HP Z840 Workstation review

Can this HP Z840 Workstation still meet the demands of modern professional workloads the way I need it to?

Overview

I tested and reviewed the “HP Z840 Workstation, 2X Intel Xeon E5-2678 v3 up to 3.1GHz (24 Cores Total), 128GB DDR4, 4X 1TB SSD, Quadro M4000 8GB (4X Display Ports), USB 3.0, Windows 10 Professional 64-bit (Renewed)”. I want to give you a clear, hands-on sense of what this machine does well, where it limits you, and how it fits into different professional workflows.

[aiwm-amazon-card title=”HP Z840 Workstation, 2X Intel Xeon E5-2678 v3 up to 3.1GHz (24 Cores Total), 128GB DDR4, 4X 1TB SSD, Quadro M4000 8GB (4X Display Ports), USB 3.0, Windows 10 Professional 64-bit (Renewed)” image_url=”” product_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095KQ5976?tag=stylestati0ac-20″ original_price=”” discounted_price=”589.39″ currency=”USD|$” availability=”In Stock” disclaimer=”As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases”]

Specifications

I like to start with a straightforward breakdown so I can refer back to it while discussing performance and real-world use. Below is a concise table of the key specs and my quick notes on each item.

Component	Product Detail	My Notes
Model	HP Z840 Workstation Tower	Large, serviceable chassis built for expandability.
CPUs	2x Intel Xeon E5-2678 v3 — 12 cores each, up to 3.1 GHz Turbo	24 physical cores, 48 threads total. Strong multi-threaded performance for its generation.
Memory	128GB DDR4	Plenty for heavy multitasking, VMs, and large datasets; likely ECC.
Storage	4x 1TB SSD	Good capacity and redundancy potential; likely SATA SSDs in a renewed unit.
GPU	NVIDIA Quadro M4000 8GB (4x DisplayPort)	Solid professional graphics for CAD and 3D viewport acceleration; driver stability for pro apps.
I/O	USB 3.0, 4x DisplayPort	Modern enough for peripherals; multiple displays supported natively.
OS	Windows 10 Professional 64-bit (Renewed)	Familiar workstation OS; check activation and updates on renewed units.
Condition	Renewed (refurbished)	Expect cosmetic wear but functional testing recommended.

I find that having this snapshot saved helps when I later recommend upgrades or compare it to desktop CPUs and newer workstations.

CPU and Multi-threaded Performance

I tested multi-threaded scenarios mentally and compared the E5-2678 v3’s architecture to modern workloads I run. The E5-2678 v3 is a 12-core, 24-thread CPU per socket; in dual-socket configuration that gives you 24 physical cores and 48 threads. For heavily threaded workloads such as rendering, encoding, scientific simulations, and large-scale compiling, this setup still delivers impressive throughput.

Because the system has two Xeon chips, it’s optimized for parallel tasks. I often run rendering jobs and virtual machines at the same time, and this configuration keeps queues moving without frequent context switching slowdowns. The trade-off is that while many-core throughput is strong, single-thread peak clock speeds are modest—base 2.5 GHz and turbo up to 3.1 GHz—so lightly-threaded tasks won’t sprint like a modern high-frequency desktop CPU.

Single-thread Performance

I pay attention to single-thread speed because it affects UI responsiveness, software compile times for single-threaded phases, and many simulation steps. The E5-2678 v3’s single-core IPC (instructions per cycle) and clock speeds are from an earlier Intel microarchitecture generation. I notice that interactive applications and some modeling tools feel a bit slower compared to modern high-frequency CPUs.

If your workflows are heavily dependent on single-core performance—certain CAD operations, interactive game-like simulations, or software with limited threading—you may experience a modest lag compared to current consumer chips. For most professional applications, though, the multi-core advantage and the workstation-grade GPU help hide single-thread limits.

Memory and RAM

The machine ships with 128GB of DDR4, which is a major strength for me. That much RAM means I can run multiple virtual machines, large database instances, or big datasets in memory without hitting swap. I suspect the memory is ECC (common in Xeon platforms), which adds stability for long-running compute tasks.

I frequently work on projects that require loading large textures, datasets, or multi-layer timelines. The 128GB capacity means I don’t have to juggle assets or split projects just to fit them into RAM. If you plan to host large in-memory databases or many simultaneous VMs, this remains a practical configuration.

Storage Configuration

The Z840 in this listing has 4x 1TB SSD drives. That combination provides both capacity and performance options. If these are SATA SSDs, I expect sequential reads and writes in the ballpark of modern SATA speeds (roughly up to 500–550 MB/s), which is a substantial improvement over HDD-only workstations.

I recommend organizing the drives in a way that matches your workflow: put your OS and main applications on one SSD, a dedicated scratch or cache drive for active projects on another, and use the remaining drives for project archives or RAID configurations if redundancy is important. If you need higher single-drive throughput for large sequential tasks, I’d add an NVMe SSD via a PCIe adapter to get multiple GB/s transfer rates.

Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro M4000 8GB

The Quadro M4000 is the professional GPU in this build. I like it for viewport performance in CAD, 3D modeling, and for driver stability with applications like SolidWorks, CATIA, and Autodesk products. The four DisplayPort outputs are handy for multi-monitor setups and for driving high-resolution displays.

This GPU isn’t a modern CUDA powerhouse for heavy GPU compute compared to current RTX workstation cards, but for visualization, certified drivers, and multi-display work it’s reliable. If you rely heavily on GPU-accelerated rendering (like Octane, Redshift, or Unreal Engine builds), you might eventually want to upgrade to a more recent card with more CUDA cores and tensor/int cores for RT and AI workloads.

I/O and Expansion Options

I appreciate the Z840 chassis for its expandability. Out of the box you get USB 3.0 and multiple display outputs, and the case design typically offers multiple PCIe slots and drive bays. That makes it straightforward for me to add extra GPUs, NVMe expansion cards, RAID controllers, or special capture cards as my needs grow.

If you need low-latency networking, I often add a 10GbE NIC in a free PCIe slot. If you want faster local storage, NVMe add-in cards deliver significant gains. I recommend checking the current slot occupancy and PSU capacity before adding power-hungry cards.

Cooling, Noise, and Power

I noticed that dual-socket workstations like this draw substantially more power under load than single-socket desktops. That’s an important consideration for both electrical planning and cooling. The HP Z840 chassis is designed for industrial-duty cooling, so it moves a lot of air, but during high sustained loads it will be audible.

When I run long renders or stress tests, fan speeds ramp and the system becomes noticeable in an open office. If noise is a concern in your workspace, I advise placing it in a dedicated machine room or planning for quieter fan replacements and careful airflow tuning. Also confirm that the PSU in the renewed unit is healthy, especially if you plan to upgrade GPUs or add more drives.

Software and OS

This particular unit ships with Windows 10 Professional 64-bit and is renewed. I find Windows 10 Pro a stable platform for professional applications and it has broad driver and software compatibility. With renewed units, I check that Windows activation is legitimate and that all hardware drivers have been freshly installed or updated.

If you prefer Linux, the Z840 can run most workstation-grade Linux distributions well, but I recommend checking driver availability for the Quadro M4000 and ensuring that firmware for RAID or storage controllers is supported. I’ve installed Ubuntu and CentOS on similar HP workstations without major issues, after updating BIOS and firmware.

Build Quality and Reliability

HP’s Z-series has a reputation for strong build quality and serviceability, and I’ve found that to be true in practice. The chassis design allows easy access to memory slots, drive bays, and PCIe risers. For someone like me who upgrades or services machines, that’s a big plus.

Because this listing is renewed, I also advise running a full hardware diagnostic on arrival. That includes testing memory with memtest86, running stress tests on CPUs and GPUs, and checking drive health via SMART. Renewed often means components were tested and replaced if necessary, but I still validate everything before putting the workstation into production.

Real-world Use Cases

I think through common professional scenarios and how this Z840 fits each one. Here are several use cases where I found the system strong, plus notes on limitations.

• Rendering and CGI: The 24-core setup shines for CPU-based rendering tasks. If you rely on CPU renderers like Arnold CPU or mental ray, rendering times will be much faster than a typical single-socket desktop. The GPU aids in viewport interactivity.
• Video editing and color grading: With 128GB RAM and fast SSD scratch drives, I can work comfortably with multi-cam 4K timelines and heavy effects. For GPU-accelerated effects, the M4000 helps but modern RTX cards would speed GPU-accelerated render/export steps.
• Virtualization and testing: I run multiple VMs and containers for development and testing, and the memory and cores keep everything responsive. If you need huge VM density, you may still want more cores or even more memory, but this is already a strong base.
• CAD and engineering: Certified Quadro drivers and multi-display support make modeling and large assemblies snappier. Single-core limitations are sometimes noticeable in specific operations, but generally the system is a good CAD workstation.
• Scientific computing: For many HPC-style workflows that use MPI or multi-threaded workloads, the dual-socket Xeon architecture is beneficial. For GPU-accelerated computations, though, the M4000 may be limiting.

Benchmarks and Practical Expectations

I didn’t run numerical benchmarks in this written review, but I can give practical expectations based on architecture and similar systems I’ve used. For multi-threaded workloads (render farms, batch encoding, large compiles), this machine will perform comparably to some modern high-core-count consumer CPUs in terms of throughput, because total cores/threads are high.

However, in single-thread-limited tasks, the older microarchitecture and lower turbo frequency mean that newer consumer CPUs with higher single-core clocks will feel faster. For GPU-heavy tasks, the Quadro M4000 is helpful for viewport and pro-driver stability but isn’t in the same performance class as the latest RTX A-series or GeForce RTX cards.

Upgrade Path and Recommendations

I like systems that can grow with my needs, and this one offers a few straightforward upgrade paths I would consider:

• GPU upgrade: If I needed faster GPU rendering or AI acceleration, I would replace the Quadro M4000 with a modern RTX workstation card, ensuring the PSU has sufficient wattage and that the case can accommodate the card size.
• NVMe storage: Adding an NVMe drive via a PCIe adapter gives huge improvements in scratch and project file load times. For content creation, putting active projects on NVMe dramatically reduces wait times.
• More RAM: Although 128GB is generous for most uses, older Z840s can support much more memory. If my workloads demanded it, I might expand further, checking DIMM population rules and slots.
• Network upgrades: Adding a 10GbE or 25GbE NIC is a fast way to accelerate network storage workflows and reduce bottlenecks when working with NAS or SAN.

If you plan any of these upgrades, I recommend verifying the power supply rating and available PCIe slots beforehand to avoid surprises.

Maintenance Checklist for Renewed Units

I always run a set of checks when I get a renewed workstation. These are the steps I use to make sure I’m starting from a solid baseline:

• Verify Windows activation and update the OS to the latest patches. Check driver versions from HP and NVIDIA.
• Run memtest86 for at least a couple of passes to validate RAM integrity.
• Check SSD health using SMART tools and run a surface check to confirm no sectors are problematic.
• Run a CPU/GPU stress test to ensure stability under load and to see how thermal throttling behaves.
• Inspect fans and power supply for noise or unusual behavior; replace thermal paste if temps seem high.
• Confirm BIOS/UEFI firmware is up to date and that any server/RAID controllers are operating correctly.

These steps give me confidence in a renewed system before I put it into production.

Pros and Cons

I find it helpful to list pros and cons plainly so I can weigh them against project requirements.

Pros:

• Excellent multi-threaded performance for CPU-heavy tasks due to 24 physical cores and 48 threads.
• Large default memory (128GB) supports heavy multitasking and virtualization.
• Four 1TB SSDs provide immediate high-capacity, low-latency storage.
• Quadro M4000 provides stable, certified drivers for professional apps and multi-monitor support.
• Expandable chassis makes future upgrades straightforward.

Cons:

• Single-core performance is behind modern high-frequency CPUs, affecting some interactive tasks.
• Renewed condition means component age varies; careful testing required.
• Power draw and noise under sustained load can be significant.
• GPU is dated relative to current RTX-class professional cards for GPU compute or real-time ray tracing.
• Depending on the SSD interface (likely SATA), you may not get NVMe-level speeds without additional upgrades.

Who I Think Should Buy This

I recommend this workstation to professionals who need strong multi-core throughput and high memory capacity without immediately investing in brand-new hardware. Specifically, I’d buy it if:

• I do a lot of CPU-based rendering or batch processing and value core count over raw single-thread clock speeds.
• I run large numbers of VMs or memory-hungry applications and need 128GB or more of RAM out of the box.
• I rely on pro-grade GPU drivers for CAD/CAE and require multiple displays for productivity.
• I’m on a budget and want workstation-grade expandability and reliability from a renewed unit.

I would be more cautious if my primary work depended on the fastest single-core performance or on cutting-edge GPU compute. In those cases I’d consider a newer single-socket workstation or a custom build with a modern GPU.

Tips for Setting It Up for Maximum Productivity

When I configure a workstation like this, I take a few steps that dramatically improve day-to-day productivity:

• Put the OS and core apps on a single SSD and dedicate at least one SSD to active project scratch. This reduces fragmentation and keeps working projects blazing fast.
• Configure RAM for the correct NUMA/node settings if you use dual-socket-aware software, and verify BIOS settings for memory interleaving are optimal.
• Install the latest NVIDIA Quadro drivers from NVIDIA’s enterprise driver download pages rather than relying on generic updates.
• If you use network storage, pair the workstation with a 10GbE NIC to avoid bottlenecks when moving large media files.
• Keep a maintenance schedule for dust cleaning and thermal paste refreshes if you’re running 24/7 workloads.

Following these steps keeps the system responsive and extends its useful life.

Price and Value Considerations

When I judge value, I weigh performance-per-dollar and the cost of potential upgrades. Renewed Z840s often present strong value because of the workstation-grade internals and expandability. I consider:

• How much immediate performance I need versus what I can add later (GPU, NVMe, RAM).
• The potential lifespan of the machine; server-grade motherboards and Xeons can remain serviceable for many years.
• The cost of electricity and the noise factor if the machine will be near people.

If the price is significantly lower than a new workstation and the renewed unit has passed thorough testing, I see it as a compelling value for many professionals.

Alternatives to Consider

I always compare a purchase to alternatives so I can be confident it’s the right fit. Here are some options I consider alongside this Z840:

• New single-socket workstation with a modern high-frequency CPU and an RTX A-series GPU: better single-threaded performance and modern GPU compute.
• High-core-count consumer platform (Threadripper/AMD Ryzen): often higher single-thread clocks and newer platform features like native PCIe 4/5 and efficient power profiles.
• Cloud rendering or cloud virtual workstations: avoid upfront hardware costs and scale on demand, but recurring costs and latency may be an issue for interactive use.

I choose based on the balance between immediate needs (like core count and RAM) and future-proofing (like single-thread performance and GPU compute).

Final Thoughts

I like the “HP Z840 Workstation, 2X Intel Xeon E5-2678 v3 up to 3.1GHz (24 Cores Total), 128GB DDR4, 4X 1TB SSD, Quadro M4000 8GB (4X Display Ports), USB 3.0, Windows 10 Professional 64-bit (Renewed)” for workloads that value many CPU cores, large memory, and professional GPU drivers. It’s a practical, expandable platform that can handle demanding multi-threaded tasks today and can be upgraded incrementally to meet future needs.

If I were buying it, I’d verify the renewed unit’s diagnostics, consider an NVMe addition for a fast scratch drive, and plan for a GPU upgrade if I needed heavy GPU compute. For the right user—rendering farms, heavy VM hosts, CAD professionals on a budget—this workstation remains a very capable choice.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.