HP TECH TAKES /...
Exploring today's technology for tomorrow's possibilities
Subscribe
HP ZBook Fury G9: A Complete Review
Harry Stewart
|
September 28, 2023
Brimming with top-end specs, the HP ZBook Fury G9 is a potent workhorse for professionals with intensive computational needs. Alongside a high-end processor and abundant RAM, this high-octane device has a powerful GPU for rapid rendering on the fly.
That unbridled power plus a sizeable 16-inch screen makes this an enticing option for animators and other professionals seeking a zippy GPU. Whether you’re an engineer, 3D modeller, or video-editing guru, this top-tier device delivers the performance you need.
Wondering if it’s the right option for you? We’ll clarify any lingering doubts in this in-depth HP ZBook Fury G9 review.
Introducing the HP ZBook Fury G9
The Fury G9 is part of HP's ZBook range, an eclectic selection of premium mobile computer workstations designed for business use. Each ZBook product - the Fury, Studio, Power, and Firefly - suits a distinct user profile, from graphic designers to on-the-go workers and budget-minded businesses.
As one of the more premium HP ZBook products, the Fury is famous for its fast and furious GPU. This rapid rendering prowess makes it the go-to option for any professional undertaking graphically intensive tasks.
The G9 tag refers to the 9th generation of this popular workstation product. Released in 2022, the ZBook Fury G9 offers lightning-quick performance for a reasonable price. Users seeking state-of-the-art tech may prefer to pay a premium for the latest ZBook Fury G10 instead.
Top-tier performance
As a premium offering in HP’s most powerful workstation range, the ZBook Fury G9 is no slouch. Expect zippy, silky-smooth performance across a range of intensive apps, even when multi-tasking simultaneous tabs. While the precise specs vary between models, here’s a sample of what to expect:
- Processor: A 12th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 12800HX or i9 12950HX
- RAM: 16GB to 32GB
- Storage: 512GB to 1TB solid-state drive (SSD)
- GPU: NVIDIA® RTX™ A1000 (4GB), RTX A2000 (8GB), or RTX A3000 (12GB)
A sizeable, high-quality display
The ZBook Fury G9 has a spacious 16-inch display, providing plenty of on-screen real estate to fine-tune your 3D creations.
The standard Fury resolution is WUXGA (1920 x 1200), which offers crisp visuals and enhanced clarity. This wide-screen display has 120 more lines of vertical resolution than a Full High Definition (FHD) screen, affording the user a wider field of view.
The Fury’s narrow-bezel in-plane switching (IPS) screen has 400 NITs for optimal brightness. This dazzling illuminated display is a huge boon for visual designers of all types. Plus, an in-built anti-glare coating improves visibility when exposed to sunlight, perfect for outdoor or window-adjacent use.
Premium, boardroom-ready design
As a premium HP business laptop, this high-spec device boasts a sleek, professional aesthetic. The silver-grey aluminium alloy chassis fits seamlessly into any business meeting. Narrow bezels around the screen maximise the display size and add a smooth, understated look. A reflective embossed Z logo on the top cover provides a subtle finishing touch.
Customisations & upgradability
The ZBook Fury G9 is customisable to cater to users with varying budgets and needs. At present, three distinct versions are available to purchase in the HP UK Store.
Upgradability is a notable ZBook Fury G9 benefit. While many premium laptop workstations have limited upgradable components, the Fury lets you swap in new RAM and storage via simplified tool-free access.
High-tech cooling solutions
Keeping a state-of-the-art GPU at a safe operating temperature is an ever-present challenge for every laptop manufacturer. HP has added dual 50 mm fans and a vapour chamber to the ZBook Fury G9, allowing the thermometer to remain stable even under heavy loads.
These internal fans are virtually inaudible during regular use so you can fully focus on your workflows.
Portable computing solution
Starting at 2.39 kg, the HP ZBook Fury G9 is surprisingly light for a 16-inch workstation with a potent GPU. A slimline frame makes it easy to slip the workstation inside a suitably sized laptop bag.
An 8-cell, 95 Wh Li-ion polymer battery gives you enough juice to power through a full workday on a single charge. Thanks to its beefy 230 W AC power adapter, it won’t take long to recharge back to 100%.
In-built security features
Like every premium HP business laptop, the ZBook Fury G9 boasts an impressive selection of high-tech security features. Hardware protection ranges from fingerprint sensors to webcam privacy shutters and HP Tamper Lock.
You also get a range of in-built software security services, from HP Sure Sense to Security Manager and an industry-first self-healing BIOS. Add on a subscription to HP Wolf Security for always-on end-point protection.
Who should buy an HP ZBook Fury G9 (and who shouldn’t)?
Although the HP ZBook Fury G9 has numerous alluring benefits, it’s not necessarily the perfect option for everyone.
Firstly, the Fury is a high-end device catering to specialist users with demanding computational needs. This premium machine is overkill if you only need to respond to emails or punch data into Excel spreadsheets. If that’s the case, aim for a more affordable business laptop with an integrated GPU instead.
The HP ZBook Fury G9 also isn’t the lightest mobile workstation laptop on the market. While 2.39 kg isn’t excessive for a high-performance 16-inch laptop, the ZBook Studio and Firefly workstations weigh significantly less (about 1.7 kg apiece). Consider these alternatives if portability is a primary concern.
With all that in mind, the HP ZBook Fury G9 is the perfect computing solution for many professional users. Anyone requiring reliable, lightning-quick performance and a top-tier GPU will reap the benefits of this high-powered machine.
The HP ZBook Fury G9 is ideal for:
- Engineers
- AutoCAD specialists
- 3D modellers
- Animators
- Video editors
- Machine learning developers
- Architects
- Interior designers
- Scientists
Although not designed for playtime, the HP ZBook Fury G9 also makes for a capable gaming rig. Professionals who adore tackling the latest triple-A (AAA) titles in their spare time might invest in the device.
The best HP ZBook Fury G9 workstations in the UK
We’ve covered the key HP ZBook Fury G9 benefits and examined who could use this cutting-edge device. Now, let’s look at the three options currently available on the HP UK Store.
With models at affordable, mid-range, and premium price points, there’s a suitable HP ZBook Fury G9 for every budget.
HP ZBook Fury 16 G9 (Core i7 & NVIDIA RTX A1000): Best budget
Despite the modest price tag, this HP ZBook Fury G9 has ample grunt to tackle high-intensity workflows. An Intel Core i7 and 16GB RAM provide silky-smooth performance across various demanding apps. Meanwhile, its 4GB NVIDIA RTX A1000 can handle basic-to-moderate 3D workflows with ease.
Visual designers will appreciate the ZBook Fury’s vibrant display. An extra-wide 400 NIT WUXGA screen creates bright, vivid imagery to bring your artistic creations to life.
- Processor: Intel Core i7 12800HX (12th Generation)
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 40.6 cm (16”), WUXGA (1920 x 1200)
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX A1000 (4GB)
HP ZBook Fury G9 (Core i7 & NVIDIA RTX A2000): Best midrange
Need to crank the power up a notch? Then consider this mid-tier variation of the HP ZBook Fury G9 instead.
While the processor remains the same, this model has 32GB of RAM to facilitate stutter-free multi-tasking across several simultaneous apps. You also get 1TB of speedy SSD storage to stash a sizeable file library - feel free to add more via an external drive.
For avid animators, the big drawcard here is the NVIDIA RTX A2000. Boasting 8GB of VRAM, this zippy GPU offers a significant step up for 3D rendering.
- Processor: Intel Core i7 12800HX (12th Generation)
- RAM: 32GB RAM
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 40.6 cm (16”), WUXGA (1920 x 1200)
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX A2000 (8GB)
HP ZBook Fury G9 (Core i9 & NVIDIA RTX A3000): Best premium
Elevate your productivity with this top-of-the-line variation of the HP ZBook Fury G9. Boasting a 12th Generation Intel Core i9 12950HX, a 1TB SSD, and 32GB RAM, this high-end device powers through even the most demanding workflows.
While it’s a substantial step up price-wise, users seeking a potent GPU will see good value in this investment. This model features a lightning-fast NVIDIA RTX A3000 with 12GB of VRAM.
If your day-to-day operations demand next-level processing power and an industry-leading GPU, this high-end workstation is the perfect choice for you.
- Processor: Intel Core i9 12950HX (12th Generation)
- RAM: 32GB RAM
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 40.6 cm (16”), WUXGA (1920 x 1200)
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX A3000 (12GB)
Summary
As one of HP’s best mobile workstations, the ZBook Fury G9 delivers the fast-paced performance you can rely on. High-end Intel Core processors and abundant RAM eliminate sluggish loading times, and slick business-ready aesthetics make it ideal for corporate use.
Excellent in-built security features, a spacious, vibrant display, and advanced cooling solutions complement the high-end specs. But most importantly, this sought-after workstation features a premium NVIDIA RTX to crush those 3D workflows.
Are you considering investing in a ZBook Fury G9 for your business? Revisit our recommendations or see what’s available on the HP UK Store today.
