HP EliteBook 745 G6 Review: Unleashing AMD Power for Business (Ryzen 7 PRO, 16GB RAM)

HP EliteBook 745 G6 with AMD Ryzen 7 PRO is priced at Kes 47,500  here at Novelty Tech Solution in Nairobi, Kenya

Introduction

The HP EliteBook 745 G6 breaks the mold by bringing formidable AMD Ryzen PRO processing power to the corporate world. As part of HP’s trusted business lineup, this laptop combines the multi-threaded performance of AMD with the security and durability the EliteBook series is known for. This deep dive focuses on the robust configuration featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700U processor, 16GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and integrated Radeon Vega Graphics, all housed in a professional 14-inch chassis.

Key Features at a Glance

• AMD Ryzen Performance: Ryzen 7 PRO 3700U processor with 4 cores and 8 threads for efficient multitasking.

• Superior Integrated Graphics: Powerful AMD Radeon Vega 11 Graphics (often listed as 2GB shared), outperforming standard Intel integrated graphics.

• Ample Memory: 16GB DDR4 RAM for smooth operation of multiple business applications.

• Fast SSD Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD for quick boot times and rapid file access.

• Stunning Display: 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Anti-Glare panel for sharp visuals.

• Enterprise-Grade Security: AMD PRO Security with fTPM, HP Sure Start, and Webcam Kill Switch.

• Military-Grade Durability: MIL-STD-810G tested for reliability in tough environments.

In-Depth Specifications: HP EliteBook 745 G6

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the specifications for this AMD-powered configuration.

Who Is The HP EliteBook 745 G6 For?

This laptop is an ideal choice for:

• Value-Conscious Business Users: Offers performance often comparable to or better than Intel counterparts at a potentially lower cost.

• Professionals Needing Strong Graphics: The Vega 11 graphics are excellent for light photo editing, casual gaming, and smooth 4K video playback, outperforming Intel UHD graphics.

• Multi-taskers and Data Analysts: The 8 threads of the Ryzen 7 PRO and 16GB of RAM handle numerous browser tabs, large spreadsheets, and business applications with ease.

• Students in STEM Fields: A great balance of CPU power and capable graphics for programming, simulation software, and general university work.

• Small Business Owners: Provides enterprise-level security and durability without the enterprise-level price tag.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent multi-core performance from the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700U.

• Integrated Radeon Vega Graphics are significantly more powerful than Intel UHD Graphics, suitable for light creative work and casual gaming.

• RAM is user-upgradeable, unlike some newer ultrabooks, allowing for future expansion.

• Robust build quality with MIL-STD-810G certification.

• Comprehensive port selection, including modern USB-C.

Cons:

• Comes with Wi-Fi 5 (ac) instead of the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard.

• The 256GB SSD may feel limiting for some users, though it is upgradeable.

• Slightly heavier and thicker than some contemporary ultrabooks like the EliteBook 830 series.

• Battery life is good but may not lead the class compared to some Intel models with better power efficiency at the time.

Optimized FAQ Section

Q1: How good is the graphics performance on the EliteBook 745 G6?
A: The integrated AMD Radeon Vega 11 Graphics in this laptop are exceptionally good for an integrated solution. They far outperform Intel UHD Graphics found in similar business laptops, making the 745 G6 suitable for light photo/video editing, casual gaming (like esports titles), and smooth multimedia playback.

Q2: Can I upgrade the RAM and SSD in the HP EliteBook 745 G6?
A: Yes! A key advantage of the EliteBook 745 G6 is its upgradeability. The RAM is not soldered and can be accessed and upgraded by the user. The 256GB NVMe SSD can also be easily replaced with a larger capacity drive.

Q3: Is this laptop good for programming and coding?
A: Absolutely. The combination of the 4-core/8-thread Ryzen 7 PRO processor and 16GB of RAM provides ample power for running development environments (IDEs), compilers, and virtual machines efficiently, making it a strong choice for programmers.

Q4: Does the HP EliteBook 745 G6 support Windows 11?
A: Yes, the HP EliteBook 745 G6 meets all the system requirements for Windows 11 Pro and is eligible for the upgrade from Windows 10 Pro. It will run Windows 11 smoothly.

Q5: What is the difference between the Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 PRO in this model?
A: The primary difference is in performance. The Ryzen 7 PRO 3700U has a higher base and boost clock speed and more powerful integrated graphics (Vega 11 vs. Vega 8/10 in Ryzen 5), resulting in better overall CPU and GPU performance for demanding tasks.

Final Verdict

The HP EliteBook 745 G6 with AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700U, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD is a compelling proposition for anyone seeking a powerful, durable, and secure business laptop. Its standout feature is the excellent integrated Radeon graphics, which gives it a significant edge over Intel-based competitors for any graphically inclined tasks.

While it lacks the latest Wi-Fi 6, its core strengths—superb CPU/GPU performance, excellent build quality, and user-upgradeable components—make it a fantastic and often undervalued workhorse that holds up remarkably well today.