Photoshop_User_June_2017

> PHOTOSHOP USER

>^ JUNE 2017

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REVIEWS › ›

Company: HP

Price: $1,946.70 (as tested); starting at $694

Rating: 5

Hot: Design; up to 32 GB RAM; up to six moni-

tors; size; price; customizable; very quiet

Not:

Review by Bruce Bicknell

A Mighty Computer in a Small Package

HP Z2 Mini G3

Performance

Workstation

How does the saying go? Mini is mighty? Well, if that’s not a saying

now, it should be with the new HP Z2 Mini G3 Performance Work-

station. I’ve reviewed computers of all sizes and forms from both

sides of the fence (Mac and Windows), but I have to say this one

has totally blown me away. Not only does it have the cool factor,

as it looks like it should be on the desk of a superhero, but it also

has the horsepower and flexibility to rival just about any desktop

(and not just mini form factors)! The ability to hook up six monitors

out of the box is quite a feat for any size box, but it’s even more

impressive considering the small size of the Z2 Mini.

Let’s start with the horsepower and functionality. My test

model is maxed out with an Intel i7-6700, 32 GB (2x16 GB)

of RAM, and a discrete NVIDIA Quadro M620 GPU with 2 GB

of dedicated video RAM. Storage is provided by a 256-GB HP Z

Turbo PCIe SSD and a 1-TB SATA drive that gives more than

enough space for files, and the SSD launches all of the systems

quickly and efficiently. The configuration really allows this

machine to perform, and it’s amazing that they got all of this

into a small package (8.5" on a side, and less than 2.5" high).

This is where it gets even cooler: the number of features HP

packed into such a small box. If you’re like me, I’m always look-

ing for more ports to connect my devices, as well as the ability

to hook up multiple monitors without jumping through tons