Executive Summary

The HP 600 G1 Small Form Factor is a compact business desktop from HP's professional lineup, featuring 4th Generation Intel Haswell processors. Designed for corporate environments where space is limited but reliability is critical, it offers a balance of performance and serviceability in a small chassis. Common in refurbished markets, it's a cost-effective choice for basic office computing.

Detailed Specifications

1. Processor (CPU) - Key Focus

• Generation: 4th Generation Intel Core (Haswell)
• Socket: LGA1150

Common Configurations:

• Intel Core i5-4570 (Quad-core, 3.2-3.6 GHz) - Most Common
• Intel Core i5-4590 (Quad-core, 3.3-3.7 GHz)
• Intel Core i5-4670 (Quad-core, 3.4-3.8 GHz)
• Intel Core i7-4770 (Quad-core/8-thread, 3.4-3.9 GHz)
• Intel Core i7-4790 (Quad-core/8-thread, 3.6-4.0 GHz) - High-end
• Intel Core i3-4130/4150 (Dual-core, 3.4-3.5 GHz) - Entry

TDP: 84W (standard desktop), 65W (S-variant low-power options)

2. Memory (RAM)

• Type: DDR3
• Speed: 1600 MHz (non-ECC)
• Slots: 4 x DIMM slots (some models have 2 slots)
• Maximum: 32GB (4x8GB) officially
• Standard Config: 4GB or 8GB (often 2x2GB or 2x4GB)

3. Storage

• Interface: SATA 3 (6 Gb/s)
• Drive Bays:
• 1 x 3.5" bay (for HDD)
• 1 x 2.5" bay (for SSD, often requires adapter bracket)
• Optical Drive: Slim DVD-ROM/RW optional (takes the place of the 2.5" bay)
• M.2 Support: No (SATA only)

4. Graphics

• Integrated: Intel HD Graphics 4600 (on i5/i7)
• Video Outputs: DisplayPort + VGA (standard); some models have DVI or second DisplayPort

Dedicated Options (Low-Profile):

• AMD Radeon HD 8490
• NVIDIA NVS 310/315

Basic cards for multi-monitor support, not for gaming

5. Expansion Slots

• 2 x Low-Profile PCIe slots:
• 1 x PCIe x16 (electrical x16)
• 1 x PCIe x1

Important: All expansion cards must be low-profile/half-height.

6. Connectivity

Front:

• 2 x USB 3.0
• Headphone/Mic jacks

Rear:

• 4 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0
• DisplayPort, VGA (sometimes DVI)
• RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet (Intel I217-LM)
• Serial port (optional), PS/2 keyboard/mouse port

Wi-Fi: Not standard; requires PCIe or USB adapter

7. Security & Management

• Chipset: Intel Q87 Express (business features)
• Security: TPM 1.2, Kensington lock slot
• Management: Intel vPro/AMT 9.0 support on select models
• BIOS: HP BIOS with setup password, power-on authentication

8. Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: ~102 x 338 x 373 mm (4.0" x 13.3" x 14.7")
• Weight: ~5.4 kg (11.9 lbs)
• Power Supply: 240W external power brick (HP Smart Pin connector)

9. Operating System Support

• Original: Windows 7 Professional, Windows 8/8.1 Pro
• Official: Windows 10 Pro (full driver support)
• Windows 11: Not officially supported (requires TPM 2.0 bypass; CPU is below Microsoft's minimum requirements)

CPU Upgrade & Compatibility Guide

Important Notes:

• CPU is Socketed: The CPU is user-replaceable (uses LGA1150 socket).
• Compatible CPUs: Any 4th Gen (Haswell) Intel Core i3/i5/i7, Pentium, or Celeron. Also compatible with some 5th Gen (Broadwell) CPUs with a BIOS update, but these are rare.
• BIOS Limitation: The latest BIOS must be installed for best compatibility.
• Thermal Design: The stock cooler is adequate for 65W-84W CPUs. Avoid overclockable 'K' series chips.

Recommended CPU Upgrades (if needed):

• From i3 to i5: i5-4590 (best value)
• From i5 to i7: i7-4790 (best performance)
• For lower power/heat: i5-4590S or i7-4790S (65W TDP variants)

Modern Use Assessment (2024)

Strengths:

• Reliable Build: Corporate-grade components
• Upgradeable: CPU, RAM, and storage can be upgraded
• Cost-Effective: Very inexpensive on refurbished market
• Adequate for Basics: Handles office apps, web browsing, light multitasking well

Weaknesses:

• Aging Platform: 10+ years old
• No Windows 11 Support: Officially incompatible
• Limited Graphics: Integrated only, not for gaming/media work
• SATA Only: No M.2/NVMe support without adapters

Essential Upgrades for Usability:

• SSD: Mandatory - Replace HDD with 2.5" SATA SSD
• RAM: Upgrade to 8GB or 16GB (4x4GB or 2x8GB)
• Wi-Fi: Add a low-profile PCIe Wi-Fi card if needed

Ideal Use Cases Today:

• Basic office computer (Word, Excel, email)
• Point-of-Sale terminal
• Light web browsing station
• Home server/NAS (with added storage)
• Educational computer lab
• Thin client for RDP/VDI

Final Verdict

The HP 600 G1 SFF with a Core i5 is a solid, reliable workhorse from its era. With an SSD and sufficient RAM, it provides perfectly acceptable performance for basic computing tasks at a very low cost. Its lack of Windows 11 support limits its long-term viability, but for Windows 10 environments or light-duty use, it remains excellent value. The socketed CPU is a bonus for tinkerers looking to max out its potential.