The HP EliteBook 840 is the single most popular laptop line at PrimeTech — and you'll see it listed across a few different generations and conditions, mainly the G3 and G5. Since both share the same 840 naming and similar pricing, it's worth understanding exactly what separates them before you buy.
The Short Answer
The G3 and G5 are two generations apart, with the G5 carrying a newer processor and, in most listings, a faster clock speed. The price difference between them is usually modest — often just RWF 50,000–90,000 — which makes the G5 the better value in most cases if it's within reach.
Generation Differences
HP EliteBook 840 G3
- Processor: Intel Core i5, 6th or 7th Generation (depending on the specific listing)
- RAM: 8GB (DDR4 in most listings)
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 14" HD or Full HD, depending on listing
- Price range at PrimeTech: RWF 300,000 – 340,000
HP EliteBook 840 G5
- Processor: Intel Core i5, 7th/8th Generation (some listings specifically the i5-8665U, up to 4.8GHz)
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 14" Full HD
- Backlit keyboard on the "Business Laptop" listing
- Price range at PrimeTech: RWF 350,000 – 390,000
Real-World Performance Difference
The processor generation gap between 6th/7th-gen and 8th-gen Intel chips is meaningful, particularly for multitasking. The 8th-generation i5-8665U found in our HP EliteBook 840 G5 Business Laptop listing clocks up to 4.8GHz — noticeably faster than the 6th-gen i5-6300U found in some G3 listings.
In practice, this means:
- Faster boot and app launch times on the G5
- Smoother multitasking with several browser tabs, documents, and applications open together
- Better handling of video calls alongside other work — a common pain point on older 6th-gen chips
For light use — browsing, documents, basic office work — the difference is noticeable but not dramatic. For heavier multitasking, coding, or running multiple applications at once, the G5's processor generation makes a real difference.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| HP EliteBook 840 G3 | HP EliteBook 840 G5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (RWF) | 300,000 – 340,000 | 350,000 – 390,000 |
| Processor | Core i5 6th/7th Gen | Core i5 7th/8th Gen |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD |
| Display | 14" HD/FHD | 14" Full HD |
| Keyboard | Standard | Backlit (on Business Laptop listing) |
Which Should You Buy?
Compare the Two Listings
HP EliteBook 840 G3 — Most Affordable
Available on PrimeTech
HP EliteBook 840 G3
HP EliteBook 840 G5 Business Laptop — Best Value Upgrade
Available on PrimeTech
HP EliteBook 840 G5 Business Laptop
Our Recommendation
If your budget is tight and your needs are light (browsing, documents, online classes), the G3 at RWF 300,000 covers everything you need without overspending.
If you can stretch your budget by RWF 50,000–90,000, the G5 is worth it — the newer processor generation gives you a more comfortable margin for multitasking and a longer runway before the laptop starts to feel dated.
Related Reading
- HP EliteBook vs Lenovo ThinkPad: Which Should You Buy in Rwanda? (2026)
- Why HP Dominates Rwanda's Refurbished Laptop Market (and When to Choose Lenovo Instead)
- Best Laptop Under 350,000 RWF in Rwanda (2026)
Where to Buy in Rwanda
Both generations of the HP EliteBook 840 are available now at PrimeTech Rwanda — Kigali's trusted platform for certified refurbished tech. We offer:
- Warranty on every laptop (3 to 12 months)
- MTN MoMo payment — pay directly from your phone
- WhatsApp ordering — confirm availability and arrange delivery on WhatsApp
- Transparent pricing in RWF — no USD conversion surprises
