Palo Alto, Calif. - HP unveiled
the HP Z Workstation series, described as a reinvention of the product category from
the core outward that offers customers performance, value,
and serviceability in a sleek new design. The HP Z800, HP Z600,
and HP Z400 Workstations incorporate more than 20 HP design
innovations, including a self-checking power supply, and the new Intel Xeon processor, says a representative.
HP’s engineering investment in the Z line already is paying off for customers such as Schlumberger, which reports it is realizing step-change performance improvements ranging from 300 to 500 percent on its flagship engineering applications.
HP workstations are used by demanding power users in industries such as graphic arts, broadcast, computer-aided design (CAD), engineering, medical imaging, finance, and oil and gas exploration. Companies use HP workstations to design everything from running shoes to race cars, animated characters to deep-sea submersibles, and to manage everything from billions of dollars of tradable securities to mission-critical IT environments, says a representative.
The interior of the Z line offers a modular design, in which components slide neatly into place in a cable-less environment for optimal serviceability. On the outside, the Z line features a streamlined brushed-aluminum exterior inspired by automotive and industrial design leader BMW Group Designworks USA.
HP also debuted HP SkyRoom technology, a professional-quality visual collaboration and conferencing solution. HP SkyRoom is built on the company’s video and imaging engines. HP SkyRoom is currently in beta testing with customers around the world.
The new HP Z Workstations offer next-generation Intel Xeon processor 5500 series with integrated memory controllers and Intel Turbo Boost Technology along with a new lineup of professional graphics solutions, built-in high-definition (HD) audio, and an option for solid-state drives.
The HP Z800 Workstation is HP’s most powerful and expandable workstation for users working with applications, such as 3D animation, broadcast video, oil and gas discovery, and medical imaging. The HP Z800 has an all-new brushed aluminum industrial design with the modular internal design. The quad-core HP Z800 taps the Intel QuickPath Technology to offer the most sophisticated input/output performance in any application scenario. It also comes with a liquid-cooling option.
The HP Z600 Workstation is designed with the environment in mind, offering high performance in a compact size for professionals in industries such as video production, finance, and midrange CAD. Featuring the same brushed aluminum exterior, internal modular design, and serviceability as the HP Z800 Workstation, the HP Z600 Workstation can accommodate up to eight displays.
The HP Z400 Workstation is a best-in-class, entry-level workstation, offering top Intel processor performance at affordable prices for professionals working in video editing, photography, design, and engineering. The HP Z400 is the first single-socket workstation based on the Next-Generation Intel Microarchitecture (Nehalem) and can be built with the latest Intel Xeon processors. The HP Z400 Workstation also comes with a liquid-cooling option.
The new HP Z Workstation series is expected to be available worldwide starting April 6. U.S. pricing starts at $1999 for the HP Z800 Workstation; $1679 for the HP Z600 Workstation; and $969 for the HP Z400 Workstation.