That is the third 18-inch gaming laptop computer I’ve reviewed in 2023 (though the primary for Gizmodo). It’s a development that’s hopefully going to stay round properly into the longer term, as gaining access to an nearly desktop-monitor-size display screen, plus prime gaming elements, is precisely what laptop computer avid gamers want proper now.
Many latest gaming laptops have shrunk right down to 15-inch screens, which may be extra transportable and cheaper, however the total expertise pales compared to taking part in the identical sport on a giant display screen TV by means of a $800 PS5 or Xbox Collection X. Bumping your laptop computer display screen as much as 18 diagonal inches makes video games really feel way more immersive, as I found when taking part in new video games like Starfield or Baldur’s Gate 3.
The configuration examined right here options an Intel Core i9-13900HX CPU, Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU, 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.
I’ve beforehand examined 18-inch methods from Alienware and Razer, and each of these manufacturers have their followers. Configuring every system as identically as potential, each the Acer Helios 18 and Alienware M18 may be had for round $US2,999, whereas the Razer Blade nonetheless expenses a hefty premium of just about $US800 extra. To be truthful, it’s the nicest design of the bunch, however it’s not $US800 a lot nicer.
Design and construct high quality
Contemplating the Acer Helios lid homes an enormous 18-inch display screen, it’s impressively flex-free. The matte black physique picks up a number of fingerprints right here and there, however the total look is refined and retains your complete factor from wanting too gamer-y. That stated, I choose among the extra fascinating color choices I’ve seen in some Alienware laptops over the previous few years, together with a really sharp-looking matte white.
The lid hinges are inset, leaving a portion of the physique behind it when the clamshell is open. This offers the system higher stability when open and permits for extra environment friendly cooling. The little little bit of the laptop computer that extends from the rear holds lots of the system’s ports and connections, together with the facility port and two USB-C ports, and it has some built-in lighting that’s good with out being intrusive.
Different ports are on the left and proper sides, together with a rarity lately, an ethernet jack, plus a complete of three USB-A ports and a microSD card slot. An enormous energy brick gives 330W of energy, so remember to make room in your bag for it when you plan on toting this factor round (it gained’t sport for lengthy off the battery, which is typical for gaming laptops).
That huge show
The actual star right here is the 18-inch QHD+ IPS show. It’s a miniLED panel with a quick 240Hz refresh price, which is nice for aggressive avid gamers.
In fact, even with the Nvidia 4080 GPU, taking part in new video games on the highest element ranges on the max 2,560 X 1,600 decision will hold you nearer to 60-100fps in one thing like Starfield.
Enjoying video games, enhancing pictures or internet browsing, the display screen was brilliant and crisp, though I saved the brightness cranked up more often than not. A 1,920×1,200 decision model can be accessible, however that feels low for an 18-inch display screen designed to sit down so near your face.
Efficiency and gaming
A mix of things assist this method be one of many quickest I’ve examined. The Intel Core i9-13900HX processor is a part of Intel’s HX line, that are practically desktop-level 55-watt chips (in comparison with Intel U-series chips present in super-slim or finances laptops, that are rated at 15 watts).
My present PC go-to video games are Starfield and Baldur’s Gate 3, each of which may be difficult to run at excessive resolutions and excessive element settings. We additionally ran, amongst different benchmarks, 3D Mark Time Spy to check this to different high-end gaming methods, and 3D Mark Wild Life Excessive simply to indicate the way it compares to non-gaming laptops.
In case you’re trying to spend much less on a gaming laptop computer, that’s straightforward. You will discover one thing just like the Predator Neo 16 for $3,000. In case you’re going all-in on an costly system that can final you thru the subsequent few generations of video games and gaming {hardware}, I like the large display screen, high-end elements and the truth that this makes an excellent all-day, on daily basis pc that feels extra like a semi-portable all-in-one PC than a laptop computer.
The Acer Helios 18 has been confirmed for Australia, however pricing and availability are to be confirmed.
Picture Dan Ackerman/Gizmodo Australia
