VIVIDBAYVIVIDBAY
    Discover

    How to Access Google Bard in Canada and the Netherlands Using This Free VPN

    May 19, 2023

    How to keep apps permanently open on an Android device

    January 7, 2023

    Netflix Is Here To Stay

    September 17, 2019
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    • Contact
    • About
    VIVIDBAYVIVIDBAY
    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Vimeo
    • Home
    • Discover
    • Tech
      1. All Tech
      2. Phones
      3. Laptops
      4. Earphones
      5. Drones
      6. Gaming
      7. Cars
      8. Electric Vehicles
      9. Tesla
      10. View All

      A Step-by-Step Guide on Installing a Ring Doorbell for Enhanced Home Security

      June 3, 2023

      Top Laptops with Long-Lasting Batteries for On-the-Go Students

      June 3, 2023

      Unlocking eSIM Support on Canadian Samsung Galaxy S20 Series: A Step-by-Step Guide

      May 31, 2023

      Sony’s Next-Gen Handheld Disappoints Fans as a Remote Play Device

      May 26, 2023

      Unlocking eSIM Support on Canadian Samsung Galaxy S20 Series: A Step-by-Step Guide

      May 31, 2023

      Is the iPhone 13 Pro Worth It in 2023?

      May 26, 2023
      7.9

      Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus in 2023: Is It Still Worth Buying? Features, Pros, and Cons

      May 15, 2023

      Pixel 7 vs Pixel 7a: Which Mid-Range Google Phone Offers the Best Value?

      May 12, 2023

      Top Laptops with Long-Lasting Batteries for On-the-Go Students

      June 3, 2023

      Lenovo Yoga AIO 7 (“27 AMD): The Perfect iMac Alternative for Windows Users

      May 7, 2023

      ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED 3D(H7604): High-Performance 3D Laptop for Designers and Creatives

      May 7, 2023

      Is the 2013 Macbook Pro 15-inch Worth it in 2023?

      May 1, 2023

      The Best Tech Gadgets Under $50 for 2023

      March 28, 2023

      Huawei Watch Buds: A Smartwatch with a Twist

      March 26, 2023
      8

      Are the Airpods Pro 1st Gen worth it in 2023?

      January 9, 2023

      Improve Bass on AirPods 3: Best Spotify EQ settings

      January 18, 2022

      DJI Mini 2 VS Mavic Air 1st Gen

      February 23, 2022

      DJI Spark VS DJI Mini

      February 23, 2022

      Why Rockstar Games Dominates Open-World Gaming: A Detailed Analysis

      April 26, 2023

      Why Santa Monica Studio Should Consider Remaking Older God of War Games

      April 11, 2023

      Realism vs Arcade: What Direction should Rockstar Games Take with GTA 6

      April 10, 2023

      How to Play videos from a USB on PS4 and PS5 

      March 7, 2023

      Must-Have Car Gadgets for Tech-Savvy Drivers

      April 30, 2023

      Acura MDX Rapid Clicking No Start (Fixed)

      January 16, 2022

      Tesla’s redesigned Model S looks great but the steering wheel has me scratching my head.

      February 2, 2021

      Tesla’s redesigned Model S looks great but the steering wheel has me scratching my head.

      February 2, 2021

      A Step-by-Step Guide on Installing a Ring Doorbell for Enhanced Home Security

      June 3, 2023

      Top Laptops with Long-Lasting Batteries for On-the-Go Students

      June 3, 2023

      Unraveling the Enigma of Gyutaro: Exploring the Sinister Brilliance of Demon Slayer’s Formidable Antagonist

      May 31, 2023

      Unlocking eSIM Support on Canadian Samsung Galaxy S20 Series: A Step-by-Step Guide

      May 31, 2023
    • How To

      Unlocking eSIM Support on Canadian Samsung Galaxy S20 Series: A Step-by-Step Guide

      May 31, 2023

      How to Create a VPN on a VPS Server and Get a Dedicated/Static IP Address for Free

      May 23, 2023

      How to Use the App Pinning Feature on an Android Device

      May 22, 2023

      How to Access Google Bard in Canada and the Netherlands Using This Free VPN

      May 19, 2023

      How to use a Galaxy tablet as a Camera Viewfinder for a Samsung Phone

      May 10, 2023
    • Gadgets
    • News
      1. Entertainment
      2. View All

      Unraveling the Enigma of Gyutaro: Exploring the Sinister Brilliance of Demon Slayer’s Formidable Antagonist

      May 31, 2023

      Why Rockstar Games Dominates Open-World Gaming: A Detailed Analysis

      April 26, 2023

      Sony’s Next-Gen Handheld Disappoints Fans as a Remote Play Device

      May 26, 2023

      Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus: Clean and simple

      February 2, 2023

      The M2 Mac Mini is a steal

      January 18, 2023

      iOS 16 Truly Elevates The iPhone Experience

      June 9, 2022
    • Science

      Real Talk — Is Time Travel Possible?

      December 17, 2018

      Concrete vs Wood: Why developing countries use concrete

      November 13, 2017
    VIVIDBAYVIVIDBAY
    Home»Tech»Laptops»Acer Predator Helios 500 Review: Read this before you buy!
    Laptops

    Acer Predator Helios 500 Review: Read this before you buy!

    Ready for the hunt
    Kenyon NdeziBy Kenyon NdeziJanuary 23, 2023Updated:January 25, 2023No Comments9 Mins Read
    Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Reddit Telegram Email
    Acer Predator Helios 500 closed, showing ports on the side.
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    The latest Acer Predator Helios 500 is a step up from its predecessor. It features an Intel Core i9 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, a 4K Mini LED 120Hz display, 64GB of DDR4 memory, 2 TB SSD and more. But, in the face of growing competition, can the Helios 500 hold its place?

    Acer Predator Helios 500 performance

    The Acer Predator Helios 500 is a powerhouse when it comes to performance. It’s equipped with an Intel Core i9-11980HK processor, which provides fast and efficient computing power. The processor is an octa-core (8 cores and 16 threads) clocked at a speed of 2.6GHz and a Turbo boost clock speed of 5GHz.

    Rest assured, the Predator Helios 500 can handle anything you throw at it. Whether it’s playing the latest AAA titles, video editing or 3D rendering, performance is not an issue.

    Note: The Predator Helios 500 has a cheaper model that comes with an Intel Core i7-11800H processor.

    Acer Predator Helios 500 graphics

    The laptop features an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card (16GB dedicated memory) allowing for smooth and responsive gaming visuals, even on the most demanding titles. Paired with a 120Hz 4K Mini LED display, it’s a match made in heaven.

    The RTX 3080 has all the bells and whistles of a modern card, including Ray Tracing, NVIDIA DLSS (AI rendering to boost fps), 4K gaming, 3rd gen Tensor cores and more. Though this GPU is a couple of years old, it’s still powerful and relevant.

    Take a look at Returnal, an acclaimed Playstion exclusive coming to PC. The minimum recommended specs to run this game include a 6GB GTX 1060 video card and 16GB of RAM. While this is childs play to the Helios 500, it does show how demanding future games will become.

    Note: The Helios 500 can be configured with a less powerful RTX 3070 (8GB dedicated memory). But it’s still an amazing graphics card.

    Acer Predator Helios 500 memory and storage

    The Predator Helios 500 sports 64GB of DDR4 memory and a 2 TB SSD. Multitasking and running multiple programs at once is a breeze. You can have multiple chrome tabs open, music and YouTube playing in the background while playing Red Dead Redemption 2. And you still won’t have performance issues.

    The 2TB SSD is also great. It ensures boot-up and load times are fast, providing a quick and responsive experience.

    Furthermore, Games are getting ridiculously big. With games like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, taking a massive 250GB worth of space, having a 2TB SSD makes a lot of sense.

    Note: There’s a less expensive model of the Helios 500 (PH517-52-78A9) that has 1TB SSD and 16 GB DDR4 RAM.

    Acer Predator Helios 500 display

    The 120Hz 4K Mini LED panel on the Helios 500 is a standout feature. The refresh rate provides smooth and responsive visuals, making it perfect for gaming. The Mini LED technology ensures that colors are vibrant and accurate, and black levels are inky dark. This provides sharp and clear images in dark scenes. Additionally, if you turn on HDR, the contrast levels provide a pleasant viewing experience.

    The viewing angles are also wide, making it easy to game at different positions. Overall, the display is great and is a step above older gaming laptops with 1080p displays.

    The Helios 500 features HDMI 2.1 allowing you to plug into external displays such as 8K 60Hz, 4K 120 Hz and even a 10K display.

    Acer Predator Helios 500 Keyboard and Touchpad

    The Helios 500 has a comfortable and responsive keyboard that is perfect for gaming and typing. The keys have good travel and provide satisfying tactile feedback.

    The keyboard also has customizable RGB lighting, which adds a nice touch of style and personalization. Here’s a list of features.

    • Audio Sync: Keyboard RGB will change with audio. This is one of those gimmicky features that is nice to have.
    • Screen sync: Keyboard lighting will be matched with colors on the screen, making the gaming experience more immersive.
    • Per key RGB: Allows for a high degree of customization of the lighting on a keyboard. Each individual key can be set to a specific color, and different lighting effects can be created by programming the keys to change color in a certain pattern or sequence. This can be useful for gaming, as it can allow the user to easily identify certain keys, or for general use, as it can add a personalized touch to the keyboard.

    Additionally, per-key RGB lighting can also be used to increase the visibility of the keys in low-light conditions or to match the color scheme of other devices in the setup.

    To learn more about Per key RGB keyboards, check out our post.

    Improved MagTek Switches and WASD keys

    Acer Helios 500 WASD keys.
    WASD keys

    WASD keys are the most commonly used keys for movement in computer games. They are named for the four keys that typically control movement: W for forward, A for left, S for backward, and D for right.

    Predator Helios 500 WASD keys function like a gamepad’s analog joystick, allowing for different pressure inputs for precise control.

    WASD keys on this laptop can be swapped out between Magforce keys and Racing keys.

    • Racing keys: These are curved concave-shaped keys that are comfortable for long playing sessions.
    • Magforce keys: These have no bump when pressing, with a travel distance of 3.0 mm, making them ideal for any game.

    Overall, keyboards with mechanical MagTek switches provide the best experience for gaming and typing. The construction of the switches is designed to be more robust than traditional rubber dome switches, which can wear out over time. And they provide a longer lifespan and better overall performance.

    Note: You’ll have to activate MagForce keys settings in the Predator Sense.

    Touchpad

    The touchpad is responsive and accurate. Most gamers will preferably use a mouse when gaming, but it’s nice to have it for other tasks.

    Predator Helios 500 design and build quality

    The Helios 500 falls on the heavier side but looks surprisingly stylish (that’s debatable). On the back, the air vents look aggressive, with an RGB light strip passing on the top and a backlit logo.

    The front also commands a powerful presence with RGB lighting on the keys, trackpad and sides. Overall the build quality is solid as it feels sturdy and well-constructed.

    Predator Helios 500 Ports

    The laptop is equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1, Mini display port, LAN, three USB A ports and a headphone jack.

    Price

    The Predator Helios 500 retails at a price tag of $4,449.99 for the (PH517-52-98X1) model and $2,499.99 for the lower spec’d (PH517-52-78A9) model.

    If you’re looking to save on an older model, here’s a link.

    Amazon deals

    Speaker quality

    The Helios 500 features an integrated DTX:X 360 audio engine, which provides rich and immersive audio. The speakers are also loud and clear, providing a great audio experience for gaming and media consumption. DTX:X also works on headphones.

    Battery life

    The Helios 500 offers powerful performance, but its battery life is below average, lasting only 1-4 hours depending on usage. This is particularly an issue when playing demanding games, making it a drawback for gamers who often play on the go.

    Note: Reducing screen brightness can help with battery life.

    Specs overview

    • Core i9-11980HK
    • Nvidia RTX 3080
    • 64 GB RAM
    • 2TB SSD

    Connectivity

    • WiFi 6. Wi-Fi 6 (also known as 802.11ax) is the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology, and it offers several improvements over previous versions that make it well-suited for use in gaming laptops. Some of the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 include; faster speeds, lower latency and improved performance on crowded environments.
    • 5G: This is an optional feature, but it’s great to have it.
    • Bluetooth 5.2

    There is also another model, the PH517-52-78A9. You can find the specs here.

    Predatorsense app

    The app provides a range of features, such as monitoring system temperature and fan speed, controlling overclock settings and creating custom macro keys and lighting effects. The application also includes a gaming dashboard for launching games and recording gameplay.

    There are four modes to choose from:

    • Quiet
    • Default
    • Extreme
    • Turbo

    Heat management

    Acer designed their thermal system to be large in order to dissipate heat efficiently. The laptop is able to maintain stable internal temperatures while running games, however, the fan noise can be quite noticeable.

    Is there an AMD version of the Predator Helios 500?

    Yes, Acer did offer an AMD version of the Predator Helios 500, however, this option is not available for the updated models. Tomshardware did a great review of this model. You can check it out here.

    The downsides of the Predator Helios 500

    The Acer Predator Helios 500 is a powerful and feature-rich laptop, but it does have some downsides. Some additional negatives of this laptop include:

    • Battery life: As mentioned earlier, the battery life on the Helios 500 could be better. It will likely need to be kept plugged in while in use, especially when gaming.
    • Weight and Size: The Helios 500 is a large and heavy laptop, measuring at 15.7 (w) x 12.6 (d) x 1.5 (h) inches and weighing 8.77 pounds for the US version. This makes it less portable than other laptops and may be less convenient to carry around.
    • Price: The Helios 500 is a high-performance laptop and it’s priced accordingly. It may be out of reach for some buyers on a budget.
    • Loud fans: The cooling system is efficient, but it can get loud under heavy loads, which may be distracting for some users.

    Overall, the Acer Predator Helios 500 is an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts. It features a powerful Intel Core i9 processor, a stunning Mini 4k display, 64GB of DDR4 memory, and a 2TB SSD. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and responsive visuals, making it perfect for gaming. The keyboard is comfortable to use, and it includes customizable RGB lighting.

    While not perfect, the Helios 500 is a laptop worthy of the Predator name. The battery life is poor and the fans are loud, but it’s always ready for the hunt.

    You can also check out our review of the Dell Precision 7730 here!

    Predator Helios 500 verdict

    9.0

    The Acer Predator Helios 500 is a powerful gaming laptop with noteworthy features such as a robust thermal design, a mini LED 4K screen option, solid build quality and an RTX 3080 graphics card. However, its substantial size and weight, as well as limited battery life, may be disadvantages for some. Nevertheless, it's still a beast.

    • 9
    • User Ratings (4 Votes) 8.8
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleDell Precision 7730 Review: Is it worth it?
    Next Article What is a “Per-Key RGB” keyboard? 
    Kenyon Ndezi
    • Website

    Kenyon Ndezi is a recent graduate, writer, creator of kenyonndez.com; and the owner of Neonbuild.com, which is a company focused on building apps for small businesses and individuals. Follow along and get inspired!

    Related Posts

    Tech

    A Step-by-Step Guide on Installing a Ring Doorbell for Enhanced Home Security

    June 3, 2023
    Laptops

    Top Laptops with Long-Lasting Batteries for On-the-Go Students

    June 3, 2023
    Phones

    Unlocking eSIM Support on Canadian Samsung Galaxy S20 Series: A Step-by-Step Guide

    May 31, 2023
    Add A Comment

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Latest

    A Step-by-Step Guide on Installing a Ring Doorbell for Enhanced Home Security

    June 3, 2023

    Top Laptops with Long-Lasting Batteries for On-the-Go Students

    June 3, 2023

    Unraveling the Enigma of Gyutaro: Exploring the Sinister Brilliance of Demon Slayer’s Formidable Antagonist

    May 31, 2023

    Unlocking eSIM Support on Canadian Samsung Galaxy S20 Series: A Step-by-Step Guide

    May 31, 2023

    Sony’s Next-Gen Handheld Disappoints Fans as a Remote Play Device

    May 26, 2023

    Subscribe to our newsletter

    Subscribe and be the first to know when we post new articles and when offer deals on products.

    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • TikTok
    • WhatsApp
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Discover

    Best Scientific Calculators for IB Students, Engineers and Professionals

    April 30, 2023

    8 Things that iOS does better than Android

    March 18, 2023

    DIY Home Security: How to Use an Old Android Phone as a Surveillance Camera

    April 13, 2023

    iOS 16 Truly Elevates The iPhone Experience

    June 9, 2022

    How to Move Photos from Gallery to Secure Folder on a Galaxy Device

    February 20, 2023
    Latest Reviews
    7.9
    Phones

    Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus in 2023: Is It Still Worth Buying? Features, Pros, and Cons

    Kenyon NdeziMay 15, 2023
    9.5
    Phones

    Galaxy S23 Ultra Review: The Perfect Android Phone

    Kenyon NdeziMarch 16, 2023
    9.0
    Laptops

    Acer Predator Helios 500 Review: Read this before you buy!

    Kenyon NdeziJanuary 23, 2023
    Most Popular

    How to keep apps permanently open on an Android device

    January 7, 2023

    Must-Have Car Gadgets for Tech-Savvy Drivers

    April 30, 2023

    Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Worth It in 2023?

    March 11, 2023
    Gadgets

    Essential Accessories for M1/M2 MacBook Air Users

    April 30, 2023

    Top Wireless Chargers for Smartphones and Accessories

    May 25, 2023

    Essential Gadgets to Enhance Remote Work and Virtual Meetings

    May 25, 2023
    Our Picks

    How To Install Windows 10 On A 2011 iMac With A Flash Drive In Legacy MBR Boot Mode.

    July 6, 2021

    The M2 Mac Mini is a steal

    January 18, 2023

    How to wirelessly pair PS5 DualSense controller with Windows/Android/Mac/PS3/iOS

    November 6, 2022
    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
    • Contact
    • About
    • Posts
    • Homepage
    © 2019 VIVIDBAY

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.