Working on the HP EliteBook 8 G1a is a good experience, but I think it can be hard to justify the cost of this Ryzen AI business laptop

Date:
Sun, 05 Oct 2025 06:47:00 +0000

Description:
The HP EliteBook 8 G1a uses a new AMD Ryzen AI generation of processor for exceptional performance.

FULL STORY ======================================================================HP EliteBook 8 G1a: 30-second review

To avoid immediate confusion, HP makes a standard version of the EliteBook 8 G1a 14 laptop, and then the Next Gen AI PC Wolf Pro Security Edition
(A27BLEA) that this review covers.

While these share many of the same hardware components, the Next Gen AI PC Wolf Pro Security Edition (A27BLEA) is specifically designed for business users who need to deploy laptops for power users with enhanced security requirements.

Built around the new AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350, this is a highly efficient and yet powerful machine thats ideal for demanding tasks, like running local AI models.

But its also ideal for a user who runs demanding AI tools, even if this machine wouldnt realistically cross the threshold into being classed as a mobile workstation.

If you are looking for that level of performance, a laptop that uses the
Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 375 is probably more appropriate.

The limitations of the EliteBook 8 G1a are that it doesnt have a second full M.2 2280 slot, limiting the amount of storage to 3TB with current capacities. And, while the memory modules are upgradable, this system with only one
module is starved of memory bandwidth.

It does come with Wi-Fi 7, HDMI output and Thunderbolt ports, so while it might not be a necessity to have a docking station, it can exploit one effectively.

This machine isnt the cheapest to use this new platform, but HP has an excellent selection of EliteBook, ProBook, and ZBook designs that use AMD processors, so there is plenty of choice. With so many machines of this type appearing, its hard to pick this one as being exceptional enough to be one of the best business laptops . But HP makes highly effective hardware, and the EliteBook 8 G1a doesnt undermine that narrative. HP EliteBook 8 G1a: Price
and availability (Image credit: Mark Pickavance) How much does it cost? From $1550/1515 When is it out? Available now Where can you get it? Direct from HP , or via online retailers

Sold as the HP EliteBook 8 G1a 14 inch Notebook Next Gen AI PC Wolf Pro Security Edition, the asking price in the UK is 1799.99 for a machine with 64GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.

The same spec in the USA is priced at $1,899, making it currently a better deal for American buyers.

Whats slightly odd is that via the HP store, it isnt possible to select the spec of the review hardware, which matches 64GB of RAM with 512GB of storage.

Choosing 512GB of storage automatically drops the memory to 32GB.

For American customers, the cheapest model with the Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350 processor is $1549. European buyers cant get that combination, and the lowest-priced option in the UK is 1,511.99, with 1TB of storage and 32GB of RAM for that money.

It should be noted that for those buying into the AI era, local AI models
need lots of RAM to run quickly, so it might be pointless to run this CPU
with only 16GB of RAM.

The RAM on these systems can be upgraded, as can the storage, but thats additional cost and effort beyond the purchase price.

While Im sure other brands will be using a similar platform in the coming months, at this time, the only significant releases are from Asus with the Zenbook S16, and the Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 6 and P16s Gen 4.

The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 6 typically retails for around $ 1,240,
featuring 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Whereas the P16s Gen 4 is $1500 for one with 64GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

So far, Asus isnt using the PRO variant of the 350, but they do have the even more powerful Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 in the Zenbook S16 series, and you can get
one with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage for only $1400.

In the grand scheme of things, the HP asking price for this machine isnt excessive, but those looking for better value might want to consider the Asus Zenbook S16 series, which could easily save you money and get you a more powerful platform.

Whats always important to realise is that retail costs as presented on the brand websites arent what corporations pay for bulk orders, and that sort of horse trading could make HP a much more competitive option. Value: 3.5 / 5 HP EliteBook 8 G1a: Specs

Category

Item

Processor

AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 PRO 2.0GHz (16MB Cache, up to 5.0 GHz, 8 cores, 16
Threads)

NPU Performance

50 TOPS (Neural Processing Unit for local AI tasks)

Total TOPS

66 TOPS (NPU and CPU combined)

Memory

64 GB DDR5-5600 (maximum official capacity)

Storage

1 TB M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD

Storage Exp.

M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4

Graphics

AMD Radeon 860M Graphics

Display

14" diagonal, WUXGA (1920 x 1200), IPS, anti-glare, 800 nits, 100% sRGB, HP Sure View 5 integrated privacy screen with HP Eye Ease

Camera

5 MP IR AI camera

Audio

Audio by Poly Studio, dual stereo speakers with discrete amplifiers, integrated dual array microphones

Ports Right

1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, Kensington nano security lock

Ports Left

2x USB4/Thunderbolt 4, 1x HDMI 2.1 TMDS, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, SIM Card slot (LTE4 or 5G optional)

Wireless

MediaTek WiFi 7 MT7925 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4 wireless card

Battery

HP Long Life 3-cell, 62 Wh Li-ion polymer

PSU

HP 100 W USB Type-C slim adapter

Operating System

Windows 11 Pro

Security

HP Wolf Security, TPM 2.0, fingerprint sensor, auto lock/awake, onlook detector

Size

31.56 x 22.2 x 1.17 cm (front); 31.56 x 22.2 x 1.55 cm (rear)

Weight

1.39 kg

Sustainability

Low halogen; Bulk packaging available; 30% post-consumer recycled plastic;
80% recycled metal; 100% of HP paper-based packaging is from recycled or certified sustainable sources; Product Carbon Footprint

Warranty

1-year limited warranty

Colours

Glacier silver HP EliteBook 8 G1a: Design (Image credit: Mark Pickavance) Solid construction Lots of ports Cramped keyboard A Wolf Pro Security Edition

The HP EliteBook 8 G1a 14-inch Notebook Next Gen AI PC Wolf Pro Security Edition (A27BLEA) nicely blends aesthetics with functionality. Its sleek, minimalist exterior is crafted from high-quality materials, giving it a premium feel and durability. The notebooks slim profile and lightweight construction make it highly portable, ideal for those who travel for a
living.

The 14-inch display is a standout feature, offering vibrant colours and sharp resolution that make working on the laptop relatively easy. The narrow bezels maximise screen real estate, providing an immersive viewing experience
without increasing the overall size and weight of the device. The anti-glare coating ensures that the screen remains readable in various lighting conditions, reducing eye strain during extended use.

What I was less enamoured with was the keyboard. The positive aspects are
that the keys are well-spaced and provide a satisfying tactile response, making typing a pleasure.

But the keyboard doesnt use the full width of the machine, and therefore some keys ended up reduced in size. Not a fan of tiny function keys or the cursor cluster, but despite this, I can type at a reasonable speed on it.

The backlit feature allows for easy use in low-light environments, adding to the notebooks versatility. The touchpad is generously sized and highly responsive, supporting multi-touch gestures for improved navigation. (Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

A real strength of the HP EliteBook 8 G1a is the port selection, since it includes USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and an audio jack. This selection ensures compatibility with a wide array of peripherals and accessories, enhancing the notebooks functionality. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, using
the MediaTek MT7925 (2x2), ensures fast and reliable wireless connectivity.

Being a Wolf Pro Security Edition, HP add some neat features to provide
robust protection against malware and cyber threats, in theory. These include a fingerprint reader and facial recognition technology built to secure logins and safeguard sensitive data. The part of the Wolf Pro technology that IT professionals will gravitate to is the Cloud-Based Management Console, which enables a centralised control for IT teams to monitor and respond to threats. There are lots of other features, like AI and behavioural analysis to detect unknown threats, if you havent already deployed equivalent tools in the business environment.

Overall, the HP EliteBook 8 G1a is a well-designed, high-performance notebook that meets the needs of modern professionals and power users, without resorting to discrete GPUs and limited battery life. Design: 4 / 5 HP EliteBook 8 G1a: Hardware AMD Ryzen AI 300 series CPU Radeon 860M GPU
Upgrades

The AMD Ryzen 7 350 PRO is one of the new Krackan Point CPUs that have recently come to market, and utilises the AMD mobile chipset FP8, aka Strix Point.

Built on the latest 4nm TSMC fabrication, for its size and power consumption, this CPU delivers some exceptional performance, especially for AI use.

For those who read my Asus Expertbook P3 review, a machine that uses the non-PRO version of this chip, you might be wondering what a PRO spec
processor adds.

The main distinction lies in the fact that the Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350 is tailored for business use, featuring additional functionalities and capabilities specifically designed for enterprise needs that are not present in the consumer variant, the Ryzen AI 7 350. Although both processors utilise the same core architecture and have similar performance potential, the PRO label indicates improvements in security, manageability, and reliability explicitly designed for business environments.

What thats worth to you personally, I cant say, but HP does make a toned-down model with the basic AMD Ryzen 7 350 if you want to save a small amount of money. (Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

What isnt radical on this platform is the Radeon 860M GPU, which Id characterise as being a reasonable integrated GPU, but nothing special.

This balance of a high-end CPU and mid-range GPU hints that its built for those power users who arent editing 4K videos or modelling in 3D. But what it does well is support local AI challenges for those who need AI functionality, but cant guarantee cloud services.

The evolution of AI for business use is still very much at the Proterozoic stage, but for those who are embracing technologies like CoPilot, this hardware is superior to the prior generation. (Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

While not perfect, the upgrade paths in this machine do at least allow for enhanced memory and storage, and potentially the WiFi module when WiFi 8 becomes available.

Getting inside is relatively easy with a small screwdriver and a spudger, and with the underside removed, the battery, memory and storage are all highly accessible.

Unlike the HX 395 hardware, which uses soldered memory, this platform
features two SODIMM slots that can accommodate up to 32GB modules, for a maximum capacity of 64GB. It might be that at some point you will be able to get 48GB or 64GB modules, and increase that to 96GB or even 128GB, since the Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350 can address up to 256GB of memory space.

I had two disappointments with the insides, and both related to the storage. The first is that the M.2 2280 slot, pre-installed with a Gen 4 1TB NVMe in
my review hardware, didnt have any form of heatsink or pad to help it dissipate. That effectively limits it to 2TB drives, since 4TB and 8TB
options either come with or expect help with cooling.

The second M.2 slot is only 2230-sized, limiting it to 1TB capacities currently. There isnt much room, I accept, but a second 2280 slot would have been terrific, since using AI without lots of storage space isnt ideal.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance) Hardware: 4 / 5 HP EliteBook 8 G1a: Performance

Laptops

HP EliteBook 8 G1a 14 AI

Asus Expertbook P3 (with dual memory)

CPU

AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350

AMD Ryzen AI 7 350

Cores/Threads

8C 16T

8C 16T

TPD

15-54W (28W)

15-54W (28W)

RAM

64GB DDR5-5600 (2x32GB)

32GB DDR5-5600 (2x16GB)

SSD

500GB WD Blue SN5000

1TB Micron 2500 MTFDKBA1T0QGN

Graphics

AMD Radeon 860M

AMD Radeon 860M

NPU

AMD Ryzen AI (50 TOPS)

AMD Ryzen AI (50 TOPS)

3DMark

WildLife

16,844

15,582

FireStrike

6331

6107

TimeSpy

2975

2882

Steel Nomad.L

2364

2262

CineBench24

Single

114

116

Multi

856

909

Ratio

7.48

7.83

GeekBench 6

Single

2857

2886

Multi

13638

13560

OpenCL

24764

24370

Vulkan

34322

33104

CrystalDIsk

Read MB/s

7159

7006

Write MB/s

6558

6111

PCMark 10

Office

7576

7763

Battery

14h 31m

18h 17m

Battery

Whr

62

70

WEI

Score

8.2

8.1

Since they use the same platform and memory technology, the HP EliteBook 8
G1a is worthy of comparison with the Asus Expertbook P3, admittedly a cheaper device.

How HP configured this machine enables it to outperform the P3 in many tests, and it was provided with a better storage device in the bargain.

Where the P3 overtakes it is in battery life, with the Asus machine having a larger battery and a longer operating time accordingly.

However, both these machines run for longer than a typical working day, and the EliteBook 8 G1a is lighter for those who carry their system with them.

One important note is that the performance of both these laptops can be massively undermined by using only a single memory module, as the review P3 was delivered. Therefore, dont order one with a single memory module, or if you do, then purchase another identical module to get all the memory
bandwidth available. (Image credit: Mark Pickavance) Performance: 4 / 5 HP EliteBook 8 G1a: Final verdict

The HP EliteBook 8 G1a ticks plenty of corporate boxes, something HP is exceptionally skilled at doing.

What it offers is a powerful yet battery-efficient solution with all the latest security enhancements and management tools that corporate IT will
love. It also features sufficient ports that most users wont need a docking station, and the underlying platform is capable of running local AI models
and tools.

It isnt the cheapest laptop running this AMD Ryzen AI platform, but the quality of construction and features like Thunderbolt ports go some way to justify the extra it can cost over more affordable options.

Not the best 14-inch laptop Ive seen, but a solid platform that delivers power-user appeal without sacrificing its practicality. Should you buy a HP EliteBook 8 G1a?

Value

You pay a HP premium, but the build quality is good

3.5 / 5

Design

A power-packed design that feels substantial

4 / 5

Hardware

AI 300 series CPU, DDR5 and special AI sauce is a winning combo

4 / 5

Performance

Excellent performer and acceptable battery life

4 / 5

Overall

A powerful AI platform for those who need that

4 / 5 Buy it if...

You need Thunderbolt or USB4
The AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350 at the heart of this design has Thunderbolt/USB4 ports inherently, but there are laptops around that dont implement them for various reasons. If you want that technology, and most would, then this machine is for you.

You like upgrades
Lots of bits on this machine can easily be upgraded, including the memory and storage. If you dont mind using a screwdriver, then there is plenty of potential for enhancements. View Deal Don't buy it if...

You need exceptional battery life
According to HP, this machine should last more than 18 hours, but it only lasted 14 hours in my test. Thats respectable, but other machines that use
the latest Intel Ultra 200 processors or the Qualcomm Snapdragon X series can last longer.

You are on a tight budget
For the money, this is a decent laptop with plenty of nice features and a
good hardware platform, but its hardly cheap. There are cheaper options that sacrifice some of the bells and whistles that use the same CPU, which will make your budget stretch further.

For more productivity machines, we reviewed the best laptops for work and gaming and the best laptops for working from home .



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/hp-elitebook-8-g1a-business-laptop-review


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