HP Z8 G4 Series Tower Workstation

HP G4 Overview
Built to fuel the creativity of those who reimagine our world, the VR-ready Z8 G4 Series Tower Workstation from HP has been designed to run complex simulations, process huge amounts of data, edit 8K video in real time, work in edge-computing environments, and be used for other intensive tasks. Its exterior provides tool-free access to a modular interior, and strategically placed vents and ducts throughout the system help streamline airflow for quiet performance. The system is powered by dual 2.3 GHz Intel Xeon Gold 5218 processors armed with 16 cores on each CPU, for a total of 32 cores. There is also 22MB of cache per processor, for a total of 44MB. These processors, cores, and cache will allow you to run multiple applications simultaneously and provide significant performance gains when running multi-threaded tasks. If you need more power, the CPU can deliver extra performance by increasing the clock speed up to 3.9 GHz utilizing Intel’s Turbo Boost 2.0 technology.

The 64GB of 2933 MHz DDR4 ECC Registered RAM comes in a 4 x 16GB configuration, allowing the computer to run multiple applications simultaneously and to quickly access frequently-used files and programs. As this RAM features ECC technology, it is able to help detect and correct the most common kinds of internal data corruption. This RAM is also registered, and registered memory modules, also known as buffered memory modules, place less electrical load on the memory controller and allow single systems to remain stable with more memory modules than they would have otherwise.

For storage of your files, this system is equipped with a 512GB NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD. If you want to add external storage drives, optical drives, printers, memory card readers, or other peripherals, the Z8 G4 features eight 5 Gb/s USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports (two front and six rear), one of which doubles as a charging port, as well as two front-mounted 10 Gb/s USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C ports that each deliver up to 15W of power (3A / 5V) when the system is running. There is also one serial port and two PS/2 ports. For additional speed and connectivity, take advantage of the included HP Dual Port Thunderbolt 3 PCIe card, which has two Thunderbolt 3 / USB Type-C ports, two full-sized DisplayPorts, and provides data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gb/s.

For users who wish to add additional components to the drive bays, the Z8 G4 features four internal 3.5″ drive bays that support 2.5″ drives using adapters, and two external 5.25″ drive bays. No integrated or dedicated graphics controllers are included with this system, allowing the user to select a dedicated graphics card of their choice. Whether you are listening to music, watching a movie, or playing a game, the integrated Realtek HD ALC221 audio controller outputs high-definition audio and delivers higher fidelity than standard audio controllers. Network connectivity is achieved using dual integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports. There is also a SuperMulti DVD drive and an SD card reader.

The Z8 G4 Series Tower Workstation includes a USB keyboard, a USB mouse, and a power cord. The installed operating system is Windows 10 Pro for Workstations (64-bit), which scales up for machines with a high number of logical processors and large amounts of RAM for server-grade hardware and power users.

B&H Photo is an authorized HP reseller with professional in-house technicians available for upgrades & installations on these workstations and laptops. Built with power and speed in mind, the Z Series is designed to enhance audio and video post-production workflows and more. Each HP Z series workstation or laptop features a range of top-tier processors and large RAM loadouts. The workstations are built with graphics flexibility in mind as well so that the end consumer can configure the graphics options to their needs, and each unit includes a 3/3/3 warranty – 3 years limited warranty for parts, 3 years limited warranty for labor, and 3 years of repairs performed at customer site for those parts not eligible for Customer Self Repair (CSR). For 24/7 customer service, please call 1-800-334-5144.

HP Z8 G4 Workstation Features
Mobility & Flexibility
With full grip front and rear aluminum carrying handles and slick feet, the system can be moved to a new location or to gain better access. The system can be used in desktop/deskside orientations or rack-mounted using HP’s enterprise-class, fully extendable rails.
Interior Design & Cooling
The interior is organized with a consistent user access strategy. All user-serviceable components are identified with blue touchpoints. The service label located on the left access panel provides users with system board and memory loading information and quick access to diagnostic information. Cables are hidden or efficiently routed, providing better component access and airflow management.

The chassis is designed to maximize fresh air inlet to the system, and direct cool air where it’s needed. The CPU and memory ducting is designed to help maximize fresh air inlet to both the memory and CPU, and keeps the memory airflow separated from the CPU airflow. The memory ducting has a patent-pending multi-channel design that directs cooler air from the inlet to both the front and rear DIMM banks, as well as to separate segments along the length of the DIMMs. The zone between the front and rear CPUs is divided by a baffle to direct fresh air to both CPUs and prevent preheated exhaust air from the front CPU cooler from entering the rear CPU cooler.
Designing the Experience
Due to the tool-free ease of use, HP understands system and component security may be a concern. Therefore, several security features have been incorporated. The left side access panel includes a key lock and the right side panel can be secured with the HP BPC Security Lock or Kensington security device. An optional system intrusion switch is also available. The rear access power supply is unlocked by default but can be secured by removing the PSU and enabling the locking mechanism on the side cover of the power supply.
DDR4 Memory Supported
Using dual processors and all 24 RAM slots, the HP Z8 G4 supports up to 1.5TB of memory using RDIMM modules, or up to 3TB using 3DS LR DIMM modules. While the system has 24 total RAM slots, all 24 slots are only supported in systems with dual processors. Systems with single processors only support 12 RAM slots, which enables up to 768GB using RDIMM modules of 1.5TB using 3DS LR DIMM modules. Additionally, the system will only work with DDR4 memory, and you cannot mix LR DIMMs, 3DS LR DIMMs, and RDIMMs. Also, dual-processor configurations with memory modules installed for only one processor is not supported.
PCI Express Connectors
Seven PCIe Gen3 slots provide expandability supporting up to four PCIe storage devices with optional slots, including Thunderbolt 3 cards and RAID controllers.

Slot 1
PCIe Gen3 x4 (transforms to PCIe Gen3 x8 when a second CPU is installed)

Slot 2
PCIe Gen3 x16

Slot 3
PCIe Gen3 x16 (available only when a second CPU is installed)

Slot 4
PCIe Gen3 x16

Slot 5
PCIe Gen3 x4

Slot 6
PCIe Gen3 x16 (available only when a second CPU is installed)

Slot 7
PCIe Gen3 x4

Note: The PCIe x4 and PCIe x8 connectors are all open ended, allowing a PCIe x16 card to be seated in the slot
Front I/O
This HP Z8 G4 is configured with the Premium Front I/O option and is equipped with two 10 Gb/s USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C ports that each deliver up to 15W of power (3V / 5A), two 5 Gb/s USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports (the left-most supports battery charging), a combo headset/microphone jack, and the option for an SD card reader.
Internal I/O
Internal Slot 1 (CPU 1)
PCIe Gen3 x8 (always available, for M.2 storage)

Internal Slot 2 (CPU 2)
PCIe Gen3 x8 (available only when a second CPU is installed, for M.2 storage)

2 USB 2.0 ports available with a single 2×5 header
1 USB 2.0 port available with a 1×6 header
1 USB 3.0 and 1 USB 2.0 port available with a 2×6 header

Note: The 2×5 header can be converted to a standard USB 2.0 Type-A port using HP’s Internal USB Bus Port Kit, which uses half of the 2×5 header. The 1×6 header can be converted to USB 2.0 Type-A using the same kit and uses 5 pin positions on the header, and the 2×6 header can also be converted to USB 2.0 Type-A using the same kit, which takes up half of the 2×6 header. Additionally, the USB 3.0 header is available with a single 20-pin shrouded connector for a USB media card reader.
Rear I/O
In the rear I/O area, the HP Z8 G4 provides six 5 Gb/s USB 3.0 Type-A ports, dual Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, support for two additional Ethernet ports via a separately sold module, a 3.5mm audio line-in/mic-in jack, a 3.5mm audio line-out jack, two PS/2 ports, and a serial port. This system also includes a Thunderbolt 3 card, which is equipped with dual 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt 3 / USB Type-C ports and two full-sized DisplayPorts.
Windows 10 Pro
Start Menu
After its hiatus in Windows 8, the Start Menu has returned. Utilizing a combination of the traditional menu system and Windows 8’s Live Tiles, the improved Start Menu gives you more information at a glance, showing notification information alongside your applications and other pinned items.
Cortana
Microsoft’s digital personal assistant, Cortana can answer your questions with information gleaned from both your device and the internet at large. You can type or even talk with her, if your system has a microphone. Using her Notebook, Cortana keeps track of your needs and wants, and she learns over time to improve her information gathering skills.
Microsoft Edge
After nearly 20 years, Microsoft has finally replaced its Internet Explorer web browser. With Microsoft Edge, users can write directly on web pages and share notes with friends and colleagues. It also improves the online reading experience by adding a distraction-free mode and read-it-later functionality. Edge also has built-in Cortana integration; you can have her help you find a restaurant, make a reservation, and pull up directions without leaving your browser.
Windows Store
For Windows 10, Microsoft has unified the Windows Store. Now, apps for PCs, tablets, and phones will all be accessible from one place. And with support for Universal Apps, one version of an app can work across all your compatible devices automatically.
Windows Continuum
Windows 10 was designed for a variety of screen sizes and input styles, and with its Continuum feature, it automatically adapts to fit your needs. A Windows 10 tablet on its own requires a touch-centric approach, but attaching a mouse and keyboard will shift everything to a more traditional interface. You can even attach an external monitor to your Windows 10 phone for a near-desktop experience. But it’s not just the operating system; Windows Universal Apps take advantage of Continuum as well.
Xbox on Windows 10
Gaming is a big focus of Windows 10. Xbox integration allows for PC players to match up against Xbox One players on supported games, and if you have an Xbox One, you can even stream compatible titles to your PC. Native support for recording with the new Game DVR feature makes it easy to capture and share your gameplay. The new DirectX12 takes better advantage of multi-core processors, giving games a performance boost, even on older hardware. Windows 10 also features native support for virtual reality headsets, such as the Oculus Rift.
Additional Windows 10 Pro Features
The Pro version of Windows 10 includes all of the features of Windows 10 Home plus many designed specifically for businesses users, including Hyper-V virtualization, BitLocker disk encryption, and remote desktop access. Devices will also be able to join domains and the Azure Active Directory, and they can even access a specialized version of the Windows Store featuring custom, company-specific applications.