HP Z4 G4 Workstation Tower

Description

Two different processor families are supported on the HP Z4 G4 Workstation. The Intel Xeon “W” processors address the needs of both industry applications in AEC, healthcare, and geology, while the Core X processors are recommended for applications in game development, rendering, and VR. The final configuration of the system is a consideration when choosing a processor, as it will impact the amount of storage and memory supported. Along with the Z4 G4, two other dual processor systems, the Z8 G4, and the Z6 G4 round out HP’s top of the line desktop workstation platforms.

Performance

You can install either an Intel Xeon W processor supporting four to 18 cores or you can go with a Core X processor either the Core i7 Core i9 or the Core i9 Extreme Edition supporting 6 to eighteen cores. Your choice of processor will determine the configuration options. The error correcting features supported on the W processors are useful for industry applications, while the Core x processors without ECC are directed more towards game development, rendering, and VR simulation. To reach the maximum capacities for memory, storage and network ports, you will need the W processors.

Storage

You can install two 2.5-inch, 3.5-inch or a combination of the two using the two internal drive bays. The two 5.25-inch media bays can also be configured to support SATA drives can be pugged directly into the system board with integrated SATA support at 6Gb/s with RAID configurations of 0, 1, 5, and 10. SAS drives operating at 12Gb/s are supported but require an optional PCIe 3.0 SAS controller with RAID of 0, 1, and 10.

Memory

Memory capacity is dependent on your choice of processor, with the Xeon W processors supporting a maximum of 256GB using Error Correcting Code (ECC) Registered DIMM (RDIMM) modules. If you plan on installing a Core X processor, either the Core i7 or Core i9, then memory capacity will be reduced to 128GB using Non-ECC Unbuffered DIMM (UDIMM) Modules. Using the Intel Xeon W processors, you also get support for two M.2 slots on the motherboard instead of just one using the Core X CPUs. In total there are eight memory module slots.

Expansion

Five expansion slots on the system board can be used to support a number of options including a maximum of two High-performance GPUs from either Nvidia or AMD. Using discrete cards will also enable support for more monitors, with some supporting up to four displays at 4K, each. Slots can also be used to support NICs, M.2 Storage cards, and storage controllers.

Management

Management of the system is provided by HP’s PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI on Windows-based systems, and Intel Active Management Technology with LANDesk Management Suite for remote systems management. Tell-tale lights on the front of the system and audible beep codes also offer insight into system status and hardware failures. HP’s new line of Z-Series workstations are also the most secure ever with HP Client Security Suite and HP Sure Start Gen3 with an industry first, self-healing BIOS. Other security features include a padlock loop on the back of the system with a Kensington Cable slot just above that. A basic RJ-45 port provides network communications but additional PCIe-based network cards can be installed for faster connection speeds and additional ports.

Summary

The Z4 G4 is highly configurable with options to meet and exceed your performance goals. There’s even a dust filter on the front of the system to filter the air going through your system if you will be working in a dusty environment. With support for different processor families you have options for both budget and performance.