HP ZBook 6 Pro

Basic Information

The HP ZBook 15 G6 is a professional-grade mobile workstation, part of HP's sixth-generation ZBook series. It was announced on May 27, 2019, with a launch in July 2019. The model is designed for demanding professional applications.

• Model: HP ZBook 15 G6 Mobile Workstation
• Version: G6
• Release Date: May 27, 2019 (announced), July 2019 (launched)
• Minimum Requirements: Optimized for Windows 10 Pro and workstation-grade applications, requiring robust hardware configurations.
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows 10 Pro 64, Windows 10 Pro for Workstations 64, Windows 10 Home 64, Windows 10 Home Single Language 64, FreeDOS, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 (web support only). It is also compatible with Windows 11 due to its inclusion of TPM 2.0.
• Latest Stable Version: Refers to the G6 model generation. Software and driver updates are continuously provided by HP.
• End of Support Date: HP typically provides mainstream support for business systems for approximately 3 years, with extended care pack support available for longer durations. While specific public EOL dates for individual models are not always disclosed, HP generally offers support for up to 5 years after a product is designated "Retired." Based on its 2019 release, mainstream support likely concluded around 2022, with end-of-life support extending into 2024-2025.
• End of Life Date: See End of Support Date.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not applicable to the hardware itself; operating system updates are managed by Microsoft.
• License Type: Typically comes with an OEM license for the pre-installed Windows operating system.
• Deployment Model: Traditional mobile workstation.

Technical Specifications

The HP ZBook 15 G6 is a robust mobile workstation offering a range of high-performance components to handle intensive tasks.

• Processor: Available with 9th Generation Intel Core i5 (e.g., i5-9300H, i5-9400H), Core i7 (e.g., i7-9750H, i7-9850H), Core i9 (e.g., i9-9880H), or Intel Xeon E-2286M processors, some featuring vPro technology.
• RAM: Configurable with up to 128 GB DDR4-2667 non-ECC SDRAM or 64 GB DDR4-2667 ECC SDRAM, utilizing four memory slots for expansion.
• Storage: Supports up to 6 TB of storage, including high-speed PCIe NVMe SSDs (up to 21x faster than standard HDDs and 6x faster than SATA SSDs). Configurations include 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, and 6 TB NVMe SSD options. The chassis also accommodates a second M.2 slot and a bay for a traditional HDD or SATA SSD.
• Display: Features a 15.6-inch diagonal display with options including Full HD (1920x1080) IPS anti-glare panels or 4K UHD (3840x2160) HP DreamColor displays. DreamColor panels offer 600 nits brightness and 100% DCI-P3 or AdobeRGB color gamut coverage. Some 4K configurations include touch functionality with Corning Gorilla Glass. All displays typically operate at a 60 Hz refresh rate.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 (with Core i7/Xeon processors). Discrete graphics options include NVIDIA Quadro T1000, T2000 (4GB GDDR5), and RTX 3000 (6GB VRAM), providing VR-ready capabilities.
• Ports:
  • Left Side: Security lock slot, Ethernet port, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports (one with charging capabilities), and an SD card reader.
  • Right Side: SmartCard reader, audio combo jack, one USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A port, HDMI 2.0 output, and two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports.
• Operating System: Ships with Windows 10 Pro 64, with options for Windows 10 Pro for Workstations 64, Windows 10 Home 64, Windows 10 Home Single Language 64, or FreeDOS.
• Dimensions: Approximately 37.6 x 26.4 x 2.6 cm (14.8 x 10.4 x 1 inches).
• Weight: Starting at 2.6 kg (5.7 lbs), varying by configuration.
• Battery: HP Long Life 4-cell, 90 Wh Li-ion polymer battery.
• Wireless Connectivity: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (802.11ax) with 2x2 antenna type and Bluetooth 5.0. Optional 4G LTE WWAN module is available.

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The HP ZBook 15 G6 is engineered for high-performance computing, targeting professionals in fields such as design, engineering, and content creation. The wide array of processor options, including Intel Xeon, ensures robust CPU performance for complex calculations and multi-threaded applications. The substantial RAM capacity (up to 128 GB) facilitates intensive multitasking and handling large datasets. Storage solutions, particularly the PCIe NVMe SSDs, offer exceptional speed for rapid data access and application loading. The inclusion of a second M.2 slot and a 2.5-inch bay provides excellent upgradeability and storage flexibility. The DreamColor 4K displays are a significant highlight, offering superior color accuracy and brightness crucial for visual professionals. Discrete NVIDIA Quadro GPUs provide ISV-certified performance for professional graphics applications and VR workloads. The comprehensive port selection, including Thunderbolt 3, ensures extensive connectivity for peripherals and external displays without the need for multiple dongles. While the device is on the heavier and bulkier side for a laptop, its MIL-STD 810G certification attests to its durability, making it suitable for demanding work environments. The 90 Wh battery provides decent, though not exceptional, battery life for a workstation of this caliber, often requiring users to stay near a power source for heavy GPU tasks.

Support & Compatibility

The HP ZBook 15 G6 offers comprehensive support and broad compatibility to ensure a productive and secure user experience.

• Latest Version: The G6 represents the sixth generation of the HP ZBook 15 series.
• OS Support: Fully supports Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Pro for Workstations, Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Home Single Language, FreeDOS, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 (web support only). It is also compatible with Windows 11, leveraging its TPM 2.0 chip.
• End of Support Date: General HP policy suggests mainstream support for business systems lasts around 3 years, with extended support options via care packs. Publicly available information indicates that HP typically supports hardware for approximately 5 years after a model is "Retired." For the ZBook 15 G6, released in 2019, this implies mainstream support ended around 2022, with end-of-life support extending to roughly 2024-2025.
• Localization: Available globally with various regional keyboard layouts (e.g., US).
• Available Drivers: All necessary drivers, firmware, and software updates are available for download from the official HP Support website. HP's support portal allows users to select their operating system version to ensure correct driver provision.
• Cartridge and Ink Codes: Not applicable as this is a mobile workstation, not a printer.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

The HP ZBook 15 G6 demonstrates strong support and compatibility, typical for an enterprise-grade mobile workstation. Its broad operating system support, including various Windows editions and Red Hat Enterprise Linux, caters to a diverse professional user base. The compatibility with Windows 11 extends its longevity and ensures access to the latest OS features and security updates. HP's commitment to providing drivers and firmware through its dedicated support portal ensures that users can maintain optimal performance and security. While specific end-of-life dates can be elusive, the general HP policy and the availability of extended care packs offer a reasonable support lifecycle for enterprise deployments. The global availability and localized configurations further enhance its usability for international businesses. The user-serviceable design, allowing easy access to components like RAM, storage, and battery, also contributes positively to its long-term maintainability and support.

Security Status

The HP ZBook 15 G6 integrates a comprehensive suite of hardware and software security features designed to protect sensitive data and maintain system integrity.

• Security Features:
  • HP Sure Start: A self-healing BIOS that automatically detects and recovers from unauthorized changes.
  • HP Sure Run: Helps maintain critical security processes by monitoring and restarting them if they are stopped by malware.
  • HP Sure Sense: Utilizes deep learning AI to detect and protect against zero-day threats and ransomware.
  • HP Sure Recover: Enables fast, secure, and automated operating system recovery over a network.
  • HP Sure Click: Provides hardware-enforced security for web browsing and opening untrusted documents.
  • HP Sure View: An optional integrated privacy screen that reduces visible light from side angles, preventing visual hacking.
  • Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0): An embedded security chip for hardware-based encryption and secure boot.
  • Authentication Methods: Fingerprint reader, IR camera for facial recognition (Windows Hello), and SmartCard reader. Supports multi-factor authentication.
  • HP Client Security Manager Gen5: A management tool for security settings.
  • HP Manageability Integration Kit: Streamlines management of security, hardware, and BIOS settings.
  • Physical Security: Security lock slot, Master Boot Record security, and pre-boot authentication.
  • HP BIOSphere Gen5: Firmware ecosystem for enhanced security.
  • HP Secure Erase: For securely wiping data from storage drives.
• Known Vulnerabilities: No specific widespread vulnerabilities are highlighted in the provided data, but HP regularly releases updates to address any discovered issues.
• Blacklist Status: No indication of being blacklisted.
• Certifications: MIL-STD 810G tested for durability against environmental hazards.
• Encryption Support: Hardware-level encryption supported by TPM 2.0.
• Authentication Methods: Biometric (fingerprint, facial recognition), SmartCard, and multi-factor authentication.
• General Recommendations: HP recommends utilizing its suite of hardware and software security features for robust protection against cyber threats.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

The HP ZBook 15 G6 boasts an excellent overall security rating, positioning it as a highly secure mobile workstation for enterprise environments. The integration of HP's Sure Sense, Sure Start, Sure Run, Sure Click, and Sure Recover technologies provides a multi-layered defense against a wide array of threats, from BIOS attacks to zero-day malware and data breaches. The inclusion of a TPM 2.0 chip, fingerprint reader, IR camera for Windows Hello, and SmartCard reader offers strong authentication options, including multi-factor authentication, significantly enhancing user and data protection. Features like HP Sure View address physical security concerns by protecting on-screen information from prying eyes. The MIL-STD 810G certification, while primarily for durability, also contributes to physical security by ensuring the device can withstand harsh conditions. The comprehensive management tools like HP Client Security Manager and HP Manageability Integration Kit further empower IT departments to deploy and manage security policies effectively. This robust security architecture makes the ZBook 15 G6 particularly suitable for sensitive industries like defense and finance.

Performance & Benchmarks

The HP ZBook 15 G6 is engineered for high performance, capable of handling demanding professional workloads with efficiency.

• Benchmark Scores:
  • Cinebench:
    • Cinebench R15: The 8-core Xeon E-2286M configuration scored highly.
    • Cinebench R20: The ZBook 15 G6 with Xeon E-2286M performed well in multi-core tests.
    • Cinebench 20 Multi-core: Intel Core i9-9880H scored 3456, i7-9850H scored 2334, i7-9750H scored 2937, and i5-9300H scored 1984.
  • Geekbench 5.0: A configuration with Xeon E-2286M, 64GB RAM, and NVIDIA Quadro RTX 3000 achieved a score of 7,680.
  • Handbrake (4K to 1080p Transcode): Completed the task in 7 minutes and 18 seconds.
  • Adobe Creative Suite: Achieved higher scores than competitors in Photoshop, Premiere, and After Effects tests. A 5-minute 4K H.264 video rendering in Premiere Pro took 4 minutes and 33 seconds.