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My review of the Acer Nitro 5 Ryzen 7 (6800H + RTX 3070 Ti) (2024)

My thoughts on the Acer Nitro 5 with Ryzen 7 6800H, RTX 3070 Ti: gaming performance and daily usage.
Author
Affiliation
Tim Hall

Cartesian Mathematics Foundation

Published

December 30, 2023

Introduction

For gaming and work I recently picked up the Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop. Equipped with a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 6800H and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, it is a great laptop for gaming. Below I’ll cover everything from processing ability to day-to-day use.

Specifications

Property Value Property Value
Brand acer Model Name Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
Screen Size 15.6 Inches Color Obsidian Black
Hard Disk Size 1 TB CPU Model Ryzen 7
Ram Memory Installed Size 32 GB Operating System Windows 11 Home
Special Feature Backlit Keyboard, Numeric Keypad Graphics Card Description Dedicated

Prices

Powerhouse Performance: Ryzen 7 and RTX 3070 Ti

A close-up of the amd ryzen 7 sticker next to the ventilation grilles showing off the cooling system

When it comes to gaming laptops, the heart and soul of the system are undoubtably the CPU and GPU combo. With the Acer Nitro 5, I’m working with a AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti graphics card, which is a pairing that’s tough to beat in this price segment. At first, I was skeptical if these specs could truly keep up with the demanding titles I wanted to play, but after putting it through its paces, I’m pretty impressed.

Here’s a quick rundown of the high points that stood out to me:

  • Processor Power: That Ryzen 7 is a beast. The 8 cores and 16 threads rip through gaming requirements and multitasking like nobody’s business. With speeds that can turbo boost up to 4.7GHz, it doesn’t stutter or lag, even when I’m running CPU-intensive apps or games.

  • Graphics Galore: The RTX 3070 Ti is where the magic happens for gaming. It’s got 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM, making those visuals crisp and the gameplay smooth. Terms like Ray Tracing and DLSS used to be just jargon to me, but seeing them in action here has turned me into a believer.

  • Thermal Performance: I expected a BBQ grill with these specs, but was pleasantly surprised. Sure, it gets warm, but nothing that throttles performance during my gaming sessions.

Despite these positives, there are a couple of drawbacks. For instance, pushing the laptop to its limits does make it sound like a jet engine, which is pretty common for gaming rigs but can be a bit distracting. Also, I’m a bit wary about the battery life when running high-end games; you’d better stay near an outlet.

Another thing that’s worth mentioning is the overall value-for-money aspect. For the specs, the Nitro 5 is competitively priced and can often be found on deals, which sweetens the pot even more. However, like most gaming laptops, it’s not exactly ‘featherlight’, so if portability is high on your list, this might not be the one you’re looking for.

To wrap things up, the Acer Nitro 5 with the Ryzen 7 and RTX 3070 Ti is a powerful machine that’s not messing around when it comes to gaming. While it’s not perfect, the raw performance it delivers makes a compelling case for anyone looking to game seriously without breaking the bank. It’s not just about the specs on paper – this laptop truly delivers where it counts.

Stunning Visuals and Immersion: The Nitro 5 Display Experience

A vibrant high-resolution wallpaper on the nitro 5 screen showcasing the clarity of qhd

The Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop’s display really catches the eye with its 15.6” QHD IPS panel, offering a resolution that makes in-game visuals crisp and detailed. You can appreciate the difference this higher resolution makes if you’re coming from a standard 1080p screen; the step up to 2560 x 1440 QHD display is noticeable. Now, I’ve played my fair share of games, and here are the highlights:

  • Impressive resolution at 2560 x 1440 brings out fine detail in games and videos.

  • A 165Hz refresh rate makes gameplay buttery smooth, which is especially nice when you’re into fast-paced shooters or competitive games.

  • IPS technology ensures color accuracy and wide viewing angles, so regardless of your seating position, the visuals stay consistent.

There’s no sugarcoating it, the color accuracy and vibrancy are top-notch. You want your games to look their best, and with this screen, they certainly do. But it’s not just about the colors; the high refresh rate is a gamer’s dream. With 165Hz, there’s less blur, more clarity, and an overall sense of fluidity that can give you an edge in gaming sessions.

Now, it’s not all perfect. Despite the outstanding performance, the display isn’t the brightest I’ve seen. In a well-lit room, you might wish for more luminosity. If you’re keen on screens with exceptional brightness and color accuracy, my experience with the HP OMEN 17 Gaming Laptop, which has a display that excels in those areas, might interest you. And, while the matte finish minimizes glare, it can slightly dull the pop of the colors in certain scenarios.

Another aspect I must note is this: if you’re planning on using this laptop for tasks that are more sensitive to battery life, the high-refresh-rate screen can chip away at battery performance quicker than a standard display. It’s one of those trade-offs for the enhanced visual experience.

In terms of usage, here’s how it holds up:

  • For gaming and multimedia, it’s a treat. The visuals are immersive, and games come to life like they should.

  • Everyday tasks like browsing and streaming are elevated by the resolution and refresh rate that make everything look smother and sharper.

  • On the flip side, you might not notice much difference when you’re simply working on documents or spreadsheets, but it’s a nice perk when you do switch to video content or gaming.

Overall, this Nitro 5’s display is a selling point on its own. Whether you’re gaming, enjoying your favorite shows, or simply appreciating the visual fidelity in day-to-day use, it’s a feature that stands out, even if it’s not without its minor drawbacks.

Maxed Out: Memory and Storage Upgrades

The internals of the laptop displaying the ram slots and the ssd in its bay

When it comes to upgrading memory and storage, the Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop offers flexibility that’s sure to appeal to power users and gamers alike. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Upgradable RAM: The laptop comes with options up to 64GB DDR5 RAM. The benefit of DDR5 over the previous generations is its higher bandwidth and efficiency, which is particularly handy for multitasking and intensive tasks like video editing or rendering.

  • Storage Solutions: With up to 2TB SSD, you can store a vast library of games and media. What’s more, the use of SSD over HDD means lightning-fast load times and a snappier overall user experience.

  • Wi-Fi 6E: Finally, the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E connectivity ensures that you’re getting the fastest and most reliable wireless connection possible, perfect for cloud storage solutions or online gaming without lag.

On paper, these specs are impressive, offering room for all the applications and tabs I like to keep open, without the dreaded slowdown. But, let’s get real – upgraded memory and storage sound great, but they can drive up the cost. You have to balance need versus want. Ask yourself if you really need 64GB of RAM, or if the base model would suffice.

Another point to consider is the upgradeability. The Nitro 5 does indeed support these upgrades, but it’s not quite as straightforward as it could be. There’s no easy-access door for the RAM or storage; you’ll need a screwdriver and a bit of patience. Plus, if you’re not comfortable tinkering with the internals, you might need to pay a professional, which is an additional cost.

Now, while the included SSD is fast and offers good storage, if you’ve got a large game library, that 2TB might fill up faster than you think. Thankfully, there’s a solution: adding an additional drive. It’s a shame, though, that you need to buy an extra HDD mounting bracket from Acer. It’s not a deal-breaker, but an extra step that some might find annoying.

Overall, the Acer Nitro 5 makes a strong case for those looking to get a machine that can evolve over time. The upgrades are substantial, and the performance payoff is tangible, especially with the DDR5 RAM and PCIe Gen 4 SSD. Just remember, while upgrades are a powerful feature, they’re not mandatory – choose what fits your needs to get the best value for your money.

Daily Usage and Gaming: Living with the Nitro 5

The laptop keyboard with rgb lighting on with a blurred background featuring gaming paraphernalia

Living with the Acer Nitro 5 has mostly been a smooth ride with some bumps here and there. The machine’s daily performance impresses, especially when you’re juggling multiple tasks like streaming music, editing documents, and browsing with a lot of tabs open. The AMD Ryzen 7 6800H pairs well with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, ensuring that slowdowns are a thing of the past during heavy multitasking. However, it’s not all rosy; there are a few setbacks that one has to get used to.

Here’s a quick run-down of my thoughts so far:

  • Performance: The combination of the CPU and GPU has yet to let me down when it comes to everyday productivity and gaming on the go.

  • Build Quality: The laptop feels robust with a nice weight to it – not flimsy at all.

  • Keyboard and Touchpad: I appreciate the backlit keyboard and numeric keypad, even though the touchpad can sometimes feel a bit finicky.

  • Connectivity: I love the array of ports and wireless capabilities—it’s easy to connect just about anything.

The Nitro 5 doesn’t just cater to the gaming crowd; as someone with an eye on both work and play, it’s a satisfying middle ground. The quick boot times and overall snappiness provided by the SSD are a huge leap from any traditional HDD setup. Even though there’s the up to 64GB DDR5 RAM, for others like me, the pre-installed RAM suffices for now, allowing seamless operation without a significant investment in upgrades.

Gaming is where the Nitro 5 definitely does not disappoint. Titles like Civilization VI and Dota 2 run without a hitch. Ray-tracing is a welcomed plus, adding realism that enhances the overall experience. The 165Hz refresh rate is bliss; it makes games and even general screen scrolling buttery smooth. Yet, I’ve noticed the laptop can get quite warm during intense sessions, and the fan noise is noticeable, although not deal-breaking.

The WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 are great for uninterrupted connectivity – streaming doesn’t skip a beat, and transferring files is a breeze. However, I’ve been less impressed with the speaker quality; don’t expect it to fill a room with high-fidelity sound. Definitely an area where external speakers or headphones would be a saving grace.

In sum, the Acer Nitro 5 is a solid all-rounder. It handles demanding tasks and gaming without a sweat, and despite some thermal and audio downsides, its strengths make it a contender for those not wanting to break the bank. If longevity keeps up with the initial impression, I’d say it’s money well spent for both productivity aficionados and casual gamers looking for a dual-purpose machine.