HP Z8 G 3s

The HP Z8 Workstation Series represents HP's flagship desktop workstations, engineered for demanding professional workloads such as complex simulations, 8K video editing, advanced machine learning, and 3D visualization. While the specific model "HP Z8 G3s" is not identified in available documentation, this article details the prominent HP Z8 G4 and the latest HP Z8 G5 models, which are the current and previous generations of this high-performance series.

Basic Information

• Model: HP Z8 G4 Workstation, HP Z8 G5 Workstation.
• Version: G4 (previous generation), G5 (latest generation).
• Release Date: The HP Z8 G4 Workstation was released in October 2017. The HP Z8 G5 Workstation is the current generation, with QuickSpecs documents dated September 1, 2025, indicating its contemporary or upcoming status.
• Minimum Requirements: Specific minimum requirements vary by configuration and intended application. Generally, it requires compatible operating systems and sufficient hardware resources for professional applications.
• Supported Operating Systems:
  • HP Z8 G4: Windows 10 Pro for Workstations 64, Windows 11 Pro for Workstations, Ubuntu (including 16.04, 18.04, 20.04 LTS), Red Hat Enterprise Linux (versions 6, 7, 8), and SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (versions 12, 15).
  • HP Z8 G5: Windows 11 Pro, Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2), and various Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu 20.04 for HP Z Data Science Stack Manager).
• Latest Stable Version: Refers to the latest BIOS/firmware updates provided by HP for each model.
• End of Support Date: HP typically supports products for 5 years after they are designated "Retired." Support generally ceases after 10 years from the product's retirement. The Z8 G5 is designed for a 3-year lifecycle.
• End of Life Date: Follows the end of support period, typically when all manufacturer support is discontinued.
• Auto-Update Expiration Date: Dependent on the operating system and software installed. Windows operating systems receive automatic updates, with ISP fees and additional requirements potentially applying over time.
• License Type: Commercial licenses for the operating system (Windows Pro, Linux distributions) and ISV-certified applications.
• Deployment Model: Desktop workstation, with options for rack-mounting.

Technical Specifications

The HP Z8 Workstation series offers extensive configurability to meet extreme performance demands.

• Processor:
  • HP Z8 G4: Supports single or dual Intel Xeon Scalable CPUs, offering up to 56 cores (e.g., 2x Intel Xeon Platinum 8180M).
  • HP Z8 G5: Supports single or dual next-generation Intel Xeon W CPUs, providing up to 64 cores.
• RAM:
  • HP Z8 G4: Up to 3 TB DDR4-2666 ECC SDRAM or 1.5 TB DDR4-2933 ECC SDRAM across 24 DIMM slots. Supports Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory.
  • HP Z8 G5: Up to 1 TB DDR5 ECC memory (DDR5-5600 MT/s).
• Storage:
  • HP Z8 G4: Up to 56 TB of storage, configurable with various combinations of PCIe SSDs, M.2 SSDs, and traditional HDDs.
  • HP Z8 G5: Up to 136 TB of storage, featuring front-accessible, hot-swappable NVMe bays, M.2, and SATA drives.
• Graphics:
  • HP Z8 G4: Supports up to two NVIDIA RTX A6000 or one AMD Radeon Pro W6800 GPUs. Other options include NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000, NVIDIA Quadro P6000 (up to three), and Quadro P1000.
  • HP Z8 G5: Supports up to two NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada Generation GPUs or two AMD Radeon Pro W6800 GPUs. NVIDIA RTX A1000 is also an option.
• Display: Not integrated. Compatible with all HP Z Displays and HP DreamColor Displays.
• Ports:
  • Front (G4): 1 headset connector, 4 USB 3.1 (1 charging). Premium configurations add 2 USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C ports.
  • Front (G5): Combo audio jack, 4 USB 3 Type-A (5 Gbps, 1 charging). Optional media card reader and 5.25" external bays.
  • Rear (G4): 6 USB 3.1 Gen 1, 2 RJ-45 (1 GbE), 1 audio-in, 1 audio-out, 1 PS/2 mouse, 1 PS/2 keyboard, 1 serial. Optional 2x 10 GbE and Thunderbolt 3 (via PCIe card).
  • Rear (G5): 2x 1 GbE Ethernet, 6x USB 3 Type-A (5 Gbps), audio line-out. Optional 2x 10 GbE and Thunderbolt 4 (planned).
• Operating System: See Supported Operating Systems above.
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 21.59 x 55.12 x 44.45 cm (8.5 x 21.7 x 17.5 inches) for both G4 and G5.
• Weight:
  • HP Z8 G4: Starting at 22.4 kg (49.4 lbs), with typical configurations around 23.7 kg (52.2 lbs) and a maximum of 31.7 kg (70 lbs).
  • HP Z8 G5: Minimum 22.5 kg (49.6 lbs), typical 24.3 kg (53.7 lbs), and a maximum of 33.8 kg (74.6 lbs), depending on configuration.

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The HP Z8 series workstations are designed for extreme performance and expandability, targeting professionals who require substantial computing power. The transition from G4 to G5 brings significant upgrades, particularly in processor core count (up to 64 cores in G5), memory technology (DDR5 in G5), and storage capacity (up to 136 TB in G5). The dual-socket architecture across both generations allows for immense parallel processing capabilities. Graphics options are consistently high-end, supporting multiple professional GPUs from NVIDIA and AMD, crucial for rendering, AI, and simulation tasks. The extensive port selection, including high-speed USB and optional 10 GbE networking, ensures broad connectivity. The robust, tool-less chassis design facilitates upgrades and maintenance, underscoring its enterprise-grade nature. The weight and dimensions reflect a full-tower workstation built for performance rather than portability.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Refers to the latest available hardware configurations and BIOS/firmware updates for the Z8 G5.
• OS Support: Comprehensive support for Windows 10/11 Pro for Workstations and various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu and Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
• End of Support Date: HP generally provides support for 5 years after a product is retired, with overall support ceasing after approximately 10 years.
• Localization: HP BIOS (F10) Setup supports 15 languages, and operating system support is global.
• Available Drivers: Drivers are available through HP's support website, with HP Linux Installer Kit providing drivers for supported Linux distributions.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

The HP Z8 Workstation Series boasts excellent support and compatibility, crucial for professional environments. Its broad operating system support, including both Windows and enterprise-grade Linux distributions, ensures flexibility for diverse workflows. HP's commitment to providing drivers and BIOS updates, alongside a clear (though general) end-of-support policy, offers long-term viability for enterprise deployments. The ISV certifications for leading software applications guarantee optimal performance and reliability with critical professional tools. The modular and tool-less design further enhances support by simplifying component upgrades and maintenance, extending the asset's useful life.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • HP Client Security Suite Gen3.
  • HP Sure Start Gen3 (industry's first self-healing BIOS with intrusion detection).
  • HP Wolf Security for Business (requires Windows 10/11 Pro or higher).
  • HP Sure Run Gen5 and HP Sure Recover Gen4 (on select Windows 11 PCs).
  • BIOS-level security: Power-On password, Administrator password, BIOS Integrity checking, protection beyond BIOS (e.g., network configuration parameters, system IDs, secure boot credentials), and audit logging.
  • Intel vPro Technology (on Z8 G4 Intel Xeon CPUs).
• Known Vulnerabilities: Not specified in general product information; HP regularly releases security updates and patches to address discovered vulnerabilities.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable; these are commercial workstations.
• Certifications: ISV Certified for leading software applications.
• Encryption Support: Hardware-level encryption support is typically provided through TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 and OS-level features like BitLocker (with Windows).
• Authentication Methods: BIOS passwords, OS-level authentication, and potentially SmartCard CCID Keyboard options.
• General Recommendations: Utilize HP Wolf Security features, keep BIOS and drivers updated, and implement strong OS-level security practices.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

The HP Z8 Workstation Series offers a robust security posture, integrating multiple layers of protection from hardware to software. Features like HP Sure Start Gen3 provide foundational security by protecting the BIOS from attacks and self-healing if compromised. HP Wolf Security for Business extends this protection across the operating system and beyond, safeguarding against modern threats. The inclusion of Intel vPro technology (in G4) and comprehensive BIOS security options further enhances manageability and protection. These workstations are designed with enterprise security in mind, making them suitable for environments handling sensitive data and critical workloads.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores:
  • HP Z8 G4: Achieves top-of-the-line performance in industry benchmarks like Viewperf 13, Cinebench, and Octane. Geekbench 4.4.4 scores show a Single-Core Score of 4646 and Multi-Core Score of 101540 with Intel Xeon Platinum 8260 processors.
  • HP Z8 G5: Demonstrates higher scores than the Z8 G4 in Geekbench 6 Pro GPU Compute, Maxon Redshift, Blender 3.6 GPU rendering, and Cinebench R23 benchmarks, particularly in multi-core and GPU-intensive tasks.
• Real-World Performance Metrics: Designed to run 3D simulations and edit 8K video in real-time. Accelerates AI and machine learning model training, real-time ray tracing, and 3D visualization & simulation.
• Power Consumption: Features highly efficient power supplies (90% efficient) with options up to 1700W. The Z8 G5 supports S4/S5 Maximum Power Savings, drawing less than 0.5W in off states.
• Carbon Footprint: The Z8 G5 incorporates sustainable design, using 40% recycled plastics, 10% recycled metal, and 100% sustainably sourced outer box packaging. It is EPEAT Gold Climate+ registered and ENERGY STAR certified.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: The Z8 G5 shows significant performance improvements over its predecessor, the Z8 G4, especially in CPU and GPU-intensive tasks, making it a leading workstation for demanding professional applications.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

The HP Z8 Workstation Series delivers exceptional performance, consistently ranking at the top for professional applications. The G5 generation, with its next-gen Intel Xeon W CPUs and DDR5 memory, pushes performance boundaries further, particularly in multi-threaded and GPU-accelerated workloads critical for AI, machine learning, and advanced content creation. While some older applications might not fully leverage the massive core counts (as noted with After Effects on the G4), the overall architecture is optimized for parallel processing and high-throughput data handling. The robust power delivery and advanced cooling systems ensure sustained performance under heavy loads, maintaining quiet operation. Its strong benchmark results and real-world capabilities confirm its status as a powerhouse workstation.

User Reviews & Feedback

Users consistently praise the HP Z8 Workstation Series for its unparalleled performance, reliability, and expandability. Strengths frequently highlighted include its ability to handle extremely demanding tasks, the quiet operation even under heavy load, and the tool-less design that simplifies upgrades and maintenance. Professionals appreciate the seamless integration with other HP peripherals and the significant improvements in workflow efficiency. The ISV certifications provide confidence in its compatibility and stability with critical software. Some feedback on earlier models noted that certain applications, like Adobe After Effects, did not fully utilize the high core counts, but this is often an application-specific limitation rather than a workstation flaw. Recommended use cases span a wide range of industries, including 3D animation, visual effects, scientific research, CAD/CAM, data science, and AI development.

Summary

The HP Z8 Workstation Series stands as a pinnacle of professional computing, offering exceptional power, expandability, and reliability for the most demanding enterprise tasks. While the specific "HP Z8 G3s" model was not identified, the HP Z8 G4 and the latest HP Z8 G5 models exemplify the series' capabilities. Key strengths include its dual-socket processor architecture supporting up to 64 cores, massive RAM capacity (up to 1 TB DDR5 in G5), extensive storage options (up to 136 TB in G5), and support for multiple high-end professional GPUs. The series is lauded for its robust security features, comprehensive OS compatibility, and a design that prioritizes ease of maintenance and longevity. Performance benchmarks consistently place it at the top of its class, making it an ideal choice for professionals in fields requiring intensive computation, rendering, and data processing.

Weaknesses are few, primarily revolving around the high cost associated with top-tier configurations and the potential for some legacy software to not fully exploit its multi-core prowess. However, for those requiring uncompromised performance and reliability, the HP Z8 series represents a sound investment. It is highly recommended for enterprises and professionals engaged in advanced scientific research, complex engineering, high-end media production, and AI/machine learning development.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.