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In HotHardware’s 2018 testing, the reviewed 14-inch HP EliteBook 840 G5 lasted about an hour longer than the 13.3-inch 830 G5 under sustained load. Both showed occasional processor temperature spikes and throttling, but the reviewer said their cooling systems generally kept temperatures below levels that would hurt performance. These results describe two particular review laptops—not every configuration or a used unit today.
What HotHardware tested
Chris Ledenican’s HotHardware review, published July 17, 2018, compared two premium configurations with the same core specifications: a quad-core Intel Core i7-8650U processor, 16 GB of DDR4 memory, a 512 GB SSD, Intel UHD 620 graphics, and a 50 Wh three-cell battery. The 830 G5 had a 13.3-inch FHD touchscreen; the 840 G5 had a 14-inch FHD screen without touch. Both review units included Thunderbolt USB-C, HDMI 1.4b, and Ethernet. HotHardware’s review describes these units and their test setup.
Those specifications are not a safe assumption for every 830 G5 or 840 G5 listing. HP documented an 830 G5 configuration with a Core i5-8250U, 8 GB of memory, and a 256 GB SSD, while TechRadar tested an 840 G5 with a Core i7-8550U and described multiple display choices. Check the processor, memory, storage, and exact panel in the listing rather than treating the model name as a complete specification. HP’s 830 G5 product page and TechRadar’s 840 G5 test illustrate that variation.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Which model lasted longer on battery?
The 840 G5 lasted about an hour longer than the 830 G5 in HotHardware’s reported sustained-load comparison. The 830 G5 ran for just over five and a half hours in that test; the 840 G5 result was approximately an hour longer. HotHardware calibrated the displays to about 115 lux and used Battery Eater Pro as well as an in-house 1080p video loop. The loop repeated playback of 1080p video at a stated 16 Kbps bit rate, with one-minute breaks. The review placed both models around the middle of its comparison group, with the 830 G5 ranking lower. See HotHardware’s battery and thermal test account.
#1 Best Overall
- 8th Generation Intel Core i5 processor ( i5-8350U ) | Quad Core | 1.70GHz max boost speed 3.60GHz
- Intel HD Graphics 620 | 8 GB DDR4 2400MHz 256 SSD
- Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | Bluetooth 4.2 | 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 | 1 x USB-C | VGA | DisplayPort 1.2 | RJ-45
- 13.3" FHD screen | 1920 X 1080 | Headphone/microphone combo jack | Webcam
- Windows 10 Professional 64-bit - Ideal for Home, Professionals, Small business, School Education
These are 2018 results from the review units and methods, not a runtime guarantee for a laptop bought now. The review itself notes that runtime depends on hardware and display brightness. For a used machine, battery age and condition also matter, but the cited test does not establish how a particular present-day unit will perform. HotHardware’s reviewer called battery life the principal downside of the tested EliteBook G5 series, not a universal defect across every configuration. The review’s final analysis gives that qualification.
How did they handle heat and fan noise?
HotHardware observed processor temperature spikes and occasional throttling during sustained workloads. It also reported that the cooling systems generally kept core temperatures below levels that would reduce performance, while acknowledging that prolonged heavy work could lower performance. This is a mixed finding: the review does not support saying that either laptop always throttles, nor that either is silent.
Rank #2
- HP 13.3" EliteBook 830 G5 Laptop
- 1.7 GHz Intel Core i5-8350U Quad-Core
- 8GB of DDR4 RAM | 256GB SATA III M.2 SSD
- 13.3" 1920 x 1080 Anti-Glare IPS Display
- Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 1 x Thunderbolt 3 | 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A 1 x HDMI 1.4b Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) & Bluetooth 4.2 Gigabit Ethernet Port 720p HD Webcam, Mics, and Speakers
The 840 G5 was described as producing slightly less fan noise and running its fan slightly more slowly. The reviewer suggested its larger chassis was less thermally constrained, but this is an observation from the reviewed machines rather than a guarantee for every configuration. A workload that keeps the processor busy for a long time is more relevant to this thermal behavior than brief everyday tasks.
Which model makes more sense for your setup?
| Consideration | EliteBook 830 G5 | EliteBook 840 G5 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size in HotHardware’s review unit | 13.3-inch FHD touchscreen | 14-inch FHD display, non-touch |
| Battery result in HotHardware’s sustained-load account | Just over 5.5 hours | About an hour longer than the 830 G5 |
| Chassis and portability trade-off | Smaller chassis; easier to prioritize if compact size matters | Larger chassis; the reviewer noted slightly lower fan noise and speed |
| Configuration caveat | Configurations vary; HP documented an i5-8250U, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD option | Configurations and displays vary; TechRadar tested an i7-8550U |
The table reflects the review configurations and cited examples, not a claim that all units have those displays or components. If battery endurance matters, verify the exact screen and hardware as well as the individual battery’s condition. If portability matters more, the 830 G5’s smaller screen is the clearer distinction in this comparison; the review does not provide a weight comparison.
Rank #3
- Processor: Intel core i7-8650
- RAM and Storage: 32GB RAM, 1TB Solid State Drive
- Display:13.3" screen with FHD (1920x1080) resolution
- Ports: USB 3.1, HDMI, RJ-45, Headphone/microphone combo
- Operating System: Windows 11
Ports and docking: check the actual configuration
HotHardware listed Thunderbolt USB-C, HDMI 1.4b, and Ethernet on both reviewed units. TechRadar’s tested 840 G5 configuration also had a proprietary side-docking connector. Port selection matters if you plan to use external displays or a dock, so compare the listing or device itself against the monitors and peripherals you need before buying. TechRadar’s configuration details cover the 840 G5 ports it tested.
HP lists a USB-C Dock G5 as a one-cable docking option on the 830 G5 product page. That does not by itself establish that a particular used laptop-and-dock combination will meet your display, charging, or peripheral requirements; confirm those against the exact laptop, dock, and displays. HP’s 830 G5 product page includes the dock information.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Excellent Memory & Storage】This HP Elitebook 830 G5 Laptop Computer with 16GB high speed DDR4 RAM to smoothly run and launch multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; 512GB SSD allows to fast bootup and data transfer and provide ample space for your valuable data.
- 【Exceptional Processor】This laptop features Intel 8th Gen Core i7-8650U Processor 1.9GHz up to 4.2GHz. This processor enable handles complex tasks effortlessly, ensuring smooth performance in any business, study and daily scenario, which makes your work yield twice the result with half the effort.
- 【FHD Display】This Laptop is 13.3” FHD screen with 1920x1080 Resolution. It can offer a visually stunning display that enhances your viewing experience. Whether it's watching videos, playing games or browsing the web, more content can be displayed on the screen, while details are sharper and images are more lifelike.
- 【Ports Specs】HDMI, Thunderbolt port(USB Type-C), 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 , RJ-45/Ethernet, smart card reader.
- 【Operating System】Windows 11, will get all the features of Windows 10 Pro operating system and enhanced productivity. It is refurbished item in excellent condition, tested and cleaned by Amazon qualified vendors. 90-days Warranty.
Rank #4
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com.
- (1) Thunderbolt (USB Type-C connector), (2) USB 3.1 Gen 8
- HDMI 1.4b port, RJ-45/Ethernet port, Docking connector. Headphone/microphone combo jack, AC power port, VGA port
- Laptop and AC Adapter
- A GRADE/Add 12-in-1 USB-C Hub Triple Display Docking station
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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