Acer’s updated Predator Triton 500 SE gaming laptop was announced at CES 2022 earlier this 12 months alongside new Nitro 5 and Helios 300 fashions. The brand new Triton 500 SE — which matches by the serial quantity PT516-52s — is primarily supposed for avid gamers who need very good efficiency to deal with trendy video games, nevertheless it’s additionally geared for creators, college students, and builders who want the additional energy and a color-accurate show. I’ve a high-end mannequin in for evaluation, very best for testing cooling skills and ceiling efficiency from a system that is constructed right into a relatively slim and smooth chassis. Is it value your cash? Let’s discover out.
Acer Predator Triton 500 SE: Worth, availability, and specs
Acer provided Home windows Central with a evaluation unit of its refreshed Predator Triton 500 SE (PT516-52s) gaming laptop computer. It has inside a 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900H processor (CPU) with 14 cores, 32GB of LPDDR5-4800MHz RAM, a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid-state drive (SSD), a discrete NVIDIA RTX 3080 Ti Laptop computer GPU, and a 16-inch G-Sync show with QHD+ decision and 240Hz refresh fee.
This actual mannequin prices about $2,970 at Amazon and comes with an included zip-up laptop computer sleeve. You can even get a mannequin with Core i7-12700H CPU, NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti Laptop computer GPU, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD for about $2,226 at Amazon.
In comparison with the earlier mannequin (PT516-51s), the Predator Triton 500 SE for 2022 has just a few new options:
- twelfth Gen Intel Core i7 and Core i9 H-series CPU choices.
- Non-compulsory RTX 3080 Ti Laptop computer GPU.
- Two AeroBlade followers (as an alternative of 1).
- Liquid-metal thermal grease and thermal foam for the CPU.
- MUX change for NVIDIA Optimus
This is a better have a look at the precise specs as present in my evaluation unit.
| Acer Predator Triton 500 SE (2022) | |
|---|---|
| OS | Home windows 11 House |
| Processor | twelfth Gen Intel Core i9-12900H |
| 14 cores, 20 threads, as much as 5.0GHz | |
| RAM | 32GB LPDDR5-4800MHz |
| Built-in, dual-channel | |
| Graphics | NVIDIA RTX 3080 Ti Laptop computer GPU |
| Overclockable, two slots | |
| Storage | 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD |
| Show | 16 inches, 16:10 facet ratio |
| 2560×1600 (QHD+), 240Hz, G-Sync | |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 4, two USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2), HDMI 2.1, RJ45 Ethernet, 3.5mm audio, SD card reader |
| Audio | Twin stereo audio system, DTS X: Extremely Audio, Purified.Voice with two microphones |
| Keyboard | Three-zone RGB |
| Wi-fi | Killer Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Killer DoubleShot Professional |
| Digital camera | Entrance-facing FHD |
| Battery | 99Wh, 230W AC adapter |
| Safety | Fingerprint reader |
| Dimensions | 14.11 x 10.33 x 0.78 inches |
| (358.3mm x 262.3mm x 19.8mm) | |
| Weight | 5.29 kilos (2.39kg) |
| Shade | Metal Gray |
| Materials | Aluminum |
Acer Predator Triton 500 SE: Design and options
Acer needed to create a laptop computer that could possibly be used as comfortably as a gaming PC as it could possibly a tool for college kids, creators, and builders, and in that sense it is a success. Just like the earlier technology, the Predator Triton 500 SE for 2022 is constructed right into a smooth chassis made completely of aluminum. The outside is pretty uniform, with only a small predator badge close to the highest fringe of the lid.
There is not any RGB save for the three-zone keyboard lighting, and there is not a bunch of plastic across the exhaust vents for that “aggressive” look you see on so many gaming laptops. Certainly, the Predator Triton 500 SE seems to be much more like HP’s EliteBook enterprise sequence than it does one thing just like the MSI Titan GT77. It will not stand out in a boardroom or lab, and it is an ideal choice for avid gamers who do not go in for all the additional RGB and styling.
The Triton 500 SE weighs in at 5.29 kilos (2.39kg) as a result of aluminum physique and monster {hardware} inside. This may appear a bit excessive, nevertheless it’s proper consistent with different gaming laptops. Weight is nicely balanced, and the chassis measures simply 0.78 inches (19.8mm) skinny. It has a 16-inch show, nevertheless it measures simply greater than 14 inches vast and 10 inches deep. The chassis has only a little bit of a wedge sculpted into the aspect, and the entrance fringe of the palm relaxation is rounded to place much less stress in your wrists. It is a good design alternative that is noticeable every time you sit all the way down to sport or sort.
I’ve examined many gaming laptops which have moved a majority of ports to the again edge for higher cable administration, however Acer bucks this development to order the complete rear space for exhaust. That does not imply the Triton 500 SE is missing ports. The left aspect of the laptop computer contains Thunderbolt 4, one USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2), 3.5mm audio, RJ45 Ethernet, and the proprietary barrel charging port. The fitting aspect has one other TB4 and USB-A port, HDMI 2.1 with HDCP help, and an SD 7.0 card reader that hit a 91MB/s learn velocity with my UHS-II SD card.
It is laborious to complain about this collection of ports. You get double show help because of TB4 and HDMI, there are USB-A ports to deal with your equipment, and the SD card reader helps with detachable storage when dealing with huge initiatives. Plus, you may at all times hook up with a powerful Thunderbolt 4 docking station in the event you want extra ports.
The front-facing webcam is situated above the show. Its 1080p decision provides a clearer image than 720p, however there’s nonetheless a little bit of grain to cope with. It additionally has some hassle coping with shiny pictures. It will get you off the bottom for any streaming ambitions and it’ll go well with video calls nicely, however for a extra skilled look you may need to put money into a standalone webcam.
Audio system at first look look to be located beneath the grille between the keyboard and show hinges, particularly with the DTS X branding in the identical space. Alas, they’re situated on the underside panel close to the entrance corners. The wedge contouring would not hit them, so there is a little bit of muffling when the laptop computer is flat on a desk. Audio is pretty loud and stays clear at prime quantity. A DTS X: Extremely app is included for high quality tuning, plus there are Acer TrueHarmony settings within the PredatorSense app. There’s loads of bass whereas gaming, sufficient you could really feel it in your arms when firing weapons or revving an engine.
Acer’s Predator Triton 500 SE is a smooth laptop computer that will not really feel misplaced in knowledgeable setting … not less than till you begin gaming on the beautiful show.
There are some issues I like concerning the keyboard, together with the devoted media management keys, PredatorSense app shortcut, three-zone customizable RGB lighting, and sectioned F keys, however for probably the most half it falls behind the boards you will discover in competing gaming laptops. The chiclet keys really feel undersized, and I typically missed the press in frenetic gameplay. Key presses typically really feel a bit mushy and the spacing alongside the underside row could be very vast. It is not a dealbreaker; I simply desire different gaming laptop computer keyboards.
The touchpad is a special story. The glass end makes for clean pointing, and the agency click on is delectable. There is not any free feeling and clicks really feel uniform regardless of the place you are hitting. The touchpad additionally makes good use of area beneath the keys, selling productiveness when you do not have a separate mouse hooked up. It is probably the greatest touchpads I’ve used, gaming laptop computer or not. A fingerprint reader is constructed into the touchpad, working as supposed for quick and safe logins by means of Home windows Howdy.
Intel’s Killer DoubleShot Professional setup is onboard, providing Wi-Fi 6E and E3100G Ethernet. You possibly can arrange high-priority visitors to your PC and have it mechanically swap between the quickest methodology (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) to make sure no slowdown when you sport or switch information.
Acer Predator Triton 500 SE: Show
The show within the 2022 Predator Triton 500 SE hasn’t modified a lot since final 12 months, however that is not a nasty factor. It is nonetheless sized at 16 inches with a 16:10 facet ratio that cuts out numerous bezel. There’s nonetheless an honest chin beneath the display, nevertheless it nonetheless has a contemporary look with 87% screen-to-body ratio.
The 2560×1600 decision hasn’t modified, however the refresh fee has been boosted as much as 240Hz to raised accommodate the extra highly effective efficiency {hardware}. A 3ms response time and NVIDIA G-Sync hold video games tear-free and clean. The show at first look has excellent distinction and coloration, and its matte end cuts out numerous glare you’d in any other case see with a shiny panel.
I ran some assessments with a SpyderX Professional colorimeter to see precisely what sort of numbers the show has to supply. It hit 100% sRGB, 88% AdobeRGB, and 100% DCI-P3 coloration copy, in addition to 546 nits brightness at peak and 24 nits at minimal. These are excellent outcomes that double down on Acer’s purpose to make a laptop computer appropriate for skilled work in addition to gaming. Fashionable titles that I examined are displayed in all their glory, and the colour protection means professionals will not battle when modifying or creating content material.
Acer Predator Triton 500 SE: Gaming
Gaming is the principle focus of the Predator Triton 500 SE, so understandably it is outfitted with plenty of methods to maximise efficiency. From a {hardware} design perspective, Acer has created a greater cooling system to maintain up with the brand new {hardware}.
New for the 2022 mannequin is Liquid Steel thermal grease for the CPU to raised deal with warmth switch to the sink, two fifth Gen Acer AeroBlade followers (along with one commonplace fan) with 89 blades every and 10% higher airflow than the earlier technology, warmth pipes for the CPU and GPU, and air intakes on the highest (above the keyboard) and backside of the chassis.
Acer’s PredatorSense app is included, supplying you with management over the {hardware} inside. There is not any AI tuning onboard to mechanically steadiness CPU and GPU energy and keep away from throttling. You possibly can as an alternative alter energy modes manually. You possibly can tweak keyboard RGB lighting and particular person fan velocity, monitor CPU, GPU, and reminiscence efficiency, and alter efficiency modes.
Acer contains 4 completely different efficiency modes. Default is really helpful for on a regular basis work, Excessive is reserved for gaming because of CPU and GPU overclocking, and Turbo is meant for finest efficiency with unhindered fan velocity and overclocking. There’s additionally a Quiet setting for when you must stretch battery life so long as doable; it is best reserved for gentle work.
I ran a full system stress take a look at for 20 minutes to see how nicely the cooling system really works. I ran it first utilizing Home windows 11’s Efficiency mode and Acer’s Default energy setting. There was a blip of thermal throttling whereas the Intel CPU hit its Turbo, however after that there was no evident throttling. The CPU sat at about 81 levels Celsius (177.8F) with a 2.4GHz clock, pulling 45W of energy. The GPU sat round 74 levels Celsius (165F) with a 1.3GHz clock, pulling about 79W of energy.
I subsequent examined with the identical Home windows 11 setting and Acer’s Excessive energy setting. The CPU evened out at a temperate of 79 levels Celsius (174F) with a 2.4GHz clock velocity, pulling 45W of energy. The GPU pulled about 85W of energy and hit a 1.38GHz clock velocity, with temperatures hovering round 70 levels Celsius (158F).
There was no thermal throttling right here, although the followers had been significantly louder. On Excessive and Turbo modes fan quantity hovers between 55 and 65 decibels, as measured a few foot and a half from the system (the place you head is normally located). On Default mode the followers sit between 45 and 50 decibels, which is nearer to the quantity of a quiet than an everyday dialog.
Following the stress assessments I ran some 3DMark benchmarks to raised evaluate the Predator Triton 500 SE with different gaming laptops we have not too long ago examined. I ran assessments utilizing each the Default and Excessive Acer modes to see how a lot they differ; all assessments had been run with the Home windows 11 Finest Efficiency setting.
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I additionally performed a bunch of video games on the Triton 500 SE throughout the pre-review interval, reserving these with built-in benchmarks to listing right here. I examined these video games utilizing the native QHD+ decision with RTX and DLSS turned off except in any other case specified. In-game settings had been cranked as much as most. All video games had been run on the Home windows 11 Finest Efficiency and Acer Excessive settings.
- Murderer’s Creed Valhalla: 64 FPS
- Far Cry 6: 75 FPS
- Pink Lifeless Redemption 2: 70.3 FPS (DLSS off), 83.5 FPS (DLSS Balanced)
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: 101 FPS (DLSS off), 130 FPS (DLSS Balanced)
It is clear the Triton 500 SE that I’ve in for testing can crush trendy video games. Remember I examined utilizing the very best in-game presets; there’s loads of room to drag again on high quality to lift body charges. For those who do not want fairly as a lot energy, you may at all times drop all the way down to a Core i7-12700H CPU and RTX 3070 Ti Laptop computer GPU to save lots of tons of and nonetheless get a robust performer.
Acer Predator Triton 500 SE: Normal efficiency and battery
The Core i9-12900H and RTX 3080 Ti Laptop computer GPU duo is one we have seen in just a few laptops, and it stands as an distinctive pairing for gaming. Following the play assessments, I moved over to extra conventional benchmarks to see how nicely the system performs outdoors of gaming.
I ran PCMark 10, CrossMark, and CrystalDiskMark assessments utilizing the Home windows 11 Finest Efficiency energy setting and Acer’s Balanced energy profile, as these benchmarks measure on a regular basis efficiency the place you will not need the followers to be operating full out.
I then ran Geekbench 5 and Cinebench R23 assessments utilizing the identical Home windows 11 energy profile and with each Default and Excessive Acer profiles, as these benchmarks apply to gaming and creator duties.
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The Triton 500 SE can't fairly beat the Lenovo Legion 5i Professional (Gen 7) with i7-12700H CPU.
Battery life in gaming laptops is rarely excellent, however the Triton 500 SE’s 99Wh battery places up a very good battle. I examined first to see how lengthy it may run when going about common workplace work; I dropped the display refresh fee all the way down to 60Hz, lowered the display brightness all the way down to about 200 nits, and set the facility profiles to Acer Default and Home windows 11 Balanced. Utilizing the PCMark 10 Fashionable Workplace rundown, the laptop computer lasted for five hours and three minutes. This was with NVIDIA’s Optimus set to automated, which disables the discrete GPU when not wanted.
I ran the take a look at once more utilizing PCMark 10’s Gaming rundown. With the laptop computer set to Acer Excessive and Home windows 11 Efficiency modes, in addition to the show again as much as 240Hz, the laptop computer lasted 1 hour and 18 minutes. You’ll want to hold the laptop computer plugged in whereas gaming anyway to maximise efficiency, so this quantity should not maintain you again.
One different factor to notice is the shortage of upgradeable RAM. It’s soldered to the board, so you will need to get as a lot as doable from the manufacturing unit. There are, nevertheless, two accessible M.2 slots for storage.
Acer Predator Triton 500 SE: Competitors
I reviewed the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro (Gen 7) not too long ago, so it is no shock that it is talked about quite a few instances on this evaluation. It is one of many best gaming laptops on the market proper now.
It put up higher efficiency numbers in virtually all assessments regardless of having only a Core i7-12700H CPU and RTX 3070 Ti Laptop computer GPU inside, it prices much less, and the 16-inch show is stacked with QHD+ decision, Dolby Vision, HDR 400, NVIDIA G-Sync, and a 165Hz refresh fee. Its design is appropriate for gaming {and professional} settings, placing it in the identical circles because the Triton 500 SE.
The Legion 5i Professional (Gen 7) presently begins at about $1,330 for a mannequin with Core i7-12700H CPU, NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti Laptop computer GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB M.2 PCIe 4 NVMe SSD. A high-end mannequin with Core i7-12700H CPU, RTX 3070 Ti Laptop computer GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage presently prices about $1,800. That is greater than $400 cheaper than the same Triton 500 SE mannequin, although you get half as a lot storage in Acer’s laptop computer.
HP’s Omen 16 is one other prime choice. Although we have not examined the newest construct in-house, earlier generations have been rock stable when it comes to construct high quality and efficiency. It is out there with twelfth Gen Intel Core or AMD Ryzen 6000 CPUs (as much as a Core i9-12900H or Ryzen 9 6900HX), in addition to as much as a NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti Laptop computer GPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, 2TB of M.2 PCIe 4.0 storage, and 16-inch show with QHD+ decision, 165Hz refresh fee, and 300 nits brightness.
Costs begin at about $1,100 for these laptops, with an enormous quantity of configuration choices out there to allow you to spend what you need. Including {hardware} to virtually match the Triton 500 SE places it throughout the similar worth vary.
Do you have to purchase the Acer Predator Triton 500 SE?
Who it is for …
- Those that need a gaming laptop computer that is not misplaced in knowledgeable setting
- Those that desire to make use of their built-in show (this one is relatively stacked)
- Those that want first rate battery life when not gaming
Who it is not for …
- Those that cannot spend greater than $2,000 on a laptop computer
- Those that need one of the best keyboard doable
- Those that are irritated by loud fan noise
Acer’s Predator Triton 500 SE bought a minor refresh for 2022, together with a show with increased 240Hz refresh fee and improved cooling system for the twelfth Gen Intel Core CPUs and NVIDIA RTX 3080 Ti Laptop computer GPU. It is a smooth wanting laptop computer that works in gaming {and professional} settings, it runs cool, and the show is beautiful. I loved my time utilizing it for common work and for gaming.
Sadly, efficiency right here cannot fairly hold as much as some competitors, particularly the Legion 5i Professional (Gen 7) with Core i7-12700H CPU and RTX 3070 Ti Laptop computer GPU that I not too long ago examined. Contemplating you may spend virtually $1,000 much less on Lenovo’s laptop computer and get higher efficiency, it is laborious to justify spending huge on the Acer laptop computer. If the value comes down it will likely be rather more tempting, particularly for individuals who need the superior battery life and higher show.
Acer Predator Triton 500 SE (2022)
Acer’s Predator Triton 500 SE obtained some notable updates for 2022, together with a greater show and improved cooling for the brand new CPUs and GPU. Nevertheless, general efficiency would not fairly measure as much as the asking worth when in comparison with competing manufacturers.