HP TECH TAKES /...
Exploring today's technology for tomorrow's possibilities
Subscribe
Optimising Your HP ZBook for High-End Graphic Design Work
Jamie Finch
|
February 7, 2024
Graphic design software is as advanced as ever, giving designers access to powerful tools that help them work effectively. However, while this software excels at graphics-related work, it also requires a lot of computing power to get the best results.
HP has created the ZBook laptop range to offer the power that graphics designers need, and this article takes a close look at what the mobile workstation has to offer.
Introducing the HP ZBook
The HP ZBook series is known for its powerful mobile workstations with advanced processing power. The ZBook laptop range offers advanced processing power, while you will also find high-end hardware suitable for high-end graphics design work.
While this range is ideal for creative professionals, its processing power makes it a good choice for business people. This range’s powerful graphics also make the ZBook popular with gamers.
Why the ZBook is good for graphics design?
The HP ZBook range is a good laptop for graphic design for numerous reasons, including:
Impressive display resolution
The HP ZBook range comes with high-quality displays that offer accurate, detailed images. For example, the HP ZBook Firefly G10 16-inch Mobile Workstation offers a 16-inch Wide Ultra Extended Graphics Array (WUXGA) display that can reproduce images with stunning accuracy.
This machine is powered by an Intel® Core™ i5 or Intel Core i7 central processor unit (CPU). Other options include 512GB or 1TB solid-state drive (SSD) storage, and 16GB or 32GB of RAM. You also have a choice between an Intel Iris® Xe Graphics graphic processor unit (GPU) and an NVIDIA® RTX™ A500 (4GB).
Another appealing feature of this portable workstation is the long battery life. If you get caught short on battery, HP Fast Charge lets you charge up to 50% of your battery in about 30 minutes. The spill-resistant keyboard helps prevent damage to your machine, while this model also offers a variety of the latest security features.
This portable workstation also uses a quality 5MP HD IR Camera, ideal for remote workers. Dual speakers and microphones ensure communicating with others is as easy as possible.
Plenty of storage
Graphic designers need plenty of storage for sophisticated software and other files. If you need a graphic design laptop with plenty of storage, then the HP ZBook Fury G10 16-inch Mobile Workstation comes with 1TB SSD storage or 2TB SSD plus 512GB SSD storage, offering all the capacity most people could need.
This model also uses an Intel Core i7 or Intel Core i9 CPU, giving you the power to work through complex tasks. You can also choose between three GPUs: The NVIDIA RTX A2000 (8GB), the NVIDIA RTX 3500 Ada Generation Laptop GPU (12GB GDDR6 dedicated) or the NVIDIA 4000 (12GB). This model also lets you choose between the WUXGA or Wide Quad Ultra (WQUXGA) display ratio.
This machine also uses HP’s Z Turbo Drive high-speed storage technology, ensuring you get speedy performance from your machine. The spill-resistant keyboard is also great for remote workers, and you will find some of the latest security technology available.
Portability
Portability is another key requirement for professionals in all fields, making the HP ZBook laptop range an excellent option for working in the field or at home.
For example, the HP ZBook Power G10 15.6-inch Mobile Workstation is a petite model weighing just 2 kg, making it easy to carry. Other useful features for remote workers include the 5MP IR camera with dual microphones and speakers that ensure easy communication. A spill-resistant keyboard also makes this model a good option for those who need an easy-to-carry but durable mobile workstation.
Component options include an AMD Ryzen™ 7 PRO or an AMD Ryzen 9 PRO, and you can choose between 16GB or 32GB RAM. This model also lets you choose between an NVIDIA RTX A1000 (6GB) or an NVIDIA 2000 (8GB) GPU.
Powerful CPUs
The central processing unit (CPU) collects data from all components, often completing vast calculations almost instantly.
If you need a machine with plenty of processing power, then the HP ZBook Studio G10 16-inch could be a solid choice. This machine lets you choose between an Intel Core i7 or an Intel Core i9 CPU, while you can also choose from 16GB or 32GB RAM. Other options include an NVIDIA RTX A1000 (6GB) or an NVIDIA 2000 (8GB) GPU.
Another key feature of this model is the state-of-the-art security features that help keep your sensitive data safe from a wide range of threats. For example, HP Sure Start involves a self-healing BIOS that protects against attacks.
Powerful GPUs
The GPU is responsible for receiving raw data and transforming it into images on your screen. The task requires vast computing power, making GPUs among the most advanced components in many machines. If you need a powerful GPU, you will also need a powerful CPU and other components like plenty of SSD and RAM.
Graphic designers typically need access to advanced imagery they can manipulate as they like, making a powerful GPU necessary. The HP ZBook laptop range includes models with high-end graphics cards supported by equally powerful components. It is usually best to check which hardware meets your required software needs to ensure you invest in a machine that delivers what you need.
Optimising your HP ZBook
Which hardware you use has a considerable impact on your machine’s performance, but it’s not the only factor. For example, you will also need to optimise your machine so the components work as you need them to, enhancing overall performance.
Below are some of the most common HP ZBook optimisation settings that can enhance your machine’s performance:
Adjust software settings
One of the most common ways of optimising your machine is to adjust software settings so your GPU and CPU are not overloaded. For example, most games allow you to adjust the graphics quality, letting you play some titles by making the game less resource-demanding.
This option will mean you can’t take advantage of the stunning visuals of the latest gaming titles and will be unsuitable for many creative professionals. However, this approach does give more people on a tighter budget access to the latest games.
Adjust component settings
Many components come with a built-in buffer that prevents damage caused by pushing the hardware too hard. Some people adjust these limits to help them get more from their computer components.
For example, over-clocking adjusts built-in limits so your CPU can work harder, making your machine faster overall. While this approach can be very effective at getting more from a computer, it also raises the risk of permanently damaging your machine. You are also likely to find that overclocking voids any warranties, so you should only try to use it if you are confident you know how to do so safely.
Computer optimisation platforms
Numerous platforms can optimise your machine for you, often at the touch of a button. For example, the OMEN Gaming Hub will close down unneeded processes when you start a game, leaving more resources for the performance you need.
The OMEN Gaming Hub also helps gamers adjust RGB lighting for impressive aesthetics and functionality. The hub also provides a single place to find all your games. Another appealing feature is the network booster, which helps to ensure a fast and stable internet connection.
Cleaning and maintenance
Keeping a graphic design laptop clean and maintained will have a significant impact on its performance. For example, files accumulate over time, giving your machine more data to work through and hampering its performance.
Physically cleaning your laptop will also help to keep it performing as well as possible. For example, dust can build up quickly, potentially blocking fans and causing your machine to overheat. As such, it’s a good idea to give your machine a thorough cleaning occasionally, though be careful not to break the delicate hardware.
Summary
The HP ZBook range includes several laptops for graphic design, while the range is also suitable for other tasks.
With a focus on graphics, the ZBook range typically offers high-quality graphics that will let you work with in-depth images on the most sophisticated graphic design software. This ability is provided thanks to high-resolution displays, powerful GPUs and supporting CPUs.
In addition to high-end graphics, the ZBook range includes other features that help make it appealing to high-end graphic designers. For example, lightweight models are easy to carry, while their powerful workstations have high-end cameras and audio that make communicating with others an ease.
