The HP Z2 mini G3 (Starts at $699; $1,698 as tested) is that the most compact small-form-factor (SFF) desktop digital computer you'll be able to purchase. It is organized with associate Intel Core or Xeon processor in conjunction with a reasonably powerful Nvidia Quadro workstation-class GPU. It's all
packed into a case that is smaller than ancient tower workstations like our high decide, the holler exactness Tower 3000
Series (3620). And it's within
your means, therefore it makes good sense for space-constrained power users like monetary analysts, engineers exploitation CAD/CAM computer code, and workshop supervisors. tiny in stature, however massive in power, the
Z2 mini G3 is our
latest Editors' selection for
single-processor workstations.
Compact, Connected, Secure Chassis
Although it resembles alternative squared-off SFF PCs just like the Apple raincoat mini and also the HP Elite Slice,
the Z2 mini G3 could be a bit thicker and wider, mensuration 2.8 by 8.5 by 8.5
inches (HWD). It will simply workbelow or on high of a table, or secured to the rear of a VESA-mounted monitor. the outside is all black, with vents sculptured into its corners for the system's internal fans. The
case is generally metal, therefore it'll survive a
harsh setting sort of a producing production line. It is fastened down with a VESA Sleeve ($45) that blocks access to the
I/O ports, that is vital to
forestall USB thumb drives from infecting the system.
The Z2 mini G3 is
ISV-certified, creating it a very sensible
choice for design, engineering, and
construction users of CAD/CAM programs like AutoCAD, Revit, and Solidworks. meaning the system and its elements are tested and
verified to perform of
course by the developers of those skilled apps and
programs. ISV certification is
usually a necessitybefore bidding on
contracts, that the option to treat a digital computer instead of a high-end client or business desktop ought to pay off within the future.
Connectivity is superb, beginning with a telephone receiver jack and 2 USB 3.0 ports on the
left facet. Around back, you will find the jack for the AC adapter, four DisplayPorts, associate LAN jack, two USB
3.0 ports, and 2 USB-C ports
(these are not enclosed within
the base model attributable to its slightly completely different chassis). It's notable that the latter haven't got Thunderbolt three capabilities, a small disappointment, since you will not relishquicker outturn speeds with external solid-state drives (SSDs) or
graphics accelerators exploitation that
technology. The system's four DisplayPorts and its Quadro M620 GPU ar powerful enough to drive six screens, a boon for those that incessantly monitor completely different information sources, like stockbrokers and manufacturing plantforemen. 802.11ac
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 handle wireless
connections.
There is a protection security slot on the rear to stay users from piddling within, however once open, access to the inside is as simple as slippery a put on the rear panel. the highest lid pops open, and you (or your IT staff) are able to service or
replace the cooling fans, the RAM, a 2.5-inch disk drive, the M.2 SSD, or the motherboard. On the we have a tendency toll-equipped
configuration we tested, you'll
have to
interchange instead
of add components, since there are not any empty slots or drive bays out there. If you
would like multiple exhausting drives or expendablegraphics, you'll got to pick a additional expandable laptop just
like the HP Z240 SFF digital computer or the hollerexactness 3620.
Quiet and
Well Equipped
Two fans, one every for the processor and also
the GPU, keep the Z2 cool. they're hardly sounding operational, unless you set your ear up to at least one of the vents. that is as quiet because the Cerise Circular laptop, a biggerSFF digital computer that's additionally notable for
being nearly silent. The
Z2 mini G3 could be a good
selectionfor workspaces wherever noise could be a concern, like in Associate in Nursing recording studio or a
video-recording bay.
The base Z2 mini comes sparsely designed, with Associate
in Nursing Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM, a 1TB disc drive, and integrated graphics. Our upgraded check model comes with 32GB of RAM, a quad-core Intel Core i7
processor, a 256GB SSD boot drive, a 1TB information drive, 2GB Nvidia Quadro M620 graphics, and a wireless
mouse and keyboard. It's equipped with Windows ten professional (with Windows seven professional downgrade
rights), and comes with a three-year pledge with on-the-scene service.
Power for
CAD/CAM comes and a lot of
The Core i7-6700
processor and Quadro M620 graphics helped the Z2 mini manufacture respectable
results on the PCMark eight Work standard check (3,721
points). that is solely regarding forty points below the Digital Storm Slade Pro(3,760), that is outstanding as a result of that system contains a 10-core Intel Xeon processor. It edged out a convince each the Cerise
Circular laptop and also the dingle preciseness 3620 on an equivalent check. The Slade professional was plenty quicker on a
number of the a
lot of strenuous transmission tasks like Handbrake and CineBench, however the Z2 mini still showed wonderful results (0:54 on Handbrake; 819 points on CineBench).
Its score of 2:41 on the Photoshop check is
healthier than the Slade professional (3:05), and was simply eleven to twelve seconds behind the Cerise Circular laptop (2:29) and also the dingle preciseness 3620 (2:30). (Under a second on Handbrake and fewer than three minutes for Photoshop area unit thought-about wonderful scores. CineBench scores higher than 700 points show high power for CPU-intensive processes.)
3D check results were additionally sensible, matching those of
the horsepower Z240 SFF digital computer. although you
would not expect to play games on this business computer, the Z2 Mini's GPU created playable frame rates
on our Heaven (72 fps) and depression (72 fps)
tests at medium-quality settings. each the Quadro M620 within the Z2 mini and also the Quadro K1200 within the Z240 area unit entry-to-mid-level 3D graphics processors, appropriate for CAD/CAM work, fast content creation/multimedia tasks, and also the light-to-medium 3D rendering that you'd want for design and style package. The higher-end
Quadro M4000 within the Digital Storm
Slade professionaland also
the dingle preciseness 3620 could be a higher bet for
higher-end 3D tasks.
Chunky Performance in a very Svelte Package
The horsepower Z2 mini G3 is a wonderful selection for
businesses that perform multimedia-heavy tasks like CAD/CAM rendering, 2D/3D style work, giant information and computer program calculations,
and audio/video recording and transcoding. it's ISV certifications, which is able to offer you a leg up once bidding on comes with competitors United Nations agency area unit mistreatment uncertified high-end
business desktops. it isn't as expandable because the dingle preciseness Tower 3000 Series (3620), however it's as powerful
on just about the foremost strenuous 3D tasks. You'd still desire a tower just like the dingle preciseness or the Digital Storm Slade professional if 3D performance could be a prime priority for
your business. However, as seen here, the Z2 mini pricesregarding $1,000 but the preciseness 3620. For its
compact type issue, quiet operation, performance, moderntechnology, solid port choice, and overall price, the horsepower Z2 mini G3 earns Editor's selection honors.
PERFORMANCE TESTS
Thank you for visiting. Please leave a comment or request the computer or laptop you want to review. ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon