Acer has always been one of the default go-to brands when it comes to computers, and the same applies to their laptop segment. Acer gaming laptops offer a good compromise between price and performance, making them generally ideal for budget-conscious gamers.
Still, you can only wish that they used a clearer and more naming scheme for their models. Because it can be confusing to determine the difference between “Nitro” and “Predator” at first glance.
There’s also “Helios” and “Triton.” Anyone who’s read their fair share of Greek mythology knows that the former is more powerful than the latter since Helios is a Titan and not a younger-generation Olympian. But then Acer still used these names somewhat incorrectly to describe their laptop’s performance hierarchy.
The bottom line is, that you need a guide when it comes to picking out which among these Acer gaming laptops is best for your needs or wants. That’s what we’re here for.
RELATED: Beginner’s Guide to Buying A Gaming Laptop (What to Look For)
Now that we’re halfway through the year and laptops are getting more and more discounts, knowing which specs and reputation are tied to the model name will help you get the most bang for your buck. In some cases, you might even avoid buyer’s remorse after finding out you bought an outdated item at a bloated price.
Predator Triton 500 SE
PROS
- Generous RAM
- Top laptop hardware
- 16-inch screen
- 240 Hz screen with G-Sync
- 2560 x 1600 resolution
- Competitive pricing
CONS
- No numpad
- 16:10 aspect ratio (a bit too square)
- Might run hot and loud
- CPU/Processor: 12th Gen Intel i9-12900H
- GPU/Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
- RAM/Memory: 32GB LPDDR5
- Screen Size: 16 Inches
- Price: $2,579.99 (with deal)
Despite the lower pricing, Acer does offer something that can directly compete with more expensive gaming laptop brands. The Predator Triton 500 SE is currently their most powerful gaming laptop.
It’s capable of playing the latest games maxed out and you can rest assured that it will stay in its prime for at least three more years. Of course, it comes with the latest bells and whistles though with that kind of top-end hardware for laptops, do expect some rather high temperatures.
Overall, this laptop is great for pretty much everything since it also sports a thin form factor. You can even bring it to office meetings without getting weird looks and play games on it afterward.
Predator Triton 500 SE
Predator Triton 300 SE
PROS
- Competitive price
- 12th Gen i7 processor at this price point
- 165 Hz refresh rate
- 1080p webcam at this price point
- Fingerprint reader
CONS
- 16:10 aspect ratio (a bit too square)
- 14-inch screen might feel small and cramped
- No numpad
- CPU/Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i7-12700H
- GPU/Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 3060
- RAM/Memory: 16 GB
- Screen Size: 14 Inches
- Price: $1,299.99 (with deal)
Now, the Triton 500 SE’s RTX 3080 Ti and i9-12900H processor might be a little too much for most gamers. After all, mid-range hardware can run most of the latest games perfectly fine; they will probably still do for the next year or so before you have to crank some settings from Ultra to High.
That’s why the Predator Triton 300 exists. It’s half the price of the Triton 500. This makes it great for anyone who doesn’t want to go all out but still wants some eye candy from their games.
There are some compromises at this price point using this hardware, of course. The most glaring one is the smaller screen, the lower resolution, and more plastic parts. But that doesn’t invalidate the Triton 300’s existence.
Predator Triton 300 SE
Predator Triton 300 SE OLED
PROS
- OLED screen
- 2880 x 1800 resolution
- Generous RAM
- 12th Gen i9 at this price
CONS
- 14-inch screen might feel small and cramped
- 16:10 aspect ratio (a bit too square)
- No numpad
- OLED is still expensive
- RTX 3060 mobile might struggle with the resolution in heavy games
- CPU/Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i9-12900H
- GPU/Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 3060
- RAM/Memory: 32 GB
- Screen Size: 14 Inches (OLED Panel)
- Price: $1,949.99 (with deal)
It has almost the same specs as the default Predator Triton 300 SE (but with more RAM and a better processor). So why is this significantly more expensive? Because of the OLED screen.
The OLED screen or panel is the latest craze in computer monitor tech today because they offer the best viewing angles and color accuracy, as well as the most impressive blacks.
This tech has been out in consumer-grade for a while now on televisions or smartphones but it’s still in its infancy when it comes to computer monitors. So do consider this purchase as an early adopter of the OLED tech.
But the difference is there, and it might be hard to go back to IPS or older panel technology once you’ve experienced this much visual immersion. Of course, this tech is also especially important for those working in digital media (video/photo editors, etc.)
Predator Triton 300 SE OLED
Predator Helios 300
PROS
- 15.6-inch screen
- QHD (1440p) resolution
- Comes in a variety of GPU configuations
- Best screen comes with a 240 Hz panel
- DCI-P3 colors, great for digital media
CONS
- Might be hard to find specific model variants
- Too much model variation between different regions
- CPU/Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i7-12700H
- GPU/Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 3070 Ti
- RAM/Memory: 16 GB
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
- Price: $1,699.99 (with deal)
The thing about Acer Predator Triton laptops is that they’re actually made for Acer’s higher-end laptop hardware. They’re on a different tier and build quality, which explains the higher price.
But for those looking to save up as much as they can while still affording the best performance their money can buy, then the Predator Helios 300 models will more than satisfy. They come in different specs using the same chassis, but the best typically come with either an RTX 3070 Ti or RTX 3080.
Some models come with an RTX 3060 and a lower-resolution screen which is good for those satisfied with 1080p or mid-range hardware in gaming.
Predator Helios 300
Acer Swift X
PROS
- Only 1.3 kg!
- Ultrathin form factor
CONS
- Screen is only 14 inches
- No numpad
- Thin form factor makes it more fragile
- CPU/Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5825U
- GPU/Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
- RAM/Memory: 16 GB
- Screen Size: 14 Inches
- Price: $1,099.99
Gaming and ultrathin don’t usually blend well together because powerful components need plenty of space, but that doesn’t mean gaming is impossible using these devices. The Acer Swift X model line is good proof of this.
It’s not as robust as the other full-fledged Acer gaming laptops but it holds on its own well and it won’t make your shoulders tired from carrying. This thing only weighs in at around 1.3 kg.
The CPU isn’t the best for gaming and productivity tasks but it’s mostly the GPU that will handle the former endeavor anyway, and the RTX 3050 Ti is ample enough. That’s assuming you’re willing to sacrifice a few settings here and there from Ultra or High to Medium.
Acer Swift X
Frequently Asked Questions
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What's the best model name or line for Acer laptops?
That would be the Acer Predator Triton lineup. -
Should I buy the Acer Nitro models?
The Nitro lineup doesn't have the best reputation and is considered the cheapest among Acer gaming laptops. As a result, the gaming laptop community generally doesn't recommend it.