#Acer predator helios 500 amd vs intel 720p
#Acer predator helios 500 amd vs intel 1080p
#Acer predator helios 500 amd vs intel software

#Acer predator helios 500 amd vs intel 1080p

Of course, the big story is that choice of hardware as the Acer Predator Helios 500 is available with combination of Intel's CPU with Nvidia GTX 1070 GPU (up to Core i9-8950HQ), which also comes with G-Sync 1080p panel, or a fully AMD-equipped option, which include Ry8-core CPU and Radeon RX Vega 56 GPU, and comes with the 1080p 144Hz FreeSync-enabled screen. This does not come as a big surprise considering that it comes with a 17.3-inch screen, either a 1080p 144Hz or a 4K 60Hz one.

#Acer predator helios 500 amd vs intel 720p

The 720p webcam ain’t shabby either.While we are still lacking some of the specific details regarding the GPU, it is nice to see that AMD is finally getting some design wins in the mobile space, especially the gaming notebook one.ĭesign-wise, the Acer Predator Helios 500 is more of a desktop replacement than a notebook, measuring 42.9x29x7x3.81cm (16.9x11.7x1.5-inches) and weighing in at 4.0kg (8.82lb). Other than that, we’ve got no complaints regarding the display. We found a dead pixel on our review unit, but that could have just been a manufacturing error. Games and movies look great on this display, and you get a lot of crisp details. The Acer Predator Helios 500’s 1080p, 17.3-inch IPS display has a 144Hz refresh rate, making it accurate and responsive and an excellent color reproduction that’s on the warmer side. That said, we actually enjoy the display. It’s not bad for gaming, with sounds that are built and already processed and compressed, but it’s not good for listening to music. The sound is compressed, perhaps to make it louder, but that only squishes the mids, pushes the highs and lows and narrows the soundstage so that everything sounds like it’s coming from just one direction. The laptop has a built-in 2.1 sound system that supposedly boasts TrueHarmony technology for sound accuracy, but it needs the Waves MaxxAudio app to boost the volume.Īdmittedly, volume gets really loud with the software, but the sound quality isn’t better with it.

#Acer predator helios 500 amd vs intel software

The keyboard just is not impressive, though, and it has its share of flaws: first, it’s set so far back from the bottom edge that it feels like you have to stretch your arms to get to the keys second, the special hotkeys won’t work from time to time, with the only option being to reset the computer or re-install the PredatorSense software to get them working again. Then, there are the number keys, which when combined with the Function button, give you quick and easy access to settings like the keyboard backlights, WiFi, mirroring and volume controls. At the top, the keyboard also has five special hotkeys, to which you can assign presets for fan control, overclocking and more. It doesn’t have any special features that give you a real edge in competitive gaming – shorter travel, for example – but it is responsive and boasts anti-ghosting for 18 of the most used keys, so it doesn’t miss any presses. We know that trackpads are typically not ideal for gaming but, considering this is a $2,500 gaming laptop, you’d think they’d at least give it a decent one.Īt least the keyboard is decent. It’s possibly one of the worst trackpads we’ve tested, and definitely not fit for gaming. Likewise, the trackpad is clunky, isn’t responsive and lags a lot. Plus, the laptop has side-firing vents, one of which directly blows hot air in the direction of where your mouse and mouse hand would be, and its display has thick, almost 1-inch bezels. Heck, even its power supply is almost as big as your face. You can take this laptop to your living room, if you want to squeeze in some gaming while watching TV, but you wouldn’t want to lug it around while you’re traveling. This is more like a fixed gaming station that takes up less space than an actual PC. This isn’t a laptop you can just stuff in your backpack and take anywhere with you. On the other hand, the Acer Predator Helios 500 is just heavy and massive. Acer also includes easy access to your hard drive and RAM via a quick access panel in the back, making it easy for upgrades. In addition, the laptop also has two aeroblade 3D fans, five heat pipes, four exhausts, and two intakes for better air circulation, so that while the laptop does get a little hot, it manages to keep the heat down even when it’s working on ultra settings in games. The laptop also has a plethora of ports, enough that you can connect it to three displays in addition to the laptop screen, which itself is already impressive. On one hand, it’s got a sturdy build that you can tell will last, a matte finish that doesn’t easily track fingerprints, that subtle gaming look that makes it accessible to the non-hardcore gamers, and blue trimmings instead of the usual red.

We’ve got mixed feelings about the Acer Predator Helios 500 design.