HP's Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP E786 series represents the sweet spot of enterprise A3 colour printing—balancing capability, reliability, and total cost of ownership. But with three models spanning 25 to 35 pages per minute, selecting the right variant requires understanding how specifications translate to real-world performance. This guide provides the technical depth needed for informed procurement decisions.
E786 Series Overview: What's Common Across All Models
Before examining differences, it's worth understanding what all E786 series devices share. These common features represent HP's enterprise-class baseline.
Common Platform Specifications
- Format: A3 (SRA3 capable with custom media handling)
- Print resolution: 1200 × 1200 dpi
- Processor: 1.2 GHz dual-core
- Memory: 8 GB standard
- Storage: 500 GB encrypted hard disk drive
- Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, optional wireless
- Display: 10.1" colour touchscreen with customisable workflow apps
- Operating system: HP FutureSmart firmware platform
Common Security Features
All E786 series devices include HP's comprehensive security suite:
- HP Sure Start: BIOS-level protection with automatic self-healing
- Whitelisting: Only HP-signed firmware permitted to execute
- Run-time intrusion detection: Memory anomaly monitoring with automatic reboot
- HP Connection Inspector: Network traffic analysis for threat detection
- Encrypted storage: AES-256 encrypted hard disk
- Secure boot: Validated startup sequence
- TPM 2.0: Hardware-based security module
Common Paper Handling
- Standard input: 2 × 520-sheet cassettes + 100-sheet multipurpose tray (1,140 sheets)
- Maximum input: Up to 5,140 sheets with additional trays
- Media weights: 52-300 gsm
- Media sizes: A6 to SRA3, custom sizes supported
- Automatic duplex: Standard on all models
Common Scan/Copy Features
- Scan resolution: 600 × 600 dpi optical
- ADF capacity: 150 sheets
- Duplex scanning: Single-pass (both sides simultaneously)
- Scan destinations: Email, folder, USB, SharePoint, FTP, cloud services
- OCR: Built-in for searchable PDF creation
Model-by-Model Specifications
The primary differentiators between E786 series models are speed-related specifications and the resulting impact on throughput and productivity.
Detailed Comparison Table
| Specification | E78625dn | E78630dn | E78635dn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print Speed (A4) | 25 ppm | 30 ppm | 35 ppm |
| Print Speed (A3) | 15 ppm | 17 ppm | 20 ppm |
| First Page Out (Colour) | 8.4 seconds | 7.8 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| First Page Out (Mono) | 7.6 seconds | 7.0 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Scan Speed (Simplex) | 80 ipm | 100 ipm | 120 ipm |
| Scan Speed (Duplex) | 160 ipm | 200 ipm | 240 ipm |
| Copy Speed | 25 cpm | 30 cpm | 35 cpm |
| Recommended Monthly Volume | 3,000-15,000 pages | 5,000-20,000 pages | 8,000-25,000 pages |
| Maximum Monthly Duty Cycle | 100,000 pages | 120,000 pages | 150,000 pages |
| Typical Power (Active) | 690W | 730W | 780W |
| Sleep Mode Power | 0.9W | 0.9W | 0.9W |
HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP E78625dn: Detailed Analysis
Performance Profile
The E78625dn represents the entry point to HP's enterprise A3 colour MFD range. At 25 pages per minute, it delivers genuine enterprise capability at a lower acquisition cost than faster variants.
Optimal Use Cases
- Small departments: 5-15 users with moderate print requirements
- Branch offices: Remote locations requiring full A3 capability
- Budget-conscious deployments: When acquisition cost is a primary constraint
- Mixed workloads: Environments with significant scan/copy alongside printing
Volume Considerations
The recommended monthly volume of 3,000-15,000 pages represents the optimal operating range where:
- Component wear remains within expected parameters
- Consumable costs per page are optimised
- Wait times remain acceptable for workgroup productivity
- Device capacity matches workgroup demand without over-provisioning
When to Consider the E78625dn
Choose E78625dn when: Your monthly volume consistently falls under 12,000 pages, your team has 15 or fewer regular users, and acquisition cost is a significant factor. The 25 ppm speed handles standard office workflows without creating bottlenecks.
HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP E78630dn: Detailed Analysis
Performance Profile
The E78630dn occupies the middle ground—fast enough for most enterprise workgroups while maintaining cost efficiency. At 30 pages per minute, it represents a 20% speed increase over the E78625dn.
Optimal Use Cases
- Medium departments: 15-30 users with regular print requirements
- Shared workgroup device: Central printer for multiple small teams
- Document-intensive workflows: Environments with high scan volumes benefit from faster scanning
- Balanced deployments: When neither minimal cost nor maximum speed is the priority
Volume Considerations
The 5,000-20,000 page recommended volume provides headroom for:
- Peak periods (month-end reporting, project deadlines)
- Occasional high-volume jobs without impacting regular workflow
- Growth within the workgroup without immediate device replacement
When to Consider the E78630dn
Choose E78630dn when: Your monthly volume typically ranges from 10,000-18,000 pages, you have 20-30 regular users, and you need headroom for peak periods. The 30 ppm speed provides comfortable capacity for growing teams.
HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP E78635dn: Detailed Analysis
Performance Profile
The E78635dn delivers the highest throughput in the standard E786 series. At 35 pages per minute with 120 ipm duplex scanning, it handles demanding workloads without productivity bottlenecks.
Optimal Use Cases
- Large departments: 30-50 users sharing a single device
- High-volume environments: Document production, correspondence generation
- Time-critical workflows: When minimising wait times is operationally important
- Centralised print rooms: Non-production print hub for multiple teams
Volume Considerations
The 8,000-25,000 page recommended volume supports:
- Sustained high-volume output without component stress
- Lower cost per page at higher volumes
- Reduced wait times during peak utilisation
- Capacity for consolidating multiple smaller devices
When to Consider the E78635dn
Choose E78635dn when: Your monthly volume consistently exceeds 15,000 pages, you have 30+ regular users, or wait time reduction is a priority. The 35 ppm speed handles heavy workloads while maintaining productivity.
Total Cost of Ownership Analysis
Acquisition cost is just one component of TCO. Understanding ongoing costs enables better procurement decisions.
Consumable Costs
All E786 series models use the same consumable cartridges, meaning per-page consumable costs are identical:
| Consumable | Yield | Typical Cost | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Toner (W9050MC) | 54,000 pages | ~$350 | ~$0.0065 |
| Cyan Toner (W9051MC) | 28,000 pages | ~$520 | ~$0.019 |
| Magenta Toner (W9052MC) | 28,000 pages | ~$520 | ~$0.019 |
| Yellow Toner (W9053MC) | 28,000 pages | ~$520 | ~$0.019 |
| Drum Kit | 150,000 pages | ~$800 | ~$0.005 |
Estimated colour page cost: $0.06-0.08 (depending on coverage)
Estimated mono page cost: $0.008-0.01
5-Year TCO Comparison
For a typical mid-volume deployment (15,000 pages/month, 70% mono / 30% colour):
| Cost Component | E78625dn | E78630dn | E78635dn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acquisition | Lower | Medium | Higher |
| Consumables (5yr) | ~$45,000 | ~$45,000 | ~$45,000 |
| Energy (5yr) | ~$1,200 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,400 |
| Maintenance | Similar | Similar | Similar |
Key Insight: Consumable costs—the largest ongoing expense—are identical across models. The acquisition cost premium for faster models is typically recovered over 3-5 years through productivity gains and reduced wait times in appropriate environments.
Finishing and Accessory Options
All E786 series models support the same range of finishing accessories, enabling professional document production.
Available Finishing Options
- Stapler/Stacker: 50-sheet stapling, 500-sheet stacker capacity
- Booklet Maker: Saddle-stitch up to 15 sheets (60 pages), booklet folding
- Hole Punch: 2/4-hole punch integrated with stacker
- High-Capacity Output: 3,000-sheet stacker for high-volume jobs
Paper Input Options
- 520-sheet Feeder: Additional cassette for higher capacity or dedicated media
- 2,000-sheet High-Capacity Feeder: Reduce refill frequency for high-volume environments
- 3,500-sheet Tandem Tray: Maximum capacity for demanding workflows
Workgroup Sizing Guidelines
Matching device speed to workgroup size ensures optimal productivity without over-investment.
Sizing Framework
| Workgroup Profile | Recommended Model | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 5-15 users, light printing | E78625dn | Adequate speed, lowest acquisition cost |
| 15-25 users, moderate printing | E78630dn | Balanced speed and capacity |
| 25-40 users, regular printing | E78635dn | Higher throughput prevents queuing |
| 40+ users or high volume | E87750dn or multiple devices | Consider higher-tier device or fleet split |
Volume-Based Selection
If you have historical print data, use monthly volume as the primary selection criterion:
- Under 10,000 pages/month: E78625dn provides comfortable headroom
- 10,000-18,000 pages/month: E78630dn handles the load efficiently
- 18,000-25,000 pages/month: E78635dn prevents bottlenecks
- Over 25,000 pages/month: Consider E87750dn (50 ppm) or multiple devices
Security Considerations for Government Buyers
For government and security-conscious organisations, E786 series devices meet enterprise security requirements.
Security Certifications
- Common Criteria: Certified to ISO/IEC 15408 standards
- FIPS 140-2: Validated cryptographic modules (Level 2)
- IEEE 2600.2: Hardcopy device security standard compliance
Australian Government Considerations
- ISM controls: Configurable to meet Information Security Manual requirements
- Essential Eight: Supports patching, application control, and user authentication elements
- PSPF: Appropriate for PROTECTED environments with proper configuration
- Secure Print: Pull printing ensures sensitive documents aren't exposed
Making Your Selection: Decision Framework
Choose E78625dn If:
- Monthly volume is consistently under 12,000 pages
- Workgroup has 15 or fewer regular users
- Acquisition cost is a primary constraint
- Growth expectations are modest
- Wait times of 8+ seconds for first page are acceptable
Choose E78630dn If:
- Monthly volume ranges from 10,000-18,000 pages
- Workgroup has 15-30 regular users
- Balance of cost and performance is important
- Some growth headroom is desirable
- Document scanning is a significant workflow component
Choose E78635dn If:
- Monthly volume consistently exceeds 15,000 pages
- Workgroup has 30+ regular users
- Minimising wait times is operationally important
- High scan volumes require maximum scanning speed
- The device will serve as a shared departmental resource
IPP Procurement Pathway
For government buyers, E786 series devices are available through IPP-aligned procurement from Dreaming Print Solutions.
Typical Contract Values
E786 series devices with accessories typically fall within IPP direct sourcing thresholds:
- Single device with finishing: $25,000-$45,000
- Two-device deployment: $50,000-$90,000
- Multi-device fleet (3-5 units): $80,000-$180,000 (eligible for direct sourcing)
Managed print service contracts including E786 devices can also qualify for IPP direct sourcing based on total contract value over the term.
Next Steps: Get Expert Guidance
Selecting between E786 series models requires understanding your specific environment. Our team can help with:
- Volume analysis: If you're unsure of current print volumes, we can assist with assessment
- Configuration guidance: Recommending appropriate accessories and finishing options
- Competitive quotes: Pricing for purchase, lease, or managed print services
- IPP documentation: Supporting procurement compliance requirements
Contact Dreaming Print Solutions on 07 3186 8299 or email benlong@dreamingprintsolutions.com.au. As a Supply Nation Certified, 100% Indigenous-owned HP partner, we provide enterprise-grade solutions with the added benefit of contributing to your organisation's Indigenous procurement targets.
