The HP ZBook Fury G1i 18″ packs desktop-class power with Intel Ultra 9 CPUs, NVIDIA RTX PRO graphics, and innovative hot-swappable SSD storage.
HP recently announced the ZBook Fury G1i, the newest addition to their renowned workstation lineup. Available in both traditional 16-inch and an exciting new 18-inch form factor, the ZBook Fury G1i aims to redefine expectations for power, capacity, and flexibility in mobile computing. We have a pre-production 18-inch model in the lab. While detailed benchmarks will have to wait for the production version, our early experience highlights significant advancements, particularly in storage innovation and user-centric serviceability.
This machine is built with heavy-duty professional workflows in mind. It is powered by Intel’s new Ultra 7 and 9 HX vPro mobile series processors with up to 13 TOPS NPU and discrete graphics with next-gen NVIDIA RTX PRO with up to an NVIDIA RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell mobile. One of the standout features of this hardware is its impressive storage capacity, which includes four M.2 SSD slots. This makes it perfect for users who require fast and extensive local storage. Additionally, HP prioritized serviceability by incorporating a toolless design, allowing easy and quick access to the internal components.
We provide more detailed impressions in the build and design section, but early impressions indicate that HP is pushing the limits of what a mobile workstation can achieve. This is especially true for engineers, creators, and data professionals who need desktop-class power on the go.
HP ZBook Fury G1i 18-inch Mobile Workstation Specifications
| Specification | HP ZBook Fury G1i 18 Mobile Workstation |
|---|---|
| Available Operating Systems | Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Home Single Language, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, FreeDOS 3.0 |
| Processor Family | Intel Core Ultra 9; Intel Core Ultra 7 |
| Available Processors | Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX (up to 4.5 GHz E-core Max Turbo Frequency, up to 5.2 GHz P-core Max Turbo Frequency, 36 MB L2 cache, 8 P-cores and 12 E-cores, 20 threads), with Intel Graphics and Intel AI Boost (13 NPU TOPS) Intel Core Ultra 7 265HX (up to 4.6 GHz E-core Max Turbo Frequency, up to 5.3 GHz P-core Max Turbo Frequency, 36 MB L2 cache, 8 P-cores and 12 E-cores, 20 threads), with Intel Graphics and Intel® AI Boost (13 NPU TOPS), supports Intel vPro Technology Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX (up to 4.6 GHz E-core Max Turbo Frequency, up to 5.5 GHz P-core Max Turbo Frequency, 40 MB L2 cache, 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores, 24 threads), with Intel Graphics and Intel AI Boost (13 NPU TOPS), supports Intel vPro Technology |
| Neural Processing Unit | Intel AI Boost |
| Chipset | Intel WM890 |
| Color | Nouvelle Silver |
| Maximum Memory | 128 GB DDR5 ECC or 192 GB DDR5 non-ECC, up to 5600 MT/s |
| Memory Slots | 4 SODIMM (dual channel support) |
| Internal Storage | 512 GB up to 4 TB PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 2280 TLC SSD 1 TB up to 2 TB PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 2280 TLC SED OPAL 2 SSD 1 TB up to 2 TB PCIe Gen5 x4 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD 512 GB up to 2 TB Citadel PCIe-3×4 NVMe M.2 2280 TLC SED OPAL2 FIPS SSD |
| Display | 18″ WQXGA (2560×1600), 165Hz, 500 nits, 100% DCI-P3, anti-glare, UWVA, LED |
| Graphics | Integrated: Intel Arc Graphics Discrete: Available later via factory configuration |
| Audio | Poly Studio speakers (4x 1W), dual array mics, discrete amps |
| Smart Card | 1 smart card reader (select models) |
| Ports (Left) | 1 HDMI 2.1, 1 SD card reader, 2x Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C, 80 Gbps) |
| Ports (Right) | 1 USB-A (10 Gbps), 1 combo audio jack, 1 RJ-45, 1x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C, 40 Gbps) |
| Keyboard & Touchpad | HP Lumen RGB Z Keyboard (spill-resistant, backlit), 3-button trackpad |
| Wireless Communications | Wi-Fi 7 & Bluetooth 5.4 (vPro/non-vPro); LTE & 5G WWAN options |
| Camera | 5 MP IR Camera (optional) |
| Software | HP Support Assistant, Poly Lens, HP Smart Support, Copilot, HP Privacy Settings, more |
| Security Features | HP Sure Start, HP Sure Click, Windows Hello, BIOSphere, DriveLock, and more |
| Fingerprint Reader | Available on select models |
| Manageability | HP Image Assistant, HP Client Catalog, HP Power Manager, HP Cloud Recovery |
| Power Options | 200W / 280W / 330W Smart AC Adapters |
| Battery | 99 Wh Long Life 8-cell Fast Charge Battery (50% in 30 min) |
| Dimensions | 40.3 x 28.9 x 2.7 cm (15.88 x 11.41 x 1.10 in) |
| Weight | Starting at 3.52 kg (7.78 lb) |
| Sustainability | EPEAT Registered, 40% post-consumer recycled plastic, recyclable packaging |
HP ZBook Fury G1i 18 “: Our Configuration
This overview looks mainly at the system and its design; our full performance review will wait for a production version of this system. Our system configuration includes:
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX 2800MHz, 24 Core
- RAM: 32 GB DDR5 5600Mz
- GPU: Nvidia RTX PRO 3000 Blackwell
- STORAGE: Micron 3500 2TB boot
HP ZBook Fury G1i 18″: Build & Design
The HP ZBook Fury G1i 18″ features a large 18-inch WQXGA (2560×1600) anti-glare UWVA LED display with a 165Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness, delivering sharp visuals and fluid motion for creative and professional tasks. The Poly Camera Pro features a 5MP infrared (IR) sensor above the display. This sensor enables intelligent video capabilities, including Auto Frame, Spotlight, Background Blur, and virtual backgrounds. These features are optimized to operate efficiently on the neural processing unit (NPU), helping to reduce power consumption. The IR functionality also enables secure login options, including support for Windows Hello.
This unit features a compact 104-key mobile layout with a dedicated power button for the keyboard and trackpad. The keyboard is designed for comfort and productivity, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. Below it, the large trackpad offers a smooth navigation experience. It includes distinct physical buttons for left and right clicks, catering to professionals who prefer tactile input to gesture-based controls.
Moving on to connectivity, the right side of the unit offers a practical array of ports designed to support a wide range of workflows. This includes one USB-A (10 Gbps) port, a combo audio jack, an RJ-45 GbE port for reliable wired networking, one Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C, 40 Gbps) port, a smart card reader for secure authentication, and a 10mm Kensington lock slot for physical security.
On the left side of the unit, you’ll find several key ports, including one HDMI 2.1 port, an SD card reader, two Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C, 80 Gbps) ports, and a DC input jack. These ports are great for many use cases. The HDMI 2.1 port is perfect for connecting to external displays or projectors, while the SD card reader offers quick access to media files for creative professionals. The two Thunderbolt 5 ports allow seamless docking for setups with multiple monitors and peripherals, supporting high-speed data transfer and device charging through a single cable.
Before getting inside the unit, a key feature of the HP ZBook Fury G1i 18″ is the toolless bottom cover, which allows for effortless serviceability and easy access to internal components. This bottom cover includes numerous air intake areas, highlighting the need for efficient cooling to support the unit’s powerful performance. Additionally, several vented sections are designed for the built-in Poly Studio speakers.
HP ZBook Fury G1i 18″: Under the Cover
With the cover off, it becomes clear that this unit is built to work. Our unit is equipped with an Intel Core i9-285HX and an NVIDIA RTX Pro 3000 GPU, combining for a total TDP of up to 200W. The internal layout centers around HP’s advanced Vaporforce cooling system. It features a three-fan setup — two high-performance Delta fans for the primary heat load, while a smaller Delta fan provides dedicated cooling for the storage area.
The system screams user serviceability, with thoughtful touches like silk-screened labels on the chassis, helpful direction arrows, and clear component markings. Blue latches indicate components that can be safely and efficiently removed by the user, making upgrades and maintenance straightforward. Two screws secure the split-design 99Wh 8cell lithium-polymer battery pack and are easily released via blue-latch mechanisms, carefully designed to coexist with the thermal design.
Storage flexibility is another strong point, with two user-serviceable double-decker M.2 slots supporting up to four M.2 2280 SSDs. Two of the slots are tool-less and require no additional tools for installation. The unit includes four SODIMM slots for memory, supporting configurations of up to 128 GB of DDR5 ECC or 192 GB of DDR5 non-ECC memory at speeds up to 5600 MT/s. Wireless connectivity supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 wlan cards. There is also an optional add-on LTE and 5G WWAN cards for mobile on-the-go productivity.
Moving back to the storage section for a closer, in-depth look, the four M.2 2280 SSDs offer serious flexibility for high-capacity or high-performance setups. Slots 2 and 3 are located on the lower level and are suitable options for boot drives, as they require the removal of a screw for access and secure installation. In contrast, Slots 1 and 4 are positioned above them and feature a user-friendly design, allowing easy removal with two blue quick-release latches. This is particularly convenient for professionals who need to swap drives regularly or carry storage between systems, making quick changes possible without tools or downtime.
Conclusion
The HP ZBook Fury G1i 18″ mobile workstation is a powerhouse built for the most demanding professional workflows. There are five key aspects we particularly liked in our early hands-on. First, it includes four M.2 SSD slots, two of which are toolless. This innovation offers unprecedented flexibility for professionals managing high-performance and high-capacity storage needs.
Second, HP’s advanced VaporForce cooling system’s robust thermal design, featuring three fans and carefully thought-out airflow, ensures sustained performance even under heavy loads. Third, the toolless design with intuitive serviceability features like blue latches and clearly labeled internals makes upgrades and maintenance incredibly easy, something power users and IT departments will appreciate.
Fourth, the stunning 18″ WQXGA 165Hz display with 100% DCI-P3 coverage provides crisp visuals and smooth motion, ideal for creators and engineers alike. Fifth, the Intel Ultra 9 HX processors and upcoming NVIDIA RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell mobile graphics, backed by up to 192GB DDR5 memory, deliver AI workstation-class performance in a truly portable form.
Whether you’re simultaneously editing 8K video, rendering complex 3D scenes, or fine-tuning machine learning models, the ZBook Fury G1i doesn’t just keep up—it leads. With its massive memory and modular storage design, HP is redefining the ceiling for what a mobile workstation can offer. We can’t wait for a final build for intensive testing and review!
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