HP ZBook Fury Gen 11

HP ZBook Fury Gen 11

HP ZBook Fury Gen 11: A powerhouse for professionals on the go.

Technical Specifications

  • Processor: Up to Intel Core i9-14900HX (14th Gen) with 24 cores (8 Performance, 16 Efficient) and 32 threads, max turbo 5.8GHz. Also available with 13th Gen Intel Core i5, i7, and i9 HX-series processors, including Core i5-13600HX, Core i7-13850HX, Core i7-14700HX, and Core i9-13950HX.
  • RAM: Up to 128GB DDR5-5600MHz ECC or non-ECC SODIMM across four slots.
  • Storage: Up to 16TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD storage across four M.2 2280 slots. Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10.
  • Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics. Discrete options include NVIDIA RTX 1000 Ada (6GB GDDR6), RTX 2000 Ada (8GB GDDR6), RTX 3500 Ada (12GB GDDR6), RTX 4000 Ada (12GB GDDR6), and up to RTX 5000 Ada (16GB GDDR6) Laptop GPUs.
  • Display: 16-inch diagonal. Options include WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS anti-glare with 400 nits brightness and 100% sRGB, WQUXGA (3840 x 2400) IPS DreamColor with 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, and 100% DCI-P3, WQUXGA (3840 x 2400) OLED touch with 400 nits brightness and 100% DCI-P3, and WUXGA with HP Sure View integrated privacy screen.
  • Ports: Two USB4 Type-C with Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps, Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.4, HP Sleep and Charge), two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5Gbps, one with charging), HDMI 2.1, Mini DisplayPort 1.4a, RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack, full-size SD 7.1 card reader, and an optional SmartCard reader.
  • Wireless: Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE2230/BE200 (vPro and non-vPro) and Bluetooth 5.4. Optional 4G LTE Advanced Pro or 5G mobile broadband.
  • Camera: 5MP IR webcam with auto-framing and 88-degree field of view for facial recognition (Windows Hello).
  • Battery: HP Long Life 8-cell, 95 Wh Li-ion polymer.
  • Dimensions & Weight: 1.13 by 14.3 by 9.8 inches (HWD) and 5.3 pounds (2.4 kg).

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The HP ZBook Fury Gen 11 is a high-performance mobile workstation designed for demanding professional tasks. Its core strength lies in its desktop-class processing power, featuring up to Intel's 14th Gen Core i9-14900HX processors, which offer a significant number of cores and threads for complex, multi-threaded applications. The extensive RAM capacity, up to 128GB DDR5, and massive storage potential of up to 16TB across four NVMe SSDs, coupled with RAID support, make it suitable for handling large datasets, 8K video editing, 3D rendering, and machine learning models. The inclusion of NVIDIA RTX Ada Generation Laptop GPUs, up to the RTX 5000 Ada with 16GB GDDR6, provides exceptional graphics performance and ISV certifications crucial for professional applications like CAD, simulation, and advanced 3D work. Display options are a highlight, with the DreamColor IPS and OLED panels offering high resolutions (up to 3840 x 2400), excellent color accuracy (100% DCI-P3), and high refresh rates (120Hz), catering to color-critical workflows. Connectivity is robust, featuring Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, Mini DisplayPort, and Wi-Fi 7, ensuring high-speed data transfer, external display support, and modern wireless capabilities. The physical design, while on the heavier side, emphasizes durability with MIL-STD 810H testing. The tool-less access for RAM and SSD upgrades further enhances its appeal for professionals requiring expandability and easy maintenance.

Support & Compatibility

  • Operating System Support: Windows 11 Pro (recommended), Windows 11 Home, or Ubuntu Linux. This product does not support Windows 8 or Windows 7.
  • End of Support Date: Not explicitly stated, but as a current-generation workstation launched in March 2024, it receives ongoing support.
  • Available Drivers: HP provides drivers for Windows 11.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with HP docking options, including HP Thunderbolt G4 Docks (120W and 280W) and HP Universal Dock G5. Supports ECC RAM and VRAM. ISV certified for professional applications.
  • Serviceability: Features tool-less access to RAM and mostly tool-less access for SSDs, simplifying upgrades and maintenance.

Analysis of Support & Compatibility Status

The HP ZBook Fury Gen 11 offers excellent support and compatibility, aligning with its professional workstation designation. It is optimized for Windows 11, with HP recommending Windows 11 Pro for business, ensuring access to the latest features and security updates. The explicit lack of support for older Windows versions (8 and 7) is standard for modern hardware, reflecting the move towards current operating systems. HP's commitment to professional users is evident in its ISV certifications, guaranteeing optimal performance and stability with industry-standard software for design, engineering, and content creation. The extensive port selection, including Thunderbolt 4, ensures broad compatibility with a range of external peripherals and displays. Furthermore, its compatibility with HP's docking solutions streamlines workflow in a desktop environment. The design prioritizes user serviceability, with tool-less access to key components like RAM, making upgrades and repairs straightforward for IT departments and advanced users.

Security Status

  • Security Features: HP Wolf Security for Business (including Wolf Pro Security), HP Sure Start (self-healing BIOS), HP Sure Click, HP Sure Admin, HP Client Security Manager Gen7, fingerprint reader, IR face recognition (Windows Hello), webcam privacy shutter, TPM 2.0 embedded security chip, SmartCard slot, Nano Security Lock Slot, Microsoft Bitlocker Encryption, HP DriveLock & Automatic DriveLock, and HP Secure Erase.
  • Vulnerabilities: No specific widespread vulnerabilities are reported for the Gen 11 model at this time.
  • Recommendations: Utilize HP Wolf Security features, enable Windows Hello for biometric authentication, keep BIOS and drivers updated, and implement Bitlocker encryption for data protection.

Analysis on the Security Status

The HP ZBook Fury Gen 11 boasts a comprehensive suite of security features, making it a highly secure mobile workstation. HP Wolf Security for Business provides a hardware-enforced, always-on defense against modern threats, encompassing threat containment, malware prevention, and credential protection. This is a significant advantage for enterprise environments where data integrity and system resilience are paramount. Hardware-level security is robust, with features like HP Sure Start protecting the BIOS from attacks, a TPM 2.0 chip for secure boot and encryption, and a SmartCard reader for multi-factor authentication. Biometric options, including a fingerprint reader and IR webcam for facial recognition, offer convenient and secure login methods. Physical security is addressed with a Nano Security Lock Slot. While no specific widespread vulnerabilities are currently reported, the layered security approach significantly mitigates potential risks. Regular updates to BIOS and drivers, along with leveraging all available HP security software, are crucial for maintaining its strong security posture.

Performance & Benchmarks

  • Benchmark Scores:
    • Cinebench 2024: Intel i7-14700HX performs well, close to i9-13900HX, and 5% behind i9-14900HX.
    • PCMark 10: Good results for office power user scenarios.
    • Geekbench: Strong single and multi-core performance.
    • PugetBench DaVinci Resolve: Very good results for 4K video editing.
    • Adobe Premiere Pro 2024: Capable of handling color correction, noise reduction, sharpening, and grain filters with respectable export times.
  • Real-world Performance Metrics:
    • Excels in 3D rendering, CAD assemblies, video editing, complex simulations, and training machine learning models.
    • Handles multiple heavy workflows simultaneously without significant throttling under sustained load.
    • Fast charging: 50% battery in 30 minutes.
    • Battery life: Approximately 8 hours and 22 minutes in general use (PCMag tested). Around 10 hours for 1080p video playback, but only about 2.5 hours for PCMark 10 extended use and roughly 1 hour under heavy load.
  • Comparison with Similar Devices:
    • Considered a "desktop destroyer" or "desktop annihilator" due to its power and expandability.
    • Outperforms some middleweight mobile workstations like Dell Precision 5690 and HP ZBook Studio 16 G10 in terms of memory and storage limits.
    • CPU performance can be slightly behind competitors like Lenovo Legion 9 16IRX9 in sustained Turbo Boost scenarios due to thermal management.

Analysis of the Performance Status

The HP ZBook Fury Gen 11 delivers exceptional performance, living up to its "desktop replacement" moniker. Its combination of 14th Gen Intel HX-series processors and NVIDIA RTX Ada GPUs provides monumental power for demanding professional applications. Benchmarks and real-world usage confirm its capability to handle intensive tasks such as 3D rendering, 8K video editing, and complex simulations with high efficiency. While generally maintaining consistent performance under heavy load, some reviews note that the CPU's Turbo Boost sustainability can be limited compared to some competitors, potentially due to thermal design, leading to slight performance throttling in prolonged, extreme workloads. However, HP's Vaporforce Thermals are designed to keep the system cool, and the overall performance remains top-tier for a mobile workstation. Battery life is typical for a powerful workstation, offering decent runtime for lighter tasks but requiring the power adapter for sustained heavy workloads. The fast charging capability helps mitigate this. Its expandability in RAM and storage further solidifies its position as a powerhouse for professionals who need desktop-level capabilities on the go.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews consistently praise the HP ZBook Fury Gen 11 for its monumental power, expandability, and robust build quality. Many users consider it a true desktop replacement, capable of handling highly GPU- and CPU-dependent tasks like design, engineering, 3D rendering, and video editing without slowdowns. The wide range of configuration options, especially for RAM and storage, is a significant positive, with tool-less access for upgrades being highly appreciated. The DreamColor and OLED display options receive accolades for their stunning visuals, color accuracy, and high refresh rates, which are critical for creative professionals.

The comprehensive port selection and advanced security features, including HP Wolf Security, are also frequently highlighted as strong points. Users appreciate the durable chassis, which meets MIL-STD 810H standards, indicating its resilience in professional environments. The keyboard and touchpad are generally well-received for comfort and responsiveness.

However, some common criticisms include its weight and bulkiness, making it less portable than thinner laptops, though this is often accepted as a trade-off for its performance. The price is noted as high, but users often justify it as a long-term investment for professional work. Some users report noticeable fan noise under heavy load and occasional coil whine. A few users mention the presence of HP bloatware and Microsoft junk applications, leading them to perform clean Windows installs. The placement of the Copilot key replacing the right Control key is also a minor nitpick for some.

Summary

The HP ZBook Fury Gen 11 stands as a formidable mobile workstation, meticulously engineered for professionals who demand desktop-level performance and reliability on the go. Its strengths are rooted in its powerful 14th Gen Intel HX-series processors, extensive support for up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM, and massive 16TB NVMe SSD storage capacity across four slots, offering unparalleled expandability. The inclusion of NVIDIA RTX Ada Generation Laptop GPUs, up to the RTX 5000 Ada, provides exceptional graphics horsepower and ISV certifications crucial for intensive applications such as 3D rendering, CAD, video editing, and data science. The diverse range of high-quality display options, including DreamColor IPS and OLED panels with 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rates, ensures visual precision for color-critical work.

Connectivity is robust with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 7, and optional 5G, facilitating seamless integration into various workflows and environments. HP's comprehensive Wolf Security suite provides enterprise-grade protection, safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring system resilience. The design emphasizes durability, meeting MIL-STD 810H standards, and offers user-friendly tool-less access for upgrades, making it a practical long-term investment.

While its performance is outstanding, some minor drawbacks include its considerable weight and bulk, which are inherent to a machine of this caliber, and potential fan noise under extreme loads. The high cost is a barrier for some, but its capabilities and longevity often justify the investment for professional users. Overall, the HP ZBook Fury Gen 11 is an excellent choice for creative professionals, engineers, and data scientists seeking a powerful, expandable, and secure mobile workstation that can truly replace a desktop. It excels in demanding multi-app workflows and offers a premium experience for those who prioritize performance and reliability above all else.

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.