HP ZBook Fury Gen 5

Technical Specifications

• Processor: Intel Xeon E-21xxM series (e.g., E-2176M, E-2186M) or 8th Generation Intel Core i7/i9 processors (e.g., i7-8750H, i7-8850H, i9-8950HK).
• RAM: Up to 128 GB DDR4-2666 non-ECC SDRAM with Core processors, or up to 64 GB DDR4-2666 ECC SDRAM with Xeon processors, across 4 SODIMM slots.
• Storage: Configurable with up to 6 TB total storage across three drives. Options include PCIe NVMe M.2 SSDs (up to 4 TB) and traditional HDDs.
• Display: Available in 15.6-inch or 17.3-inch diagonal sizes. Options include Full HD (1920x1080) IPS anti-glare, and 4K UHD (3840x2160) IPS HP DreamColor displays with 600 nits brightness and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics P630 (with Xeon) or UHD Graphics 630 (with Core). Discrete options include NVIDIA Quadro P1000 (4 GB GDDR5) and NVIDIA Quadro P2000 (4 GB GDDR5).
• Ports: Features dual Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C with DisplayPort 1.3 support), multiple USB 3.0/3.1 Type-A ports (one charging capable), HDMI 2.0, RJ-45 Ethernet, SD card reader, Smart Card Reader, headphone/microphone combo jack, and a security lock slot.
• Audio: Bang & Olufsen speakers.
• Keyboard: Spill-resistant, backlit HP Collaboration Keyboard with a numeric keypad.
• Webcam: 720p webcam.

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The HP ZBook Fury Gen 5 mobile workstation is engineered for demanding professional workflows, offering a robust selection of workstation-grade components. The choice between Intel Xeon and Core i7/i9 processors, coupled with extensive RAM capacity (up to 128GB non-ECC or 64GB ECC), ensures high computational power for complex tasks like rendering, engineering, and data analysis. Storage options are highly flexible, supporting multiple high-speed NVMe SSDs and traditional HDDs for massive data sets. Discrete NVIDIA Quadro graphics cards provide certified performance for professional applications, though they are not optimized for gaming. The display options, particularly the 4K UHD HP DreamColor panels, cater to professionals requiring color accuracy. A comprehensive array of ports, including dual Thunderbolt 3, ensures broad connectivity and expandability for peripherals and external displays. The sturdy, MIL-STD 810G tested chassis and spill-resistant keyboard underscore its durability for professional environments.

Support & Compatibility

• Operating System Support: Supports Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Pro for Workstations, Windows 10 Home, FreeDOS 2.0, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 (web support only), and Ubuntu 16.04.3 LTS (web support only).
• End of Support Date: Specific end-of-support dates for the ZBook Fury Gen 5 are not explicitly published as a single date and typically depend on the purchase date and HP's lifecycle policies for commercial products.
• Available Drivers: Drivers and BIOS updates are available through the official HP Support website.
• System Compatibility: Compatible with HP Thunderbolt Dock G2 (120W and 230W), HP USB-C Dock G5 (120W), and HP USB-C/A Universal Dock G2 (120W). Supports up to four independent displays (internal panel plus three external displays).

Analysis of Support & Compatibility Status

The HP ZBook Fury Gen 5 offers broad operating system compatibility, catering to both Windows and Linux professional users, which is crucial for diverse enterprise environments. HP provides ongoing driver and BIOS support through its official channels, ensuring system stability and addressing potential issues. The workstation's compatibility with various HP docking stations enhances its versatility, allowing for seamless integration into desktop setups and supporting extensive multi-display configurations, which is vital for productivity in many professional fields. While a definitive end-of-support date is not readily available, HP's commitment to long-term support for its commercial ZBook line is generally strong, with updates and drivers typically provided for several years post-launch.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes HP Sure Start Gen5/Gen6 (self-healing BIOS), HP Sure Run Gen5 (monitors key processes), HP Sure Recover Gen6 (automated network-based software recovery), HP Sure Click (browser isolation), HP Client Security Manager Gen7, HP BIOSphere Gen6, HP Secure Erase, Absolute Persistence Module, HP DriveLock & Automatic DriveLock, BIOS Update via Network, HP Wake on WLAN, Fingerprint Sensor (select models), Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0), Nano Security Lock Slot, and Microsoft Bitlocker Encryption.
• Vulnerabilities: Some HP commercial products, including ZBook G5 models, experienced a Sure Start recovery boot loop issue after specific Microsoft cumulative OS updates (July 2023 or later). This required BIOS updates to resolve, and in some cases, system board replacement.
• Recommendations: Regularly update the system BIOS and operating system to mitigate known vulnerabilities. Utilize all available HP security features, such as Sure Start and Sure Run, to maintain system integrity and data protection.

Analysis on Security Status

The HP ZBook Fury Gen 5 integrates a comprehensive suite of hardware-enforced security features designed for enterprise environments. Technologies like HP Sure Start provide robust protection against BIOS attacks, while Sure Run and Sure Recover offer advanced defense against malware and facilitate system restoration. The inclusion of TPM 2.0 and biometric authentication further strengthens data security and access control. However, a notable vulnerability emerged where certain Microsoft OS updates caused a Sure Start boot loop, affecting G5 models. HP addressed this with BIOS updates, highlighting the importance of timely software maintenance. Overall, the ZBook Fury Gen 5 provides a strong security foundation, but active management of updates is essential to maintain its integrity.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores:
  • PCMark 8: 3,879, surpassing the workstation average for productivity.
  • Geekbench 4.1: 22,013, exceeding the 20,598 workstation average.
  • HandBrake (4K to 1080p video conversion): 9 minutes 53 seconds, significantly faster than the 15:01 workstation average.
  • 3DMark Fire Strike (NVIDIA Quadro P2000): 6,121, competitive with or outperforming some peers.
• Real-world Performance: Designed for 24x7x365 workloads, excelling in heavy rendering, engineering, simulation, and multi-application environments. Capable of handling intensive design, AI, and VR workflows.
• Comparison with Similar Devices: Outperformed some competitors like the Dell Precision 3530 and Lenovo ThinkPad P1 in certain CPU and productivity benchmarks. Its battery life of nearly 9 hours in testing surpassed the workstation average.

Analysis of Performance Status

The HP ZBook Fury Gen 5 demonstrates strong performance tailored for professional applications. Its powerful processors and ample RAM enable it to handle demanding, multi-threaded workloads with efficiency, as evidenced by its high scores in PCMark 8, Geekbench, and HandBrake benchmarks. While the NVIDIA Quadro P2000 graphics are optimized for professional software, they deliver competitive results in graphics benchmarks. The system is built for sustained, heavy usage, making it suitable for professionals in fields requiring intensive computing and graphics capabilities. Furthermore, its impressive battery life for a workstation of its caliber provides significant mobility for professionals on the go.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback for the HP ZBook Fury Gen 5 generally highlights its powerful performance, robust build quality, and extensive expandability as key strengths. Professionals appreciate its ability to handle demanding applications like CAD, 3D modeling, and video editing without significant slowdowns. The comfortable, spill-resistant keyboard with a numeric keypad and the quality of the Bang & Olufsen audio system receive positive mentions. The wide array of ports, including multiple Thunderbolt 3 connections, is also a frequently praised feature, offering excellent connectivity. The HP DreamColor displays are highly regarded for their color accuracy and brightness, crucial for creative professionals.

However, some users note that the device can be heavy and thick, impacting portability, which is a common trade-off for mobile workstations. While DreamColor displays are excellent, some standard 1920x1080 panels have received criticism for being underwhelming in terms of clarity and brightness uniformity. The quality of the integrated webcam is sometimes described as basic. Additionally, some configurations might ship with slower storage, which can affect overall system responsiveness if not upgraded.

Summary

The HP ZBook Fury Gen 5 mobile workstation is a high-performance asset designed for professionals requiring desktop-class power and reliability in a portable form factor. Its core strengths lie in its powerful Intel Xeon or Core i7/i9 processors, substantial DDR4 RAM capacity (up to 128GB), and flexible, high-speed storage options, making it adept at handling intensive tasks such as 3D rendering, complex simulations, and large data processing. The inclusion of NVIDIA Quadro discrete graphics ensures certified performance for professional applications. Connectivity is robust, featuring dual Thunderbolt 3 ports and a comprehensive selection of other I/O, facilitating extensive peripheral and multi-display setups. The workstation boasts a strong suite of hardware-enforced security features, including HP Sure Start, Sure Run, and TPM 2.0, providing critical protection for sensitive data and system integrity. Its durable, MIL-STD 810G tested chassis and ergonomic features like a spill-resistant, backlit keyboard contribute to its reliability in demanding work environments.

While excelling in performance and security, the ZBook Fury Gen 5 does present some trade-offs. Its robust build contributes to a heavier and thicker profile, which may not appeal to users prioritizing extreme portability. Display quality can vary significantly depending on the chosen configuration, with the premium DreamColor panels offering superior visual fidelity compared to some standard options. A past vulnerability related to Sure Start and OS updates highlights the necessity for diligent BIOS and software management.

Overall, the HP ZBook Fury Gen 5 is an excellent choice for engineers, architects, content creators, and data scientists who require a powerful, highly expandable, and secure mobile workstation capable of sustained, demanding workloads. It is particularly recommended for users who value raw processing power, professional-grade graphics, and robust security features over ultra-light portability. For optimal experience, investing in configurations with HP DreamColor displays and high-speed NVMe storage is advisable.

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.