HP ProBook 640 G1 review

A 2014 budget business laptop with older games at minimum and a low reliability outlook

The HP ProBook 640 G1 is a 2014 business laptop at $126, comfortably below the business median of $297. A 4th-gen Core i5 with 16GB of RAM places it in the budget tier. Its graphics metric reads high against the business field (best_gpu_score 45.85, top quartile), but that reflects integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics — enough for older titles at minimum settings, not a dedicated GPU. Reliability at 17 is "low," the main thing to weigh as a buyer.

Above the business field on graphics — because the field is graphics-light

The graphics score of 45.85 lands in the top quartile of the business category, but treat that as a relative statement: the underlying GPU is integrated (Intel HD 4600). Practically, Overwatch, GTA V, and Rainbow Six Siege clear the minimum bar, so light and older games are playable at minimum settings. It is not built for demanding modern titles.

Reliability and RAM are the constraints

Reliability at 17 is "low," about 60% below the category median — the defining trade-off for a decade-old machine. RAM is capped at 16GB (the category median is 40GB), so memory-heavy multitasking will hit a ceiling sooner than on newer peers.

Most depreciation is already behind it

From near $1,300 originally, the 640 G1 has fallen to $126 at about 6.5% per year, with a projected two-year value near $110 — only about a 13% further drop. The steep decline is over, so residual value should hold steady.

Where it sits among peers

Priced just under similar business laptops: a Dell Latitude E6440 ($137) or Latitude E5450 ($136) cost a little more, while a Lenovo ThinkPad T530 ($113) or HP ProBook 650 G1 ($109) come in slightly cheaper. It sits squarely in the ultra-budget business cluster.

Bottom line

At $126 this is a budget-friendly pick for light office work and older games at minimum settings. The compromise is the "low" reliability rating and a 16GB RAM cap. Worth it if you want a cheap secondary machine and accept the longevity risk.