HP ProDesk 405 G6 Mini Desktop Review: A Compact, Secure, and Efficient Business PC

The HP ProDesk 405 G6 Mini Desktop is a compact and efficient business solution designed for everyday office use. It offers excellent performance, a range of security features, and a selection of ports for all your essential peripherals. This small desktop provides a space-saving alternative to traditional tower PCs, delivering all the power needed to handle typical office workloads. It’s an ideal choice for businesses looking to maximize desk space while still enjoying reliable performance.

Product Features

Powered by a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 4650GE processor running at 3.3 GHz, the ProDesk 405 G6 Mini offers solid performance for typical business tasks. Paired with 16GB of fast DDR4 RAM (expandable to 64GB), it provides ample power for multitasking and handling demanding applications. It also comes with a 256GB NVMe SSD, ensuring fast boot times and quick file access. For those needing more storage, there’s an additional 2.5-inch bay available for installing another drive.

Security is a top priority for the ProDesk 405 G6. HP includes several security tools such as HP Drivelock and HP Secure Erase, which help safeguard your data and ensure secure data removal when needed. It runs on Windows 10 Pro and will be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11 when it becomes available.

The desktop’s integrated AMD Radeon graphics allow you to connect up to three monitors via VGA, HDMI, and DisplayPort. While it handles basic tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and office work, it may not be suitable for heavy graphics, video editing, or gaming.

With a solid array of ports, the ProDesk 405 G6 can easily connect to a variety of devices. It offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless connectivity, along with multiple USB ports, a headphone/microphone jack, and a LAN port. A Kensington security slot is also included for added theft protection.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Compact design with a range of ports for flexibility

• Easy to upgrade with access to memory and storage bays

• Low power consumption and quiet operation

• Built-in security features such as HP BIOSphere and HP Sure Click

• Flexible mounting options and space-saving design

• Solid performance for standard office tasks

Cons:

• Lacks a dedicated graphics card for demanding tasks

• Limited internal storage (256GB), requiring external storage for larger needs

• The warranty is only one year, with some competitors offering longer coverage

• No SD card slot, which may be useful for some users

• Not suitable for heavy-duty graphics or gaming

Key Specifications

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 4650GE, 3.3 GHz

• Memory: 16GB (max 64GB) DDR4 SDRAM

• Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD

• Graphics: Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics

• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro (free upgrade to Windows 11)

• Wireless: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1

• Weight: 1.25 kg

• Dimensions: 17.7 x 17.5 x 3.42 cm (W x D x H)

• Warranty: 1-year limited warranty (parts and labor)

Ports and Connectivity

• 1 x headphone/microphone combo jack

• 1 x SuperSpeed USB Type-C 10Gbps

• 2 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps

• 1 x RJ-45 (Ethernet)

• 1 x HDMI 1.4

• 1 x DisplayPort 1.4

• 4 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps

• 1 x VGA

• Kensington security slot

Unique Selling Points

The HP ProDesk 405 G6 stands out with its compact form factor and wide range of connectivity options. It’s equipped with three front-facing USB ports, including one USB-C, which is more than what many competitors offer. The unit’s flexibility extends to its upgradability—users can easily access memory slots and storage bays for future expansion.

Security is a key strength of the ProDesk 405 G6, with tools like HP BIOSphere and HP Sure Sense providing layers of protection against various threats. This makes it an appealing option for businesses that prioritize data security.

Alternative Options to Consider

If you’re looking for alternatives to the HP ProDesk 405 G6, the HP ProDesk 400 G6 Mini is worth considering. It features a similar design and port selection but runs on an Intel Core i5 processor. For those seeking a versatile, portable solution, the Lenovo ThinkCentre M70q offers comparable performance with a range of configuration options, although it has one less USB port on the front.

For those interested in non-Windows alternatives, the Mac Mini, CTL Chromebox, or Asus PN50 are solid choices. The Mac Mini offers powerful performance but fewer ports and upgrade options. The CTL Chromebox is a budget-friendly choice for users who primarily work with web-based apps. The Asus PN50 is a customizable mini PC that allows users to build their system from the ground up.

Changes from Previous Models

The ProDesk 405 G6 is an upgrade from the ProDesk 400 G5. While both models share similar designs, the G6 is slightly lighter and offers faster performance with Gen10 processors and DDR4 3200MT/s RAM, compared to the G5’s Gen8 processors and slower memory. The G6 also includes more modern connectivity options, such as USB-C, and offers a more flexible port layout.

Summary

The HP ProDesk 405 G6 Mini Desktop is a compact and efficient solution for businesses looking to save space without compromising on performance. It offers solid specifications, a range of connectivity options, and built-in security features, making it ideal for everyday office tasks. While it’s not suitable for heavy graphics or gaming, it’s an excellent choice for those in need of a small, reliable desktop for general business use.