HP Z1 Teardown

Teardown

Teardown

Teardowns provide a look inside a device and should not be used as disassembly instructions.

We figured this machine was right up our alley. How could we resist a device with this kind of introduction: "Introducing the HP Z1, the world's first all-in-one workstation with a 27” (diagonal) display that snaps open to let you swap out parts and make upgrades. No tools required."

So how repairable/upgradeable is the Z1? Join us in this journey as we take apart HP's newest innovation in PCs, the HP Z1 Workstation.

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Add Note Edit Step 1 — HP Z1 Teardown  ¶ 

  • Here it is, the HP Z1 workstation. Collapsed down, the Z1 folds flat for easy-to-access component repairs.

  • Under the hood the Z1 houses:

    • Dual-core Intel® Core™ i3-2120 Processor

    • 27" 2560x1440 pixel, diagonal LED-backlit IPS display

    • Four memory slots for up to 32 GB DDR3 RAM

    • SATA 7200 RPM, 500 GB Hard Drive

    • An internal USB port

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • We mistook this big ol' green button in the center for the power button.

    • We were wrong.

  • This button actually activates the "raising" procedure, that is, if you don't want to use the Z1 as a non-touchscreen, 40 lb tablet.

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Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • Although the Z1 bears a strong resemblance to a certain group of molluscs, it is considerably easier to open. We have yet to determine which tastes better.

  • Designed like a briefcase, all you have to do to open this device is release the thumb tabs.

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Add Note Edit Step 4  ¶ 

  • Right under the hood of the Z1 is a handy diagram of all the components that are easy to replace.

  • Rather than a "diagram" we like to think of it more as a treasure map, leading us to user-serviceable booty.

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Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • All the major components on the Z1 have awesome release tabs -- no screwdriver required!

  • The hard drive bracket, capable of holding either a single 3.5" HDD or two 2.5" drives, bears a striking resemblance to a picnic basket.

  • Simple pins hold the 3.5" HDD in the bracket, eliminating the need for any kind of screwdriver.

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Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • We are big fans of this computer. Or, we are at least fans of the fans inside.

  • The Delta Electronics KUC1012D 12V fan inside this enclosure appears to have a unique form factor, which means that acquiring replacement parts may be difficult.

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Add Note Edit Step 7  ¶ 

  • Disconnecting the optical drive is only a matter of pulling out the SATA cable.

  • With one of iFixit's optical bay hard drive enclosures, it might be possible to put yet another hard drive inside the Z1.

    • This, of course, would mean a loss of Blu-ray capabilities, but with one of iFixit's hard drives installed, you can fit up to 50 HD movies inside the computer!

  • Green means go as the optical drive bracket speeds out of the Z1.

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Add Note Edit Step 8  ¶ 

  • By the way, did you know that we also make software for teaching people to do things? Dozuki makes it easy to create vibrant how-to manuals.

  • Dozuki is great for:

  • Lots more: Dozuki shines in any situation where you need to harness the knowledge of experts to teach people to do things in the real world.

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