HP ZBook 8 G2i 16 launched: Workstation with Intel Panther Lake chip and Arc B390 graphics.
HP's latest workstation model impresses with its Intel Panther Lake processor, Arc B390 or Nvidia Blackwell graphics, and a 4K 120Hz display to support intensive work.
HP has officially launched the 16-inch ZBook 8 G2i mobile workstation globally. This is a significant step forward in the company's workstation lineup, integrating the latest Intel Panther Lake processor platform, promising superior performance for graphics-intensive and computing tasks.
Powerful hardware configuration with the Intel Panther Lake platform.
The biggest highlight of the HP ZBook 8 G2i 16 is the introduction of the Intel Panther Lake chip series. Users can choose from a wide range of processors, from the Core Ultra 5 325 to the most powerful Core Ultra X9 388H vPro. The switch to the new architecture not only improves processing speed but also optimizes energy efficiency.
In terms of graphics capabilities, the machine offers flexible options. Users can utilize the powerful integrated Intel Arc B370 or Arc B390 graphics. For tasks requiring dedicated GPU performance, HP offers a dedicated Nvidia RTX Pro 500 graphics card based on the latest Blackwell architecture, enabling smooth handling of complex 3D rendering or AI tasks.
| Parameter | Configuration details |
|---|---|
| Microprocessors | Intel Core Ultra 5 325 to Core Ultra X9 388H vPro |
| RAM | Up to 64 GB DDR5-5600 |
| Storage | Up to 2 TB PCIe Gen 5 |
| Graphics | Intel Arc B370/B390 or Nvidia RTX Pro 500 Blackwell |
| Battery | 68 Wh or 77 Wh |
High-quality display and high-speed storage capabilities.
HP offers nearly 12 different display options for the ZBook 8 G2i 16. While there isn't an OLED panel option, the company compensates with two 120Hz displays featuring variable refresh rate (VRR) technology. Most notably, there's a 3,840 x 2,400 pixel (4K) display with a maximum brightness of 500 nits. Users can also choose panels with brightness up to 800 nits for working in bright light conditions.
The storage system has also been significantly upgraded with PCIe Gen 5 SSDs up to 2 TB in capacity, delivering extremely fast data access speeds and minimizing waiting times when processing large files.
Unique keyboard and touchpad design
Compared to the 14-inch version, the ZBook 8 G2i 16 adds a dedicated numeric keypad (numpad). However, this change shifts the entire keyboard layout to the left. Notably, HP decided to center the mechanical trackpad with the keyboard instead of with the chassis. This results in the trackpad being slightly off-center relative to the overall frame.
This design change aims to optimize the data entry experience for those who frequently work with data, although it may take some time for new users to get used to the hand placement.
Pricing and market options
In the US market, the starting price for the HP ZBook 8 G2i 16 is $2,938. However, this price can skyrocket to over $6,500 when users opt for the highest configuration with a Core Ultra X9 388H vPro processor and 64 GB of RAM.
In other markets such as Europe, the version equipped with a Core Ultra 7 356H, 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and a 1200p screen costs around 2,923 Euros. Meanwhile, in the UK, the starting price is 2,452 Pounds for the configuration with a Core Ultra X7 368H and a 2.4K 120 Hz display.
The launch of the ZBook 8 G2i 16 shows that HP is strongly focusing on the professional user segment who need a device with desktop-level processing performance but still maintain the necessary portability.
