Acer Predator Helios 700 Assessment

The Acer Predator Helios 700 is probably the most highly effective gaming laptop computer we’ve examined to this point. Nonetheless, it’s additionally very heavy, stretching the definition of the time period “transportable”, and VERY loud, to not point out costly. It is supreme for these new to overclocking and PC gaming, who maybe don’t need to get into modding and tweaking simply but.

Professionals

• Distinctive gaming efficiency
• Revolutionary design
• Overclocking and fan increase modes permit for actual positive factors

Cons

• Middling show
• Heavier than a concrete milkshake
• Louder than 30-50 feral hogs

Key Specs

• Assessment Value: £3500
• 17.3-inch Full HD, 144Hz show
• Intel Core i7-9750H/i9-9980HK
• Nvidia RTX 2070 / RTX 2080 GPU
• 16GB/32GB/64GB DDR4 RAM
• As much as 2TB HDD and as much as 1TB SSD
• Dimensions: 41.7 x 430 x 299 mm
• Weight: 4.9kg

What’s the Acer Predator Helios 700?

The Acer Predator Helios 700 is a colossal gaming laptop computer with a hidden celebration trick: the highest of the keyboard slides off the deck to disclose a pair of followers that draw air into the system, maintaining each the CPU and GPU good and funky.

And that’s in all probability simply as properly, as a result of the Acer Predator Helios 700 mannequin I’ve been despatched in for evaluation options an Intel Core i9-9980HK processor and an Nvidia RTX 2080 graphics card; these infants are going to run scorching in no matter system they’re sat in. 

As well as, Acer’s Predator Sense software program that comes pre-installed permits for simple overclocking plus the choice to choose from a number of fan modes, affording you better management over the temperature and efficiency of the core elements.

The Acer Predator Helios 700 mannequin on evaluation is the highest-end iteration – there are variations powered by the Core i7-9750H with RTX 2070 and RTX 2080 graphics as properly – and, as such, we’re anticipating large issues. And with costs for the vary beginning at £2499, you’d hope so too… 

Associated: Greatest gaming laptop computer

How noisy is the Acer Predator Helios 700?

Like lots of so-called “desktop substitute” slab-tops, the Acer Predator Helios 700 is a loud beast. 

As I discussed above, a key promoting level of the Helios 700 is the very fact the keyboard and trackpad are constructed into an extendable tray, which might be pulled ahead to disclose a pair of upward-facing followers. That is referred to as the “HyperDrift” keyboard, in Acer advertising lingo.

Because the followers spin, they draw air right into a sequence of pipes, which straight cool the principle processor and graphics unit. What’s extra, you’ll be able to even management the fan’s pace by way of the built-in Predator Sense software program, which is launched by way of a devoted hot-key. 

The identical software program additionally means that you can choose from a variety of overclocking modes: Regular, Quick, Boosted, Excessive. These will work in tandem with the followers. Alternatively, you’ll be able to simply set the followers to spin on the most charge on a regular basis, in order for you issues to be as cool as attainable (I recorded prime speeds of 4791rpm and 4445rpm on the CPU and GPU followers).

Be aware that these choices are solely accessible if you happen to’re plugged into mains, so don’t go pondering that you simply’ll be capable to play sport like Battlefield 5 at 120fps whilst you’re on the practice. 

Nonetheless, if you wish to tweak it, the Helios 700 has been arrange to make sure you can eke out better efficiency from the system safely and simply. 

In the event you’re new to PC gaming and don’t fancy the chance of placing collectively your individual rig simply but, however you do like the concept of overclocking, then the Acer Predator Helios 700 affords a mild, if noisy, introduction to that world. 

Overclocking actually makes a giant distinction too. Relying on the title I used to be taking part in, I used to be in a position to take pleasure in an 5-10fps increase with the followers on max and the “Excessive” overclocking profile turned on.

That’s a giant deal, particularly if you happen to’re taking part in in a aggressive state of affairs. That is one thing I’ll give attention to in better element within the efficiency part of this evaluation, however for now, you need to know that the Helios 700’s sliding design and fan system isn’t a ineffective gimmick. 

So, whilst you’ll be capable to squeeze out top-notch efficiency from the Helios 700, this gadget is loud. Whereas I didn’t have any decibel meters handy to really measure the quantity, I wouldn’t be shocked if that is the loudest gaming laptop computer Trusted Evaluations has examined so far. It’s so loud, in truth, folks within the workplace typically thought it had began raining outdoors once I pulled the HyperDrift keyboard again. 

By the point I used to be completed testing the Helios 700, my colleagues have been joyful to see me field it up. I, too, was joyful to be freed from passing feedback that included ‘Sounds prefer it’s about to take off!,’ ‘Is {that a} laptop computer or a Boeing 747?!??!’, ‘Get to da choppaaaaaaa!’, and so forth. 

Associated: Nvidia RTX 2080

Acer isn’t alone in constructing a posh cooling system into the Helios 700 – this very a lot appears to be the path through which desktop substitute laptops and mini PCs are heading. 

Each the Asus ROG Mothership and Corsair One PCs function atypical designs, the place heat-generating elements are both repositioned in order that scorching air might be extra simply blasted away from the system, or cool air might be dragged in from the skin and pushed up and out. 

For now, the Helios 700 represents a step up from extra conventional desktop replacements such because the Asus ROG G703GX, and a extra highly effective various to slimmer machines such because the Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX502, which try to straddle the gaming and artistic worlds. 

How highly effective is the Acer Predator Helios 700?

The Acer Predator Helios 700 is a critically highly effective gaming laptop computer. When it comes to efficiency, not solely has it produced a number of the finest benchmarking scores we’ve seen so far, it additionally tore by way of Battlefield 5 even with ray tracing turned on.

In the event you’re not aware of ray tracing, that is new innovation that sees mild rendered in video video games look considerably extra real looking. Solely Nvidia’s RTX graphics playing cards are presently able to this know-how, and the Acer Predator Helios 700 has among the best within the enterprise within the RTX 2080.

If you would like a style of the way forward for gaming, with out the trouble of scratch-building and tweaking your individual gaming rig, the Predator Helios 700 is a strong possibility.

To see a extra detailed report on the Acer Predator Helios 700 efficiency, take a look at the devoted web page.

How good is the Acer Predator Helios 700 show?

The entire Helios 700 fashions within the vary function the identical show – a 17.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) LED with IPS (in-plane switching) know-how, a prime refresh charge of 144MHz, and a 3ms response time.

This guarantees nice viewing angles and clean, responsive gameplay, although Full HD decision stretched throughout 17 inches means issues gained’t look as detailed as a 15-inch Full HD gaming laptop computer would.

However for all of the GPU may the Acer Predator Helios 700 possesses, you’ll seemingly need to hook this as much as a 4K monitor to reap all the advantages.

For extra in-depth data, take a look at out Acer Predator Helios 700 show web page.

What’s the Acer Predator Helios 700 wish to sort and sport on?

The keyboard of the Helios 700 may be very good to sort on, and for players comes with a variety of key advantages. These embody strengthened WASD keys full with analog-like linear MagForce switches, promising near-instant actuation. There’s additionally anti-ghosting current throughout your complete board, which is able to assist choose up “misplaced” keystrokes, if you happen to occur to mash a number of keys directly.

Additionally included are three customized hot-keys top-left, and a turbo button for the followers – which, assuming they’re not already operating at full pelt, will give the Helios 700’s scorching bits a fast blast of air.

The board options per-key RGB illumination, and the Predator Sense software program helps you to simply customise this. You’ll be able to see beneath how I made a decision to additional make the WASD keys stand out by making them glow an alluring purple. 

The WASD keys are chunky, heavy, and snap again firmly, with a pleasant audible “clack” besides. The remainder of the keys are a bit spongier and don’t really feel fairly as responsive; after some time, I seen that the spacebar swap would often emit a slight squeaking sound. Hopefully, that’s a quirk of the evaluation pattern, and never consultant of your complete line, as a result of that would get annoying.

The heavy WASD keys blended with the opposite not-as-heavy keys surprisingly don’t end in a clumsy typing expertise. It took solely a few hours to acclimatise to the bouncy sponginess, at which level I used to be again to my circa 90 phrases per minute typing pace. 

When gaming in Battlefield 5, I simply zipped round arenas, lighting fools up utilizing each the WASD keys to maneuver and the arrow keys to look and intention. All the identical, you’ll in all probability need to choose up a gaming mouse right here – as quick and responsive as all the pieces is, it’s far simpler (to not point out extra satisfying) to level, click on, and shoot with a mouse than keys or a trackpad. 

Usually, I actually just like the keyboard right here, and consider most will probably be joyful sufficient with it, disposing of the necessity to shell out for a separate gaming keyboard.

Associated: Greatest gaming keyboards

What ports does the Acer Predator Helios 700 have?

There are many ports on the Helios 700, which means you’ll be able to connect all method of mice, keyboards, screens, webcams, or no matter else you need right here. 

There are two Sort-C USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports on the fitting, considered one of which helps Thunderbolt 3, the opposite DisplayPort over USB-C. This versatile setup means you will have a selection of connecting two totally different peripherals, each permitting for UHD video to be output to a spread of screens whereas maintaining units charged. 

As well as, there are additionally three standard-sized USB-A ports (all of those are additionally USB 3.1 Gen 2), two on the left, one on the fitting, in addition to separate HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort connections on the rear aspect, subsequent to the place you’d join the facility provide. 

Acer has additionally thrown in the usual connections you’d anticipate – gigabit Ethernet, separate 3.5mm jacks for microphones and headphones, and a Kensington lock slot. 

What are the accessible Acer Predator Helios 700 choices?

The mannequin I’ve examined right here is the perfect Helios 700 accessible. Right here’s the way it compares to different Helios 700 fashions within the vary, and what else you may get to your cash:

Be aware that the mannequin names, specs and costs listed here are taken straight from Acer’s UK web site – some retailers could have listed these in a different way/incorrectly. 

Curiously, the mannequin I used to be despatched in for evaluation featured an enormous 64GB of RAM, however is in any other case the identical because the NH.Q4YEK.006 mannequin. On the time of writing, it’s unclear if this 64GB model will probably be accessible within the UK, or how a lot it may cost. As such, my experiences and benchmarking outcomes could not tally precisely with that of patrons of the 32GB Helios 700. 

Editor’s be aware: full pricing data wasn’t accessible on the time of writing. We’ll replace this part of the evaluation as quickly as attainable.

How good is the Acer Predator Helios 700 battery?

Given the grunt and measurement of Acer Predator Helios 700, plus the very fact gaming laptops often don’t fare properly in battery exams, there’s no shock this gadget has extraordinarily low stamina.

Our battery exams confirmed the Acer Predator Helios 700 can solely final round two hours when gaming and away from the mains. That is roughly the identical for normal work use, so that is actually not going to be a very good workplace gadget if there’s typically a scramble for the restricted energy shops, and that’s forgetting the 4.9kg heft.

The battery efficiency additional emphasizes the very fact the Acer Predator Helios 700 is a desktop substitute quite than a transportable gaming machine. You’re solely going to need to take this out of the home to move it to a mate’s home for a neighborhood co-op sesh or eSport tournaments.

If you would like extra particulars, take a look at our Acer Predator Helios 700 battery web page.

Ought to I purchase the Acer Predator Helios 700?

The Acer Predator Helios 700 is without doubt one of the strongest laptops available on the market, so if you happen to’re craving an absolute powerhouse, this a very good guess. Nonetheless, because it’s a desktop substitute laptop computer, the Helios 700 each prices and weighs a ton. 

On a sensible degree, it’s so heavy that except you’re coaching for the Three Peaks problem, you’re unlikely to be lugging it into the workplace or lecture halls on a regular basis. 

The portability of the Acer Predator Helios 700 is due to this fact considerably tutorial. Contemplating the vary begins at £2500, you’d be proper to query the outlay when you possibly can simply as simply put that cash in the direction of shopping for or constructing a static desktop gaming rig, even one primarily based on a mini-RTX motherboard, if you happen to favored the concept of a gaming PC you possibly can simply pack up and take with you. 

One other draw back is the show. Regardless of the excessive refresh charge and lack of glare, which each permit for a clean and immersive gaming expertise, issues are let down by so-so viewing angles and low brightness. The truth that the highest aspect of the laptop computer feels flimsy – particularly in comparison with the weighty and strong deck space – implies that the Helios 700 has a barely uneven really feel. 

Nonetheless, for out-of-the-box efficiency the Predator Helios 700 is tough to beat, and we love that the cooling system and the built-in overclocking software program offers you a good, real-world increase – even when these followers are completely cacophonous.  

Verdict

Simply probably the most highly effective gaming laptop computer we’ve examined to this point, however it’s ridiculously heavy, loud, and costly.