HP Z2 Tower G1i

The HP Z2 Tower G1i is a CPU powerhouse with a best-in-class port selection, perfect for multi-threaded professional work. The integrated graphics are a letdown, so budget for a dedicated GPU. If you find it near the $2,000 mark, it's a solid foundation for a serious, upgradeable workstation.

The Core Ultra 7 265 is the star here, landing in the 89th percentile for CPU performance in our database. It's a multi-core beast that handles complex simulations and code compilation with ease. The 32GB of DDR5 running at 5600 MHz is snappy and well above average, giving you plenty of headroom for large datasets. Storage is a solid PCIe 4.0 drive that's middle of the pack for speed, but perfectly adequate for a work machine. The real bottleneck is the integrated graphics, which sit at a mediocre 45th percentile. It'll handle your desktop and basic apps, but don't expect to do any serious GPU rendering or even light gaming on the side without a dedicated card.

Stacked against something like the Apple Mac Studio M4 Max, the HP takes a very different approach. The Mac Studio is a compact, power-efficient unit with a monster integrated GPU that smokes this HP's graphics. But the Z2 Tower wins on internal expandability and raw CPU multi-threading for certain Windows-based workflows. Compared to gamer-focused rigs like the ASUS ROG GM700TZ or CLX SET, those machines will obliterate the HP in any graphics test thanks to their dedicated GPUs, but they often lack the ISV certifications and ECC memory support that make a true workstation like this HP appealing for engineering firms. The Lenovo Legion 34IAS10 is a similar story, it's a gaming PC in a suit, while the HP is a workstation through and through.

Pricing on this thing is all over the map. We're seeing it listed anywhere from a sensible $1,959 to a laughable $570,876, which has to be a data error. At the low end, you're getting a very capable CPU, plenty of RAM, and a solid foundation for a serious workstation. Just know that the true cost includes budgeting for a dedicated GPU if your work demands it. If you can snag it near that $2,000 mark, it's a fair deal for the core specs and build quality. If you're seeing it for five figures, close the tab and build your own.

HP's Z2 Tower G1i is a no-nonsense workstation built for professionals who need reliable, multi-threaded muscle without the flashy gamer aesthetic. It packs Intel's new Core Ultra 7 265, a 20-core chip that chews through rendering and simulation tasks, paired with 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM. The port selection is genuinely impressive, with a mix of Thunderbolt, USB-C, and a pile of USB-A ports that'll handle any legacy gear you throw at it.

But let's be real about the graphics. The integrated Intel Graphics are fine for driving displays and basic visualization, but this machine is crying out for a dedicated GPU. HP designed the chassis to support high-end cards, and you'll absolutely need to add one if 3D modeling or any GPU compute is on your to-do list. As configured, it's a CPU powerhouse waiting for its visual partner.

If you're a video editor, 3D artist, or anyone whose daily workflow leans heavily on the GPU, skip this configuration. The integrated graphics will choke on anything beyond basic display tasks. You'd be better off with a system that has a dedicated NVIDIA RTX card from the start, or even an Apple Mac Studio if you're open to macOS.

The HP Z2 Tower G1i is a purpose-built tool for engineers, developers, and data scientists who live in CPU-heavy applications. It's a fantastic foundation with a top-tier processor, loads of fast RAM, and a port selection that puts most desktops to shame. Just go into it with your eyes open: you are buying a project. Factor in the cost of a dedicated NVIDIA RTX card for the full experience, and you'll have a machine that can handle serious work for years. If you need a turnkey solution with great graphics out of the box, this isn't it.