ComputersNotebook
HP HSN-Q38C-6 Computer Manual
Setup, everyday use, maintenance and troubleshooting for the 16 in. notebook computer, with verified specifications.
- ProcessorIntel Core Ultra 7
- Memory64 GB
- Screen16 in.
- Est. yearly cost$3.42
About the HP HSN-Q38C-6
The HP HSN-Q38C-6 is a 16 in. notebook computer certified under the ENERGY STAR program for computers. It is also identified as HP ProBook 4 G1i 16 inch Notebook AI PC.
The certified configuration includes an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (16 cores, up to 5.1 GHz), 64 GB of memory, and SSD storage, running Windows 11 Pro. It also has a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) for on-device AI features. Retail configurations of the same model can differ, so check the system information on your unit.
Hardware listed in the certification record includes a 16 in. display (2.3 megapixels), a 56 Wh battery, a 100 W external power adapter, and a Gigabit Ethernet port.
Its typical energy consumption (TEC) is 20.1 kWh per year, 11% below the ENERGY STAR limit of 22.5 kWh for its configuration. Measured idle power is 5.8 W, and sleep draws 1.6 W.
Specifications
| Brand | HP |
|---|---|
| Model number | HSN-Q38C-6 |
| Model name / series | HP ProBook 4 G1i 16 inch Notebook AI PC |
| Computer type | Notebook |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 |
| CPU cores | 16 |
| Base clock speed | 2.0 GHz |
| Maximum clock speed | 5.1 GHz |
| Neural processing unit (NPU) | Yes |
| Memory (as certified) | 64 GB |
| Storage type | SSD |
| Installed storage drives | 1 |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro |
| Built-in display (diagonal) | 16.0 in. |
| Display resolution | 2.30 megapixels |
| Touch screen | No |
| Battery capacity | 56 Wh |
| Power adapter rating | 100 W |
| Gigabit Ethernet ports | 1 |
| Energy Efficient Ethernet | Yes |
| Wake-on-LAN (as shipped) | Enabled |
| Default low-power mode | Connected sleep |
| Sleep timer (as shipped) | 5 min |
| Display-off timer (as shipped) | 5 min |
| Short-idle power | 5.8 W |
| Long-idle power | 1.6 W |
| Sleep power | 1.6 W |
| Off power | 0.4 W |
| Typical energy consumption (TEC) | 20.1 kWh/yr |
| ENERGY STAR TEC limit | 22.5 kWh/yr |
| Below ENERGY STAR limit | 11% |
Safety information
- Lithium-ion batteries can overheat if damaged. Do not puncture, crush or expose the device to high heat (for example, a closed car in summer). Stop using it and contact service if the case bulges, the battery swells or you notice a burning smell.
- Use the computer on a hard, flat surface. Do not block the vents with bedding, cushions or your lap for long periods; the underside can become hot enough to cause discomfort or burns.
- Use the 100 W power adapter supplied with the computer, or a replacement from the manufacturer with the same voltage and an equal or higher wattage rating. Inspect the cord regularly and replace it if the insulation is damaged.
- Keep liquids away from the keyboard and vents. If liquid is spilled, shut down immediately, unplug the power and let the computer dry completely before restarting.
Setup
- Unpack and inspect
Remove all packaging, protective film and cardboard inserts (including any between the keyboard and screen). Keep the box and receipt until you are sure the computer works correctly.
- Connect power
Plug in the 100 W adapter before first start-up; the battery may ship with a low charge. You can use the computer while it charges.
- Complete operating system setup
Follow the Windows setup screens to choose your region, connect to Wi-Fi and sign in. Then open Settings > Windows Update and install all available updates, including optional driver and firmware updates.
- Update firmware and drivers
Use the manufacturer's update utility or support page to install the latest BIOS/UEFI firmware and chipset drivers. Keep the computer plugged in during firmware updates.
- Set up backups
Turn on cloud sync or connect an external drive and schedule automatic backups before you store important files on the computer.
Using your computer
Sleep and power settings
As shipped, the HP HSN-Q38C-6 turns off its display after 5 minutes of inactivity and goes to sleep after 5 minutes. Keeping these timers short is the easiest way to save energy. Its default low-power state is a connected sleep mode, which keeps the network alive at very low power so email and updates can sync and the computer wakes instantly. If the battery drains noticeably in a bag, use Hibernate or Shut down for travel. Measured sleep power is 1.6 W, compared with 5.8 W when idle with the screen on.
Battery care
The battery stores 56 Wh. At the measured idle draw of 5.8 W that is a theoretical ceiling of about 10 hours with the screen on and nothing running; real-world runtime with browsing, video or calls is shorter.
- If the manufacturer's software offers a charge limit (often 80%), enable it when the computer stays plugged in most of the time.
- Avoid leaving the computer in hot places; heat is the main cause of permanent battery capacity loss.
- For storage longer than a month, charge to about 50%, shut down fully and keep it in a cool, dry place.
- Use the operating system's battery-saver or efficiency mode when you are away from an outlet.
Performance
The NPU runs AI features such as background blur, live captions and noise suppression with far less power than the CPU or GPU. Keep the NPU driver current to use these features. With 64 GB of memory, the system has ample headroom for heavy multitasking, large photo or video projects and virtual machines. Solid-state storage needs no defragmenting; leave 10–20% of the drive free so it can maintain performance.
Networking
The computer has one Gigabit Ethernet port. Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az) lowers link power during quiet periods when the switch also supports it. Wake-on-LAN from sleep is enabled as shipped; IT departments use it to wake computers remotely for overnight updates.
Care and maintenance
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Weekly | Restart the computer to apply pending updates and clear memory; confirm that backups completed. |
| Monthly | Install operating system and application updates. Wipe the keyboard, touchpad and screen with a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth (power off first). |
| Every 3–6 months | With the computer off, blow short bursts of compressed air through the vents to clear dust. Do not let fans spin freely from the air stream. |
| Every 6–12 months | Check for BIOS/UEFI firmware updates from the manufacturer and review storage health and free space. |
| Yearly | Check battery health in the operating system or manufacturer's utility; replace the battery through an authorized service provider if capacity has dropped significantly or the case is bulging. |
Troubleshooting
Start with the simple checks below. For beep codes, diagnostic lights or error messages specific to this model, use the manufacturer's built-in diagnostics and support documentation.
| Problem | Possible cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Will not turn on | Depleted battery; charger not connected or faulty. | Connect the charger and wait 15–30 minutes, then hold the power button for 15 seconds and try again. |
| Runs hot or the fan is loud | Dust-clogged vents; blocked airflow; heavy background task. | Clean the vents, use the computer on a hard surface, and check Task Manager for apps using a lot of power. |
| Slow performance | Too many background apps; storage nearly full; pending updates. | Close or disable unneeded startup items, free up storage space, install updates and restart. |
| Will not wake from sleep | Software or firmware issue; accessory preventing wake. | Press the power button briefly; update chipset, graphics and firmware; disconnect USB devices to test. |
| Wi-Fi drops or is slow | Weak signal; outdated software; router issue. | Move closer to the router, update the network driver, and restart the router. |
| Battery not charging | Adapter underpowered or damaged; charge limit enabled; battery worn. | Use the original 100 W adapter, check the charge-limit setting, and run the manufacturer's battery diagnostic. |
| Battery drains while asleep | Connected standby activity; an app preventing low-power idle. | Use Hibernate for long periods away; review the sleep/battery report and close apps that keep the system awake. |
Energy use and running costs
The HP HSN-Q38C-6 has a typical energy consumption (TEC) of 20.1 kWh per year, about $3.42 a year at $0.17 per kWh. TEC combines the measured off, sleep and idle power with ENERGY STAR's standard assumptions about how many hours a year a notebook spends in each state. It does not include time under heavy load such as gaming, rendering or video export, which can draw several times the idle figure.
| Power state | Measured power |
|---|---|
| Short idle (on, screen on, nothing running) | 5.8 W |
| Long idle (display off) | 1.6 W |
| Sleep | 1.6 W |
| Off (plugged in) | 0.4 W |
Sleep settings matter: leaving the computer on and idle for the 16 hours a day you are not using it adds about 33.9 kWh ($5.76) a year, versus 9.34 kWh ($1.59) if it sleeps during those hours.
Frequently asked questions
What processor and memory does the HP HSN-Q38C-6 have?
The certified configuration has an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor with 16 cores (up to 5.1 GHz) and 64 GB of RAM. Other retail configurations may differ.
How much electricity does the HP HSN-Q38C-6 use?
Its ENERGY STAR typical energy consumption is 20.1 kWh per year — about $3.42 at $0.17/kWh. It draws 5.8 W at idle and 1.6 W in sleep.
How big is the battery in the HP HSN-Q38C-6?
The battery is rated at 56 Wh, which is under the 100 Wh carry-on limit for U.S. flights without airline approval. Runtime depends on screen brightness and workload.
What size is the HP HSN-Q38C-6 screen?
It has a 16 in. display with a resolution of about 2.3 megapixels.
What operating system does the HP HSN-Q38C-6 run?
It was certified with Windows 11 Pro.
Does the HP HSN-Q38C-6 have an NPU for AI features?
Yes. The certification record lists an installed neural processing unit, which runs on-device AI features efficiently.
What charger does the HP HSN-Q38C-6 use?
It ships with a 100 W external power adapter. Replacements should match the voltage and connector and be rated for at least 100 W.
Sources and disclaimer
Specifications on this page come from the ENERGY STAR certified computers dataset published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (record certified March 18, 2025), retrieved October 7, 2026.
The setup, operating, maintenance and troubleshooting guidance is written by ManualHarbor's editors for this specific product type and configuration. It is an independent guide — not a reproduction of the manufacturer's manual — and ManualHarbor is not affiliated with HP. Always follow the safety instructions, installation requirements and warranty terms supplied with your unit, and contact HP or an authorized service provider for warranty repairs and replacement parts.
Running-cost figures use assumed U.S. average utility prices and are estimates for comparison only. See our editorial methodology for details.
Report a problem with this guide
Spotted a wrong value, a broken link or something unclear? Tell us and we will review it.