Best Laptops for Animation: HP Workstations and Gaming PCs
High-intensity processing requires an amazing laptop with high-performance features and capabilities - some careers (or hobbies) demand as much computational power as gaming and animation. That’s why a workstation is a top option for gamers and animators on the hunt for a powerful upgrade.
Selecting the best laptop for animation is crucial for both amateur and professional animators, as it ensures a smoother and more efficient workflow.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes workstations ideal for graphics-intensive tasks, discuss the various HP workstation options available, and recommend some of the best models for animators and gamers.
What is a workstation?
A workstation is a high-performance computer designed to handle processing-intensive tasks quicker than a regular personal computer. While typically intended for professional use, workstations have become popular among gamers due to their top-end specs and powerful GPUs.
Workstations generally include:
- A late-gen Intel Core i7 or i9 processor (or AMD equivalent)
- 8 to 64 cores
- At least 512GB of SSD storage
- A dedicated NVIDIA or AMD GPU with 4GB to 16GB of VRAM
- 16GB to 64GB of RAM
While workstations come at a higher cost than standard desktops or laptops, they’re a worthwhile investment for those needing top-tier performance for gaming or animation. The inclusion of a dedicated graphics card is particularly important for handling complex scenes and textures in animation, significantly enhancing graphics rendering capabilities and improving workflow efficiency and speed.
Laptop vs desktop workstations
When choosing a workstation, you’ll need to decide between a desktop or laptop model. Each has its own advantages:
For laptop workstations, one critical feature to consider is battery life, especially for demanding tasks like animation. High-performance laptops can offer extraordinary battery life, sometimes lasting up to 22 hours, which allows you to work without being tethered to a power source throughout the day.
Desktop workstations
- Better performance at a lower price
- More efficient cooling, especially for high-end GPUs
- Easier to upgrade components
- Superior power and performance for animation tasks compared to laptops, thanks to upgradability and better cooling
Gaming laptop workstations
- Portable - ideal for working on-the-go
- All-in-one solution with built-in screen
- More compact for smaller workspaces
- Powerful specifications for demanding animation tasks, with high-performance processors and graphics cards, offering portability and advanced cooling systems
Choose based on whether portability or maximum performance is your priority.
Why workstations excel at game development and animation
Gaming and animation share similar hardware requirements:
- Powerful multi-core processor
- Plenty of RAM (16GB+)
- Large, fast storage (512GB+ SSD)
- High-end dedicated GPU with 4GB+ VRAM
- Graphics processing unit (GPU) plays a crucial role in rendering tasks, especially for complex scenes and high-quality outputs
Workstations are built to meet or exceed these specifications, making them excellent choices for both gaming and animation tasks. High-performance laptops are particularly important when attempting final quality rendering in animation, as they ensure smooth and efficient handling of complex scenes.
HP workstation options for animation and gaming
HP offers a range of desktop and laptop workstations suitable for animation and gaming. When it comes to animation and gaming, having the best laptops is crucial due to their high performance, portability, and ability to handle CPU-intensive tasks.
Desktop workstations
The Z2 series is HP’s primary desktop workstation line, offering models from the compact Z2 Mini to the full-sized Z2 Tower.
Laptop workstations
For portable power, HP’s ZBook series includes the Firefly, Power, and Studio models - each offering varying levels of performance.
Top 5 HP workstations for gaming and animation
1. HP Z2 Mini Workstation
This compact powerhouse is perfect for small workspaces without compromising on performance.
- Windows 11 Pro or other operating systems
- Intel 12th and 13th Generation Intel Core processors
- NVIDIA discrete graphics options available
- Widely versatile for various applications
2. HP Z4 Workstation
A versatile desktop workstation perfect for 3D modeling, rendering, and gaming.
- Windows 11 Pro or other operating systems
- Intel Core or Xeon processors
- 8 memory slots
- Perfect for engineering and demanding tasks
3. HP ZBook Power Mobile Workstation (Intel)
A powerful mobile workstation designed for animators and gamers on the move.
- Windows 11 Pro or other operating systems
- 13th Generation Intel Core i5, i7, or i9 processors. Optional vPro support
- Optional NVIDIA graphics
- 15.6" diagonal FHD (250-400 Nits) or UHD (400 Nits) display
4. HP ZBook Firefly 14 Mobile Workstation (Intel)
A compact yet powerful mobile workstation for on-the-go animation and gaming.
- Windows 11 Pro or other operating systems
- 13th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors. Optional vPro support
- NVIDIA RTX A500 graphics
- 14" diagonal WQXGA (2560 x 1600) or WUXGA (1920 x 1200) display. Up to 1000 Nits
5. HP ZBook Studio Mobile Workstation
A high-performance laptop workstation for demanding 3D and gaming applications.
- Windows 11 Pro or other operating systems
- 13th Generation Intel Core processor. Optional vPro support
- Optional NVIDIA RTX or GeForce Laptop GPU
- 16" diagonal 4K WQUXGA or WUXGA display
Choosing the best HP workstation for rendering animations and gaming
When selecting the best laptop for animation or gaming, consider the following factors:
- Portability needs
- Budget
- Performance requirements
- Upgrade potential
Each of the workstations we’ve highlighted offers a balance of power and features to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you’re a professional animator, a serious gamer, or both, there’s an HP workstation that can meet your demands for high-performance computing.
By investing in a powerful HP workstation, you’ll have a machine capable of handling the most demanding animation projects and the latest AAA games, ensuring you’re well-equipped for both work and play.
