HP unveils new desktop and mobile workstations

HP has announced a trio of PC workstation models based on Intel's Sandy Bridge processors, including an affordable entry-level desktop system plus two additions to its mobile workstation range.

The HP Z210 line will be available from May, featuring a choice of Intel's recently announced Xeon E3 quad-core chips or the desktop Core i3, i5 and i7 processors, offering a performance boost of up to 20 per cent over earlier generations.

Priced from £670, the systems offer workstation power on a desktop budget, HP said, and are available with a choice of 2D and 3D graphics accelerators including AMD FirePro and Nvidia Quadro adapters, some of which enable dual-card configurations supporting up to four screens.

The systems are available in a small form factor tower chassis or a convertible minitower that can stand upright or in desktop configuration. The first option only provides space for up to 16GB of DDR3 memory, while the latter enables up to 32GB to be fitted.

Storage capacity also depends on chassis type, the small form factor holding just two 3.5in and one 5.25in drives, while the convertible minitower chassis can fit up to three of each.

HP's new EliteBook 8560w and EliteBook 8760w mobile workstations, set to ship in June, offer displays of 15.6in and 17.3in respectively and are based on Intel Core i5 and i7 processors.

Both also support up to 32GB of memory, and can be configured with a choice of graphics accelerators. Buyers of the EliteBook 8560w can choose AMD's FirePro M5950 with 1GB of video RAM or the Nvidia Quadro 1000M or 2000M, each with 2GB.

The EliteBook 8760w also offers a choice of the AMD FirePro M5950, or Nvidia Quadro 3000M, 4000M or 5010M, the latter offering 4GB video memory.

Hard drive options include 320GB to 750GB 7,200rpm Sata drives or up to 256GB SSD.

Prices for the two mobile workstations have yet to be disclosed.