Acer - Predator Helios 16- 16" 240Hz Gaming Laptop WQXGA– Intel i9-13900HX with 16GB memory– NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080– 1TB SSD - Black
Model: PH16-71-93FR
SKU: 6546241
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Customers are enthusiastic about the Predator Helios 16's performance, screen brightness, and build quality, frequently praising its excellent graphics capabilities and value for the price. However, some users have noted concerns regarding battery life, fan noise, and heat generation during intensive use. A few also mentioned issues with the pre-installed software.
Let me start by saying I have never been a fanboy of Acer or their products. I watched a couple of in-depth reviews of current model high-end gaming laptops, this one (PH16-71-93FR) kept popping up at the top of the list. I was a bit shocked by the positive feedback and decided to give Acer another chance. A bit about my background. I build high-end special-use Desktops for myself and others. My current gaming desktop build from scratch was about $3000 (2023 market). I completed 7 from ground-up builds last year alone. I had owned several gaming laptops over the years and found the experience to be mediocre at best. I had recently purchased another manufacturer’s gaming laptop and ended up returning it as it just didn't perform as well as expected. Clearly, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill entry-level gaming laptop based on the specs alone (I-9 13900HX, Nvidia 4080 Mobile), but the execution of the hardware being paired is only as good as the manufacture’s integration (how well the motherboard, memory, CPU and GPU all work together) and the software they use to make the changes within the environment. Acer did an exceptional job doing so. I purchased this laptop just before New Year's as I have been traveling about every other weekend out of state. I needed something to take with me that was more than capable of handling everything I would throw at it and not so bulky I had to put it in checked baggage every time I visited the airport. This laptop fits that profile. It fits comfortably in my laptop backpack and stows under the airline seats in front of me with a little room to spare. I booted this laptop up and it was fast and had minimal bloatware that could easily be removed if desired. I let Windows run all of the updates released and updated the latest drivers for the 4080M. I loaded up the included 1TB NVME with MWIII as well as a few other AAA titles and ran it through the paces. Right out of the box, this laptop handled it all without any issues. Most games pre-set the display settings to Ultra quality. As with any computer, some minor tweaking is recommended after running a few rounds. MWIII ran solid with a frame rate between 175-220 depending on the scene. For the sake of curiosity, I ran it through two of the major benchmarks and was highly impressed with the numbers it put up. This laptop puts up numbers comparable to my desktop’s scores, making it quite possible as a desktop replacement. The screen is bright and vibrant with a fast 240hz response time. You additionally have an HDMI out and two thunderbolt connections (via type USB-C) available for additional monitor support. The major problem with most powerful gaming laptops is heat, this laptop uses liquid metal to direct die contact. I have not had to consider using an aftermarket laptop cooler as long as it's on a flat surface and room around the main chassis to breathe while gaming. The fans (as with most gaming laptops) while under load, are manageably louder but not deafening as with some of the other gaming laptops I have had in the past. Under normal use conditions (web-browsing as such) you don't hear the fans at all. On battery (ECO Mode) for basic browsing, watching downloaded movies from streaming services, it lasted beyond 4 and a half hours. It does have room for expansion is so desired. I have replaced the factory-supplied 16GB DDR5 with 32GB of Ram. It wasn't needed and I didn't notice an issue with performance, just personal preference. I have also ordered a 2TB NVME (as it has an additional slot for expansion) to keep my work files and game files separate. Basic future-proofing on my end and that will vary depending on your individual needs. I would highly recommend this laptop for anyone looking for a solid high end gaming laptop or a direct desktop replacement. It has more than enough power to handle major title games, streaming needs, video editing and anything else you might throw at it. *I was not paid for my review and only leave extensive reviews on items I am genuinely impressed with.
Posted by Nick97
By far the best laptop i have ever owned. Definitely one of the best prices for a 4080 that has 1600 reso you can find. There are only 2 downsides to the laptop are i dont consider really that bad. First is that it only comes with 16gb of memory. This is solveable by buy and installing the new memory. This isnt a big deal for me. Get some DDR-5600 SODIMM and you ready to rock. The last thing is the noise. If you put it in turbo mode, well it sure sounds like its in turbo mode. This is to be expected when your running a 4080. The performance is everything I couldve asked for. One title for example, Diablo 4 set to max graphics on every setting at 1600 reso i'm getting 150 fps! love this laptop. The keys don't get hot, however near the exhaust fans do, so dont put it in your lap and game. Get some sort of cooling pad like my pictures.
Posted by MilesA
UPGRADE ITEMED NEEDED 1) Specific Screwdriver (https://a.co/d/gKyc6vi). The Back of the Laptop WILL NOT come off using a standard Phillips Screwdriver….you will have to use the “T-5” Screwdriver Head. CONS: (1) Customer Support is very lackluster(as previous reviewers stated in other comments). CS advised me to use a Phillips head SD in order to remove the bottom on the laptop. Luckily I'm pretty competent in computers that I DIDNT TAKE the advice….else….I would have been..”Screwed”(Pun Intended) and stripped the tiny screws in the laptop. (2) No OLED Screen - Not a DealBreaker..however...would have been nice (3) Only 16GB RAM(2*8)- Can be upgraded to 32 or 64(Crucial RAM 64 Kit(2*32GB) DDR5 5600MT/s**AMAZON** (4) Weight - Heavy(But that's expected) (5) Top of Laptop- Finger smuggs very easily(Not a dealbreaker) (6) FANS - Loud(But that's expected for the hardware) (7) Expensive - Given the Obvious(I purchased it as the DEAL of The Day for 1,500.00) PROS: 1) Hardware 2) Screen Size 3) Speed 4) Durability 5) BackLit Keys 6) Numeric Pad In closing: I would recommend and its a very nice laptop. I have no complaints(other than Customer Service..lololo) Any High-end Laptop, please wait for a sale
Posted by TreWingo
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