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Trying out the Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop: i5-12500H RTX 3050 (with RAM and 512GB space) - (2024)
Introduction
For a while now I have been using the Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop - with its 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12500H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card it performs quite well for both work and entertainment (mainly gaming). More on this below.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | acer | Model Name | Acer Nitro 5 |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches | Color | Black |
| Hard Disk Size | 512 GB | CPU Model | Core i5 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB | Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Special Feature | Backlit Keyboard | Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
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Prices
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Initial Impressions
When it comes to gaming laptops, the Acer Nitro 5 has always piqued my interest for its balance between performance and value. The latest iteration I’ve had the chance to look at comes with the 12th Gen Intel 12-Core i5-12500H and a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050. Here’s my early take on it:
Processor & Graphics: The i5-12500H combined with the RTX 3050 gets me excited about the gaming sessions to come. Not the highest end, but potent for mainstream titles.
RAM & Storage: 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD should provide a smooth multitasking experience and quick game loads. I wish it had more storage, but it’s a good starting point.
Display: A 15.6” FHD 144Hz IPS display is a must for any gaming rig, and this ticks that box nicely. I’m expecting vibrant visuals with minimal motion blur during fast-paced action.
Straight off the bat, the muscle of this machine is impressive for its class. The multi-core i5 processor stands out for me; it should handle most modern games well when paired with that RTX 3050, though I’m aware it’s not the top of the line - something to remember if you’re aiming to play the most demanding titles on ultra settings.
The 144Hz refresh rate on the screen has become something of a standard, but it’s still a feature I value greatly for a smoother visual experience, especially in competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. And yet, while the display is solid, I notice it’s Full HD rather than 4K – understandable at this price point, but I can’t help but dream about the greater detail and real estate that a higher resolution would offer.
Connectivity options seem generous with the inclusion of USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, and the backlit keyboard is a nice touch for those late-night gaming sessions, adding to both the functionality and aesthetics of the laptop.
My thoughts find a slight snag with the battery life - a common trade-off in gaming laptops. However, the balance between power and portability seems fair here, given the Acer Nitro 5’s target audience. And while I have no immediate need for a fingerprint reader, its absence might be a drawback for those seeking an extra layer of security.
In summary, the Acer Nitro 5 looks to be a competent gaming machine that delivers where it counts. It’s not without its compromises, but it seems to offer solid gaming performance at a price that doesn’t burn through the wallet. I’m eager to put this laptop through its paces over the coming weeks, particularly to see how well it can sustain its performance during extended play sessions and how it stands up as a daily driver for work and entertainment.
Performance Productivity Gaming
In my search for a laptop that can juggle my productivity needs during the day and dive into gaming sessions at night, I stumbled upon the Acer Nitro 5. My first take is on the laptop’s performance — powered by a 12th Gen Intel 12-Core i5-12500H processor and 16GB RAM, it eats through daily tasks with ease. Loading apps, multitasking, and boot times? Lightning-quick, thanks to the 512GB SSD. And for my gaming kicks, the dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 with 6GB of VRAM means I can enjoy current titles with good frame rates on a 15.6” FHD IPS 144Hz screen, which is a sweet spot for clarity and smoothness.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Fast multi-core performance from the Intel i5-12500H
Responsive, high-refresh display for gaming
Good range of ports including Thunderbolt 4
Solid build and comfortable backlit keyboard
Cons:
No fingerprint sensor
Can get pretty heated under heavy gaming load
Bulkier design if portability is a concern
While the lack of a fingerprint sensor is hardly a dealbreaker, it’s a convenience that I miss, particularly in a world where biometric security is becoming the norm. And like many gaming laptops, it can sound like a small jet taking off when under pressure — the fans are working overtime, and you’ll feel it when the heat builds up.
Now, software-wise, Windows 11 Home pairs well with the Nitro 5’s hardware. It’s snappy, and the new layout feels like a boost to my workflow. And honestly, the transition from my old operating system was a breeze.
I can’t ignore the backlit keyboard — it makes those late-night sessions easier on the eyes, plus it gives a premium vibe to the whole experience. Another aspect I appreciate is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, offering a good balance between power and price, although I acknowledge that passionate gamers might yearn for the RTX 3070 Ti — a beast in its own right.
The weight of 5.51 lbs is noticeable if you’re used to ultrabooks, but it’s still manageable. My advice? Consider how much you’ll be moving around with it. For my home office setup, it’s a non-issue.
Overall, despite the minor trade-offs, the Acer Nitro 5 impresses me with its ability to deliver performance when I need it while keeping the gaming joy alive. If you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank but still offers a potent mix of productivity and entertainment, this laptop should be on your radar.
Design and Build Quality
As someone who appreciates both form and function, the design and build quality of the Acer Nitro 5 are worth discussing. The laptop sports a sleek Obsidian Black color which gives it a professional, yet gaming-oriented look—exactly what I like.
Design and Build Quality:
Sturdy Build: The laptop feels robust in my hands, and while it’s not the lightest at 5.51 lbs, that’s expected with gaming laptops.
Sculpted Lines: The angular design and red accents hint at its gaming pedigree without being too flashy.
Backlit Keyboard: Typing in low light is a breeze with the backlit keyboard, which is a must-have for me.
Adequate Cooling: The Nitro 5 design seems to keep thermals in check, allowing for long gaming sessions without the worry of overheating.
The 15.6 inches Full HD IPS display doesn’t only look good; it is complemented with a practical 144Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming visuals. The screen is bordered by relatively slim bezels, contributing to a modern, immersive experience.
The chassis is primarily plastic but doesn’t feel cheap, and the textured finish does a good job of hiding fingerprints and smudges. I appreciate the dimension’s profile (10.59” x 14.18” x 1.05”), which fits into my backpack without any hassle.
However, I would’ve liked to see a fingerprint reader for enhanced security—to me, that’s a missed opportunity, given its presence on many other laptops. Also, the plastic material, while sturdy, doesn’t convey the same premium feel as some metal-bodied counterparts.
Nevertheless, the charming red backlight on the keyboard is vibrant and offers adjustable brightness, which means it meets my needs both aesthetically and functionally. It’s smooth and makes finding keys in the dark much less of a challenge.
Overall, the Acer Nitro 5 strikes a balance between a gamer-friendly bold design and the subtlety needed for a professional environment. It’s durable enough to give me confidence it can survive a few knocks and bumps, which is reassuring for a device I’ll be transporting often. Sure, it won’t win prizes for being the sleekest kid on the block, and I would’ve appreciated a fingerprint scanner, but it remains solid where it counts.
Connectivity and Features
When assessing the connectivity and features of the Acer Nitro 5, there’s quite a bit to digest. For starters, the range of ports is generous, catering to diverse connectivity needs:
3 x USB-A 3.2 ports
1 x USB-C 3.2 Thunderbolt 4 port
1 x HDMI port
1 x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port
You’ll find that this setup ensures optimal data transfer speeds, especially from the USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port, making file transfers lightning quick. Plus, the HDMI port is a godsend for an additional monitor, which is almost a must-have for multitasking and immersive gaming.
Delving deeper into the wireless connectivity, this beast is equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, which supports all Wi-Fi bands, ensuring a stable and fast internet connection. It’s great to see more laptops adopt this technology as it can dramatically reduce lag when gaming online or streaming. On top of that, Bluetooth 5.1 ensures I can connect all my peripherals without a hitch.
The backlit keyboard is a hallmark for any decent gaming laptop, and it doesn’t disappoint here. Great for those late-night gaming sessions without disturbing others with harsh room lighting. However, I did notice there is no mention of a fingerprint scanner for extra security, which is a feature that’s becoming somewhat standard these days.
Another spec that caught my eye is the inclusion of the Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Graphic card—an excellent choice for a mid-range gaming setup. It’s combined with the Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics to ensure impressive performance in both gaming and creative tasks. While it’s noted for its strong graphical performance, some might find the RTX 3050 a step back if they’re hoping to push ultra settings on more graphically intensive games.
On the downside, while the audio quality from the dual stereo speakers equipped with Acer TrueHarmony is decent for built-in speakers, it’s not going to replace a dedicated speaker set or good headphones, but that’s generally the case with most laptops.
A minor issue for me is the absence of a dedicated optical drive. While it’s clear these are becoming obsolete due to the rise of digital downloads and streaming, some users might miss having this feature, especially if they own a physical game library.
In conclusion, the Acer Nitro 5 boasts an array of connectivity options and noteworthy features that make it a strong contender in the gaming laptop market. It provides the essentials—and then some—to deliver an enriched gaming experience. It does have a few areas where it could improve, but overall, the Nitro 5 offers an enticing balance for gamers or professionals looking for a system that can keep pace with their demands.