HP ZBook Studio G3 Owner's Review

Hi guys

I got a refurbished Zbook Studio from woot.com recently(6700hq+16G+512G+1080P). The laptop is great. But the battery life is a little disappointing. The battery can only last for about four hours.

My use case: Chrome(YouTube occasionally) + Office + pdf viewing + OneDrive/Dropbox

According to notebookcheck's review, Dell XPS 15 with a similar configuration(6300hq+8G+1T HDD, HDD needs more power than SDD but maybe i5 needs less than i7) and smaller battery(56Wh) can last for about 6.5 hours. I hope I could get a similar battery life...

 

Wow! I spent way too many hours trying to fix my Zbook Studio and only learned this week about the Samsung 950 Pro issues! I tried every BCD fix in the world due to the winload.efi 225 error that occurred when trying to upgrade or boot into recovery.

Initial install was fine and the computer always booted. Performance was great, but when the first Windows 10 update came out I ran into problems upgrading. I just got a 2TB Samsung 960 pro and was able to use Acronis to copy my 950 over to the 960 and BOOM! Recovery and updates work now, so the 960 is supported.

I can't imagine why this isn't posted all over the internet. I found a few threads but since I was primarily searching for winload.efi and bcd stuff I didn't happen to see anything. It's also crazy that the drive seemed fine until it was time to upgrade.

What's unfortunate is that I had hoped to use my 950 as a boot drive and the 960 as data, but that's not possible since HP and/or Samsung failed on 950 compatibility.

 

Hey,

I just stumbled upon your posts. Can somebody elaborate on the noise/temperatures of the Studio G3? I've been looking at the DreamColor Quattro M1000M configuration for some hours now but am heavily concerned about the noise...

Is there some possibility to deactivate dedicated GPU or underclock the CPU to omit the noise level? I usually don't need so much power but the DreamColor display and the tons of connections (including TB3) looks really promising to me.

Cheers,
Thomas

 

I do not believe the dGPU can be deactivated with the Dreamcolor system. The only options are "Discrete" (required for DreamColor to work) and "Hybrid". With a non-DC system, you can disable the dGPU and use an "Integrated" graphics mode.

 

Yeah, the battery is disappointing. Battery is rated as 64Whr, but mine with 50 cycles have 56Whr... Also, there is lots of free space available to increase battery capacity, but who cares in HP what battery should have $2k+ workstation laptop nowadays... Seems like only Dell cares about that. Their new refreshed lineup comes with 97Whr and Kaby Lake - so sweet. But despite battery and speakers, i really like my Studio. I wish, HP will listen to their customers and make Studio G4 even better.

 

Wow that really sucks if it's true that they physically stopped the support of other NVMe SSDs (and maybe even RAM? Probably not, just have same DDR4 and speed spec and it should be fine). However, I think HP specifically blocked the 950 Pro due to the issues people had with it previously.

Has anyone used the 960 Pro and how is it?

 

Hi, I'm considering buying G4 model and I have a few questions regarding G3 model (I guess it's very similar to the G4):
- Can the laptop be charged via Thunderbolt3 ports?
- Do I need to get model with discrete graphics in order to get DreamColor display and keep that discrete graphics always enabled? I don't need discrete graphics and would prefer to go with the Intel integrated graphic.
- Does the laptop support Nvidia Optimus?
- Does the laptop have coil whine issue?

 

G4 can optionally have 92 Wh Li-ion polymer battery http://store.hp.com/wcsstore/hpusstore/pdf/HP_ZBook_Studio_G4_MWS.pdf

 

From what I understand on the G3: Yes, DreamColor requires the NVIDIA graphics chip. If you want DreamColor enabled, you must be discrete-only, and cannot use the Intel or Optimus modes. The BIOS lets you switch to disable the discrete graphics, but then you won't get the full DreamColor experience. I don't know if they've made any changes with the G4 in this regard.

 

Very glad to find a dedicated user's thread about this laptop. I have been looking for a laptop for mobile Photoshop/Lightroom uses. Previously was looking for MacBookPro and Dell Precision 5520/XPS15. Well this offer comes up with Studio G4 with FHD at 2K price. From the spec it looks promising but...I am held back by its rather mediocre review from NotebookCheck.net esp concerning the poor battery performance and dim FHD display. Can any of our precious users give me any more encouraging advices?

 

Which review are you referring to? My Zbook Studio G3 gets pretty good (6 to 7 hours at idle) battery life but I use a SATA SSD + FHD display and have no dedicated (Quadro) graphics. I think the standard review model is usually a high end spec so its typically going to get bad battery life.

As far as the display goes HP uses many different panel brands. My model came with an LG IPS panel which is pretty bright, but not as bright as the Dreamcolor (UHD) panel. I have also heard of HP using AUO and Samsung panels with similar specs (AHVA or PLS). However its a random chance what you get depending on what HP has on hand at the time.

 

There are only a few reviews....and the latest one is from laptop mag . Never mind, I placed my order without even going to see one. My Zbook Studio G4 will arrive before September.

Sent from my LG-H990 using Tapatalk

 

Finally got mine. It is much heavier than I thought and build quality is very good indeed

 

Hello,

I'm about to buy a 2nd hand zbook studio G3, how to check if the display is LG, Samsung.. ?
Thanks

 

Hello,
another question : it seems difficult to find spare batteries.
Do you think HP will continue producing and selling them in the future ?

Thanks

 

Hi there...

New owner of zbook studio g3 here... Could any1 share any sturdy bag recommendation for this beast perhaps?

Thanks in advance...

Sent from my MIX using Tapatalk

 

I use a Case Logic SLR Camera Backpack:

https://www.caselogic.com/en-us/us/products/camera/backpacks/slr-camera-backpack-_-dcb_-_309_-_black

It fits both the Zbook Studio G3 and Zbook 15 G3 perfect. Most of the time I am just carrying my EOS-M and extra computer junk, but it does fit my friend's 5d mk ii with a couple of lenses just fine. Its great for both walking and riding, and so far the sewing has held up to pretty good use over the last year and a half I have owned it.

 

anyone here managed to get a 94wh (907584-852) battery? apparently it comes with the G4. I am trying to replace my battery but doesn't seem to be able to find anywhere selling it.

 

In Zbook studio G3 standard display is IPS/UWVA (not DreamColor, but there is also - G3 - UHD, not DC), the display is SHP1445, but when we read the review about ZBook Studio G4 with DC we can see:

"Our test model is equipped with the DreamColor option, which promises very good results for the color accuracy and color gamut. We were a bit surprised that the panel is actually the exact same model from Sharp (SHP1445) that we already know from the Studio G3, which lacked the DreamColor addition.
The only difference between the two options is probably just the DreamColor tool with different color profiles."

So we can suppose that both in DC and non-DC (4K) is the same display, but only one difference is device Dreamcolor with the different color profile.

Colors mainly green DC and in IPS is at some point different so how to understand this?

Hard to find sth that will explain it but we can see this:

"The HP DreamColor technology for displays and mobile workstations provides an RGB LED backlight that allows the display to be precisely calibrated to the specific color temperature required for print without reducing the range of colors that can be displayed onscreen."

so the main point is physical RGB backlight, so how it has to mention above the same display in DC model and also without it.

The new QuickSpecs don't help and wrote some stupidity.

 

sounds silly but anyone here running with throttlestop? Is your zbook studio TDP reduce to 35w ish? I have a E3-1545m but my CPU with 1 thread on prime95 does 3.6Ghz and and 3 threads does 2.5Ghz.

I have another laptop, zbook 15, i7-6820HQ, and I ran some basic benchmark that came with throttlestop.

6820HQ 2.7-3.6Ghz 1545m 2.9-3.8Ghz 4940mx
1 thread 50s 57s 40s
2 thread 24s 28s 20s
4 thread 12s 15s 11s
8 thread 7s 9s 6s

ironically zbook G2 is faster than both G3 by 20%

if that's the case you basically can run the cheapest CPU and still being on par with the fastest xeon CPU. anyone realizes that?

intel ark says 2.9 - 3.8Ghz but zbook's firmware only allows you to run approx. 2.5 - 3.6Ghz.

no it's not heat related. CPU temps are 55C max at any core when running prime95 max heat.
I swapped the thermal paste and replaced/added thermal pads. but don't see any improvement.

 

I'm using Ogio Gambit 17 which fits perfectly.

 

Waow, thats a big one...

Looking for a not too bulky one but sturdy/shockproof enough for daily/business travels..



Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

after having this for while now, does any1 ever tried to fit a regular 2.5" SATA SSD into this lappy perhaps?

or can any1 share their experience whether there is a Slot for it or not

1 more question:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kingston-V...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

does this so-dimm works for pairing with the original 16gb so-dimm that came with the lappy in the first place...

 

anybody?

 

Hello,

Bought a new Zbook studio g3 (base model 6700hq) 4 days ago.
Wondering if some had these issues.
Sometimes screen flickers (from backlit up panel to just white panel with lines), after sleep or when started up.
First i thought it had something to do with sleepmode/hibernation, but not the case.
1 Time screen just didn't start only backlit ,had to start up 2 times.
When i close the screen i hear and feel a click in the screen (slightly past the vertical up position), seems to come from right hinge, but feel it through the screen backplate.

Windows 10 all new drivers for hardware and graphics cards (intel and quadro).

Keyboard has ones stoped working for 2 mins.

This all in about 8 hours of usage.

Is this normal?

Was a Lenovo boy (thinkpad), switched because of lack of service (repair), but not used to this.

Recommendations?

 

ZBook Studio G3 owner here, I've had mine for about a year and haven't used it much because of work providing me a T480 fully specced out (8650u, 32gb RAM, 512gb SSD, MX150).

Some notes I have learned:

• on occasion, the audio may stop working (?) completely. Fix this by resetting the BIOS settings.
• YOU CAN DOWNGRADE THE 4K IPS PANEL, it makes a huge difference with battery life. You must remove the extra brackets for the UHD screen and replace the display cable with a 30-pin eDP. This uses the same part number for both kinds of cables--don't be worried if it says it is for another model. As long as the cable's model number matches, you are fine. This only cost me $85 total including cable. Cable is the APW5U, which is used by many other HP devices. It must be the 30-pin for 1080p. When replacing the display, make sure to unplug the battery and, be careful to unplug the touch controller (that little card below the display) as well.
• The Dock does NOT play nice with the M1000M on occasion, causing stuttering in Edge specifically.
• eGPU works perfectly, however, you should use an AMD GPU so as to not conflict with the M1000M, or, use a Quadro if you intend to use NVidia graphics.
• Disabling the internal GPU basically multiplies battery life. 10-20% performance hit for external, have not tried internal.
• The secondary SSD slot is actually the primary in BIOS. Both can take SATA or NVMe.
• The 92wh ZBook Studio G4 battery is fully compatible with the G3, and it has also been confirmed by some HP KBs that regard that the second SSD slot becomes inaccessible if the battery is upgraded.
• I have been able to undervolt the 6700hq by -.140 volts, up to -.165 (unstable), which adds about 30 to 45min battery life.
• The Thunderbolt 3 HP dock can pass through the port to an eGPU enclosure. my Akitio Node works perfectly with the set. There is no boot image because as far as I know, no UEFI firmware can auto-detect the UEFI GOP of the external enclosure.
• Bitlocker recovery will be invoked if you power on the laptop with the dock plugged in or vice versa when BL is set up in the other condition. This may be disabled through Bitlocker/group policy but it really isn't worth the hassle.
• The maximum RAM I have found is 32GB, which is my machine. I have not attempted 64GB as the 32GB modules are cost-prohibitive, but likely it would work.
• There is absolutely no way to get this laptop to charge over USB-C. I have not tried 120/135w chargers.
• I have been unable to get Windows 7 to play nicely with the NVMe SSD, however, it isn't really necessary to use it.
• Linux HATES the M1000M, even with drivers. Disable it if you intend to use Linux, or just use VMWare Workstation.
• Core Isolation memory protection (hypervisor kernel) mode in Windows does work provided you install Hyper-V, on this machine.

 

So for those talking about a 2.5" drive, it's not going to happen. There's a space that could hold one, but there is no bracket to hold it, and the header for the cable is not soldered to the board.

The secondary (actually primary) M.2 slot can hold a 22110 (110mm) drive, though there's no way to screw it in.

If the touchpad starts getting more difficult to click, the battery is beginning to bulge and should be replaced.

I didn't have that issue. Actually, the GPU and touchpad are two things that seem to work better in linux than windows. I've been able to set mine up with bumblebee so that optimus works. Been running Debian Sid on it for over a year now, without any real issues.


Now, as for things that bug me about this laptop, the touchpad in windows is a big one. Palm detection doesn't work well, so you need to disable tap to click. But the click function of the touchpad is also broken in a couple ways. For one, the touchpad hinges from the top, and the button is at the bottom, so this means the top half of the touchpad either isn't clickable, or takes a huge amount of force to click. As you're trying to apply that force, the cursor doesn't stop moving, so you end up clicking away from where you were trying to click. Then, the zone for the right click takes up 1/3 of the vertical space. Since you can only click in the bottom 1/2 of the touchpad, left click is suddenly a very small region in bottom left of this enormous pad, which, if you're right-handed, means moving your hand waaaay to the left of the center of the laptop to click. As someone who's owned Elitebooks and Zbooks before, this is a huge annoyance. They all used to have physical buttons, but they gave it up for aesthetics here.

Another place they prioritized form over function is the thermal design. I haven't seen any review mention this, but the GPU in this thing starts throttling at 70c, and continues to throttle harder and harder until the GPU drops from 1250mhz / 2500mhz base/mem clocks down to 405mhz / 405mhz, dropping performance to worse than the iGPU. When the GPU is enabled and idling, doing nothing, it reaches 65c. Throttling at 70c is absurd.

When it starts throttling, the fan never reaches above 65% speed. In fact, the fans on this thing NEVER run full speed, even when the CPU starts throttling at 100c. I get that this is supposed to compete with a macbook, and macbooks are quiet, but this laptop has been crippled to the point the GPU may as well not exist.

All in all, it's a sexy, well built machine, with some huge gaping flaws that aren't present on the big chunky Zbooks like the Zbook 15 and 17.