HP ProBook 450 G9 and 455 G9 review: Strong business ultrabooks with Intel or AMD. HP pro book

31.05.2023 derrick_rogers Reviews

HP ProBook 450 G9 and 455 G9 review: Strong business ultrabooks with Intel or AMD

The business ultrabooks from HP’s ProBook series promise a lot of performance, a professional security solution, and up-to-date equipment. We took a look at the HP ProBook 450 G9 and the HP ProBook 455 G9, two notebooks that share many similarities, but come with an Intel or AMD CPU. Our HP ProBook 450 G9 and 455 G9 review clarifies what effects this has and where the differences lie.

Inhaltsverzeichnis / Table of contents

HP ProBook 450 G9 and 455 G9 review: design and workmanship

HP’s ProBook 450 G9 and 455 G9 come in an identical chassis that focuses on a sleek, business-ready look. Both ultrabooks are completely silver, while the glossy HP logo is set off in the center of the lid.

With the anodized finish and rounded edges, the Ultrabooks definitely look very chic and appear quite resistant to dirt and fingerprints. The material choice of aluminum and plastic is also pleasing. In general, there is nothing to complain about in terms of build quality. This turns out to be excellent: Both notebooks score with a convincing connection stiffness. I couldn’t find any gaps or other inconsistencies.

The dimensions and weight are also identical. Both notebooks weigh around 1.7 kilograms and measure 359.4 mm x 234 mm x 19.9 mm (width x depth x height). They also have a display that can be opened to 180 degrees, allowing the ultrabook to lay almost completely flat on the surface.

over, the laptops can be opened comfortably with just one hand thanks to smooth-running, yet extremely robust hinges. On the underside, there isn’t too much to see besides a large-area fan outlet next to two rubberized feet that extend across the entire width of the notebook. The case bottom can also be removed with a total of five (Phillips) screws to access the interior.

The port selection is okay

While there are differences in the basic features of the HP ProBook 450 G9 and 455 G9 (we’ll get to those in a moment), both notebooks share the same selection of ports.

On the left, you’ll find a Kensington Lock port, an RJ45 LAN port (Gigabit LAN), and one USB-A port with a 5 Gbit/s data rate. On the right, on the other hand, you’ll find the power connector for the power adapter, one USB Type-C with 10 Gbit/s, two USB-A (also with 5 Gbit/s), one HDMI 2.0 and a combined 3.5 mm jack.

Too bad: HP unfortunately completely omits a Thunderbolt-compatible USB-C port. At least the notebook can be charged via this port if desired, while image data can be processed via DisplayPort legacy mode. According to DP 2.1 standard in the case of the Intel model ProBook 450 G9 and with DP 1.4 in the AMD notebook ProBook 455 G9.

Equipment of the HP ProBook 450 G9 and 455 G9: Intel vs AMD

Convincing, modern features on both notebooks
RAM and SSD replaceable and upgradeable
Webcam with face detection; finer print sensor

The most obvious difference HP ProBook 450 G9 and 455 G9 is of course found in the installed CPU. While the 450 G9 relies on an Intel Core i7-1255U with 10 cores, 12 threads and up to 4.7 GHz clock rate, the 455 G9 comes with an AMD Ryzen 7 5825U including 8 cores, 16 threads and up to 4.5 GHz.

So while the AMD CPU, at least on paper, is somewhat at a disadvantage in terms of the number of cores and the clock rate in Turbo Boost, it offers the larger L3 cache (16 MB versus 12 MB). We will clarify what effects this has on everyday work in the further course of the HP ProBook 450 G9 and 455 G9 test.

Also interesting: HP provides the Intel model with an NVIDIA GeForce MX570 with 2 GB DDR6 RAM alongside the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics unit, while the AMD counterpart has to rely solely on the integrated AMD Radeon graphics unit.

Besides these differences, the other equipment is identical again. Both notebooks – at least in our test configuration – rely on 32 GB DDR4-3200 RAM, as well as a 1 terabyte PCIe 4.0 SSD.

probook, review, strong, business, ultrabooks, intel

Commendable: Both the RAM and the SSD (and the Wi-Fi module) can be easily replaced after opening the notebook. The RAM is available in two SODIMM slots, while the NVMe SSD comes in the M.2 2280 standard. There is also a free M.2-2242 slot in case you want to install another SSD or similar.

Both notebooks rely on fast Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (2×2) and Bluetooth in version 5.2 (ProBook 455 G9) or version 5.3 (ProBook 450 G9). There are also decent dual-stereo speakers, dual-array microphones and two webcams that resolve in 720p and enable logging in via Windows Hello via infrared.

The quality of the webcams is okay, but not much more – the image lacks noticeably in sharpness. In addition, there is a hardware shutter, thanks to which you can quickly and easily put a stop to the camera if desired.

Keyboard and trackpad

The keyboard and trackpad also turn out identical. HP opted for a chiclet keyboard that comes in full size – including the number pad. Despite the relatively compact case, the keys, with the exception of the upper and lower arrow keys, do not look squashed.

A white backlight in two brightness levels is also offered, while the keys convince with a travel of 1.5 mm and a pleasant pressure point. The keyboard does not quite reach the excellent keyboard of the HP EliteBook 845 G9 (our review), but it is definitely one of the better notebook keyboards and is also suitable for frequent typists.

According to the manufacturer, the keyboard is also protected against splash water – but I didn’t really want to try that with the loaner devices now.

The 11.6 cm x 7.0 cm (width x height) trackpad presents itself on an equally high level, which comes along with very good gliding properties and a pleasantly crisp pressure point and allows precise operation. That fits.

Display: Full HD with good brightness, but weak colors

On the other hand, you can’t expect any differences in the displays of the notebooks. Thus, both models rely on a 15.6-inch IPS panel that offers a refresh rate of 60 hertz and reaches a maximum brightness of 400 nits.

In contrast to the already mentioned EliteBook from HP, the viewing angle stability is also good here, which also ensures readability from the sides. The two notebooks do not even offer the SureView mode, which is not very practical in our eyes anyway.

Thanks to the matte surface, reflections are reduced very well and the brightness is also absolutely okay for indoor and conditionally also for outdoor use. However, the contrast and color values are lacking.

While the contrast ratio is still convincing, a slight green cast is noticeable in whites. With a coverage of about 65 percent of the sRGB color space, both notebooks are rather less suitable for creative image and video editing. The color accuracy is also on a rather average level.

Practical test and safety

In practice, the HP ProBook 450 G9 and 455 G9 cut a good figure and can definitely be used for computationally intensive tasks thanks to the ample working memory. When it comes to creative work, it is better to use an external display, but technically, both notebooks can handle intensive workflows very well.

The fan noise and the volume of the ultrabooks are also very positive. The former are barely perceptible in both models, even under permanent load. The operating volume remains constantly below 30 dB(A) in idle mode, and it is also pleasantly quiet under load with a maximum of 34 dB(A).

The cooling is also convincing, as the surface and underside of both notebooks remain pleasantly cool even under permanent load. For the security aspects, HP also equips both notebooks with the Wolf Security Suite, which is supposed to protect against malware or hacker attacks, for example, and constantly evolve thanks to AI Deep Learning.

Benchmark: SSD, productivity and system

It gets interesting in the benchmark tests of the two notebooks HP ProBook 450 G9 and ProBook 455 G9, because although both come along identically from a technical point of view – with the exception of the CPU – there are some interesting differences.

I determined the SSD speed with the AS SSD benchmark, while PCMark 10 and Cinebench R23 measure the productivity and system performance. PCMark 10 simulates different workflows when running the benchmark, which include word processing, web browsing and spreadsheets. Cinebench, on the other hand, measures the speed of the CPU cores individually, as well as in multi-core mode.

And, to anticipate this: both devices are only conditionally suitable for gaming. As soon as the games become a bit more demanding, you can only play them reasonably smoothly in low details.

Even the NVIDIA GeForce MX570 of the Intel model does not make a big difference here, since HP installs the weakest variant with 20 watts of power. The differences between the Intel 450 G9 and its AMD counterpart, the 455 G9, are surprisingly small in gaming mode. In fact, the Intel variant is just ahead in games, not least thanks to the dedicated GPU. However, neither of the notebooks is suitable for gaming, which is why this plays a subordinate role.

SSD benchmark

There is already a big difference when it comes to the SSD. Because although both notebooks rely on a PCIe 4.0 storage solution and both feature the same capacity, the model of the HP ProBook 450 G9 is significantly faster – almost twice as fast, even.

This is probably due to the fact that HP uses components from different manufacturers here. While the 450 G9 uses an SN810 from Western Digital, the HP ProBook 455 G9 uses a much slower SSD from Samsung.

Here, a sequential read speed of over 5,000 MB/s is only compared to around 2,456 MB/s. The Western Digital model also has a clear advantage when it comes to writing, as well as 4K read and write rates and access times.

Cinebench R23 and PCMark

Some differences are also revealed in the system-relevant benchmarks. We start with Cinebench R23, which focuses purely on the processor’s performance. Here we notice that the AMD Ryzen 7 5825U CPU, despite fewer cores and a lower Turbo clock, overtakes its Intel counterpart in the form of the Core i7-1255U in the multi-core test – and even noticeably.

In return, the Intel variant is again ahead in the pure single-core performance, even if not quite as clearly.

This means that the ProBook 455 G9 should theoretically deliver the (slightly) better performance in intensive multi-tasking applications that use more cores. In practice, however, you will hardly notice a significant difference between the two notebooks. At least in terms of pure CPU performance.

The results of the practical PCMark 10 benchmark are also interesting, because the AMD notebook secures the overall victory here, despite the significantly slower SSD. The ProBook 455 G9 is ahead especially in the essential tests like app launches or web browsing, but also in productivity applications.

Even in the demanding Digital Content Creation tests, the AMD CPU and GPU combination plays to its strengths and delivers the better results in image editing and rendering. On the other hand, the ProBook 450 G9 with Intel CPU clearly outperforms its sibling in video editing – not least because of the dedicated GPU and faster SSD.

Nevertheless, and this can be left as an interim conclusion, both notebooks deliver a really good result here for their price range and are also perfectly suitable for demanding tasks. However, those who often handle videos will be happier with the 450 G9.

Benchmark	HP ProBook 450 G9 (Intel)	HP ProBook 455 G9 (AMD)
Cinebench R23 Multi	7,526 pts	9,537 pts
Cinebench R23 Single	1,702 pts	1,446 pts.
PCMark 10 total	5,942 pts.	6.196 pts.
PCMark 10 Essential	9,087 pts	10,679 pts.
PCMark 10 Productivity	8,797 pts.	9,815 pts.
PCMark 10 Digital Content	7,124 pts	6,158 pts.

Battery life: Strong on both notebooks

The HP ProBook 450 G9 and HP ProBook 455 G9 prove to be real endurance runners in equal measure. This is despite the fact that both notebooks have a fairly manageably large battery with 51 watt hours.

This is made possible by the energy-efficient chips. This shows that Intel has clearly caught up in terms of energy efficiency with the Alder Lake U model range, since only AMD chips were generally considered energy-saving before.

However, Intel has not only caught up here, it also overtakes the AMD competitor. The PCMark 10 battery test shows 12 hours and 14 minutes for the 450 G9 (Intel) in idle mode, while it is “only” 9 hours and 27 minutes for the 455 G9 (AMD) in the end.

This result is confirmed in the practical “Modern Office” test. Here, too, the Intel model is ahead in the end. 9 hours and 12 minutes are compared to 8 hours and 19 minutes. Thus, you can get through a workday well with both notebooks.

The power supply also makes a small difference. The ProBook 450 G9 comes with the “HP Fast Charge” 65 watt charger, while the ProBook 455 G9 in our test model uses 45 watts. In the end, both fully charge the battery in about 90 minutes, but the 65 watt power supply charges the first 50 percent much faster and in only 30 minutes.

Battery	HP ProBook 450 G9 (Intel)	HP ProBook 455 G9 (AMD)
Runtime Idle	12h 14 min	9h 27 Min
Office runtime	9h 12 Min	8h 19 Min
Charge Time (0-100 percent)	92 Min	91 Min

HP ProBook 450 G9 and 455 G9 review: conclusion

With the HP ProBook 450 G9 and HP ProBook 455 G9, the manufacturer delivers two impeccable business ultrabooks that score with compelling performance, strong battery life, and impeccable build quality.

The combination of an energy-efficient CPU, 32 GB of working memory and a 1 TB SSD is absolutely impressive and also copes excellently with demanding workflows. Especially since you can easily upgrade or replace the RAM and SSD later on.

Thus, you can also compensate for the disadvantage of the ProBook 455 G9 with the significantly slower SSD, which is otherwise minimally ahead in CPU and system performance. On the other hand, the ProBook 450 G9 scores with a better performance in demanding video editing, not least thanks to a dedicated GPU, as well as the better battery life.

Thus, which direction you tend to go depends primarily on your personal field of use and requirements. With the HP ProBook 450 G9 and HP ProBook 455 G9, you get an almost completely convincing business ultrabook that you cannot go wrong with.

HP ProBook vs. EliteBook vs. ZBook: What’s the Difference?

There are so many options when it comes to laptops for your business that deciding on one can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, HP offers a variety of portable PCs that address a wide range of requirements without compromising on quality. Whether you are looking for an affordable option or a robust workhorse, HP has a series that is right for you.

But what are the differences between the ProBook, Elitebook and ZBook series? All three are built with business in mind and provide the processing quality and battery life that HP is known for, but with some differences. Understanding these differences can help you decide on the one that’s best for your company.

ProBook

When you’re looking for a laptop that offers both power and portability at a lower price point, the HP ProBook series is a great choice. These laptops are made for people who need to run multiple applications at once without sacrificing battery life. Not only are these laptops a great option for professional use, they can also smoothly transition into a high-functioning gaming computer thanks to their integrated graphics card.

With anti-glare technology and a 14-hour battery life, the HP ProBook 430 is designed for on-the-go work. If you’re looking for a bigger screen, the 14” HP ProBook 440 is a good alternative. Both offer an intuitive experience for an affordable price.

EliteBook

The EliteBook series is a step up from the affordable ProBook series. EliteBooks are stylish and light with all of the performance and durability that you expect from HP with added security. Like ProBooks, EliteBooks are designed to MIL-STD 810G military-standard specifications, meaning they won’t fail you in the middle of an important presentation. With its robust security features, the EliteBook is a Smart choice for small businesses.

The HP EliteBook 840 G4 has a 14-inch HD SVA anti-glare, slim, LED-backlit screen and up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM for superior memory. If you’re searching for an even lighter notebook, the HP EliteBook Folio has an ultra slim screen and integrated graphics.

ZBook

The ZBook series may look like regular laptops, but they’re actually mobile workstations⁠ — meaning they are designed for intense processes like video rendering and editing, CAD and data analysis. ZBooks are ideal for data analysts, graphic designers and engineers. Larger businesses can benefit from the extensive security features and powerful network interface cards for additional connectivity. ZBooks are the top-of-the-line choice when it comes to performance and durability — and yes, they still have the mobility and battery life that HP is known for. They come in standard laptop form factor and have more robust processing than previous models.

No models are better for peace of mind than ZBooks. They have the same security features as EliteBooks but add HP Sure Sense, HP Sure Admin and HP Endpoint Security Controller. The ZBook 14u G4 has a 1TB hard drive and is capable of handling complex tasks with ease. If a larger screen is a priority for you, the 15.6-inch ZBook Studio G4 is an excellent choice. The ZBook Studio is thinner and sleeker for those who want something mobile and stylish. No matter how complex the task, a ZBook can tackle it quickly and easily.

The Right Laptop for Your Business

Whether you need a basic, affordable notebook or a hardy workstation, HP has a series that can meet your company’s requirements. And no matter which option you choose — ProBook, EliteBook or ZBook — you can be sure that you are getting the best processing and security features that HP has to offer.

Still not sure what’s right for you? Give us a call at 1-855-AVENTIS or chat with us online today to get customized advice for your business.

HP ProBook x360 440 G1, a mainstream business convertible

Today at Computex 2018, HP announced the ProBook x360 440 G1, a 14-inch touchscreen convertible with an awkward name. The ProBook series is a cheaper alternative to the EliteBook and is targeted towards general business users.

The design language here fits this ethos, with a safe black and silver color scheme and slightly curved lines that taper towards the front. The appearance isn’t bad, but it does look a little dated now compared to the more modern angular aesthetics of the EliteBook.

HP has made the confusing decision to offer an extremely wide spectrum (perhaps too wide) of CPU choices, starting at the budget Intel Celeron 3865U and running all the way up to the i7-8550U. The Celeron or Pentium Gold 4415U both seem like underpowered options in a business laptop, especially with the Celeron lacking Hyperthreading and only going up to 1.8 GHz. There is also a 7th gen dual-core i5-7200U that further confuses things, since the newer 8th gen Kaby Lake-R i3-8130U provides roughly the same performance, and the i5-8250U is a better choice in the mid-range.

There are two 14-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD display options. Both are touchscreens, but one only has a 67% sRGB rating while the other meets 100% of the sRGB standard. The second screen indicates that HP thinks people might use this convertible for creative tasks rather than standard office work, and the Nvidia MX130 is available here to help with GPU accelerated processes. The MX150 would have been a more welcome addition since the MX130 is just a rebadged 940MX, but this will be one of the points of differentiation with the EliteBook. The HP active pen also works with the ProBook x360 440 G1.

The design of the HP ProBook x360 440 G1 is a safe design, although it is starting to feel a little dated.

There are two memory slots supporting up to 16 GB DDR4-2133 (total), and an M.2 slot that HP will fill with a 128 GB/256 GB SATA drive or 256 GB/512 GB NVMe drive from the factory. The Intel 8265 is used, which is a 2×2 802.11ac Bluetooth 4.2 card. Around the sides are two USB3, a USB-C that also handles charging, HDMI1.4b, RJ45 LAN, and 3.5mm audio jack. Most creative cameras (photo or video) are more likely to use faster SD cards with a lower price per GB, so we suspect the idea behind the MicroSD card slot on a business device is for expandable storage rather than data transfer. The trend of removing SD card slots also means that those who still need them have probably already picked up one of these like some of our staff have.

At only 48 Wh, the battery is on the small side for a 14-inch laptop. It will be enough for taking to meetings and using in visits to off-site premises, but this won’t be a road warrior’s first choice. The 45-watt power adapter is suitable for most of the hardware combinations. But once the efficiency is taken into account, users may find that configurations with one of the quadcore processors and dedicated graphics might charge sluggishly when a load is placed on the system.

The dimensions are 330 x 232 x 19.9 mm (12.99 x 9.13 x 0.78 inches) and weights 1.72 kg (3.8 pounds). The HP ProBook x360 440 G1 launches later this month with a starting price of US600.

The HP ProBook x360 440 G1 is a convertible device with pen support.

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Article by: Brian O’Cralley I started tinkering around with notebooks years ago. This included testing various Linux distributions for compatibility and opening them up to upgrade components, repaste heatsinks, or fix solder connections. While I appreciate the sleek designs and ultraportable advantages of sealed chassis with custom components, I lament the decline in user upgradeability and reparability over time.

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HP ProBook 450 G9 and 455 G9 review: Strong business ultrabooks with Intel or AMD. HP pro book