HP i7 6500U Laptop Review: Is This Refurb Legend Still Worth It?
In an era dominated by ultra-thin notebooks and cutting-edge AI-powered laptops, it’s easy to forget that many of yesterday’s business machines still offer excellent value today. One such underdog is the HP EliteBook 840 G3, featuring the Intel Core i7-6500U processor. Originally launched in 2016, this sleek enterprise laptop still has plenty of relevance in 2025—especially for users looking for dependable performance without the premium price tag.
The question is: Can this older system still compete with today’s standards? Let’s find out.
Performance Overview
At the heart of the HP EliteBook 840 G3 is the Intel Core i7-6500U, a dual-core, 4-thread processor from Intel’s 6th Gen Skylake lineup. Clocking in at 2.5GHz base and up to 3.1GHz turbo, it’s more than capable of handling web browsing, Office applications, light photo editing, and video conferencing without hiccups.
While it doesn’t compete with the latest multi-core chips in synthetic benchmarks, the i7-6500U is remarkably efficient. It runs quietly and coolly while maintaining solid responsiveness, especially when paired with modern components like SSDs and upgraded RAM.
With 16GB of RAM and a fast SSD, this machine boots quickly, launches apps without delays, and handles multitasking better than many budget laptops sold today.
Build Quality and Design
HP’s EliteBook series has always stood out for its durable aluminum chassis and professional look. The 840 G3 is no exception. It features a sleek, lightweight design (just under 3.5 pounds), a spill-resistant backlit keyboard, and a 14-inch anti-glare display that’s easy on the eyes during long work sessions.
Despite its age, this laptop doesn’t feel cheap. The keyboard is tactile and quiet, perfect for writers or students. It also includes a pointing stick for those who prefer precision navigation.
Display and Ports
The 14-inch Full HD screen delivers respectable brightness and clarity. While not the most color-accurate for creative professionals, it’s perfect for typical office work, streaming, and casual web use.
The port selection is another area where older laptops often shine. You’ll find two USB 3.0 ports, a USB Type-C, VGA (yes, still useful in legacy business environments), DisplayPort, Ethernet, and an SD card reader. It even supports docking stations for more permanent setups.
Battery Life and Portability
On a full charge, expect around 6–8 hours of mixed usage—pretty solid, considering the hardware. Because it’s a business laptop, the 840 G3 is designed for real-world mobility and endurance.
A slim profile and decent thermals enhance its portability, making it a reliable companion for students, freelancers, or remote workers on the go.
Who Should Buy It in 2025?
This laptop is perfect for:
- Students who need a reliable system for note-taking, online classes, and research.
- Remote professionals working with emails, video calls, documents, and spreadsheets.
- Budget-conscious users seeking durability, upgradability, and performance.
You won’t want to use it for 4K video editing or modern AAA gaming, but the HP EliteBook 840 G3 still delivers for 90% of daily computing needs.
Conclusion
The HP i7-6500U EliteBook proves that older tech isn’t obsolete—it’s just mature. With strong build quality, dependable performance, and excellent upgradability, it’s a smart buy for those who don’t need bleeding-edge specs but still want a machine that works hard and lasts long.
Pairing it with modern upgrades like an SSD and extra RAM turns it into a productivity powerhouse on a budget. For under $300 in many refurbished listings, this laptop remains a sleeper hit in the value segment.
