Best Pick

HP Z2 Mini G1a

91.3 Score
AMD Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 395 128GB RAM 2TB AMD Radeon 8060 Workstation
Why we recommend this

The unified 128GB memory pool and 16-core AMD Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395 chip let this compact 2.3kg workstation run large language models locally without a discrete GPU. Its dense I/O includes dual Mini DisplayPort 2.1 and Wi-Fi 7, making it a connectivity powerhouse in a space-saving chassis. This system is best for AI developers and data scientists who need to prototype 70-billion-parameter models on their desk without relying on cloud instances.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

HP OMEN GT22-3060

89.9 Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K 32GB RAM 1000GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti mid-tower
Why we recommend this

The HP OMEN GT22-3060's Intel Core Ultra 7 265K and RTX 5070 Ti are kept at peak performance by its patented CRYO CHAMBER liquid cooling. Its 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB NVMe SSD, alongside a full-metal frame with toolless upgradeability, make it a capable workstation. Best suited for content creators handling 4K video editing and 3D rendering workloads.

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HP EliteDesk 8 G1i Jack Black

88.9 Score
Intel Core Ultra 9 64GB RAM 2TB Intel Graphics mid-tower
Why we recommend this

The 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 285 with dedicated AI engine, 64GB of 5600 MHz DDR5 RAM, and a 2TB NVMe SSD delivers top-tier multitasking and AI acceleration. Its expandable chassis with two empty M.2 slots and dual 3.5” bays, plus ports like DisplayPort 2.1 and nine USB-A, offers enterprise-class flexibility. This tower is best for business professionals and developers running heavily threaded, memory-intensive applications in a secure, manageable form factor.

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HP EliteDesk 8 G1i Jack Black desktop
Price CA$4,064
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Also available open box & refurbished:

HP Z2G1i SFF U7265 64G

88.4 Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 265 64GB RAM 1000GB NVIDIA RTX 2000 Ada Generation SFF
Why we recommend this

Its Intel Core Ultra 7 265 with 20 cores and 5.3GHz boost, paired with an NVIDIA RTX 2000 Ada GPU delivering 16GB of VRAM, packs certified workstation power into a chassis one-third the size of a traditional tower. Hardware-enforced HP Wolf Pro Security and extensive ISV certifications ensure data protection and reliable performance with professional software, while 64GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD handle large projects smoothly. This SFF desktop is best for engineers, architects, and financial analysts who need dependable, compact performance for certified applications in space-constrained offices.

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HP Z2G1i SFF U7265 64G desktop
Price CA$3,556

HP Z2 G1i

88.1 Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 265 32GB RAM 1000GB NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada sff
Why we recommend this

Its 20-core Intel Core Ultra 7 265 and NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada with 20GB VRAM bring tower-class ray-tracing performance to a 4kg SFF chassis. Despite its small footprint, it provides extensive connectivity with four DisplayPort 1.4a ports, nine USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports for multi-monitor workflows. This workstation is best suited for CAD engineers, architects, and 3D animators who need certified professional graphics in a desk-friendly, space-constrained environment.

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HP Z1 G1i

86.9 Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 32GB RAM 1TB NVIDIA RTX A1000 Desktop
Why we recommend this

The 20-core Intel Core Ultra 7 265 processor and NVIDIA RTX A1000 with 8GB VRAM deliver certified reliability for demanding ISV applications like SOLIDWORKS and AutoCAD. Tool-less chassis access and support for up to 128GB of memory provide impressive expandability as workflows evolve. This desktop is best for engineers and designers running AI-accelerated, precision-dependent software who need a stable, easily serviceable workstation.

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HP Z1 G1i desktop
Price CA$4,109

HP Z2 G1i Tower

85.7 Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K 32GB RAM 1TB NVIDIA Quadro RTX Workstation
Why we recommend this

Powered by a 20-core Intel Core Ultra 7 265K and an NVIDIA RTX 2000 Ada GPU with 16GB GDDR6, this tower accelerates rendering, multi-threaded simulations, and 4K modeling. 32GB of 5600 MHz DDR5 RAM (expandable to 256GB) and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD drive fast data handling, while the tool-less chassis eases component upgrades. It’s best suited for engineers and CAD architects running heavy simulation workloads who need a scalable, ISV-certified workstation.

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HP Z2 G1i Workstation BN6W9UT#ABA Black

83.4 Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 32GB RAM 1000GB NVIDIA RTX A1000 mid-tower
Why we recommend this

Equipped with a 20-core Intel Core Ultra 7 265 CPU and NVIDIA RTX A1000 GPU (8GB VRAM), this mid-tower workstation delivers refined cooling via smart fan control and lattice venting. Its tool-less chassis supports easy upgrades and triple-wide graphics up to 600W, while ISV certifications ensure reliable performance for professional environments. This system is best for engineers and data scientists running AI inferencing locally, requiring GPU acceleration and expandable reliability.

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HP Z2 G9 Black 2025

78.9 Score
Intel Core i7 64GB RAM 1TB NVIDIA RTX A2000 mid-tower
Why we recommend this

Its 20-core Intel Core i7-14700 and NVIDIA RTX A2000 6GB GPU sustain zero-throttling performance for 24/7 rendering and ray tracing. Tool-less access and integrated carry ledges simplify upgrades and relocation, while HP Wolf Pro Security delivers preconfigured threat protection. This desktop is best for engineers and CAD specialists who rely on ISV-certified stability and 64GB of DDR5 memory for complex multi-threaded workflows.

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HP Z2 G1i Tower

74.8 Score
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 32GB RAM 1TB NVIDIA Quadro RTX Workstation
Why we recommend this

Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 24-core processor, NVIDIA RTX A1000 GPU with 8GB GDDR6, and 32GB of 5600 MHz DDR5 RAM upgradeable to 256GB, this tower accelerates multi-threaded rendering and simulation. An easily serviceable chassis and four Mini DisplayPort 1.4a outputs streamline component swaps and multi-monitor arrays, backed by a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. It suits CAD professionals and simulation engineers who need certified GPU drivers and long-term expandability.

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