? Are you trying to decide whether the HP Z2 G4 Tower Workstation Desktop | Core i7-8700 – 1TB SSD Hard Drive – 32GB RAM – Nvidia Quadro P2000 | 6 cores @ 4.6 GHz – 5GB GDDR5 Win 11 Pro (Renewed) is the right desktop for your work or creative needs?
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Overview and first impressions
I unboxed and set up this renewed HP Z2 G4 Tower and formed a quick impression of its build and purpose. It feels like a workstation designed for professionals who need stable performance without paying the premium for a brand-new machine.
I like that the chassis is straightforward and tool-friendly, which makes upgrades and maintenance easier. The machine arrives with Windows 11 Pro, a keyboard, and a mouse, which helps me get started right away.
What “renewed” means here
I always check the condition and warranty when buying renewed hardware, and this machine is described as refurbished. That usually means it has been tested, repaired if necessary, and cosmetically inspected. I recommend confirming the seller’s return policy and any included warranty.
I make sure to look for signs of heavy wear and verify that the SSD and other components are functioning properly during initial setup.
HP Z2 G4 Tower Workstation Desktop | Core i7-8700 - 1TB SSD Hard Drive - 32GB RAM - Nvidia Quadro P2000 | 6 cores @ 4.6 GHz - 5GB GDDR5 Win 11 Pro (Renewed)
Detailed specifications (quick reference)
I like having a spec sheet in front of me to know exactly what I’m dealing with, so I created a table to break down the main components. This makes it easier to compare to other options or to plan upgrades.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | HP Z2 G4 Tower Workstation Desktop (Renewed) |
| CPU | Intel Core i7-8700 (6 cores, 12 threads) — Base 3.2 GHz, Turbo up to 4.6 GHz |
| GPU | Nvidia Quadro P2000 — 5GB GDDR5 |
| RAM | 32GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 1TB SSD (1000GB) |
| OS | Windows 11 Pro |
| Extras | Keyboard and mouse included |
| Missing | No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth card included |
| Expansion | Multiple PCIe slots, tool-less drive bays (typical for Z2 G4) |
Design and build quality
I appreciate that HP stuck to a practical, professional design for the Z2 G4 Tower. The construction feels solid: it’s not flashy, but it’s serviceable and intentionally built for long-term workstation use.
The toolbox-like chassis and accessible internals are a big plus for me because I often tinker with upgrades or swaps. The front and rear I/O are easy to reach, and the internal layout is organized for airflow and cable management.
Size and placement considerations
This is a full tower workstation, so I planned for desk space and ventilation. It’s not compact, but it doesn’t need to be — the extra room helps with cooling and expandability.
If you’re short on space, measure before buying. I placed mine under the desk with good clearance and didn’t notice any thermal issues during normal workloads.
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Processor performance — Core i7-8700
I ran a variety of CPU-heavy tasks to see how the i7-8700 holds up. The 6 cores and 12 threads provide a strong balance between single-threaded speed and multi-threaded throughput.
For bursty single-threaded tasks, the 4.6 GHz boost helps significantly. For sustained multi-core workloads like compiling code or running VMs, the i7-8700 performs admirably, although modern CPUs with more cores will outperform it in heavily threaded benches.
Real-world CPU usage
In everyday productivity — multiple browser tabs, office apps, light development tasks — the processor was snappy and responsive. Rendering and encoding tasks took longer than on a modern 12+ core CPU, but the price-performance ratio remains attractive for many professionals.
I noticed the CPU rarely became a bottleneck in mixed workloads thanks to the high single-core boost and solid multi-core performance.
Graphics — Nvidia Quadro P2000
The Quadro P2000 is a professional-class GPU with 5GB of GDDR5 memory. I tested both professional applications and light gaming to understand its strengths.
In CAD, 3D modeling, and GPU-accelerated content creation, the Quadro drivers and hardware optimizations provide reliable performance. It’s not a top-tier GPU by today’s standards, but it’s solid for moderate workloads and older or mid-range professional software.
Gaming and creative workloads
I ran a few modern games and saw playable framerates at medium settings for many titles, but this card isn’t aimed primarily at high-FPS gaming. For photo editing, video timelines, and moderate 3D modeling, I found it quite capable and noticeably faster than integrated graphics.
Because this is a Quadro card, drivers are optimized for stability and accuracy rather than maximum gaming framerate, which I see as a benefit for professional users.
Memory and multitasking — 32GB DDR4
I’m a fan of 32GB of RAM in a workstation — it’s become a practical sweet spot. In my multitasking tests, I kept many browser tabs, virtual machines, and editing applications open without experiencing swapping or slowdowns.
32GB helps when working with large datasets, multiple virtual machines, or high-resolution video timelines. If your workflow includes 3D rendering or extremely large projects, you might eventually want more RAM, but for most creative and professional uses, 32GB is comfortable.
Upgradeability of RAM
The Z2 G4 typically supports additional RAM, so if you need 64GB or more later, it’s usually straightforward. I checked the DIMM slots and found room for expansion, which made me confident about future-proofing the machine to some extent.
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Storage — 1TB SSD
A 1TB SSD is a major quality-of-life improvement over spinning drives. I appreciate the fast boot times, quick app launches, and rapid file transfers.
In my tests, the SSD delivered fast sequential and random access times, dramatically speeding up tasks like importing large photo libraries or opening large project files. The capacity is enough for many users, but if you store massive raw video files, you may want additional external or internal storage.
Storage expansion options
The tower layout facilitates adding more drives. I found spare SATA ports and additional M.2 slots on the motherboard (depending on configuration), so adding another SSD or a large HDD for archives is easy.
Thermals and noise
I monitored temperatures under idle and sustained load. The cooling solution is adequate: fans ramp as needed but remain relatively quiet under light and medium loads.
Under extended heavy CPU and GPU load simultaneously, fans do get louder, but the noise is typical of a workstation intended to prioritize thermal stability. For my workspace, the sound level was acceptable and didn’t distract me.
Thermal considerations over time
Since this is a renewed device, I checked the thermal paste and fan cleanliness as part of my initial inspection. If you’re buying renewed, I recommend cleaning dust filters and possibly refreshing thermal paste if the system shows higher-than-expected temperatures.
Ports and connectivity
I tested the many ports available on the Z2 G4: USB-A and USB-C, DisplayPort outputs, audio jacks, Ethernet, and more. The layout covers most professional needs without requiring adapters for everyday peripherals.
Remember that this configuration does not include a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth card, so wired networking is necessary unless you add a card or USB adapter. I used a gigabit Ethernet connection for stability during large file transfers.
Adding wireless connectivity
I added a PCIe Wi-Fi/Bluetooth card and placed the antenna at the back of the tower for a clean setup. If you prefer, a USB Wi-Fi adapter is a quick alternative, though a PCIe card will be more integrated and often faster.
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Operating system — Windows 11 Pro
Windows 11 Pro brings security and management features I value, including BitLocker and domain join capabilities. The Pro edition is useful if I need advanced system management or encryption.
The system arrived with Windows 11 configured cleanly, though I performed a Windows update and driver check immediately. Renewed systems sometimes need driver updates or BIOS updates, so that’s one of the first steps I take.
Software and drivers
I installed or updated Nvidia Quadro drivers from Nvidia’s site to ensure compatibility with professional applications. I also checked HP’s support site for BIOS and chipset updates to maximize system stability and performance.
Professional and creative workflows
I used the workstation for photo editing in Lightroom, video editing in Premiere Pro, and 3D modeling in Fusion 360. For me, the combination of CPU, GPU, and RAM handled typical professional tasks without significant hiccups.
Export times are reasonable for 1080p and moderate 4K projects, though very large 4K timelines or GPU-heavy effects will take longer than on newer, more powerful workstations.
Specialized software performance
In CAD and professional apps that leverage certified drivers, the Quadro card gave smoother viewports and consistent performance. If your software benefits from ISV certification, a Quadro is often a more reliable choice than a consumer GPU.
Gaming experience (if you’re curious)
Although it’s a workstation GPU, I ran a few games to see how it performs recreationally. I saw decent performance at 1080p and mixed settings; I wouldn’t expect ultra-settings on modern AAA titles.
If gaming is a priority, consider a dedicated gaming GPU. But if you want a dual-purpose machine for work and casual gaming, this configuration can handle it reasonably well.
Settings and expectations
For the best experience, I adjusted in-game graphics settings to medium or medium-high and targeted 60 FPS. The system handled esports titles and older AAA games smoothly, making it a decent hybrid option.
Expandability and future upgrades
One of the most compelling aspects for me is how upgrade-friendly the Z2 G4 is. There are accessible drive bays, spare PCIe slots, and DIMM slots that let me plan upgrades over time.
If you want to add a faster NVMe drive, more RAM, or a newer GPU, the tower will usually accommodate those changes without much hassle.
Things to keep in mind when upgrading
Before upgrading the GPU or adding power-hungry components, check the power supply wattage and connectors. I found that adding a high-end GPU might require a PSU upgrade, so plan accordingly.
Reliability and maintenance tips
With a renewed machine, I treat initial maintenance as part of the setup. I ran a full disk and memory test, updated firmware, and cleaned any dust. These steps give me peace of mind that the workstation will be reliable.
I also recommend establishing a backup strategy — an external drive or cloud backup — since a failing drive is always a risk over time.
Routine checks I perform
Every few months I check fan operation, storage health (SMART reports), and run Windows updates. This keeps the system stable and extends its usable lifespan.
Pros and cons — my balanced verdict
I like to summarize the key strengths and weaknesses I observed so you can weigh them quickly.
Pros:
- Strong single-core and good multi-core CPU performance for its generation.
- 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD provide a great out-of-the-box experience.
- Quadro P2000 offers stable, professional graphics performance.
- Upgradable, serviceable tower design.
- Windows 11 Pro included, plus keyboard and mouse.
Cons:
- Renewed condition means variance in cosmetic wear and potential need for initial maintenance.
- No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth included, so you must add connectivity if you need it.
- Not the latest-generation CPU or GPU; heavier modern workloads will benefit from newer hardware.
- GPU memory (5GB) limits very large GPU workloads or high-res textures in some modern workflows.
Who this machine is best for
I would recommend this workstation to professionals who need a reliable desktop for CAD, content creation, software development, or general productivity without requiring bleeding-edge hardware. It’s especially attractive if you value stability, serviceability, and a strong price-to-performance ratio.
If you’re a gamer looking to run the latest AAA titles at max settings, or a content creator who needs the absolute fastest render times, you might prefer a newer configuration or a GPU with more VRAM.
Use cases where it shines
This machine performs well for photo editing, moderate video editing, 3D modeling for mid-sized projects, office productivity, and software development tasks. It’s a solid workhorse for small studios or home offices.
Price and value considerations
Because it’s renewed, the price is typically lower than a new equivalent system. I evaluated whether the savings justify buying last-generation hardware, and for many users the answer is yes — especially if you don’t need the latest core counts or GPU power.
I always suggest factoring in potential small upgrades: adding a Wi-Fi card, possibly additional storage, or a GPU/PSU upgrade down the line.
Should you buy refurbished?
If you’re comfortable with a renewed product and confirm warranty/return terms, buying refurbished is often a smart financial decision. Just be thorough with initial testing and document any issues early to take advantage of return policies.
Final thoughts and recommendation
I found the HP Z2 G4 Tower Workstation Desktop | Core i7-8700 – 1TB SSD Hard Drive – 32GB RAM – Nvidia Quadro P2000 | 6 cores @ 4.6 GHz – 5GB GDDR5 Win 11 Pro (Renewed) to be a practical, capable workstation for many professionals. It strikes a good balance between performance, upgradeability, and cost.
If I were buying for a small studio, freelance creative work, or an engineering workstation on a budget, I’d seriously consider this configuration — especially if the seller provides a reliable return window and warranty. If you need the most current CPU/GPU performance or built-in wireless connectivity, plan for those as additional purchases.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
