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Review: Trying out the Acer Predator Orion 3000 Desktop | i7-12700F | RTX 3060 Ti (2024)
Introduction
I recently acquired the Acer Predator Orion 3000 PO3-640-UR11 gaming desktop PC and was eager to test its capabilities based on its impressive specifications. I wanted to push the machine to its limits with demanding tasks and games.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Uses For Product | Multimedia, Everyday Use, Gaming | Brand | acer |
| Personal computer design type | Computer Tower | Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 1 TB | Screen Size | 0.1 Inches |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB | Model Name | PO3-640-UR11 |
| Included Components | Desktop, Mouse, Power Cord, Keyboard | CPU Model | Core i7 |
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Prices
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Powerful Performance Review
Powering up the Acer Predator Orion 3000 PO3-640-UR11 Gaming Desktop PC, my expectations were high, considering the touted specs, and I wasn’t disappointed. Here’s how my experience breaks down:
Pros:
The 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700F processor is a beast for multitasking. I’ve been able to edit videos, stream content, and toggle between heavy programs without any hiccups.
The RTX 3060 Ti graphics card ensures smooth gameplay. Though I won’t touch on gaming performance extensively, my brief encounters with AAA titles were satisfactory.
Turbo Boost up to 4.9GHz really gives that extra punch when needed for processor-intensive tasks.
Having a 1TB M.2 PCIe Gen 3 SSD at this price point is fantastic for quick boot times and swift program launches.
Cons:
The 16GB of DDR4 RAM is decent, but for hardcore gaming and professional video editing, I would have preferred 32GB. That said, it’s great to have the option to expand up to 64GB.
The inclusion of USB 2.0 ports felt a bit outdated, though they still suffice for peripherals that don’t require high data transfer rates.
The preinstalled Windows 11 Home runs seamlessly on this machine, complementing the hardware with its fluid user interface. In terms of design, the Computer Tower is both stylish and functional, fitting well into my gaming setup. The included Predator RGB Gaming Keyboard and Mouse are more than just a nice touch; they add to the whole gaming ambiance.
A point often overlooked in desktop reviews is the importance of audio quality. The DTS X: Ultra Audio, while not replacing a dedicated speaker system, delivers clear and immersive sound for everyday use and initial gaming sessions.
From a connectivity standpoint, the diversity of ports is noteworthy. I particularly appreciate the front-facing USB 3.2 Type-C Gen 2x2 port for its fast data transfer capabilities – something I rely on for accessing large files on external drives.
Now, on to the computing power. The CPU, with its Core i7 identifier, tells you it’s built for performance. Whether I’m rendering video, compiling code, or opening multiple browser tabs with heavy content, the processor keeps up without missing a beat.
As for storage, the 1TB capacity of the SSD ensures my need for space is met while everyday performance is snappy. Additionally, with a weight of around 16.58 lbs, the unit strikes a good balance between solidity and portability, should I need to move my setup.
In essence, the Acer Predator Orion 3000 is a well-rounded machine that checks most boxes for power users looking for a compact desktop. However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that future-proofing with more RAM out of the box would’ve been the icing on the cake. Overall, it’s a solid performer with a few corner-cutting concessions to meet a competitive price.
Graphics and Gaming Tests
In assessing the Acer Predator Orion 3000, particularly its graphics and gaming capabilities, the experience has been mostly positive. Here’s what stood out for me:
Graphics Performance: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti with 8GB of GDDR6 video memory sails through most modern games at high settings with ease. The Ray Tracing technology brings out incredible realism in shadows and reflections, enhancing the immersion factor by a significant margin.
Gaming at High Refresh Rates: With multiple DisplayPort 1.4a outputs and an HDMI 2.1 port, the system is well-equipped to handle high-refresh-rate monitors for a smooth gaming experience, which is critical for competitive gamers.
Expandability: The system comes with 16GB of DDR4 memory, but it’s easily expandable to 64GB, giving you ample headroom for future games and applications that may demand more RAM.
These points are indicative of a rig that scores well on providing a quality gaming experience. However, this is not to say that it comes without limitations. For instance, while the RTX 3060 Ti is robust, it might not consistently deliver 4K gaming at high frame rates for the most demanding titles — something to consider if you’re chasing the upper echelons of gaming visuals.
Throughout my gaming tests, the most demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 ran smoothly at 1080p, and even handled 1440p admirably. However, for those seeking absolute top-tier performance in 4K resolutions, this configuration may falter, especially with Ray Tracing enabled. Something that the RTX 3060 Ti’s bigger siblings might tackle with more finesse.
The included Predator RGB Gaming Keyboard and Mouse are nice touches but don’t quite match the performance that dedicated gaming peripherals offer. Serious gamers might consider upgrading these for a fully optimized gaming setup.
While the desktop is designed primarily for gaming, its powerful processor also lends itself well to multitasking and multimedia tasks, allowing you to stream or edit content without a hitch. The DTS X: Ultra Audio supports an immersive sound experience that complements the visual prowess of this machine.
The Acer Predator Orion 3000 certainly packs a punch within its compact form factor. With its considerable power under the hood and room for memory expansion, it feels future-proofed for the next few years of gaming evolution, barring the shift towards 4K dominance. While not without its compromises, such as peripheral quality and ultra-high-resolution performance, it stands as a formidable choice for gamers looking to balance price with power.
Connectivity and Ports Overview
In assessing the Acer Predator Orion 3000 PO3-640-UR11 Gaming Desktop PC, one of the finer points is its range of connectivity options and ports which facilitate various peripherals and devices.
USB Ports: The front panel includes a USB 3.2 (Type C) Gen 2x2 port capable of up to 20Gbps and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Port, providing high-speed data transfer that’s beneficial for moving large files swiftly. At the rear, you’ll find additional 2 USB 3.2 (Type-A) Gen 1 ports and 4 USB 2.0 (Type A) ports which are ample for hooking up a variety of devices simultaneously. Although these rear ports are suitable for less demanding peripherals like printers or mice, they aren’t as fast as the front ports, so it’s something to keep in mind if you’re aiming for maximum speed across all devices.
Display Outputs: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti graphics card offers a good selection of display outputs, with 3 Display Ports 1.4a and 1 HDMI 2.1 port. This variety allows for a multi-monitor setup, which is a delight for gamers and multitaskers. However, for those with monitors that only have DVI or VGA, an adapter may be necessary.
Internet Connectivity: Acer covers both wired and wireless internet connectivity. There’s a Killer Ethernet E2600 for a stable wired connection, essential for gaming and streaming without lag. On the wireless side, Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (Gig+) supports Wi-Fi in the 2.4GHZ, 5GHz and 6GHz bands with UL MU-MIMO; this is a plus for ultra-fast Wi-Fi speeds and better handling of multiple Wi-Fi devices on your network. Still, to fully take advantage of Wi-Fi 6E, a compatible router is needed.
Audio and Bluetooth: For audio, the system is equipped with DTS X: Ultra Audio, ensuring immersive sound quality that enhances the gaming experience. Bluetooth 5.2 is also on board, allowing for easy connection to various Bluetooth devices, such as headsets and speakers.
Power Supply: The 500W power supply is 80 Plus Gold rated, meaning it’s efficient and reliable. Still, if you plan on upgrading the system in the future, especially with components that draw more power, you might need to consider a higher wattage power supply.
In essence, the connectivity suite on the Predator Orion 3000 stands out with several modern ports and wireless capabilities. The system caters to most needs but always keep in mind the potential need for adapters or a Wi-Fi 6E router to exploit the PC’s full potential. Overall, the connectivity options present in this compact powerhouse left me quite satisfied, though being future-proof always comes with a few caveats regarding upgrades and compatibility with older devices.
Software and User Experience
The Acer Predator Orion 3000 sports Windows 11 Home, offering a clean and user-friendly interface that meshes seamlessly with its high-end hardware components. There’s no denying the operating system is fluid and responsive, but there are some quirks worth noting:
Windows 11 Home: For gaming, this platform is robust, launching games swiftly with accommodations for the latest DirectX 12 Ultimate.
Bloatware: A minor nuisance; the pre-installed software can clutter the experience, although it’s easily removable for those who prefer a pristine setup.
Customization: With the inclusion of the Predator RGB Gaming Keyboard and Predator RGB Gaming Mouse, tweaking the LED lighting is a simple affair, adding a personal touch to both peripherals and system aesthetics.
Software Experience: The system largely benefits from DTS X: Ultra Audio, enhancing immersive gameplay through its spatial audio capabilities.
However, while these are important elements, it’s the first point—the integration with Windows 11—that truly stands out as a hallmark of efficiency in day-to-day use, from firing up productivity apps to indulging in heavy gaming sessions.
While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the seamless integration of this system’s top-tier hardware with Windows 11, I’ve observed that this operating system can be demanding on resources when compared to its predecessor, potentially shortening gaming sessions on more demanding titles.
Moreover, users should be aware that while Windows 11 is designed for gaming, certain features, such as DirectStorage, are still scarce in current titles, leading to a potential gap between expectations and reality. It’s something to look out for as more games start utilizing these new technologies.
In wrap-up, weighing the pros and cons, the Acer Predator Orion 3000 is undeniably prepared to offer a premium software and user experience. The cutting-edge hardware matched with the latest Windows OS ensures that whether you’re gaming, streaming, or tackling multimedia projects, the experience remains fluid and engaging. Sure, the instances of pre-installed bloatware do require some initial clean-up, and there’s still room for the software to grow into its promised potential, but these are minor compromises within an otherwise stellar setup.
This desktop is recommended for anyone who values a system that is both performant and user-friendly, encapsulating the modern ethos of gaming desktops where hardware potency meets sophisticated software solutions. And for those who may be looking for peak optimization, some minor adjustments and updates can definitely turn this into a dream machine.