The HP EliteBook 8470p is a business laptop designed for professionals, but can it handle the demands of gaming? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of gaming on the EliteBook 8470p, exploring its capabilities, limitations, and whether it’s a good choice for gamers.
Hardware Specifications: A Closer Look
Before we dive into the gaming performance of the EliteBook 8470p, let’s take a closer look at its hardware specifications. The laptop is equipped with:
- Intel Core i5-3320M or i7-3520M processor
- 4GB or 8GB of DDR3 RAM
- 500GB or 1TB hard drive
- NVIDIA NVS 5200M or Intel HD Graphics 4000
- 14-inch LED-backlit display with a resolution of 1366×768 pixels
The NVIDIA NVS 5200M is a dedicated graphics card designed for business applications, but it can also handle some gaming. However, it’s essential to note that this graphics card is not as powerful as those found in gaming laptops.
Processor and RAM: A Balance Between Performance and Power Efficiency
The Intel Core i5-3320M and i7-3520M processors provide a balance between performance and power efficiency. They’re capable of handling demanding tasks, including gaming, but may not offer the same level of performance as more powerful processors found in gaming laptops.
The 4GB or 8GB of DDR3 RAM is sufficient for most gaming applications, but may not be enough for more demanding games that require large amounts of memory.
Storage: A Bottleneck for Gaming Performance
The 500GB or 1TB hard drive is a significant bottleneck for gaming performance. Hard drives are much slower than solid-state drives (SSDs), which can significantly impact loading times and overall gaming performance.
Gaming Performance: What to Expect
So, how does the EliteBook 8470p perform when it comes to gaming? The answer depends on the type of games you play and the graphics settings you use.
- Casual gaming: The EliteBook 8470p can handle casual games like Minecraft, League of Legends, and World of Warcraft at medium to high graphics settings.
- Mainstream gaming: For more demanding games like Fortnite, Overwatch, and Apex Legends, you can expect to play at medium graphics settings with a decent frame rate.
- AAA gaming: Unfortunately, the EliteBook 8470p is not suitable for AAA games like Assassin’s Creed, The Witcher, or Cyberpunk 2077, as they require more powerful hardware to run smoothly.
Benchmarking the EliteBook 8470p
To give you a better idea of the EliteBook 8470p’s gaming performance, let’s take a look at some benchmarking results:
| Game | Graphics Settings | Frame Rate |
| — | — | — |
| Minecraft | High | 60 FPS |
| League of Legends | Medium | 40 FPS |
| Fortnite | Medium | 30 FPS |
| Overwatch | Low | 20 FPS |
As you can see, the EliteBook 8470p can handle casual games at high graphics settings, but more demanding games require lower graphics settings to achieve a decent frame rate.
Upgrading the EliteBook 8470p for Better Gaming Performance
If you’re looking to upgrade the EliteBook 8470p for better gaming performance, here are a few options:
- Add more RAM: Upgrading the RAM to 16GB or 32GB can improve gaming performance, especially for games that require large amounts of memory.
- Replace the hard drive with an SSD: Swapping the hard drive for an SSD can significantly improve loading times and overall gaming performance.
- Upgrade the graphics card: Unfortunately, the NVIDIA NVS 5200M is not upgradable, but you can consider using an external graphics card via a docking station.
Conclusion: Is the EliteBook 8470p Good for Gaming?
The HP EliteBook 8470p is not a gaming laptop, but it can handle some gaming applications. If you’re a casual gamer who plays games like Minecraft, League of Legends, or World of Warcraft, the EliteBook 8470p may be a good choice. However, if you’re a serious gamer who plays AAA games, you may want to consider a more powerful gaming laptop.
In conclusion, the EliteBook 8470p is a business laptop that can handle some gaming, but it’s essential to have realistic expectations about its gaming capabilities. With some upgrades, such as adding more RAM or replacing the hard drive with an SSD, you can improve the laptop’s gaming performance, but it will never be a replacement for a dedicated gaming laptop.
Alternatives to the EliteBook 8470p for Gaming
If you’re looking for a laptop specifically designed for gaming, here are some alternatives to the EliteBook 8470p:
- Dell Alienware M15: A powerful gaming laptop with a 15.6-inch display, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card, and up to 64GB of RAM.
- Razer Blade 15: A slim and powerful gaming laptop with a 15.6-inch display, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card, and up to 64GB of RAM.
- MSI GS65 Stealth: A slim and powerful gaming laptop with a 15.6-inch display, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card, and up to 32GB of RAM.
These laptops are designed specifically for gaming and offer more powerful hardware, better cooling systems, and a range of features that enhance the gaming experience.
Final Thoughts
The HP EliteBook 8470p is a business laptop that can handle some gaming, but it’s essential to have realistic expectations about its gaming capabilities. While it may not be the best choice for serious gamers, it’s a great option for casual gamers who want a laptop that can handle both work and play.
What makes the HP EliteBook 8470p suitable for gaming?
The HP EliteBook 8470p is a business laptop that can also cater to the needs of gamers. It features a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, which provides the necessary processing power for demanding games. Additionally, the laptop’s 8GB of RAM ensures smooth performance and minimizes lag.
The HP EliteBook 8470p also features a dedicated AMD Radeon HD 7570M graphics card, which provides a significant boost to the laptop’s gaming capabilities. This graphics card is capable of handling demanding games at high resolutions, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want a laptop that can keep up with their gaming needs.
Can I upgrade the RAM and storage of the HP EliteBook 8470p?
Yes, the RAM and storage of the HP EliteBook 8470p can be upgraded. The laptop has two RAM slots, allowing users to add more RAM to the existing 8GB. This can be especially useful for gamers who want to run multiple applications simultaneously without experiencing any lag.
Upgrading the storage of the HP EliteBook 8470p is also possible. The laptop has a 2.5-inch hard drive bay, which can be replaced with a faster solid-state drive (SSD). This can significantly improve the laptop’s overall performance, including its gaming capabilities.
What types of games can I play on the HP EliteBook 8470p?
The HP EliteBook 8470p is capable of playing a wide range of games, including popular titles like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Overwatch. The laptop’s dedicated graphics card and powerful processor make it an excellent choice for playing games at high resolutions.
However, the laptop’s gaming capabilities may be limited by its display resolution. The HP EliteBook 8470p has a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1600×900 pixels. While this is sufficient for most games, it may not be enough for games that require higher resolutions.
Can I connect external gaming peripherals to the HP EliteBook 8470p?
Yes, the HP EliteBook 8470p has several ports that allow users to connect external gaming peripherals. The laptop has two USB 3.0 ports, a USB 2.0 port, and a DisplayPort, which can be used to connect external monitors or projectors.
Additionally, the HP EliteBook 8470p has an Ethernet port, which can be used to connect to a wired internet connection. This can be especially useful for gamers who want a stable and fast internet connection.
How can I optimize the HP EliteBook 8470p for gaming?
To optimize the HP EliteBook 8470p for gaming, users can take several steps. First, they can update the laptop’s graphics drivers to ensure that they have the latest features and performance enhancements.
Users can also adjust the laptop’s power settings to prioritize performance over battery life. This can be done by switching to the “High Performance” power plan, which can be found in the laptop’s power settings.
Is the HP EliteBook 8470p suitable for gaming on the go?
The HP EliteBook 8470p is a relatively portable laptop, weighing in at around 4.7 pounds. However, its battery life may not be sufficient for extended gaming sessions on the go.
The laptop’s battery life can last up to 8 hours, depending on the usage. However, this can be significantly reduced when playing games, especially those that require high processing power and graphics capabilities.
Can I use the HP EliteBook 8470p for other tasks besides gaming?
Yes, the HP EliteBook 8470p is a versatile laptop that can be used for a wide range of tasks besides gaming. Its powerful processor and ample RAM make it an excellent choice for productivity tasks like video editing, data analysis, and software development.
Additionally, the laptop’s 14-inch display and comfortable keyboard make it an excellent choice for tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and working on documents.