Product Comparison

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

AMD Ryzen 7 2700 Processor | Radeon RX Vega 56 Graphics | 17.3" IPS Display

THE BOTTOM LINE The Acer Predator Helios 500 is an AMD-powered gaming laptop that has a lot to like. It's exceedingly powerful on the performance front, and is unmatched by anything else in its class for multi-threaded productivity tasks.

PROS & CONS

PROS

• Excellent CPU, Graphics & SSD Performance - Desktop-class AMD Ryzen 7 2700 delivers exceptional multi-threaded power

• Surprisingly Quiet Operation - Advanced AeroBlade 3D cooling keeps noise levels down during intense gaming

• Massive Storage Options - Up to 1TB SSD + 2TB HDD with dual M.2 NVMe slots supporting RAID 0

• Flexible Display Options - Full HD IPS or stunning 4K UHD display choices

CONS

• Short Battery Life - 74Wh battery prioritizes performance over portability

• All-Plastic Finish - Durable but lacks premium metal construction

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The Acer Predator Helios 500 stands as a powerhouse gaming laptop that delivers exceptional performance for both gaming enthusiasts and productivity professionals. This AMD-powered beast combines cutting-edge hardware with thoughtful design to create an unmatched gaming experience in its class.

At the heart of this machine lies the mighty AMD Ryzen 7 2700 processor, delivering outstanding multi-threaded performance that excels in demanding applications and intensive gaming sessions. Paired with the AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 graphics card, this laptop handles the latest AAA titles with ease while maintaining smooth frame rates and stunning visual quality.

The 17.3-inch Full HD IPS display provides crisp, vibrant visuals with excellent color accuracy, making it perfect for gaming, content creation, and media consumption. For users seeking even higher resolution, a 4K UHD option is available, delivering breathtaking detail and clarity for the most demanding visual tasks.

Storage and memory options are incredibly flexible, supporting up to 1TB SSD combined with up to 2TB HDD for massive storage capacity. The dual M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe slots with RAID 0 support ensure lightning-fast data access and boot times. With support for up to 64GB of RAM, this laptop handles memory-intensive applications without breaking a sweat.

Despite its powerful internals, the Predator Helios 500 remains surprisingly quiet during operation, thanks to the innovative AeroBlade 3D cooling system that efficiently manages heat dissipation. The robust cooling solution ensures consistent performance even during extended gaming sessions.

Connectivity options are comprehensive, featuring USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 and dual USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports for high-speed data transfer. Ethernet LAN, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth provide versatile networking options for both wired and wireless connections. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the stereo speakers with subwoofer, stereo microphones, and dedicated audio jacks for immersive sound experiences.

The laptop's design balances durability with portability, featuring a combination of plastic, polycarbonate, and aluminum construction. At 4.00 kg, it's substantial but manageable for a 17.3-inch gaming laptop. The optional backlit keyboard enhances usability in low-light conditions, while the HD 720p webcam ensures clear video calls.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

PROCESSOR OPTIONS

• Intel Core i9-8950HK - High-performance mobile processor

• Intel Core i7-8750H - Balanced gaming and productivity

• AMD Ryzen 7 2700 - Desktop-class 8-core, 16-thread powerhouse

GRAPHICS CARD OPTIONS

• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (8GB GDDR5) - Ranked #159 in Top GPUs

• AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 (Vega 10 XL mobile) - High-end AMD graphics solution

DISPLAY & VISUALS

• Screen Size: 17.3-inch IPS Display

• Resolution Options: Full HD (1920 x 1080) | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)

• Panel Model: AUO B173ZAN01.0

• Color Accuracy: 4.7/5.0 rating with 1.1 deviation

MEMORY & STORAGE

• RAM: Up to 64GB DDR4

• HDD/SSD: Up to 1000GB SSD + up to 2000GB HDD

• M.2 Slots: 2x 2280 PCIe NVMe M.2 slots with RAID 0 support

• Operating System: Windows 10 Home

POWER & BUILD

• Battery: 4810 mAh, 4-cell, 74Wh Li-ion battery

• Body Materials: Plastic/Polycarbonate with Aluminum accents

• Dimensions: 428 x 300 x 38.7 mm (16.85" x 11.81" x 1.52")

• Weight: 4.00 kg (8.8 lbs)

PORTS AND CONNECTIVITY

USB Connectivity

• 1x USB Type-A: 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps)

• 2x USB Type-C: 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps)

Display Outputs

• HDMI: Available for external displays

• VGA: Legacy display support

• DisplayPort: Full-size DisplayPort connection

Network Connectivity

• Ethernet LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps

• Wi-Fi: 802.11ac (2x2)

• Bluetooth: Integrated wireless connectivity

Audio Ports

• Microphone Port: 1x 3.5mm dedicated microphone input

• Headphone Jack: 1x 3.5mm audio output

SPECIAL FEATURES

Gaming & Performance Features

• AeroBlade 3D Cooling Technology - Advanced thermal management system

• Backlit Keyboard - Optional RGB lighting with customizable zones

• Anti-Ghosting Technology - Responsive key input for competitive gaming

Multimedia & Security

• Web Camera: HD 720p resolution for video calls and streaming

• Fingerprint Reader - Optional biometric security feature

• Security Lock Slot - Physical security for valuable hardware

• Optical Drive - Available in select configurations

Audio System

• Speakers: Stereo speakers with dedicated subwoofer

• Microphones: Dual stereo microphone array for clear voice capture

• Audio Technology: Enhanced sound processing for immersive gaming