HP Z8 G 690 G1

Basic Information

The HP Z8 Fury G5 Workstation is a high-performance desktop workstation designed for demanding professional workloads such as AI development, complex media creation, VFX, CGI rendering, and data science.

• Model: HP Z8 Fury G5 Workstation
• Release Date: The HP Z8 Fury G5 was released in 2023.
• Supported Operative Systems: Windows 11 Pro 64 for Workstations (preinstalled with Windows 10 Pro for Workstations downgrade option), Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, HP Linux-ready, Red Hat Enterprise Linux Desktop Workstation (license only).
• End of Support Date: HP Z8 Fury G5 is built for longevity with a 3-year lifecycle.
• License Type: Commercial. Operating system licenses (e.g., Windows 11 Pro) are included or optional.
• Deployment Model: Tower workstation.

Technical Specifications

The HP Z8 Fury G5 is a formidable and highly scalable desktop workstation, offering extensive customization options to meet extreme professional demands.

• Processor: Single Intel Xeon W-series processor (Sapphire Rapids family), with options up to a 60-core Intel Xeon W9-3495X (56 cores, 112 threads, 1.9 GHz base, up to 4.8 GHz with Turbo Boost Max 3.0).
• RAM: Up to 2 TB DDR5-4800 ECC SDRAM across 16 DIMM slots.
• Storage: Up to 120 TB total storage, configurable with up to 10 M.2 NVMe drives (PCIe Gen4) and up to eight 3.5-inch SATA drive bays. Features include four onboard PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, additional M.2 via expansion cards, and front-accessible, hot-swappable NVMe bays.
• Graphics: Supports up to four high-end double-wide GPUs, including NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada Generation or NVIDIA RTX A6000, and AMD Radeon Pro W6800.
• Ports:
  • Front (Premium): Two USB Type-C 20Gbps (with power delivery), two USB Type-A 5Gbps, one headphone/microphone combo jack, optional SD card reader.
  • Front (Entry): Four USB Type-A 5Gbps (one with battery charging), one headphone/microphone combo jack, optional SD card reader.
  • Rear: Six SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps, two RJ-45 integrated LAN ports (1 GbE AMT, 1GbE), optional two 10GbE LAN ports, audio in/out, PS/2 ports.
  • Expansion Slots: Eight PCIe slots (up to Gen5), including PCIe x16 Gen5, PCIe x4 Gen5, PCIe x16 Gen4, PCIe x8 Gen4, and PCIe x8 Gen3.
• Operating System: Preinstalled with Windows 11 Pro 64 for Workstations or Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 21.59 x 55.12 x 44.45 cm (8.5 x 21.7 x 17.5 inches).
• Weight: Starting at 22 kg (48.9 lbs); typical 23.1 kg (50.9 lbs); maximum 36 kg (79.4 lbs) depending on configuration.

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The HP Z8 Fury G5 represents a pinnacle in workstation design, leveraging a single-socket architecture to achieve extreme performance. The use of Intel Xeon W-3400 series processors with up to 60 cores, coupled with up to 2 TB of DDR5 ECC memory, provides immense computational power for highly parallelized tasks. Its support for up to four high-end GPUs, including NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada Generation, makes it exceptionally well-suited for graphics-intensive applications like AI, VFX, and real-time rendering. The extensive storage options, including numerous M.2 NVMe slots and traditional drive bays, offer both speed and vast capacity. The inclusion of PCIe Gen5 slots ensures future-proofing for the fastest available components. The robust power supply options, including redundant and aggregate modes up to 2250W, ensure stable operation even under peak loads with multiple high-power GPUs. The design emphasizes expandability and serviceability, with tool-less access and a well-organized internal layout. The thermal management system, featuring smart fan control and optimized airflow, is critical for maintaining performance and quiet operation under heavy workloads. Overall, the Z8 Fury G5 is engineered for professionals requiring maximum performance, scalability, and reliability for the most demanding computational and creative tasks.

Support & Compatibility

The HP Z8 Fury G5 Workstation offers comprehensive support and compatibility features tailored for professional environments.

• Latest Version: Refers to the latest available firmware/BIOS updates and driver releases from HP.
• OS Support: Windows 11 Pro, Windows 10 Pro, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, HP Linux-ready, Red Hat Enterprise Linux Desktop Workstation (license only). Also supports WSL2 for Linux integration on Windows.
• End of Support Date: Designed with a 3-year lifecycle for IT management.
• Localization: Available globally, with OS and software support in various languages.
• Available Drivers: All necessary drivers are available through HP's support website. HP Smart Support provides secure access to device health insights and configuration data for faster troubleshooting.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

The HP Z8 Fury G5 boasts excellent support and compatibility, crucial for enterprise environments. It supports the latest professional operating systems, including Windows 11 Pro and various Linux distributions, ensuring broad software compatibility. The inclusion of WSL2 further enhances its versatility for developers and data scientists. HP provides robust driver support and management tools like HP Performance Advisor, HP Support Assistant, and HP Manageability Integration Kit, simplifying deployment and maintenance. The workstation is ISV certified, guaranteeing optimal performance and stability with leading professional software applications. Its 3-year lifecycle is beneficial for IT planning and reducing requalification efforts. HP Anyware remote access software further enhances support by enabling remote management and high-fidelity remote work. Overall, the Z8 Fury G5 offers a highly supported and compatible platform for demanding professional workflows.

Security Status

The HP Z8 Fury G5 Workstation integrates robust security features to protect sensitive data and maintain system integrity.

• Security Features: Intel vPro manageability and security, TPM 2.0, HP Sure Click, HP Sure Start Gen7, HP Sure Run Gen5, HP Sure Recover Gen4, HP Sure Sense, HP Sure Admin, HP Secure Erase, BIOSphere Gen6.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Not specified for the base hardware, but regular firmware and software updates address potential vulnerabilities.
• Certifications: EPEAT Gold with Climate+ registered, TCO Certified, ENERGY STAR certified.
• Encryption Support: Intel Total Memory Encryption (Intel TME), drive encryption via OS or third-party software.
• Authentication Methods: Supports various OS-level authentication methods, Intel vPro for secure remote management.
• General Recommendations: Utilize all available HP security features, keep OS and drivers updated, implement strong authentication policies, and follow general cybersecurity best practices.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

The HP Z8 Fury G5 Workstation offers an excellent overall security rating, incorporating a comprehensive suite of hardware-enforced and software-based security features. Intel vPro technology provides advanced manageability and security capabilities, including remote remediation. HP's Sure Start Gen7 protects the BIOS from attacks, while Sure Run Gen5 and Sure Recover Gen4 ensure application integrity and system recovery. HP Sure Sense uses AI to defend against malware, and HP Sure Click provides browser isolation for secure web browsing. The presence of TPM 2.0 and Intel Total Memory Encryption further enhances data protection. Certifications like EPEAT Gold, TCO Certified, and ENERGY STAR also indicate adherence to environmental and security standards. These features collectively provide a strong defense against various threats, making the Z8 Fury G5 a highly secure platform for handling sensitive professional data.

Performance & Benchmarks

The HP Z8 Fury G5 Workstation delivers extreme performance, designed to tackle the most demanding professional workloads.

• Benchmark Scores:
  • Cinebench R23: Scores around 62,000 points with a 56-core W9-3495X processor.
  • Geekbench 6 Pro: Achieved higher scores in CPU single-core, multi-core, and GPU Compute OpenCL tests compared to previous generations.
  • Blender: Excellent performance in Cycles path tracer rendering, especially with multiple GPUs.
  • Maxon Redshift: Demonstrated fast render times.
  • V-Ray: Strong scores, particularly with multi-GPU configurations.
• Real-World Performance Metrics: Exceptional for complex deep learning, virtual production, VFX, CGI rendering, 3D CAD design, simulations, and data science.
• Power Consumption: Configurable with single 1125W or 1450W power supplies, or dual redundant/aggregate power supplies up to 2250W. Normal operation (long idle) consumes around 184-197W.
• Carbon Footprint: Features ocean-bound plastic in fans, 40% post-consumer recycled plastic, 10% recycled metal, and 100% sustainably sourced and recyclable outer box packaging.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Competes with high-end workstations like the Lenovo ThinkStation P620, offering comparable or superior performance in many multi-GPU and CPU-intensive tasks.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

The HP Z8 Fury G5 is a "monstrously powerful" workstation that sets a new echelon in high-performance desktop computing. Its single-socket Intel Xeon W-series processor, with up to 60 cores, delivers transformative performance for extreme professional workloads. The ability to support up to four high-end GPUs, combined with up to 2 TB of DDR5 memory, makes it an ideal platform for AI development, complex simulations, real-time rendering, and large datasets. Benchmarks consistently show the Z8 Fury G5 delivering screaming-fast results in CPU and GPU-intensive applications like Cinebench, Geekbench, Blender, and V-Ray. The advanced thermal management system ensures the system remains cool and quiet even under peak performance, preventing throttling and maintaining stability. Its highly configurable nature allows users to tailor the system precisely to their needs, from processor and memory to storage and graphics, ensuring optimal performance for specific workflows. While it faces strong competition, particularly from multi-CPU workstations in some benchmarks, its single-socket architecture with high core counts and multi-GPU support positions it as a leading choice for professionals requiring uncompromising power and scalability.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and expert feedback highlight the HP Z8 Fury G5 as an exceptionally powerful and highly customizable workstation.

• Strengths:
  • Extreme Performance: Consistently praised for its "screaming-fast" performance with high-core-count Xeon processors and multi-GPU configurations, excelling in demanding tasks like AI, VFX, and 3D rendering.
  • High Scalability & Expandability: Users appreciate the vast customization options, including support for up to 2 TB RAM, 120 TB storage, and four high-end GPUs, allowing the system to evolve with workflow needs.
  • Excellent Thermal Management: The smart fan control and optimized airflow keep the system quiet and cool even under heavy loads, a critical factor for sustained performance.
  • Serviceability: The tool-less access and well-organized internal layout make upgrades and maintenance straightforward.
  • Robust Build Quality: Described as a "rock solid" and durable machine, passing military-standard testing.
  • Redundant Power Options: The availability of redundant power supplies is a significant advantage for critical workflows, ensuring reliability.
• Weaknesses:
  • Cost: Scaling up configurations, especially with multiple high-end GPUs and maximum memory/storage, can become "super expensive."
  • Size and Weight: The "enormous tower chassis" is a common observation, requiring significant desk or floor space, and can be heavy when fully configured.
  • Lack of Case Redesign: Some users note that the chassis design is largely unchanged from previous generations, though its functional design is generally well-received.
• Recommended Use Cases: Highly recommended for professional media creation, VFX, CGI rendering, AI development, deep learning, data science, complex simulations, virtual production, 3D CAD design, and engineering.

Summary

The HP Z8 Fury G5 Workstation is a top-tier enterprise asset, engineered for professionals who demand uncompromising performance and scalability for the most intensive computational and creative workloads. Its core strength lies in its single-socket architecture, supporting Intel Xeon W-series processors with up to 60 cores and up to 2 TB of DDR5 ECC memory, providing immense processing power for parallelized tasks and large datasets. A standout feature is its ability to accommodate up to four high-end GPUs, making it an AI powerhouse and an exceptional tool for real-time rendering, VFX, and complex simulations. The workstation offers extensive storage flexibility with numerous PCIe Gen4 NVMe slots and traditional drive bays, ensuring both speed and vast capacity. Robust power supply options, including redundant configurations, guarantee stability under extreme loads.

Strengths include its "screaming-fast" performance, vast customization and expandability, effective and quiet thermal management, and robust build quality. HP's comprehensive suite of security features and ISV certifications further enhance its appeal for enterprise deployment, ensuring data protection and software compatibility. The 3-year lifecycle and strong support ecosystem, including remote management tools, simplify IT management.

Weaknesses primarily revolve around its high cost for fully configured systems and its large, heavy tower form factor, which may not suit all office environments. While the chassis design is functional, some users note its lack of aesthetic redesign.

Recommendations for the HP Z8 Fury G5 Workstation are for organizations and individuals engaged in highly demanding fields such as AI/machine learning, advanced engineering, scientific research, film and video production, and architectural visualization. It is particularly suited for workflows requiring maximum CPU and GPU acceleration, extensive memory, and high-speed storage. For users with budget constraints or limited physical space, alternative solutions might be considered, but for those prioritizing raw power, scalability, and reliability, the Z8 Fury G5 is an outstanding choice.

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.