HP ZBook 15 G3 Refurbished: serious performance, reduced price

If you’re looking for a powerful laptop for professionals – architects, engineers, graphic designers, or anyone who works with 3D/CAE/CAD applications, then the HP ZBook 15 G3 Refurbished is an option worth considering. The version we tested comes equipped with an Intel Xeon E3-1505M v5 processor (2.80-3.70 GHz), 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, a 512 GB SSD, a dedicated NVIDIA Quadro M2000M graphics card with 4 GB of GDDR5, and a 15.6″ Full HD screen. The ComputerShop promotion lists it at around €251, which places it in a very attractive range for what it offers.

Technical specifications at a glance

• Screen: 15.6″, 1920×1080 resolution, anti-glare LED technology.
• Processor: Intel Xeon E3-1505M v5, 4 cores, high turbo speed (up to 3.70 GHz).
• RAM: 16 GB DDR4: enough for multitasking and professional tasks.
• Storage: 512 GB SSD: good access speeds, fast response.
• Graphics card: NVIDIA Quadro M2000M (4 GB): a dedicated solution for professional applications.
• Connectivity and ports: 2× Thunderbolt 3 (supports DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.1 Gen2, PCIe Gen3), USB 3.0, HDMI, VGA, RJ-45, etc.
• Dimensions and weight: approx. 386×264×26 mm and 2.6 kg weight.
• Preinstalled operating system: Windows 10 Pro.
• Warranty: 36 months.

Advantages of this laptop

1. Processing power : The Xeon processor is a rare choice in the refurbished segment and offers superior stability and performance, especially in professional tasks.
2. Quadro graphics : Unlike gaming graphics cards, Quadro are optimized for CAD, 3D, or simulation applications.
3. Fast storage : The 512GB SSD provides a good balance between capacity and speed, which contributes to a smooth experience.
4. Modern ports : The presence of Thunderbolt 3 means compatibility with high-resolution external monitors, workstations, and next-generation devices.
5. Attractive price : For the given specifications, the price of €250 (on sale) is very good – if the condition of the reconditioning is appropriate.

What could be improved / What to check before purchase

• The ~2.6 kg weight makes it less portable than 13-14″ ultrabooks. If you need high mobility, it might bother you.
• Being refurbished, the condition of the case, battery, and its lifespan are worth checking. Especially if you’re going to use it a lot on the go.
• The Full HD screen is ok, but if you do professional graphics or printing you might need a top IPS display or additional calibration.
• The autonomy will probably not be at the level of ultra-thin laptops: for professional tasks, you expect a few good hours, but not a full day of “battery”.

Who is this model for?

This refurbished laptop is ideal for:

• Professionals in 3D design, CAD/CAM, architecture, or engineering who need dedicated graphics and solid performance.
• Freelancers or small studios looking for a good performance/price ratio in the workstation segment.
• Students in technical faculties (engineering, media, animation) who want a robust platform, capable of running demanding software.
• Users whose primary criteria are not ultra-portability, but performance and connectivity.

HP ZBook 15 G3 – a refurbished mobile workstation with top specifications

If you want a refurbished mobile workstation with top-notch specs, the HP ZBook 15 G3 (Xeon E3-1505M v5 version) is a very solid choice. The low price makes it even more attractive. It’s important to check the condition of the unit, the battery and the warranty offered. For serious professional use, it offers a very good balance between power, versatility and connectivity. It’s definitely worth considering.