HP Pro Tower 290 G9 Desktop with i5-12400 - 1TB PCIe SSD

In this review of the HP Pro Tower 290 G9 Desktop, the bottom line is straightforward: it is a capable office and light-creative workstation for users who need reliable multitasking and fast storage. The combination of a 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12400 and a 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD delivers quick boot times and responsive application performance, making it a sensible pick for professionals, small business owners, and power users who value steady day-to-day performance without a premium price tag.

Key Features

• 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12400: Six cores and 12 threads with up to 4.4 GHz turbo provide solid single-thread and multi-thread performance for typical productivity and light content work.
• 16GB DDR4 RAM: Ample memory for multiple browser tabs, office suites, and background tasks without frequent swapping or slowdowns.
• 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD: Large, fast storage offers significantly faster boot and load times compared with a traditional hard drive, and room for apps and files.
• Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 730: Built-in graphics handle 4K output for presentations, streaming, and basic photo edits without a discrete GPU.
• Connectivity and ports: A mix of HDMI, VGA, RJ-45 and eight USB ports plus Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 keeps peripherals and networks well supported.
• Windows 11 Pro: The 64-bit operating system provides security and management features useful in business environments.

Who It's For

The Pro Tower 290 G9 is best for office professionals, administrators, and small-studio creatives who need dependable everyday computing with fast storage and enough memory to run multiple productivity apps. Its integrated graphics and multiple display outputs make it suitable for users who want 4K support for monitors and presentations.

It is less appropriate for high-end gaming or heavy GPU-accelerated tasks like advanced 3D rendering; those users should look for a system with a dedicated graphics card. Also, buyers seeking a compact mini PC should consider smaller form factors rather than a tower.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fast, responsive system behavior thanks to the 12th Gen CPU and a 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD.
• Generous 16GB DDR4 memory supporting solid multitasking for business use.
• Wide connectivity with HDMI, VGA, RJ-45, Wi-Fi 6 and eight USB ports for peripherals and displays.
• Includes wired keyboard and mouse, making setup straightforward out of the box.

Cons

• Integrated Intel UHD 730 graphics limit suitability for demanding gaming or GPU-heavy content creation.
• Desktop tower size may not suit users who prefer ultra-compact systems or have limited desk space.

Specifications

Processor	12th Gen Intel Core i5-12400 (up to 4.4 GHz, 18 MB cache)
Memory	16GB DDR4 RAM
Storage	1TB PCIe M.2 SSD
Graphics	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 730
Optical Drive	HP 9.5 mm Slim DVD-Writer with emergency eject
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth 5, RJ-45
Ports	HDMI, VGA, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 front/rear, 4x USB 2.0, audio

Our Verdict

The HP Pro Tower 290 G9 is a practical value-oriented desktop that pairs a modern 12th Gen Intel Core i5 with fast PCIe storage and 16GB of RAM, making it an excellent choice for business users and professionals who need reliable day-to-day performance. It offers sensible connectivity and bundled accessories for out-of-the-box setup, though those needing high-end graphics or a compact chassis should consider alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this model include a keyboard and mouse?
Yes, it includes an HP 125 wired USB keyboard (UK layout) and a matching wired USB mouse in black.

Can it drive a 4K display?
Yes, the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 730 supports 4K output via the HDMI port for streaming and productivity tasks.

Is the storage user-upgradeable?
The desktop uses a PCIe M.2 SSD and typically allows upgrades or additional storage, but open the case or consult HP documentation for supported configurations.