The Dell Precision 7820 and HP Z6 G4 are the middle tier of their ranges: dual-socket capable, six-channel memory, two graphics slots. The most useful thing to know is that both quote memory figures that assume two processors fitted — and on the used market most units arrive with one.
Specification comparison
| Dell Precision 7820 | HP Z6 G4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Tower | Tower |
| Processor sockets | One or two | One or two |
| Processor support | Intel Xeon Scalable, 1st or 2nd generation, up to 28 cores each | Intel Xeon Scalable |
| DIMM slots, one processor | 6 | 6 |
| DIMM slots, both processors | 12 | 12 |
| DIMMs per channel | 6 | 6 |
| Memory ceiling | Up to 768GB at 2933MHz | Not stated in the source used here |
| Graphics slots | 2 | 2 |
| PCIe slot positions | 5 | 6 |
| Maximum internal drives | 4 | 2 |
| Power supply | 950W, 80 PLUS Gold, externally accessible and lockable | 700W or 1000W |
| Chassis | 16.45" H x 6.95" W x 20.4" D, approximately 34lb | Tower |
The rule that applies to both
Twelve DIMM slots on either platform means twelve with both processors fitted. Dell states it directly for the 7820: “Six channel memory up to 768GB 2933MHz DDR4 ECC memory with dual CPUs, 12 DIMM Slots (6 DIMMs per CPU)”. The HP Z6 G4 is explicit about the single-processor case — six slots — which is fewer than the single-socket Z4 G4's eight. That is by design, not a fault: the platform runs six DIMMs per channel and expects the second processor.
A single-processor machine of either brand is a partially populated one. If a listing quotes the platform maximum, ask how many processors are actually fitted.
Where they genuinely differ
Internal drives
The 7820 lists up to four internal drives against the Z6 G4's two. For local project storage or an internal RAID pair alongside a data volume, the Dell has the more usable layout.
Expansion positions
The Z6 G4 lists six PCIe slot positions against the 7820's five. With both carrying only two graphics slots, that extra position is where a capture card, a storage controller or a second network adapter goes.
Power supply
The 7820 ships a single 950W supply, externally accessible and lockable — a genuinely useful detail in a shared studio or lab. The Z6 G4 offers 700W or 1000W, so a modest build can be specified quieter and a heavier one has more headroom.
Where they are effectively equivalent
Sockets, DIMMs per channel, twelve-slot dual-processor memory and graphics slot count all match. Neither platform has a structural advantage, which puts the decision on condition, processor count and price.
How to decide
- Local storage matters — Precision 7820, on internal drive count.
- More expansion cards — Z6 G4, for the sixth PCIe position.
- Quieter or heavier GPU build — Z6 G4, whose 700W and 1000W options bracket the 7820's fixed 950W.
- Serviceability in a shared space — Precision 7820, for the externally accessible lockable supply.
What these figures describe
Each column is drawn from the specifications published for that platform, and the sources differ in what they state. Where a figure is not established it is marked as such rather than estimated or matched to the other column.
Where to go next
- Dell Precision 7820 specifications and options
- HP Z6 G4 specifications and options
- The tier below: Precision 5820 vs HP Z4 G4
- The tier above: Precision 7920 vs HP Z8 G4
- Which Dell Precision tower workstation? and Which HP Z workstation?
- Check memory options with the RAM Advisor
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