HP ZBook 3 Pro

Basic Information

The HP ZBook 15 G3 and HP ZBook 17 G3 are mobile workstations designed for demanding professional applications. The ZBook 15 G3 was released around January 2016, while the ZBook 17 G3 was announced in November 2015 and reviewed in May 2016. These models are part of HP's ZBook G3 generation, succeeding previous EliteBook mobile workstations.

Supported operating systems include Windows 10 Pro (64-bit), Windows 7 Professional (64-bit), and FreeDOS 2.0. Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 & 7 are also supported via web support only. The devices typically come with a license for both Windows 7 Professional (via downgrade rights) and Windows 10 Pro (64-bit).

Minimum requirements vary by configuration, but the platform supports up to 64 GB of DDR4 RAM and various Intel Core and Xeon processors. The license type for the pre-installed operating system is typically a full retail license for Windows Professional editions. The deployment model is a mobile workstation, designed for high-performance tasks on the go.

Specific end-of-support and end-of-life dates are not explicitly stated in the provided information, but as of November 2025, these models are several generations old, implying that official manufacturer support for new software updates and warranty services may be limited or concluded for many configurations. Auto-update expiration dates are tied to the lifecycle of the supported operating systems, primarily Windows 10.

Technical Specifications

The HP ZBook G3 series offers a range of powerful components tailored for professional use.

• Processor: Options include 6th generation Intel Core i5 and i7 quad-core processors (e.g., i7-6700HQ, i7-6820HQ) and Intel Xeon E3-1505M v5, E3-1535M v5, or E3-1575M v5 processors. These processors are based on the Skylake architecture.
• RAM: Configurable with up to 64 GB of DDR4-2133 SDRAM across four SODIMM slots. ECC memory is available when configured with Intel Xeon processors.
• Storage: Features multiple drive slots, including two M.2 slots and one or two 2.5-inch drive bays. Storage options include SSDs (up to 2 TB, including HP Z Turbo Drive G2 NVMe PCIe SSDs) and HDDs (up to 1 TB 7200 rpm SATA).
• Display:
  • HP ZBook 15 G3: 15.6-inch diagonal anti-glare LED-backlit displays with resolutions including FHD (1920x1080) and UHD (3840x2160). Options include standard viewing angle, ultrawide viewing angle IPS, and HP DreamColor Technology for UHD panels. Touchscreen options are also available.
  • HP ZBook 17 G3: 17.3-inch diagonal anti-glare UWVA IPS displays with FHD (1920x1080) or 4K UHD (3840x2160) resolutions. DreamColor UHD or FHD touch displays are optional.
• Graphics:
  • Integrated: Intel HD Graphics 530 (with Core i5/i7), Intel HD Graphics P530 (with Xeon), or Intel Iris Pro Graphics P580 (with Xeon E3-1575M v5).
  • Discrete: NVIDIA Quadro mobile professional graphics (e.g., M1000M with 2GB/4GB GDDR5, M2000M with 4GB GDDR5, M3000M with 4GB GDDR5, M4000M with 4GB GDDR5, M5000M with 8GB GDDR5). AMD FirePro W5170M (2GB GDDR5) or W6150M (4GB GDDR5) are also available.
• Ports: Connectivity includes multiple USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1 ports (including one Always-On), two Thunderbolt 3 ports (USB-C, supporting DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.1 Gen 2, PCIe Gen 3), HDMI 1.4, VGA, Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45), a 3.5 mm headset jack, an SD UHS-II card reader, a SmartCard reader, and a Kensington lock slot.
• Operating System: Ships with Windows 7 Professional (64-bit) and includes a Windows 10 Professional (64-bit) license, or directly with Windows 10 Pro.
• Dimensions & Weight:
  • HP ZBook 15 G3: Approximately 26 x 386 x 264 mm (1.02 x 15.2 x 10.39 inches) and weighs starting at 2.59 kg (5.7 lbs) to 2.63 kg (5.8 lbs).
  • HP ZBook 17 G3: Approximately 30 x 420 x 280 mm (1.18 x 16.54 x 11.02 inches) and weighs starting at 3.2 kg (7.19 lbs) or 6.62 lbs. The 17 G3 is noted to be 25% thinner and 11% lighter than its predecessor.

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The HP ZBook G3 series offers robust technical specifications, positioning them as high-performance mobile workstations. The choice of 6th generation Intel Core or Xeon processors, coupled with up to 64GB of DDR4 ECC memory, provides substantial processing power and data integrity for demanding professional applications. The inclusion of multiple storage options, including fast NVMe PCIe SSDs and traditional HDDs, allows for flexible configurations balancing speed and capacity.

The display options, particularly the UHD and DreamColor panels, cater to users requiring high resolution and accurate color reproduction. The wide array of NVIDIA Quadro and AMD FirePro discrete graphics cards ensures excellent performance for CAD, 3D rendering, video editing, and other graphics-intensive tasks, with up to 8GB of dedicated video memory available.

Connectivity is comprehensive, featuring modern Thunderbolt 3 ports for high-speed data transfer and external display support, alongside traditional ports like HDMI, VGA, and multiple USB 3.0 ports. The presence of a VGA port, while considered antiquated by some, provides compatibility with older display equipment often found in enterprise environments. The dimensions and weight, while substantial for a laptop, are competitive for mobile workstations of this performance class, especially considering the 17-inch model's reduction in size and weight compared to its predecessor.

Support & Compatibility

The HP ZBook G3 series supports a range of operating systems and offers comprehensive driver availability.

• Latest Version: The G3 refers to the third generation of the ZBook series, not a software version. The latest available operating systems supported are Windows 10 Pro (64-bit).
• OS Support: Officially supports Windows 10 Pro (64-bit), Windows 7 Professional (64-bit), and FreeDOS 2.0. Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 & 7 are also supported.
• End of Support Date: While specific end-of-support dates for the hardware are not explicitly listed, support for Windows 7 Professional has officially ended by Microsoft, meaning ongoing updates are not provided. Support for Windows 10 is tied to Microsoft's lifecycle policy for that operating system.
• Localization: The operating systems and software are available in multiple languages, and drivers are provided globally through HP's support websites.
• Available Drivers: Drivers for the HP ZBook 15 G3 and 17 G3 Mobile Workstations are available for download from HP's official support website. These drivers support Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 8.1 (64-bit), and Windows 7 (64-bit). Driver packages include those for graphics (Intel HD Graphics, NVIDIA Quadro, AMD FirePro), audio (Conexant, Realtek), Bluetooth (Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm), and other system components.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

The HP ZBook G3 series demonstrates strong compatibility with mainstream professional operating systems, particularly Windows. The availability of drivers directly from HP's official channels ensures that users can maintain their systems with the necessary software components. The inclusion of Windows 7 Professional downgrade rights at launch was beneficial for enterprises with legacy software requirements, though this OS is now end-of-life.

The broad driver support for various internal components, including multiple graphics cards and wireless modules, highlights HP's commitment to configurability and long-term usability for these workstations. While the hardware itself is no longer the latest generation, the availability of drivers for Windows 10 ensures continued functionality for many users. The lack of explicit end-of-support dates for the hardware is common, but users should anticipate that direct manufacturer support for new issues or parts may become more challenging over time as newer generations are released.

Security Status

The HP ZBook G3 mobile workstations incorporate a comprehensive suite of security features designed for enterprise environments.

• Security Features: Include a SmartCard reader, a swipe-style fingerprint scanner, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2/2.0, Common Criteria EAL4+ Augmented Certified), HP Client Security Manager software, HP Sure Start (for BIOS protection), Intel Anti-Theft support, DriveLock and Automatic DriveLock, BIOS passwords, and a Kensington lock slot.
• Known Vulnerabilities: One user reported incompatibility issues with the fingerprint enrollment and whole disk encryption software when upgrading to a specific Windows 10 build (version 1511 build 10586). Beyond this, no widespread or critical known vulnerabilities specific to the G3 hardware were found in the provided search results.
• Blacklist Status: No information indicates that the HP ZBook G3 series is on any security blacklist.
• Certifications: Features a Common Criteria EAL4+ Augmented Certified Discrete TPM 1.2/2.0 embedded security chip. The chassis is designed to pass MIL-STD 810G testing, indicating durability and resilience.
• Encryption Support: Supports self-encrypting drives (SED) in some configurations. HP Client Security Manager provides software-based drive encryption capabilities.
• Authentication Methods: Offers multi-factor authentication through a fingerprint sensor, SmartCard reader, and traditional password protection for system access and BIOS.
• General Recommendations: HP Client Security software allows for fingerprint registration and hard drive encryption. HP BIOS technology, including HP Sure Start, helps identify and recover from unknown BIOS attacks. Users are recommended to utilize the available security features, such as fingerprint and SmartCard authentication, and keep the operating system and security software updated.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

The HP ZBook G3 series offers a very strong security posture, particularly for its generation. The inclusion of hardware-level security features like TPM 1.2/2.0, a SmartCard reader, and a fingerprint scanner provides robust protection against unauthorized access and data breaches. HP's proprietary security software, such as Client Security Manager and Sure Start, adds layers of protection from the BIOS level up to the operating system.

The MIL-STD 810G certification also implies a level of physical security and durability, which is crucial for mobile workstations. While a specific Windows 10 build incompatibility was noted for some security features, this is likely resolved with later OS updates or driver revisions. Overall, the ZBook G3 is well-equipped to meet the security demands of enterprise and professional users, providing multiple mechanisms to protect data and system integrity.

Performance & Benchmarks

The HP ZBook G3 mobile workstations are engineered for high performance in demanding professional applications.

• Benchmark Scores:
  • HP ZBook 17 G3: Achieved a score of 2229 on Fire Strike Ultra with an NVIDIA Quadro M5000M GPU. In Cinebench 11.5 Multi-Core, the CPU showed a performance drop from 8.16 points on AC power to 6.57 points on battery, indicating power management limitations when unplugged.
• Real-World Performance Metrics: Users report lightning-quick speed and connections, with performance comparable to desktop workstations for tasks like photo manipulation in Photoshop and Lightroom, CAD design, video editing, and 3D content creation. The NVIDIA Quadro M5000M GPU is noted to be 30 times faster than a 4GHz i7 for training networks, making the 17 G3 suitable for machine learning projects. It handles applications like Adobe Creative Cloud, Avid Media Composer, Autodesk Suite, and Cinema 4D without significant issues.
• Power Consumption: The CPU's power consumption on battery power is limited to approximately 27 Watts, which can result in a performance drop. The GPU can reach up to 67 Watts. The ZBook 17 G3 uses a 200W power supply, while the 15 G3 often uses a 150W adapter.
• Carbon Footprint: Specific carbon footprint data is not available in the provided search results.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: The ZBook G3 series competes with other high-end mobile workstations like the Dell Precision M5510 and Lenovo ThinkPad W550s/P series. It is often praised for its robust performance, rivalling desktop systems.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

The HP ZBook G3 series delivers exceptional performance for a mobile workstation, capable of handling intensive professional workloads. The combination of powerful Intel Core or Xeon processors, substantial DDR4 RAM, and professional-grade NVIDIA Quadro or AMD FirePro graphics cards ensures smooth operation for applications in engineering, design, media, and scientific fields. The fast NVMe SSD storage further enhances responsiveness and reduces loading times.

While CPU performance can be throttled on battery power, this is a common characteristic of high-performance mobile devices to manage heat and extend battery life. When connected to power, the systems unleash their full potential. The ZBook G3's performance is consistently highlighted as a major strength, making it a reliable choice for professionals who require desktop-level power in a portable form factor.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for the HP ZBook G3 series generally highlight its strong performance and robust build, with some criticisms regarding specific design choices.

• Strengths:
  • Performance: Consistently praised for lightning-quick speed and desktop-like performance, suitable for demanding tasks like CAD, video editing, 3D content creation, and even machine learning.
  • Durability & Build: Described as having very sturdy construction, a durable body, and designed to pass military standard Mil-Std-810G testing. The magnesium-reinforced chassis feels solid.
  • Display: The large, bright, and clear IPS screens, especially the matte DreamColor options, are well-regarded for extended viewing and color accuracy.
  • Keyboard: Features a full-sized, backlit keyboard with a numeric keypad, which is appreciated by professionals for data entry and specific workflows.
  • Audio: Bang & Olufsen speakers offer sound quality superior to many other laptops.
  • Battery Life: Considered good for a mobile workstation, with some users reporting all-day battery life under moderate use.
  • Connectivity: Comprehensive port selection, including Thunderbolt 3, is a significant advantage.
• Weaknesses:
  • Build Quality Perception: Some users felt the build quality, particularly the use of plastic in certain areas, felt "cheap" compared to older HP EliteBook models, despite the overall sturdy construction. Squeaking sounds from the casing were reported by one user.
  • Hinge Issues: One review noted loud squeaking and creaking sounds from the hinge on a ZBook 17 G3 unit. Another user criticized the "Apple hinge design" for potentially hindering air circulation and ergonomics on the 17-inch model.
  • Fan Noise: Instances of internal fans interfering with the sound card were reported, leading to annoying sounds.
  • Fingerprint Scanner: The swipe-style fingerprint scanner is described as deliberate and comparatively slow compared to modern tap-and-go sensors.
  • Antiquated Ports: The inclusion of a VGA port is seen as outdated by some, potentially taking up space that could be used for more modern ports.
  • Weight/Portability: While improved over predecessors, the devices are still heavy, especially the 17-inch model, making them less ideal for frequent light travel.
• Recommended Use Cases:

  The HP ZBook G3 series is highly recommended for professionals in fields requiring significant computational and graphical power, such as:

  • CAD designers and engineers.
  • Graphic artists and photographers.
  • Video editors, VFX artists, and sound engineers.
  • 3D content creators and animators (e.g., Cinema 4D).
  • Users involved in machine learning and data science due to powerful GPU options.
  • Anyone needing a reliable mobile workstation for intensive, on-the-go tasks.

Summary

The HP ZBook G3 series (encompassing models like the 15 G3 and 17 G3) stands as a formidable line of mobile workstations, designed to deliver desktop-class performance in a portable form factor. Released in late 2015 and early 2016, these machines are built for demanding professional applications across various industries.

Strengths: The primary strength lies in their raw performance, driven by 6th generation Intel Core or Xeon processors, up to 64GB of DDR4 ECC RAM, and a wide selection of professional NVIDIA Quadro or AMD FirePro discrete graphics cards. This configuration makes them highly capable for tasks such as CAD, 3D rendering, video editing, and complex data analysis. The inclusion of fast NVMe SSD storage options further enhances system responsiveness. Connectivity is excellent, featuring modern Thunderbolt 3 ports alongside a comprehensive array of traditional ports. The displays, particularly the UHD and DreamColor options, offer high resolution and color accuracy crucial for creative professionals. Security features are robust, with TPM, fingerprint and SmartCard readers, and HP's proprietary security software providing strong data and system protection. The build quality is generally sturdy, designed to meet MIL-STD 810G standards, and the keyboard and audio system receive positive remarks.

Weaknesses: Despite their strengths, some users noted concerns regarding the perceived "cheapness" of certain materials compared to older HP EliteBooks and occasional hinge issues on the 17 G3 model. Fan noise interfering with audio was also reported. The swipe-style fingerprint reader is less convenient than modern touch sensors. While portability was improved over predecessors, these remain heavy machines, especially the 17-inch variant, which might be a consideration for users prioritizing extreme mobility. CPU performance can be limited on battery power to manage thermals and battery life.

Recommendations: The HP ZBook G3 series is an excellent choice for professionals who require a powerful and reliable mobile workstation for intensive tasks and who value robust security features. It is particularly well-suited for engineers, architects, video editors, graphic designers, and data scientists. Users should consider the 15-inch model for a slightly more portable option or the 17-inch for maximum screen real estate and expandability. While the hardware is no longer current generation, its performance capabilities remain relevant for many professional workflows, especially given its potential availability at a more accessible price point in the used market. Prospective buyers should verify the specific configuration to ensure it meets their performance needs and consider the implications of an older generation regarding long-term official support.

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.