HP Z4 G4 Workstation Upgrade Recommendations

[Bulbasaur]

Hello all,

I have an HP Z4 G4 workstation with:

• Intel(R) Xeon(R) W-2123 CPU @ 3.60GHz
• System board: 81C5 MVB
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA Quadro K2200
• 2x 16GB Hynix 2400MHz (total 32GB)

The motherboard and processor were replaced about two months ago under warranty.

I want to upgrade my computer mainly for video editing in Avid Media Composer. Do you recommend upgrading the processor or memory? If so, to which processor or memory?

Thank you in advance.

[NonSequitur777]

@Bulbasaur,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

Thank you for sharing the details of your HP Z4 G4 Workstation. This is a solid system with great potential for upgrades to optimize video editing performance in Avid Media Composer. Here are my recommendations based on your current configuration and needs:

Processor Upgrade:

Your current processor, the Intel Xeon W-2123, is a 4-Cores, 8-Threads CPU with a base clock of 3.60 GHz. While it’s capable, video editing software like Avid Media Composer benefits from higher core and thread counts alongside improved single-core performance. I recommend upgrading to one of the following processors for a noticeable performance boost:

• Intel Xeon W-2245: 8-Cores, 16-Threads, 3.90 GHz up to 4.70 GHz, 155-watt TDP.

• Intel Xeon W-2265: 12-Cores, 24-Threads, 3.50 GHz up to 4.60 GHz, 165-watt TDP.

Link: CPU-Upgrade: Intel Xeon W-2245 CPU.

These processors provide more cores for faster rendering and multitasking, and better single-threaded performance for smoother playback and effects.

Note: Ensure your workstation’s BIOS is updated to the latest version to support the chosen processor.

If your workflow does not specifically rely on Xeon features like ECC memory, I would strongly recommend an Intel Core i9 processor for a superior performance boost:

• i9-10900X (10-Cores, 20-Threads, 3.70 GHz up to 4.70 GHz, 165-watt TDP).

• i9-10920X (12-Cores, 24-Threads, 3.50 GHz up to 4.80 GHz, 165-watt TDP).

• i9-10940X (14-Cores, 28-Threads, 3.30 GHz up to 4.80 GHz, 165-watt TDP).
• i9-10980XE (18-Cores, 36-Threads, 3.00 GHz up to 4.80 GHz, 165-watt TDP).

These processors also provide (a lot) more cores for faster rendering and multitasking, and better single-threaded performance for smoother playback and effects.

Compatibility with these Intel Core processors is confirmed here: UserBenchmark: HP Z4 G4 Workstation Compatible Components.

Memory Upgrade:

You currently have 32GB of DDR4-2400 RAM (2x 16GB). For video editing, particularly with larger projects or 4K+ footage, more memory can significantly improve performance.

• Upgrade to 64GB (4x 16GB) for better multitasking and smoother editing workflows.

• If your CPU and motherboard support it, consider faster memory (e.g., DDR4-2933) for additional performance gains.

GPU Upgrade (Optional but Recommended):

Your NVIDIA Quadro K2200 is quite outdated and may bottleneck your system during GPU-accelerated tasks like rendering or effects processing. A modern GPU would greatly enhance your video editing performance. Consider upgrading to:

• NVIDIA RTX 4000 (or its successor, depending on availability).

• NVIDIA RTX A2000: A great balance of price and performance for video editing.

These GPUs provide improved CUDA cores and VRAM capacity, essential for video editing and rendering tasks.

Storage Considerations:

To further optimize your system:

• Ensure you have a fast NVMe SSD for your OS, applications, and active projects.

• A secondary large-capacity SSD (e.g., 1TB or more) is ideal for media files and cache storage.

Summary:

1. Processor: Upgrade your processor to a higher core count Xeon or Intel Core processor.

2. Memory: Increase to 64GB (preferably DDR4-2933 if supported).

3. GPU: Upgrade to a modern GPU like the NVIDIA RTX 4000 or RTX A2000.

4. Storage: Add or upgrade to NVMe SSDs for faster file access and caching.

5. BIOS Update: Ensure the BIOS is updated before installing the new processor.

These upgrades will transform your Z4 G4 into a much more capable video editing workstation.

Feel free to ask if you have further questions or need assistance with compatibility or installation!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Bulbasaur · Accepted solution]

Thank you for the detailed answer!  my workflow does not specifically rely on Xeon.

I couldn't understand if my motherboard supports an i9 processor but from your answer I understand that it does.

Did I understand correctly?

[SDH]

The Z4 G4 case can be ordered with one of two motherboard options. The two are different. The Xeon one has two NIC ports on the rear, has two M.2 NVMe SSD ports, and supports the HP-specified Xeon processors.  The Xeon motherboard can run ECC buffered. The Core motherboard uses different memory.

The Core one has only 1 NIC port on the rear backplane, has only one M.2 NVMe SSD port and supports the HP-specified Core processors. I have not heard before that one of those Core processors can be run in a HP Z4 G4 Xeon motherboard.

Regarding memory... if a chosen processor in the Z4 G4 is rated to slower than the memory present that will down-regulate the speed of the memory to match. If one stick of a set of memory is slower and the rest are faster that will slow all the other sticks down to match. Faster memory will not make a workstation or processor go faster than the max the workstation or processor is rated for.

However, it probably would be wise to get 4 ECC Buffered 2933 MHz sticks of the same memory that HP uses in these workstations because you'd want to run a current 2933 processor, whatever you choose, at 2933. That also is the fastest a Z4 G4 motherboard can ever run. Running identical RAM is best in my experience, and you have been missing out on the synergistic effect of having a "quad channel" memory configuration.

Processors: The Xeon Z4 G4 workstations have undergone evolution of those over time. You can see that by finding older and newer QuickSpec documents and look at the HP-supported Xeon list. Older ones no longer listed will still work under the very newest BIOS. Newest ones may not work if you have old BIOS. The latest PDF was released earlier this month, attached below. Note that once you get to the W-2245 and above the prices of used processors on eBay goes up quite a bit because those include Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0.

Finally, we've posted here about the Z4 G4 needing a special "Premium" bigger heatsink/fan/adapter cable for any Xeon/Core running over 140W max TDP.

All these things are nothing that money can't fix.

[NonSequitur777]

@Bulbasaur,

Yes, you understood that correctly: your HP Z4 G4 Workstation is indeed compatible with Intel Core i9 processors as shown in the Userbenchmark link.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[SDH]

Update... a few added ideas. Faster, hotter = more need for cooling. I'm running the HP memory cooling saddle that fits over the heatsink/fan (and also the Premium heatsink/fan upgrade mentioned above). Plus, a front case cooling fan. Depending on how you upgrade your build those are good to have and even may be demanded by the motherboard.

Memory... if you can live with 8GB HP 2933 memory sticks look up L15415-501 on eBay... those work fine here for our needs. Cost/GB is lower for smaller GB sticks.

M.2 sticks... the PCIe bus is PCIe type 3. You don't get up to PCIe type 4 until the Z4 G5 generation of workstations. However, using a PCIe4 M.2 quality stick in your motherboard's primary PCIe3 socket will run even faster than you'd expect.

[SDH]

NS777, you know that I trust your info... and maybe I'm reading too fast but when I go to that page you linked to, I don't see where it says the equivalent to "a Z4 G4 with a Xeon motherboard can run Core processors." I just see the big broad category of "Z4 G4". I don't know that they even understand there is such a significant motherboard difference between the Core and Xeon versions of this particular workstation. I'm willing to be educated but that page does not do it for me yet.

I think HP made a mistake by using one name for two quite different workstations.

Edit: Having said all that I have seen a few HP workstation motherboards be able to run a processor that was never on the HP-certified lists in all the older and newer QuickSpecs. I'm sticking with the Xeons for now, and the one I used when I built up my current Z4 G4 from a "bare bones" eBay  recycled case purchase (having an empty Xeon motherboard) was a W-2235 hexacore that can run at 2933 with 130W max TDP, currently $64.00 USD on the US eBay. I added in a Premium heatsink/fan/fan plug adapter and plan to wait for the Turbo Boost Max Technology-enabled processors to come down to a lower price. 

Note: That "home-made" Premium heatsink/fan/adapter is exactly equivalent to what HP puts into all Z4 G4 workstations that come from the factory with a Core or Xeon processor with a max TDP of over 140W. You should be able to find one of the bigger better-cooling heatsink/fans from a stock Z440 (that is what HP uses) for about 18.00 USD from eBay here. The fan plug adapter comes straight from a respected China source provided in the forum posts here... cost is about 15.00 USD and a couple weeks wait time. The Premium kit from HP by itself is virtually impossible to find... I tried.

[NonSequitur777]

@SDH,

There is only one (1) motherboard listed amongst the 3,366 HP Z4 G4 Workstation benchmarks: "Motherboard HP 81C5" (SSID: 81C5) with p/n: 914285-001 / 844783-001 / L09990-001 / L31850-601 / L12125-001.

All the OP has to do is type in: system information in the Windows search bar, click on the System Information app, and look to the right of "BaseBoard Product".

If it is the case that the OP's motherboard BaseBoard Product says "81C5" -and it will say so, then the OP can fit one of these verified Intel Core processors (mind you, there are more compatible Intel Core processors than listed here):

i9-10980XE
i9-10940X
i9-10920X
i9-10900X
i9-9920X
i9-9900X
i7-9800X
i9-7980XE
i9-7940X
i9-7900X
i7-7820X
i7-7800X

I know all about fitting non-HP listed processors in various HP upgrade projects, such as an i7-6900K in a "Xeon-only" HP Z440 Workstation -but I digress.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Bulbasaur]

Interesting, PCIe4 M.2  won't this heat up the board? I would appreciate a recommendation for a PCIe4 M.2 quality

[NonSequitur777]

@Bulbasaur,

You bring up a good point about PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives and potential heat generation! Here’s what you need to know and a few recommendations:

Heat and Compatibility:

1. Heat Concerns:
   PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs can indeed generate more heat compared to PCIe 3.0 drives due to their higher speeds. However, this is typically not an issue if the drive has a proper heatsink or if your workstation provides adequate airflow. Many high-quality PCIe 4.0 SSDs come with integrated heatsinks to address this.

2. Z4 G4 Compatibility:
   The HP Z4 G4 Workstation supports PCIe 3.0 natively on its M.2 slots, so a PCIe 4.0 drive would operate at PCIe 3.0 speeds.  Point is, you can use a PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD in the Z4 G4, but its performance will be capped at PCIe 3.0 speeds. For most workloads, this will still provide excellent performance, as PCIe 3.0 SSDs are already incredibly fast.

 

Recommended PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSDs:

Here are some out of many reliable options, all of which are known for performance and durability:

1. Samsung 980 Pro (with heatsink version):

   • Read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s.
   • Trusted for its reliability and excellent thermal control.

2. Western Digital Black SN850X (with or without heatsink):

   • Excellent performance for both sequential and random workloads.
   • Integrated heatsink available for optimal cooling.

3. Corsair MP600 Pro XT:

   • Exceptional speeds and a robust heatsink.
   • Ideal for workstations and heavy workloads.

4. Seagate FireCuda 530:

   • One of the fastest PCIe 4.0 SSDs available.
   • Built-in heatsink option for sustained performance under load.

 

Additional Suggestions:

• Adapter Cards:
  If you plan to install a PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive in a PCIe 3.0 M.2 slot, consider using a PCIe adapter card in one of the workstation’s PCIe x16 slots. These adapters often have additional cooling features like heatsinks or fans.

• Ensure Adequate Airflow:
  Make sure your Z4 G4’s internal fans and case airflow are optimized. Check the workstation's configuration to see if additional cooling is required, especially if your workloads are demanding. Use an M.2 NVMe SSD heatsink.

---

Let me know if you need help choosing a specific drive or installing it in your Z4 G4! 😊

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777