HP laptop model numbers follow a simple code: the middle digit is the screen size, the last digit says Intel or AMD, and the G number is the model’s generation. So an EliteBook 840 G8 is a 14-inch Intel laptop from HP’s eighth design generation, which uses 11th Gen Intel chips.
The three digits
Take EliteBook 8 4 0:
- First digit (8): the tier. 8 and 1000-series (1030, 1040) are top EliteBooks. 6 is the next tier (ProBook 6xx in older generations, EliteBook 640/650 from G9). 4 is ProBook mid-range.
- Middle digit (4): screen size. 3 = 13.3-inch, 4 = 14-inch, 5 = 15.6-inch, 6 = 16-inch.
- Last digit (0 or 5): processor brand. 0 = Intel, 5 = AMD Ryzen. An 845 is the AMD twin of the 840; a ProBook 435 is the AMD version of the 430.
The G number is not the processor generation
“G8” means the eighth version of that model. It roughly maps to Intel chips like this for 830/840/850, 1040 and ProBook 4xx models:
| HP generation | Intel processor |
|---|---|
| G5 and G6 | 8th Gen |
| G7 | 10th Gen |
| G8 | 11th Gen |
| G9 | 12th Gen |
| G10 | 13th Gen |
Older and niche models differ (an EliteBook 1030 G2 has a 7th Gen chip, and some ProBook 640 G5 units ship with 8th Gen), so always check the processor generation on the actual laptop.
Other labels you’ll see
- x360: a 2-in-1 whose touchscreen folds back 360 degrees into a tablet. See the 2-in-1 pros and cons.
- Elite x360 / Dragonfly / Firefly: premium or thin-and-light lines. ZBook Firefly is a light workstation.
- ProBook x360 11 or “Fortis”: rugged school models.
Putting it together
- EliteBook 830 G8: 13.3-inch, Intel 11th Gen, premium. Example: EliteBook 830 G8.
- EliteBook 850 G7: 15.6-inch, Intel 10th Gen, with a number pad. Example: EliteBook 850 G7.
- ProBook 440 G7: 14-inch, Intel 10th Gen, mid-range.
The model number tells you the body, not the processor tier: an 840 can come with an i5 or an i7, so read what i3, i5 and i7 mean too.
Quick answers
It is the eighth generation of that model. On EliteBook 840 and similar models, G8 uses 11th Gen Intel processors.
Screen size: the 840 is 14-inch and the 850 is 15.6-inch with a numeric keypad.
The screen folds all the way back so the laptop works as a tablet.
