HP Z2 Mini Update: Xeon-Powered Mini PC To Be Released In December; Threatens to Put Mac Mini To Shame

HP recently introduced its Z2 Mini PC. HP Z2 Mini is a full-powered workstation class computer which it describes is "shorter than a cup of espresso." The latest in the Z-series PC is the smallest yet and will be released to the market in December. It is touted to be the better replacement for Apple's popular Mac Mini.

There are multiple configurations for HP Z2 Mini PC. The top of the line model has an Intel Xeon processor usually used in server-class machines, up to 32GB DDR4 RAM, an NVIDIA Quadro M620 GPU with 2GB VRAM, and HP Z Turbo Drive of up to 1.5TB capacity capable of read speeds over 1GB/s.

Other options for HP Z2 Mini PC include an Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processor. Entry-level price starts at $699, with a Core i3 processor but without a separate graphics processor. It is expected that the Xeon-based Z2 Mini would cost more than double the $699 base figure.

HP Z2 Mini PC boasts three DisplayPort slots and USB-C ports. However, it does not have a VGA or HDMI port. USB-C-to-HDMI cables are available on the market. With the NVIDIA Quadro, up to 4 displays can be connected via the DisplayPorts and another 2 monitors with a daisy-chain. HP Z2 Mini PC also has Bluetooth 4.2.

HP's power-packed Z2 Mini takes on the aging Mac Mini https://t.co/1kOynHlHBm by @agamsh

— PCWorld (@pcworld) November 15, 2016

What is interesting about HP Z2 Mini is not the price tag, but the form factor. This is the first time the Intel Xeon is used in a mini PC casing for workstation use. Most uses of the Xeon are either in engineering workstations, server-class towers, 1U rack-mount configurations, or in Blade servers.

One other advantage of the Xeon processor, because it is designed as a server processor, it can be run continuously until it breaks down after several years of use. In terms of cooling, HP Z2 Mini PC uses innovative component fans which make use of intake and exhaust slots.