Review Of Acer Predator Hlios 500 17 AMD

Among the high-powered laptops is the Acer Predator Helios 500 17. Powered by a Core i9 CPU and a GeForce GTX 1070 graphics processing unit, this is no slouch in the gaming department. But even without inspecting its inner workings, it gives off the impression of a formidable machine. This 17-inch laptop has a respectable amount of heft, and the entire bottom serves as a vent or connector. Even when subjected to extreme situations, such as those we simulate in our testing, the machine maintains a remarkable level of composure and poise.

Key Highlights

1. Powerful Performance: Equipped with an Intel Core i9-8950HK CPU and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 GPU, the Acer Predator Helios 500 17 delivers exceptional gaming and productivity performance.
2. Robust Build: This laptop features a 17.3-inch 4K display, a sturdy design with ample cooling vents, and a weight of 8.3 pounds, making it a solid and formidable machine.
3. Thermal Efficiency: Excellent thermal performance ensures the laptop remains cool under heavy load, thanks to its extensive venting and efficient cooling system.
4. High-Resolution Display: The 4K display with 144 Hz refresh rate and Nvidia G-Sync provides sharp visuals and smooth gameplay, though the colour depth is slightly underwhelming.
5. Gaming-Optimized Software: PredatorSense software allows system monitoring, overclocking, and cooling management, enhancing the gaming experience.

This predator is the opposite of slim Max-Q gaming laptops like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G15. It is vast and hefty with its mix of excellent thermal performance and complete graphics hardware. This design allows it to realize its maximum performance potential. The second-generation Ryzen desktop CPU with Vega 56 graphics allows for excellent gaming and productivity applications performance. It is time to go deep into this incredible Acer offering.

Acer Predator Helios 500 17 AMD Specifications

Design

My Acer Predator Helios 500 17 has more openings than any Deus Ex level. In addition to the steely grey bordering on the front, sides, and rear, a label reads “Hot Surface—CAUTION—Do not touch.” The many cooling vents on this laptop indicate that it generates a lot of heat, but on the plus side, it seldom overheats. The lid has a blue and steel Predator emblem in the middle and carved details on the lid’s sides.

The Helios 500 seems much less radical until you open it. The inside is a sophisticated blend of black and cool blue. The keyboard has RGB-segmented lighting. However, the default setting makes the blue illumination visible under the switches and through the large power button and trackpad. Because breaking from the blue and steel motif felt off, we didn’t use the RGB lighting, but it’s there if you want. The Helios 500 weighs 8.3 ounces and measures 16.9 by 11.7 by 1.5 inches, making it relatively thick compared to its rivals. The sheer strength of it makes me willing to overlook the discomfort in my back.

Display

The Acer Predator Helios 500 17 has a 17.3-inch 2160p (4K) monitor operating at 144 Hz with Nvidia G-Sync and an audio system. The screen’s size and quality are still fantastic, but the colour depth is a letdown. It may be the anti-glare solution, but the colours seemed dull as if an Instagram filter had been put on the whole screen. Even when tested with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, DOOM, and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the display maintained its sharpness throughout. Nevertheless, the colours seemed less bright than they might have been. It is not a huge problem, but it does hold back games with more vibrant colour palettes like The Witcher 3 and makes darker games like DOOM seem bland. Because of this, the 144 Hz G-sync display is fantastic for playing shooters, whether online or off. Doom’s legions of hellspawn were never more enjoyable to annihilate on this screen, even if the colours needed to be included.

Software

Acer Predator Helios 500 17 and the Acer Predator laptops feature PredatorSense, a software application designed to help gamers get the most out of their computer by tracking system resources and personalizing the display, overclocking the processor, setting up shortcuts, and managing the cooling system. In addition, a new QuarterMaster app lets you personalize the program’s compatible add-ons. Norton Antivirus, Netflix (which is much inferior to the online version, although Windows continues to offer it), and, most perplexing, Candy Crush Soda Saga all come included with any essential program installation. You may remove them immediately after booting up your laptop.

Tech, Games, and Virtual Reality

This Predator model from Acer Predator Helios 500 17 AMD is equipped with a desktop-class processor (AMD’s Ryzen 7 2700) and graphics processing unit (AMD’s Radeon Vega 56), giving it a leg up over similarly priced devices that use mobile Intel processors and Nvidia GTX 1070 graphics (like the previous Predator Helios 500 we tested). To a large extent, this device fulfils its promises. The AMD-powered Helios can run today’s games, including virtual reality games, in high settings. 2016’s Doom worked smoothly at Ultra settings and 1080p for me, with frame rates ranging from 68 to 110. (fps). And that smoothness was aided by the laptop’s FreeSync display, which (like Nvidia’s competing G-Sync tech) keeps screen tearing and stuttering in check.

Should You Buy It?

Buy It If:

• You are a serious gamer looking for a high-performance laptop to handle the latest games at high settings.
• It would be best to have a robust machine for productivity tasks demanding significant computational power.
• You value excellent thermal performance and don’t mind a heavier, bulkier laptop.

Consider Other Options If:

• It would be best to have a highly portable laptop for frequent travel or on-the-go use.
• Battery life is critical, as the Helios 500 has limited battery longevity.
• Vibrant colour reproduction on display is a top priority for your gaming or creative work.

Conclusion

You probably know this laptop blows my mind if you’ve read this far. The combination of the Core i9 processor and the GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card makes for a true powerhouse, and the fact that both can be overclocked means that fantastic results are within reach. The Acer Predator Helios 500 17 AMD is a great gaming laptop with a responsive and comfortable keyboard and would be a welcome addition to any PC gamer’s arsenal.

FAQs

Q: Can the RAM be upgraded?

A: Yes, the RAM can be upgraded from the standard 32 GB to a maximum of 64 GB.

Q: Does the laptop support VR gaming?

A: Yes, the Acer Predator Helios 500 17 can run VR games smoothly.

Q: How is the battery life?

A: The battery life is relatively short, which is typical for high-performance gaming laptops.

Q: Does it have customizable RGB lighting?

A: Yes, the keyboard has RGB-segmented lighting that can be customized through the included software.

Q: Is the laptop too heavy to carry around?

A: At 8.3 pounds, it is quite heavy, making it less ideal for frequent travel or portable use.