HP Z2 Z2 G9 2024 Review

With a CPU in the 91st percentile, the Z2 G9 is one of the fastest SFF workstations we've tested for sheer compute. But its integrated graphics are a major bottleneck, with a gaming score of just 15.8 out of 100. If you need CPU performance above all else and won't miss a dedicated GPU, it's a solid buy, but everyone else should look elsewhere.

The HP Z2 G9 SFF is built around one clear strength: its processor. The 20-core Intel Core i7-14700K sits in the 91st percentile of our database, making this little box an absolute monster for CPU-bound tasks like compiling code, crunching data, or running multiple VMs. Paired with 32GB of DDR5 RAM (76th percentile) and a speedy 1TB NVMe SSD (73rd percentile), the core specs are solid for a serious workstation. The port selection is also outstanding, landing in the 88th percentile, with 10 USB-A, one USB-C with DisplayPort and power delivery, and Ethernet. It's a connectivity powerhouse in a compact chassis.

But that power comes with a glaring blind spot. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 is weak, scoring in the 32nd percentile, and the overall gaming fitness sits at a dismal 15.8 out of 100. This machine wasn't built for visuals. It's a CPU-first workhorse designed for offices and professional number-crunching, and on that front it delivers. Just don't expect it to do anything graphically intensive without a dedicated GPU, and the 450W power supply in this SFF case severely limits your upgrade options.

Under the hood, the i7-14700K with its 8 performance cores and 12 efficiency cores tears through multi-threaded workloads. In our database, it outperforms over 90% of all desktops, putting it at the absolute best right now for raw CPU muscle in a small form factor. The 32GB of DDR5-5600 keeps everything snappy, and the 1TB NVMe SSD offers fast boots and load times, though it's about average for storage rankings. For tasks like 3D rendering on the CPU, software development, or heavy Excel modeling, this machine is a standout.

Graphics are where things fall apart. The UHD Graphics 770 is an integrated solution that lags behind most configurations, falling into the bottom third of our database. You won't be doing any real-time ray tracing or even light gaming unless you drop settings to potato quality. For display output and desktop use, it's fine, but that's the ceiling. The generous port array is a saving grace for multi-monitor productivity, even if the pixels are pushed by a weak engine.

The price spread on this machine is ridiculous. One retailer lists it at $1,896 on Newegg, while another absurdly asks $412,275. If you can grab it at the lower end, you're getting a top-tier CPU and solid RAM/storage combo for a reasonable price, especially for business or office use where reliability matters. But the integrated graphics mean you're not getting a well-rounded system. For the same money, many competitors throw in a dedicated GPU, making the Z2 G9 feel incomplete if you ever need visual horsepower. The real value is in the CPU and form factor, but only if you know you'll never touch a game or GPU-accelerated app.

Stacked against rivals, the Z2 G9 is a specialist. The ASUS ROG GM700TZ and Lenovo Legion Tower 5i Gen 10 both come with dedicated graphics cards that demolish the HP in gaming and GPU tasks, making them vastly better all-rounders. Even the Apple Mac mini M4 with its integrated GPU runs circles around the UHD 770, while sipping power and taking up even less space. The Dell XPS desktop offers a more balanced experience for home users. However, none of these match the Z2 G9's pure CPU throughput in such a small box. If your workflow revolves solely around CPU compute, this HP is the one to beat. For everyone else, the competition offers a more versatile package.

Anyone who needs even basic GPU performance should walk away. The integrated graphics score in the 32nd percentile means this machine chokes on anything beyond desktop compositing. Gamers, 3D modelers, video editors, or even those wanting a snappier UI in creative apps will find it frustrating. The 450W PSU and small form factor also wall off meaningful GPU upgrades, so you're stuck. If you occasionally fire up a game or work with GPU-accelerated software, spend your money on a system with a dedicated card, even a low-end one, instead of this CPU-focused oddball.

The HP Z2 G9 SFF is a CPU powerhouse in a tidy package, and if that's exactly what you need, it's a leading choice. The i7-14700K, 32GB of DDR5, and excellent port selection make it a reliable desk companion for developers, analysts, and IT pros. But the integrated graphics are a real letdown, dragging down the overall value if you do anything beyond spreadsheets and code. At $1,896 from a reputable vendor like Newegg, it's a fair deal for the raw compute alone. Just know you're buying a one-trick pony, and it's a pony that refuses to gallop near anything graphical.