Best Pick

HP Z2 G1i Black 2026

85.9 Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 32GB RAM 1TB NVIDIA RTX A1000 sff
Why we recommend this

Packing a 20-core Intel Core Ultra 7 265 and an NVIDIA RTX A1000 with 8GB VRAM into a compact chassis, this workstation delivers full-tower power for 3D design and ray tracing without dominating your desk. The Intel W880 chipset and 32GB of DDR5 memory provide strong expansion capability, while the small form factor keeps it unobtrusive in space-constrained environments. It’s best for engineers and CAD designers who need ISV-certified reliability and a professional GPU in a desk-friendly footprint.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

HP Z1 G1i 2026

85.7 Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 265 32GB RAM 1TB AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT Workstation
Why we recommend this

The HP Z1 G1i pairs an Intel Core Ultra 7 20-core processor with an AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB GPU, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD, handling multitasking and graphics-heavy workloads efficiently. Its ISV certifications for AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS, plus tool-less upgradeability, suit long-term professional use, though the mid-tower design limits portability. Best for mechanical engineers and CAD designers running complex 3D models or simulation tasks demanding certified workstation stability.

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HP Z2 G1i Black 2025

84.4 Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 265 64GB RAM 2TB Intel Graphics sff
Why we recommend this

Delivering tower-class performance in a space-saving small form factor, this workstation packs a 20-core Intel Core Ultra 7 265 CPU, 64GB of DDR5 RAM, and a dual-drive setup (1TB SSD + 1TB HDD). Its Intel W880 chipset and NPU enable AI-enhanced workflows, while HP Wolf Pro Security provides hardware-enforced defense out of the box. Best suited for developers and business professionals running intensive, multi-threaded applications who prioritize desk space and security over discrete graphics performance.

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HP EliteDesk 8 G1i Jack Black

84.1 Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 265 32GB RAM 1TB Intel Graphics Tower
Why we recommend this

The Intel Core Ultra 7 265 with vPro and Intel Q870 chipset enables AI-accelerated multitasking in a durable mid-tower chassis. 32GB DDR5, a 1TB NVMe SSD, and nine USB-A ports provide ample expandability for peripherals and future upgrades. This desktop best serves small to medium businesses and home offices needing managed security and productivity, as its integrated graphics cannot handle gaming.

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HP Z2 Tower G1i

82.7 Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 265 32GB RAM 1TB Intel Graphics mid-tower
Why we recommend this

The Intel Core Ultra 7 265 20-core processor and 32GB of upgradeable 5600 MHz DDR5 RAM provide strong multi-threaded performance for modeling and simulation. Its mid-tower design offers extensive connectivity with 11 total USB ports and dual DisplayPort 1.4 outputs, plus tool-less access for easy upgrades. This workstation is best for developers and business users running single and multi-threaded professional applications who do not require a discrete GPU.

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HP Z1 Tower G1i Black

82.7 Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 265 64GB RAM 1TB Intel Integrated Workstation
Why we recommend this

The Intel Core Ultra 7 265 20-core processor and 64GB of fast 5600 MHz DDR5 RAM provide substantial compute power for demanding multi-threaded tasks. Its ISV-certified design and 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD ensure reliable, pro-app compatibility and rapid data access, with room for high-end GPU upgrades. This tower is best for engineers and designers running certified professional applications who need a stable, expandable platform over gaming performance.

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HP Z2 Mini G1a Jet Black 2025

82.3 Score
Ryzen AI Max Pro 32GB RAM 1TB AMD Radeon 8050S Graphics mini
Why we recommend this

The AMD Ryzen AI MAX PRO 385 processor with 50 TOPS NPU and discrete-like Radeon 8050S Graphics delivers desktop-class performance in a mini PC, enabling local AI acceleration and unified memory that can be dynamically assigned to the GPU. Its internal power supply and rackable chassis support up to 5 units in a 4U rack, while Wi-Fi 7 and triple USB-C provide modern connectivity. This workstation is best for developers and AI professionals who need compact, rack-dense compute with local 50 TOPS NPU for training and inference tasks.

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HP Z2 Mini G1a Jet Black 2025 desktop
Price CA$2,683

HP Z2 Mini G1a Workstation Z2 Mini G1a Jet Black 2026

80.8 Score
AMD Ryzen AI MAX PRO 380 32GB RAM 1TB AMD Radeon 8040S Graphics mini
Why we recommend this

Packing an AMD Ryzen AI MAX PRO 380 6-core processor, 32GB DDR5, and Radeon 8040S Graphics with dedicated AI accelerators, it delivers desktop-class AI performance in a 2.2-liter chassis. Its internal power supply and ISV certifications allow five units to be cleanly racked in 4U, while Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 7 provide robust connectivity. This workstation is best for developers and data scientists running local AI models who need a space-efficient, multi-unit cluster.

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HP Z2 Mini G1a Workstation Z2 Mini G1a Jet Black 2026 desktop
Price CA$2,357

HP Z2 SFF G1i 2026

80 Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 265 32GB RAM 512GB NVIDIA RTX A400 sff
Why we recommend this

Delivering full-tower power in a compact 4.00kg chassis, this workstation stands out with its Intel Core Ultra 7 265 20-core processor and 32GB of DDR5 memory for intensive 3D design and ray tracing. Its re-engineered small form factor provides extensive connectivity via 4x Mini DisplayPort 1.4a outputs, 9x USB-A ports, and robust upgradeability that belies its size. This system is best for CAD designers and architects needing ISV-certified NVIDIA RTX A400 graphics in a space-constrained office.

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HP Z2 Tower G9 Smart BUY Z2 G9 TWR Black 2025

78.9 Score
24 32GB RAM 1TB NVIDIA T1000 mid-tower
Why we recommend this

The 24-core Intel Core i9-14900K processor delivers zero-throttle performance for sustained rendering and simulations, backed by 32GB of DDR5 RAM. Its tool-less chassis and ISV certifications make it a practical, easily expandable foundation for professional workflows, while the front and rear ledges simplify physical handling. This workstation is best for engineers and architects running certified CAD applications who need reliable, upgradeable compute power without gaming-grade graphics.

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HP ProDesk 4 Mini G1i AI

76.5 Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 265T 64GB RAM 1TB Intel Graphics mini
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HP Z2 G9 2024

73.8 Score
Intel Core i9 32GB RAM 1TB Intel UHD Graphics 770 sff
Why we recommend this

Combining a 24-core Intel Core i9-14900, 32GB DDR5, and 1TB SSD in a small form factor, this workstation supports full-height, full-length pro graphics (via dedicated GPU slot) and features tool-less chassis access for easy customization. ISV certifications and HP Wolf Pro Security deliver reliable, enterprise-grade protection, while the front/rear ledges make it easy to relocate without tools. Best for engineers, architects, and CAD users who need a compact, certified powerhouse.

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HP Z2 G9 2024 desktop
Price CA$2,075

HP Elite Mini 800 G9 Black 2023

71.5 Score
Intel Core i7 14700T 16GB RAM 512GB Intel UHD Graphics 770 mini
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HP Elite Mini 800 G9 Black 2023 desktop
Price CA$2,048

HP Elite 805 G9 2023

64.6 Score
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G 16GB RAM 512GB AMD Radeon sff
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HP Elite 805 G9 Elite 805 G9 Small Form Factor 2023

64.5 Score
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G 16GB RAM 512GB AMD Radeon sff
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HP EliteBoard G1a

64.5 Score
AMD Ryzen AI 5 PRO 340 24GB RAM 512GB AMD Radeon 840M aio
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