive's maximum transfer rate of 152 MB/s in reading, good 4k write times and very short access time of 0.15 MB/s are areas where the system benefits from the additional cache. In the case of our ZBook 15, then, the SSD module's main purpose is to accelerate write operations -- a purpose it fulfills, in our practical experience.

For buyers who need more space or speed, HP offers myriad combinations in this area. Instead of the SSD cache, a full-blown mSATA SSD can be installed in the mSATA slot. Furthermore, it is possible to switch out the optical drive for a mass storage module (supplementary to the 2.5-inch hard drive bay). According to HP's specifications and the UEFI/BIOS options, the notebook supports both RAID 1 and RAID 0.

Hitachi Travelstar 7K750 HTS727575A9E
Transfer Rate Minimum: 59.2 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 152.7 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 97.2 MB/s
Access Time: 15.9 ms
Burst Rate: 291.8 MB/s
CPU Usage: 1 %

Graphics Card

Comparison of video conversion over CUDA
Comparison of video conversion over CUDA

The HP ZBook 15 is equipped with Nvidia's Quadro K2100M graphics card. With a maximum power draw of 55 Watts, this card is Nvidia's highest performance professional graphics unit designed for use in 15-inch notebooks. Nvidia's Quadro K3100M is the next level up, but it already needs up to 75 Watts. HP outfits their large workstation model, the HP ZBook 17, with these higher performance chips.

Nvidia's Quadro K2100M is a professional graphics card that uses OpenGL optimization to gain a clear performance advantage over normal consumer graphics chips in professional applications. The card also has a special BIOS and special drivers that should lend it greater reliability. The Nvidia Quadro K2100M replaces the predecessor model Nvidia Quadro K2000M, has 576 shader cores at its command, runs at a core clock frequency of up to 667 MHz and has 2 GB of GDDR5 graphics memory (connected via a 128-bit wide memory bus). In terms of performance, in the DirectX environment the card is more or less on par with Nvidia's GeForce GT 750M.

To assess the Quadro chips' performance capabilities in the professional sphere, we use the SPECviewperf tests. While version 11 uses just the OpenGL interface, the current version (12) also uses DirectX. The results are now much more differentiated, and even consumer graphics chips, like the Nvidia GeForce GT 650M in the Asus N76VZ, do well in individual segments of the test. The test now covers a broad spectrum, but is still only able to give an indication of a chip's performance capabilities. In the end, the exact program-GPU combination and graphics driver version are the decisive factors. For instance, while both Nvidia Quadro K2100Ms are more or less on par with each other in SPECviewperf 11, in SPECviewperf 12, the differences between the two are vast. We believe the two test devices' differing driver versions may be the reason for this.

SPECviewperf 11
1920x1080 Siemens NX (sort by value)
HP ZBook 15
31.34 fps
HP ZBook 15
20.54 fps -34%
Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104
31.33 fps 0%
Dell Precision M6800
38.53 fps +23%
Asus N76VZ-V2G-T1011V
3.15 fps -90%
HP EliteBook 8570w LY550EA-ABD
23.69 fps -24%
1920x1080 Tcvis (sort by value)
HP ZBook 15
34.27 fps
HP ZBook 15
26.47 fps -23%
Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104
34.82 fps +2%
Dell Precision M6800
41.83 fps +22%
Asus N76VZ-V2G-T1011V
0.98 fps -97%
HP EliteBook 8570w LY550EA-ABD
18.62 fps -46%
1920x1080 SolidWorks (sort by value)
HP ZBook 15
42.39 fps
HP ZBook 15
35.16 fps -17%
Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104
44.64 fps +5%
Dell Precision M6800
48.25 fps +14%
Asus N76VZ-V2G-T1011V
8.28 fps -80%
HP EliteBook 8570w LY550EA-ABD
45.85 fps +8%
1920x1080 Pro/ENGINEER (sort by value)
HP ZBook 15
17.6 fps
HP ZBook 15
13.93 fps -21%
Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104
18.79 fps +7%
Dell Precision M6800
18.27 fps +4%
Asus N76VZ-V2G-T1011V
1.2 fps -93%
HP EliteBook 8570w LY550EA-ABD
6.27 fps -64%
1920x1080 Maya (sort by value)
HP ZBook 15
52.8 fps
HP ZBook 15
42.44 fps -20%
Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104
53.3 fps +1%
Dell Precision M6800
54.9 fps +4%
Asus N76VZ-V2G-T1011V
11.07 fps -79%
HP EliteBook 8570w LY550EA-ABD
52.8 fps 0%
1920x1080 Lightwave (sort by value)
HP ZBook 15
48.97 fps
HP ZBook 15
49.06 fps 0%
Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104
50.6 fps +3%
Dell Precision M6800
51 fps +4%
Asus N76VZ-V2G-T1011V
14.61 fps -70%
HP EliteBook 8570w LY550EA-ABD
61 fps +25%
1920x1080 Ensight (sort by value)
HP ZBook 15
28.25 fps
HP ZBook 15
14.67 fps -48%
Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104
28.26 fps 0%
Dell Precision M6800
34.18 fps +21%
Asus N76VZ-V2G-T1011V
23.03 fps -18%
HP EliteBook 8570w LY550EA-ABD
18.8 fps -33%
1920x1080 Catia (sort by value)
HP ZBook 15
42.11 fps
HP ZBook 15
28.72 fps -32%
Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104
42.66 fps +1%
Dell Precision M6800
50.3 fps +19%
Asus N76VZ-V2G-T1011V
6.77 fps -84%
HP EliteBook 8570w LY550EA-ABD
16.28 fps -61%

Legend

 
HP ZBook 15 Intel Core i7-4700MQ, NVIDIA Quadro K2100M, Hitachi Travelstar 7K750 HTS727575A9E
 
HP ZBook 15 Intel Core i7-4800MQ, NVIDIA Quadro K610M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
 
Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104 Intel Core i7-4800MQ, NVIDIA Quadro K2100M, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
 
Dell Precision M6800 Intel Core i7-4800MQ, NVIDIA Quadro K3100M, WDC Scorpio Black WD7500BPKT-80PK4T0
 
Asus N76VZ-V2G-T1011V Intel Core i7-3610QM, NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M, Seagate Momentus SpinPoint M8 ST1000LM024
 
HP EliteBook 8570w LY550EA-ABD Intel Core i5-3360M, AMD FirePro M4000, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
SPECviewperf 12
1900x1060 Solidworks (sw-03) (sort by value)
HP ZBook 15
22.82 fps
Asus N76VZ-V2G-T1011V
12.87 fps -44%
Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104
36.02 fps +58%
SCHENKER S413
16.7 fps -27%
1900x1060 Siemens NX (snx-02) (sort by value)
HP ZBook 15
20.74 fps
Asus N76VZ-V2G-T1011V
1.68 fps -92%
Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104
20.86 fps +1%
SCHENKER S413
2.8 fps -86%
1900x1060 Showcase (showcase-01) (sort by value)
HP ZBook 15
10.49 fps
Asus N76VZ-V2G-T1011V
8.5 fps -19%
Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104
10 fps -5%
SCHENKER S413
8.8 fps -16%
1900x1060 Medical (medical-01) (sort by value)
HP ZBook 15
2.09 fps
Asus N76VZ-V2G-T1011V
4.32 fps +107%
Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104
5.88 fps +181%
SCHENKER S413
2.63 fps +26%
1900x1060 Maya (maya-04) (sort by value)
HP ZBook 15
15.95 fps
Asus N76VZ-V2G-T1011V
15.72 fps -1%
Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104
18.1 fps +13%
1900x1060 Energy (energy-01) (sort by value)
HP ZBook 15
0.17 fps
Asus N76VZ-V2G-T1011V
0.28 fps +65%
Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104
0.34 fps +100%
SCHENKER S413
0.11 fps -35%
1900x1060 Creo (creo-01) (sort by value)
HP ZBook 15
18.85 fps
Asus N76VZ-V2G-T1011V
6.78 fps -64%
Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104
20.47 fps +9%
SCHENKER S413
11.7 fps -38%
1900x1060 Catia (catia-04) (sort by value)
HP ZBook 15
19.34 fps
Asus N76VZ-V2G-T1011V
7.02 fps -64%
Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104
20.81 fps +8%
SCHENKER S413
15.4 fps -20%

Legend

 
HP ZBook 15 Intel Core i7-4700MQ, NVIDIA Quadro K2100M, Hitachi Travelstar 7K750 HTS727575A9E
 
Asus N76VZ-V2G-T1011V Intel Core i7-3610QM, NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M, Seagate Momentus SpinPoint M8 ST1000LM024
 
Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104 Intel Core i7-4800MQ, NVIDIA Quadro K2100M, Toshiba MQ01ABD100
 
SCHENKER S413 Intel Core i7-4750HQ, Intel Iris Pro Graphics 5200, Intel SSD 525 Series SSDMCEAC180B3

In the conventional 3D benchmarks, Nvidia's Quadro K2100M is basically on par with the Nvidia GeForce GT 750M. In 3D Mark Fire Strike, the card scores 1558 points, in 3D Mark 11, 2659 points, and in Unigine Heaven 3.0, it reaches 23.6 fpsIn battery mode, the system maintains its graphics performance, and for example achieves 57.55 points in Cinebench R11.5.

3DMark 06 Standard Score
15481 points
3DMark 11 Performance
2651 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
76590 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
10047 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
1558 points
Help

Gaming Performance

Gaming performance results for the Nvidia Quadro K2100M are available in our reviews of the Toshiba Tecra W50 or Dell Precision M4800. You can also compare these results with many other models in our comprehensive overview of gaming performance in notebook graphics cards.

Emissions

As is common for ProBooks, EliteBooks and ZBooks, the fan will only turn off under minimal load if you go into the BIOS and deactivate the option "Fan always on when AC on". After deactivation, the fan will cease to run constantly and will instead regulate its activity under minimal load according to the system's needs. In our test model, deactivating that option did not silence the fan entirely, but its minimum speed of rotation decreased. At a speed of up to 7200 rpm, the hard drive motor also contributes to the system noise. Together, the hard drive and fan produce a minimum sound pressure level of 30.8 dB(A). This could presumably be further reduced by replacing the mass storage drive with a quieter model. Under medium load, the sound pressure level rises moderately to an easily tolerable 35.8 dB(A). Under full load, however, the cooling system runs at full speed and generates 44.1 dB(A). Over time, that level of noise grows bothersome.

Noise Level

Idle
30.8 / 30.8 / 30.8 dB(A)
HDD
30.8 dB(A)
Load
35.8 / 44.1 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   PCE-322A (15 cm distance)

Temperature

Although several relatively high-performance components are at work in the HP ZBook 15, its cooling system is strong enough to neutralize the heat they produce very well. Under minimal load, the case surfaces remain considerably below the 30 degrees Celsius mark (86 °F). The air outlet was the only place we measured a temperature of 31.5 °C (88.7 °F). After over an hour under full load the case is palpably warmer, but at a maximum of 41.5 °C (106.7 °F, around the left side of the keyboard), the temperatures still remain far below the critical range. The air outlet is the only area one should avoid touching when the computer is in this state, as it heats up to 65.8 °C (150.44 °F).

Max. Load
 41 °C
106 F
30.5 °C
87 F
26.1 °C
79 F
 
 41.5 °C
107 F
41.3 °C
106 F
26.9 °C
80 F
 
 32.7 °C
91 F
30.8 °C
87 F
28.2 °C
83 F
 
Maximum: 41.5 °C = 107 F
Average: 33.2 °C = 92 F
28.8 °C
84 F
40.3 °C
105 F
41.3 °C
106 F
31.3 °C
88 F
38.6 °C
101 F
44.5 °C
112 F
29.5 °C
85 F
35.7 °C
96 F
38.9 °C
102 F
Maximum: 44.5 °C = 112 F
Average: 36.5 °C = 98 F
Power Supply (max.)  44.7 °C = 112 F | Room Temperature 20 °C = 68 F | Fennel Firt 550
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 33.2 °C / 92 F, compared to the average of 32 °C / 90 F for the devices in the class Workstation.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 41.5 °C / 107 F, compared to the average of 38.1 °C / 101 F, ranging from 22.2 to 69.8 °C for the class Workstation.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 44.5 °C / 112 F, compared to the average of 41.3 °C / 106 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 26.9 °C / 80 F, compared to the device average of 32 °C / 90 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (32.7 °C / 90.9 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.8 °C / 82 F (-4.9 °C / -8.9 F).

Energy Management

At 20.1 Watts, the notebook's minimum power draw is relatively high. The display is a huge contributor here, even at the lowest brightness setting. If you shut the display off completely, under the same level of load the notebook uses 10.4 Watts. At our medium test settings (balanced profile, maximum display brightness), the energy consumption level we measured from the mains side already reached 33.2 Watts in idle mode. Under medium load, we read 90.4 Watts, and under full load, the peak value came to 127.3 Watts. In our test device, we found a 75 Wh battery that is designed to last for an especially long time. This is a somewhat smaller capacity than the 83 Wh model that powered our US test device.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.1 / 0.4 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 20.1 / 33.2 / 34.5 Watt
Load midlight 90.4 / 127.3 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.

Battery Life

All in all, the notebook's battery run times prove to be very short. At a maximum of 3:43 hours at the rather impractical settings we use for our Battery Eater Reader’s Test (minimum display brightness, energy-saving profile, wireless off), no one is going to use the HP ZBook as a mobile companion except in emergencies or for very short periods. The battery rarely offers more than two hours of juice at reasonable settings and running applications with normal performance demands, (the WLAN and video test are run at a display brightness of 143 cd/m²). Under full load the CPU performance is reduced, which leaves the computer with enough oomph to run for an unexceptional 58 minutes in the Battery Eater Classic Test (high-performance profile, maximum display brightness, wireless on). To achieve longer battery run times, the user would need to purchase additional batteries. With similar hardware components, Toshiba's mobile workstation, the Tecra W50, has a considerably better battery life. Its display is substantially more frugal and reduces the overall power draw by a significant margin.

Battery Eater Reader's Test
Battery Eater Reader's Test
Video H264 Test
Video H264 Test
WLAN Internet Test
WLAN Internet Test
Battery Eater Classic Test
Battery Eater Classic Test
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
3h 43min
WiFi Surfing
2h 21min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
2h 04min
Load (maximum brightness)
0h 58min

Verdict

HP ZBook 15 with DreamColor display
HP ZBook 15 with DreamColor display

The HP ZBook 15 is a high-performance 15-inch workstation that does very well when connected to the power socket. Our test device's meager RAM and slow mass storage device are problems that can be easily solved, either by upgrading the notebook on your own once you have it in your hands or by selecting a better configuration from the outset. The series' basic features are strong and tend towards meeting the demands of professional clients. The case quality is very good; the hardware, support, and upgrade options are diverse; and at 36 months, the warranty covers the expected term.

Our test device's highlight is undoubtedly its overall very good DreamColor display. With its RGB LED background lighting and IPS panel, it provides a very broad color space, stable viewing angles and good contrast values. This component's big disadvantage does not have anything to do with the display characteristics, but rather its energy consumption. For a notebook, the device's energy consumption is very high, which contributes significantly to the system's relatively short battery life. Because mobility generally is not a strength for mobile workstations, this limitation may be less significant for customers perusing this section of the market than it would be for buyers examining other types of notebooks.

The ZBook 15 is now available on Adorama for $2499
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In Review: HP ZBook 15 DreamColor
In Review: HP ZBook 15 DreamColor. Test device courtesy of HP Deutschland.
The ZBook 15 is now available on Adorama for $2499

Specifications

HP ZBook 15 (ZBook 15u G4 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i7-4700MQ 4 x 2.4 - 3.4 GHz (Intel Core i7)
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA Quadro K2100M - 2048 MB VRAM, Core: 667 MHz, Memory: 752 MHz, Forceware 312.65
Memory
8 GB 
, 2 x 4 GB PC3-12800 Samsung, 2 open slots, Max. 32 GB
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel, LGD0220, IPS LED DreamColor, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel QM87 (Lynx Point)
Storage
Hitachi Travelstar 7K750 HTS727575A9E, 750 GB 
, 7200 rpm, LITEONIT LMS-32L6M-HP 32 GB
Soundcard
IDT 92HD91BXX @ Intel Lynx Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
1 Express Card 54mm, 1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 Thunderbolt, 1 VGA, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: Combined headphone/microphone jack, Card Reader: SD, SDHC, SDXC, 1 SmartCard, 1 Fingerprint Reader
Networking
Intel I217-LM Gigabit Network Connection (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0
Optical drive
HP CDDVDW SU-208CB
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 31 x 382 x 257 ( = 1.22 x 15.04 x 10.12 in)
Battery
75 Wh Lithium-Ion, 14.4V, 5050 mAh
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 720p
Additional features
Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, 36 Months Warranty
Weight
3.38 kg ( = 119.23 oz / 7.45 pounds), Power Supply: 900 g ( = 31.75 oz / 1.98 pounds)
Price
3000 Euro

 

The HP ZBook 15 is a classic mobile workstation.
The HP ZBook 15 is a classic mobile workstation.
It is high performance, offers many configuration options and boasts of a plethora of useful features.
It is high performance, offers many configuration options and boasts of a plethora of useful features.
One highlight is the color-intensive RGB LED display, which HP calls
One highlight is the color-intensive RGB LED display, which HP calls
The AdobeRGB color space is about 95 percent covered.
The AdobeRGB color space is about 95 percent covered.
Thanks to the Mobile Display Assistant, pre-defined color spaces can be selected with the click of a mouse.
Thanks to the Mobile Display Assistant, pre-defined color spaces can be selected with the click of a mouse.
Out of the factory, the display's color accuracy is already good, and it gets even better after a calibration.
Out of the factory, the display's color accuracy is already good, and it gets even better after a calibration.
Considering its basic characteristics, the display is well-suited for image editing and other related tasks.
Considering its basic characteristics, the display is well-suited for image editing and other related tasks.
But the configuration is also well-equipped for tasks that demand high graphics performance, like CAD, with its potent Nvidia Quadro K2100M graphics chip.
But the configuration is also well-equipped for tasks that demand high graphics performance, like CAD, with its potent Nvidia Quadro K2100M graphics chip.
This chip is currently the highest performance graphics solution designed for use in 15-inch notebooks.
This chip is currently the highest performance graphics solution designed for use in 15-inch notebooks.
The chip's performance can be compared with that of the Nvidia Geforce GT 750M in the consumer market.
The chip's performance can be compared with that of the Nvidia Geforce GT 750M in the consumer market.
The Intel HD Graphics integrated into the processor is not useable.
The Intel HD Graphics integrated into the processor is not useable.
The color-intensive DreamColor display uses a lot of energy.
The color-intensive DreamColor display uses a lot of energy.
The 720p webcam works well in good lighting situations.
The 720p webcam works well in good lighting situations.
You can find higher-performance components in the HP ZBook 17.
You can find higher-performance components in the HP ZBook 17.
The display can open very wide.
The display can open very wide.
The speaker strip generates a decent sound.
The speaker strip generates a decent sound.
The display hinges are excellent.
The display hinges are excellent.
Under full load, the air outlet heats up to 68 °C (154.4 °F).
Under full load, the air outlet heats up to 68 °C (154.4 °F).
The connections are mostly located very close to each other.
The connections are mostly located very close to each other.
The case surfaces are high-quality and hardly yield at all to pressure.
The case surfaces are high-quality and hardly yield at all to pressure.
The gaps between separate pieces of the case are a little uneven around the hinges.
The gaps between separate pieces of the case are a little uneven around the hinges.
Visually, the open screw joints may not appeal to some people either.
Visually, the open screw joints may not appeal to some people either.
The power connection and the Gigabit LAN port are located on back side of the device.
The power connection and the Gigabit LAN port are located on back side of the device.
The HP ZBook 15 still possesses a slow USB 2.0 port.
The HP ZBook 15 still possesses a slow USB 2.0 port.
HP houses more of the quicker version on the remaining sides of the notebook.
HP houses more of the quicker version on the remaining sides of the notebook.
The audio port combines a headphone output and microphone input in one jack.
The audio port combines a headphone output and microphone input in one jack.
The analog VGA output generated a slightly faded image.
The analog VGA output generated a slightly faded image.
The status LEDs are relatively unobtrusive, but in dark environments they can be a little bothersome.
The status LEDs are relatively unobtrusive, but in dark environments they can be a little bothersome.
The power supply is very large and weighs 900 grams (~2 lbs).
The power supply is very large and weighs 900 grams (~2 lbs).
At a power rating of 200 Watts, the supply has enough reserves for higher-performance versions of this notebook.
At a power rating of 200 Watts, the supply has enough reserves for higher-performance versions of this notebook.
Strange: System media for two systems come in the ZBook 15's packaging.
Strange: System media for two systems come in the ZBook 15's packaging.
Adapters can block neighboring connections.
Adapters can block neighboring connections.
The MiniDisplayPort/Thunderbolt port, on the other hand, is very thin.
The MiniDisplayPort/Thunderbolt port, on the other hand, is very thin.

Similar Devices

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

Review Dell Precision M4800 Notebook
Quadro K2100M, Core i7 4900MQ

Devices with the same GPU and/or Screen Size

Lenovo ThinkPad W541 Workstation Review
Quadro K2100M, Core i7 4910MQ, 2.6 kg
MSI WS60 Workstation Review
Quadro K2100M, Core i7 4710HQ, 1.98 kg
Review Update Lenovo ThinkPad W540 20BG001BGE Workstation
Quadro K2100M, Core i7 4800MQ, 2.61 kg
Review Toshiba Tecra W50-A-104 Workstation
Quadro K2100M, Core i7 4800MQ, 2.71 kg

Devices with Same Screen Size and/or Weight

HP ZBook Power 15 G10 workstation review: Excellent alternative to the ThinkPad P15v
NVIDIA RTX 2000 Ada Generation Laptop GPU, Phoenix (Zen 4, Ryzen 7040) R7 PRO 7840HS, 15.60", 2.018 kg
HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10 A in review: Strong office notebook that relies on Zen 4
Radeon 760M, Phoenix (Zen 4, Ryzen 7040) R5 PRO 7640HS, 14.00", 1.5 kg

Links

Price Comparison

Pros

+Very good IPS display with huge color space
+Mobile Display Assistant
+Input devices
+Manufacturing quality and stability
+Runs quietly
+Performance
+Warranty length
 

Cons

-Weight
-Battery life
-Price
-Spots where light is more concentrated on upper edge of display

Shortcut

What we like

The very good DreamColor display, the very good performance and the typical features of a mobile workstation. Business features combined with good connectivity options, and it is easy to upgrade.

What we'd like to see

Evenly distributed panel brightness, for the display to consume less energy, and the combination with Nvidia's Optimus technology.

What surprises us

That HP does not offer any high-resolution display options, and that it is currently not possible to individually configure the HP ZBook 15 on their website.

The competition

Toshiba Tecra W50

Dell Precision M4800

Dell Precision M3800

HP ZBook 17

Dell Precision M6800

Lenovo ThinkPad W540 (not yet reviewed)

Fujitsu Celsius H730 (not yet reviewed)

Rating

HP ZBook 15 - 03/21/2014 v4(old)
Tobias Winkler

Chassis
91 / 98 → 93%
Keyboard
92%
Pointing Device
89%
Connectivity
79 / 81 → 98%
Weight
54 / 10-66 → 79%
Battery
69%
Display
89%
Games Performance
87%
Application Performance
86%
Temperature
83 / 95 → 87%
Noise
88 / 90 → 98%
Audio
46%
Camera
24 / 85 → 28%
Average
75%
86%
Workstation - Weighted Average
Tobias Winkler, 2014-03- 3 (Update: 2018-05-15)