HP ZBook Power 16 G11 A Review: Powerful Workstation with AMD Zen 4

The HP ZBook Power 16 G11 A represents a significant evolution in HP’s lineup of professional workstations, boasting a larger and more modern 16-inch form factor compared to its predecessor, the ZBook Power 15 G10. This transition to a bigger screen size has not necessarily translated into improved graphics performance, which remains a mixed bag. Despite the inclusion of the RTX 2000 ADA GPU, the performance metrics are comparable to the older Quadro T2000 Max-Q found in last year’s model. This is somewhat disappointing, especially given the expectations set by newer GPUs like the RTX 3050 Ti, which are not available for this model.

One of the standout features of the ZBook Power 16 G11 A is its internal processors and external changes. The device can be configured with either Intel Core Ultra CPUs or AMD Ryzen Zen 4 CPUs, along with NVIDIA RTX graphics. Our review unit was equipped with a higher-end AMD configuration featuring a Ryzen 7 8845HS CPU, an RTX 2000 ADA GPU, and a 120Hz 2560 x 1600p IPS display. This combination promises robust performance for professional workloads, although it does not significantly outperform the previous model in terms of processing power.

The ZBook Power 16 G11 A sits comfortably between the lower-end ZBook Firefly and the higher-end ZBook Fury in HP’s product hierarchy. This positioning makes it a versatile option for professionals who need a reliable workstation without the premium price tag of the ZBook Fury. However, the increase in size and weight—10 percent heavier and 7 percent larger than the 15-inch model—might be a consideration for those who prioritize portability. Despite these changes, the device maintains a similar design to other ZBook models, featuring an aluminum alloy chassis that provides rigidity, although the hinges could benefit from being stiffer.

Connectivity options on the ZBook Power 16 G11 A are extensive, catering to a wide range of professional needs. The device includes multiple USB ports, Thunderbolt, HDMI, DisplayPort, and audio connections, ensuring compatibility with various peripherals and external displays. Additionally, it supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, providing robust wireless connectivity. The inclusion of a fingerprint reader adds an extra layer of security, making it a suitable choice for professionals who handle sensitive data.

In terms of design, the ZBook Power 16 G11 A follows the aesthetic cues of its predecessors, featuring an aluminum alloy chassis that is both sturdy and stylish. However, the increase in size and weight compared to the 15-inch model may not appeal to everyone. The device is also not as thin as some of its competitors, such as the ThinkPad P1 Gen 7. For those seeking a slimmer alternative, HP offers the ZBook Firefly 16 series, which might be worth considering.

The ZBook Power 16 G11 A also boasts a variety of ports, including a microSD card reader, which is a handy feature for photographers and videographers. The 5MP webcam is another notable addition, providing clear and crisp video quality for remote meetings and conferences. Moreover, the bottom panel of the device is easily removable, allowing for straightforward upgrades and maintenance, which is a significant advantage for professionals who need to keep their hardware up-to-date.

Despite the high-end configuration of our review unit, the Ryzen 7 8845HS processor does not offer a substantial improvement over the previous model. While it performs well under standard workloads, it falls short of delivering the expected leap in performance that one might anticipate from a newer generation CPU. This is a critical point for potential buyers to consider, especially those who rely heavily on processing power for their professional tasks.

The keyboard and clickpad of the ZBook Power 16 G11 A are designed with user comfort in mind. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, with well-spaced keys that provide a satisfying tactile response. The clickpad is equally responsive, offering smooth navigation and accurate input. These features contribute to a pleasant user experience, particularly for those who spend long hours working on their laptops.

One issue we encountered with our unit was an unusual behavior where the device would awaken from sleep to a red hibernation screen. This seems to be a specific issue with our configuration and may not be representative of the entire series. Additionally, starting up with the included HP Sure Run service enabled resulted in the device running louder than necessary, at about 35.4 dBA compared to 33.8 dBA when disabled. Our library of stress test data indicates that the 16 G11 is moderately noisier than the 15 G10 under extreme processing loads, primarily because the CPU fan is smaller than that of the ZBook Fury series.

Gaming performance on the ZBook Power 16 G11 A is somewhat disappointing. Despite the presence of the RTX 2000 ADA GPU, the graphics performance has not seen a significant improvement over the previous model. This is particularly noticeable when compared to newer GPUs like the RTX 3050 Ti, which are not available for this model. As a result, gaming enthusiasts might find the performance lacking, although it remains adequate for professional applications that do not demand cutting-edge graphics capabilities.

In conclusion, the HP ZBook Power 16 G11 A is a powerful workstation that offers a range of configurations to suit different professional needs. Its larger form factor and robust connectivity options make it a versatile choice for various professional tasks. However, the lack of significant improvements in graphics performance and processing power compared to the previous model may be a drawback for some users. The device’s design, while sturdy and stylish, might not appeal to those who prioritize portability and slimness. Despite these shortcomings, the ZBook Power 16 G11 A remains a solid option for professionals seeking a reliable and capable workstation.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in the ZBook Power 16 G11 A will depend on individual needs and priorities. For those who require a workstation with extensive connectivity options, a comfortable keyboard, and a responsive clickpad, this model ticks all the boxes. However, if cutting-edge graphics performance and significant improvements in processing power are high on your list of priorities, you might want to explore other options within HP’s lineup or from competing brands like Dell, MSI, and Lenovo. As always, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully to make an informed decision that best meets your professional requirements.