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Review: Using the Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop: i5-11400H with an RTX 3050 Ti and 16GB of RAM (2024)
Introduction
I recently acquired the Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop, which has gotten quite good reviews for its affordability and performance. I use it for both gaming and productivity/multitasking - below are my thoughts on it.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | acer | Model Name | acer Nitro 5 |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches | Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| CPU Model | Corei5-10300H | Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home | Special Feature | Backlit Keyboard, Numeric Keypad |
| Graphics Card Description | Dedicated | Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 |
Photos
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Prices
Check prices of the Acer Nitro 5, i5, RTX 3050 Ti on:
Initial Impressions
Upon receiving the Acer Nitro 5, I had a balanced outlook due to its impressive specs and Acer’s inconsistent feedback from users. The laptop comes with an enticing feature set right out of the box:
The Intel Core i5-11400H offers a good balance between performance and power efficiency for its price. It may not be the fastest processor in its class but is certainly capable.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 provides a good gaming experience with Ray Tracing capabilities, making it an impressive choice for its price tier.
15.6-inch FHD Display with a 144Hz refresh rate: This large screen offers smooth visuals for gaming and enhances everyday use with its fast refresh rate.
16GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB NVMe SSD: Above average for a laptop in this price range, signaling swift load times and multitasking prowess.
Initial Impressions:
The build quality of this laptop is robust, as evident in its substantial weight. It is neither too heavy nor excessively light, striking a perfect balance. The backlit keyboard and numeric keypad are comfortable and efficient, enhancing usability for gaming and productivity tasks alike, making the build quality an asset for both leisurely pursuits and professional endeavors.
The CoolBoost technology effectively manages the unit’s heating under load. Its long-term effectiveness remains to be seen.
However, the battery life of the laptop didn’t meet expectations during intensive tasks, which is typical for gaming laptops. The setup was straightforward, but it required charging the battery before use, an extra step some users might find inconvenient.
Regarding the RAM issue, finding out that my laptop had 12GB instead of the advertised 16GB was disappointing. It emphasizes the need to verify specifications upon receiving a new device.
Personal Takeaways:
The Acer Nitro 5 satisfies several requirements for a mid-range gaming laptop:
Good performance to price ratio
Aesthetically pleasing design with practical features like ample port selection and an efficient cooling system
Provides adequate power for running modern games and handling multitasking efficiently.
But let’s not disregard possible drawbacks.
The Battery life might not last long when using for gaming.
Issues with Quality control, such as inaccurate RAM specifications, can arise.
The shipping and customer service woes arose, causing inconvenience for some customers but these issues did not significantly impact the product’s functionality directly.
In all, the Acer Nitro 5 performs well for its price range. Budget-conscious avid gamers may find a reliable companion in this laptop, but it’s essential to recognize its limitations.
Performance and Gaming
The Acer Nitro 5 delivers strong gaming performance with its Intel Core i5-11400H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card. I’ve been pleased with the results so far, given its affordable price point and robust specifications. Here are some notable features:
Smooth Gaming Experience: The six-core processor can reach up to 4.5GHz frequency. It ensures fast processing for gaming without noticeable lag or stuttering.
Graphics: The dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 delivers impressive visuals for gaming. Its ray-tracing technology enhances rendering of realistic lighting and shadows.
144Hz FHD Display: This monitor’s fast refresh rate reduces motion blur in action games for clearer visuals.
Improved Features: This system comes with a 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD. The large RAM allows for swift load times, while the expansive SSD offers ample storage for expanding game collections.
However, I have noted that the Acer CoolBoost technology, while intended to enhance performance under heavy use, doesn’t always prevent the laptop from running hot, which can be a bit of a concern during extended gaming sessions. It’s a reminder that powerful internals generate heat, and despite advancements in cooling technology, it remains an inherent issue in gaming laptops.
The keyboard features a backlight and numeric keypad, providing a comfortable typing experience for daily tasks and gaming.
Having a single USB-C port in a device may pose a limitation when it comes to connecting multiple peripherals. This can impact connectivity and require frequent unplugging and replugging of devices.
In terms of gaming performance, the RTX 3050 efficiently runs most modern games at medium to high settings. Notably, my experience on Steam has been smooth due to the fast SSD, ample RAM, and high refresh rate display.
On the downside, charging the battery required a stronger plug-in connection during the initial setup. This was an inconvenience, but easily resolved but didn’t significantly impact the overall positive experience.
All in all, the Acer Nitro 5 provides a good gaming experience for its price. Despite some drawbacks, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. I suggest this laptop to anyone seeking an affordable gaming machine that can run new games effortlessly.
Battery and Portability
One important factor to consider when choosing a laptop, including the Acer Nitro 5 for gaming, is battery life and portability. Acer states that the battery can last up to 9 hours. My personal use reveals a different reality, leaning closer to the typical usage scenario rather than lengthy gaming marathons.
Lithium Ion Battery: Provides battery life up to 9 hours.
Portability: The device is neither too light nor excessively heavy, making it easy to transport.
Charging: Requires a bit more force to plug in the charger correctly.
During casual use like web browsing and streaming, the battery lasts nearly nine hours. However, for demanding tasks such as gaming, the battery drains faster. This is due to the RTX 3050 and high-refresh display. Despite this, the long battery life provides peace of mind during lighter tasks, requiring me to carry a charger only when gaming.
The portability of the Acer Nitro 5 is a compromise. It’s heavier than some other options, but I can still carry it between home and a coffee shop comfortably. Its solid construction adds weight but enhances durability, which is a worthwhile investment for me.
An unexpected issue I encountered with portability was charging. The charger didn’t work at first, causing some anxiety. However, I discovered that it needs to be pushed in until a second click is heard before it starts working. While this isn’t a major problem, it’s important to remember this step to prevent thinking the laptop has a full charge when it’s actually drained.
In all, the Acer Nitro 5 is a suitable choice for those requiring a portable gaming laptop without constant access to power sources. Although it may fall short in terms of battery life during intensive gaming sessions, this compromise is acceptable given its strong performance. The laptop offers a decent balance between portability and build quality, making it a dependable option for on-the-go gaming.
Tech Support Experience
Based on my use of the Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop, I value its strong features and budget-friendly price, making it an alluring option for gamers and non-gamers alike. However, its tech support is a significant factor to take into account.
Positive Aspects:
Speedy - From setup to daily performance, the responsiveness is impressive.
Acer CoolBoost Technology: Regulates system temperature efficiently during heavy use.
Hardware Upgrades - The 16GB RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD are huge pluses for gaming and multitaskers.
Display Quality - The 15.6” FHD display with a 144Hz refresh rate makes for smooth visuals.
Connectivity - Numerous ports provide flexibility for peripheral devices.
Drawbacks:
During the pre-shipping process, it is crucial to implement rigorous Quality Control measures to identify and address any issues with laptop functionality. Failure to do so may result in the customer receiving a device that is not in perfect working order. Thus, Quality Control plays an essential role in ensuring that laptops are tested thoroughly before being shipped to customers.
Customer Service is inconsistent. Some customers have reported unsatisfactory experiences.
Products experiencing Battery Charging Issues have been reported by some customers shortly after purchase.
My personal experience with the Acer Nitro 5’s performance has been mostly positive, though it functions optimally when running as intended. The upgraded RAM and SSD significantly enhance the laptop’s speed and productivity, crucial for the demanding tasks often associated with gaming devices.
I have encountered certain difficulties in using Acer’s products, particularly challenges with charging. For instance, some devices refused to hold a charge for extended periods, necessitating frequent visits to the tech support team. To alleviate these concerns, Acer should focus on enhancing their quality assurance processes and providing superior customer service. My experiences with tech support were generally positive, but occasional frustrations marred the interaction.
The aforementioned sealing issue raised concerns about product integrity during shipping, but fortunately, in my case, it did not reveal a used or damaged device. Nonetheless, this experience served as a reminder that not all transactions will be flawless.
In conclusion, the Acer Nitro 5 delivers impressive performance in various aspects. However, before using the laptop for the first time, it is crucial to check both the battery level and ensure proper battery charge by hearing the “two-clicks” when connecting the charger. This step will help alleviate potential concerns regarding the battery’s condition upon delivery. Prospective buyers are also advised to record the unboxing process for any potential issues they may encounter. Despite these recommendations, the laptop remains a strong choice in its price range due to its excellent balance between performance and value.