Is the HP ZBook 8 G1i good for CAD and 3D work?

Yes. The RTX 500 Ada is a professional GPU certified for CAD and 3D applications, and 64 GB of RAM covers large assemblies. Expect entry-level rendering speed, not desktop-workstation performance.

Is the screen good enough for photo and video editing?

Not for color-critical work. The panel covers about 62.5% of sRGB and peaks at 300 nits, so colors look muted and it struggles in bright light. It is fine for documents, CAD and general office use.

How does it compare with the previous ZBook generation?

The G1i moves to Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 2 with faster DDR5 memory and Thunderbolt 4. The RTX 500 Ada remains the entry professional GPU tier, so graphics gains are modest.

Can I upgrade the RAM and storage later?

This configuration already ships with 64 GB DDR5 and a 2 TB SSD, which covers most workloads for years. Check HP's service manual for the specific slot and socket layout before planning upgrades.

The laptop, a power adapter and standard documentation. A stylus and docking station are not included, so budget for a Thunderbolt dock if you use external monitors.

When is the best time to buy it?

Workstation prices move with business buying cycles and holiday sales. The best new price was $1,175 at eBay as of November 7, 2026, so compare against that before buying.