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    Do all ZBook 15's have ThunderBolt 2.0?

    Discussion in 'HP Business Class Notebooks' started by Slovedon, Aug 14, 2014.

  1. Slovedon

    Slovedon Notebook Guru

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    I'm looking into buying a HP Zbook 15 refurbished, but can't find much info on the TB version. This is very important to me, since I intend to use an external desktop GPU. I talked to some HP reps, one of which told me that they all have TB 1.0 (he seemed poorly informed) and the other told me they all have 2.0... but he didn't seem 100% on that. Perhaps someone here knows better?

    The only thing that worries me is that some ZBooks are labeled ZBook 15-G1 (as seen in the one I'm looking at). I'm guessing this means generation 1, but who knows. Anybody know if there is a difference between those marked "G1" and those that aren't?
     
    Slovedon, Aug 14, 2014
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  2. AvidHiker

    AvidHiker Notebook Enthusiast

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    It's TB 1.0 on all current versions, as far as I know. My model number is F2P51UT; I've never seen any "G" designation.
    I've seen a website review claiming a TB 2.0 upgrade will eventually be made available. Presumably, that would require replacing the expresscard assembly (734287-001), which does not appear to be easily accessible.
     
    AvidHiker, Aug 15, 2014
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  3. win32asmguy

    win32asmguy Moderator Moderator

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    Bios version 1.07 released back in January added support for Thunderbolt 2. It could mean that all of them have the updated chip and the bios just needed support added, or more likely, all machines built after the new year have the new chip.

    I would say if you really want to make sure you get Thunderbolt 2, contact the person running that refurb site and ask if they can check it before they ship it or if you can return it if it doesn't have the newer chip. Otherwise, order a customized model direct from HP so that you know you are going to get the newer chip.
     
    win32asmguy, Aug 15, 2014
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  4. AvidHiker

    AvidHiker Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ah, interesting, any way to confirm the TB version? (I have no TB devices yet)
     
    AvidHiker, Aug 17, 2014
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  5. snn47

    snn47 Notebook Consultant

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    Where did you find the information that TB 2 support came with Bio 1.07? I could notfind anything at HP,

    but TB 2 support is mentioned for both zB 15 & 17 here https://thunderbolttechnology.net/product/hp-zbook-15-mobile-workstation.

    I am looking for an eSATA and USB 3.0 TB controller, however it looks like most are only provided with support for Apple and whats equally bad no information what kind of USB 3.0 (UASP?) and SATA (newer addons to SATA 6.0 GB like power management are supported). From what I found it's not only the HW but the drivers have to be provided too.
     
    snn47, Aug 22, 2014
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  6. win32asmguy

    win32asmguy Moderator Moderator

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    It is in the bios release notes. All of the Zbook 15's and 17's have the Thunderbolt 2 chip. You will need to install the bios upgrade to enable the channel aggregation, or probably the harder part is finding a Thunderbolt 2 device that has support under Windows.
     
    win32asmguy, Aug 22, 2014
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