With its dynamic angles, tricked-out RGB lighting, the Acer Predator Helios 500 is reminiscent of the Lamborghini Hybrid Sian Roadster. It is massively powerful and robustly packed with potential for video game dominance. It conceals an aggressive exterior, which is powered by an Intel Core i9 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX3080 Laptop GPU. You can also get up to 64GB RAM to help you slay the fools who want to fight you.
There are three options for 17.3-inch displays available. Each offers a different gaming experience that gamers will love. A 4K Mini-LED 120Hz monitor is powered by AUO AmLED technology. Other options include AUO’s FHD 360 Hz display, which has a lightning fast 3 millisecond response. This should deliver a smooth image performance. You have the final choice, a QHD 2560×1440-pixel display at 165Hz. This puts you in the middle of all three.
Pricing and configurations for the Acer Predator Helios500
Predator Helios 500 will be available August 2021. The starting price is $2,499.99.
We were able to get our hands on a pre-production unit that had a powerful 11th Generation Intel Core i9-1180HK CPU, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 3080 GPU and 32GB RAM. It also included a 2TB PCIeM.2 SSD and a 17.3-inch FHD 360Hz display. Helios 500 starts at $2,499.99. You can choose from an 11th Generation Intel Core i7-10800H processor, 32GB RAM, 512GB storage, or an Nvidia GeForce RTX3070 GPU.
Acer Predator Helios 500 design
The Acer Predator Helios 500 desktop replacement gaming laptop is rugged and can handle any task. The Predator logo will be visible on the dark purple metal lid to remind you that this is a gaming machine ready to explode.
Side and rear exhaust ports allow airflow to cool the system using Acer’s 3-D fan system. The brightly lit rear silver exhaust looks ready to exceed any speed limit. Side lighting effects are available near the front of unit, as well as a front lightbar that can be customized in PredatorSense software.
The Helios 500’s 17.3-inch 1080p display at 360Hz greets you when you open the lid. Although the bezel isn’t as thin as I would like, it’s not too large and does not detract from the experience. As the unit picks up fingerprints easily, I recommend keeping a cloth or wipe handy.
After you have chosen your lighting preferences, you can look down at the deck to see a large full-sized keyboard. It features matte black chicklet-style keys and white font with fully customizable RGB lighting. Although the touchpad is small, it’s responsive and clicky.
Predator Helios 500 measures 15.7×12.56×1.38 inches and weighs in at 8.59lbs. Although the size and weight are standard for the 17-inch format, you can shop around for the which is lighter and has similar features.
Acer Predator Helios 500 ports
Predator Helios 500 has a large number of ports, giving you many connections options. On the left, you’ll find a Mini Display, an HDMI, and a USB Type A port.
On the right, you will find a 3.5 headphone Jack, two USB Type A ports, RJ45 Ethernet ports and a Kensington lock.
The two power jack ports are located in the middle of the Helios 500 at the rear.
Acer Predator Helios 500 display
I was able to experience the Predator Helios 500 with its 17.3-inch FHD 1920x1080pixel at 360Hz display. It was well framed by a small bezel that made it feel very immersive while watching videos. The display displayed colors richly with great saturation, crispness and consistency. I was able to watch the Marvel Eternals trailer in FHD.
Angelina Jolie swings her sword around during the trailer for Eternals. The dark aqua drapes fall to reveal the location. The Helios 500 recreated the moment beautifully.
We don’t currently have any color scores or brightness information to share because this is a hands-on unit.
Acer Predator Helios 500 audio
Two front-firing speakers are included with the Helios 500. They are located on either side to the front lightbar. I turned on Bruno Mars Mix on YouTube, and I grooved to “That’s What You Like.” They fill my small studio with a loud, perky sound that is quite loud. They lack any bass or thump.
DTS Sound Unbound is included with the unit. This application is meant to enhance your audio experience. The lack of bass in the audio was disappointing, regardless of which sound profile I selected (Music, Voice, Movies Strategy, RPG Shooter, and Custom Audio Option).
Acer Predator Helios 500 touchpad and keyboard
Predator Helios 500 features a full-sized, chicklet-style keyboard. Bright RGB lighting is available. PredatorSense software allows you to control the keyboard lighting effects. For gaming, the PredatorSense and WASD keys are highlighted in crystal clear blue.
The deck is large and easy to use.
I tried the 10fastfingers test, and reached 92 words per min. This is within my average 75-90 wpm.
Although the touchpad is small considering the size of such a large deck it works well. The touchpad’s two buttons are clicky and work well.
Performance and graphics of the Acer Predator Helios 500
The Helios 500 includes an 11th Generation Intel Core i9-911980HK CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX3080 GPU, 32GB RAM, and a 2TB PCIeM.2 SSD. It laughed at me as I tried to throw everything at it. I opened 45 tabs with YouTube videos playing in Firefox. You would think I was giving it Sour Patch Kids and sugary treats, but it happily ignored all my attempts to fluster.
Although we were unable to run benchmarks on the unit, I have recently reviewed a similar gaming laptop and there is no reason for me to believe the Predator Helios 500 won’t perform well when it is put to the test. It also has one of the most powerful GPUs available, so I expect it to be able to handle photo and video editing tasks with ease.
Acer Predator Helios 500 webcam
Predator Helios 500 webcam has 1080p at 60 frames per second with Temporal Noise Reduction. This webcam made a big difference to my experience. It’s a significant upgrade from the standard 720p laptop webcams. The Temporal Noise Reduction makes the image crystal clear even in low lighting conditions. The colors are richly saturated, and the color is very accurate for both video and photos. This webcam is a great job by Acer, so congratulations!
Software and warranty for Acer Predator Helios 500
Acer Predator Helios 500 is equipped with Windows 10 Pro without bloatware. Killer Control Center is my favorite application. It gives you many options to manage your applications. You can choose which applications have priority in the system resource allocation. Adobe Premiere could have more resources while your browser has less. This is a great way to ensure that whatever you are working on or playing has the power it needs in order to reach your goals.
The DTS Sound Unbound, Ultra and ExpressVPN apps, ExpressVPN and the Firefox browser are all available. There is also Norton Security Ultra and a variety of Windows applications such as Microsoft Solitaire Collection, Skype and Spotify. The Acer Care Center will be available to you. It will show you the important information about your laptop and allow you to tune and inspect the components of your computer.
Acer Predator is covered by a limited one-year warranty. Check out our Tech Showdown, Best and Worst brands rankings to see how Acer did.
Conclusion:
Although I have not run any benchmarks or played any games, I believe the Predator Helios 500 will be a capable multimedia laptop and will make a great gaming machine. The Helios will impress with its stylish design and powerful Intel 11th Gen Core i9 processor bundled with Nvidia GeForce RTX3080 GPU. It is capable of unleashing bloody rage on hapless foes while throwing Mjollnir at them.
