Today Hewlett Packard announced the launch of a new line of environmentally conscious and efficient personal computers called Z. Aside from the standard gains in performance and aesthetics, including physical size, that typify a normal PC line upgrade, the Z series delivers improved energy efficiency and serviceability.
The new Z series computers will be the first to use Intel Nehalem processors including the Xeon 5500 series which represents a substantial boost in performance. In order to support the gains in hardware performance the Z series is built on a completely new line of chassis created by BMW DesignWorks. These new computer cases offer more than just visual appeal, aluminum housings disipate heat more easily and are lighter and more durable than plastic. The aluminum case is also more recyclable. Inside the case, components have been laid out in modules which can more easily be serviced. This design choice eliminates the need for bundles of wires and in our opinion is more forward thinking than older “disposable” designs that were less easy to upgrade and fix. The Z line was designed with elegance and simplicity in mind and can be serviced tool free primarily with the user’s fingers (instead of screw drivers), although concern for electro static disscharge ESD may still present an issue.
In terms of efficiency gains the new Z series is said to run two decibels quieter at idle than older PC’s and 1db quieter while loading. All of the new Z models are EPEAT certified at the silver or bronze level which means they meet a set of performance criteria to reduce environmental impact. They also meet the new Energy Star 5.0 qualification which puts them ahead of industry standards. One way they accomplish this is in using an HP exclusive feature called WattSaver that manages power when the computer is sleeping or turned off. Additionally, new power supplies used in the Z lineup are between 85% and 89% more efficient and produce significantly less heat. At end of life the workstations are 90% recycleable by weight. To learn more visit the official HP workstation page here.
