Acer Predator Helios 16 (2023)
| Manufacturer | Acer |
|---|---|
| Product family | Predator |
| Release date | January 2023 |
| Introductory price | USD 2300 |
| Discontinued | No |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home |
| CPU | Intel Core i9-13900HX Intel Core i7-13700HX |
| Memory | 16 GB DDR5-4800 or DDR5-5600 SDRAM |
| Memory slots | 2 user accessible |
| Storage | 1 TB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Storage slots | 2 user accessible |
| Removable storage | microSD |
| Display | Screen size: 16 inch Panel type: IPS Coating: Matte (anti-glare) Resolution: 2560 x 1600 PPI: 189 Aspect ratio: 16:10 Refresh rate: 165 or 240 Hz Brightness: 498 Nits Contrast ratio: 1419:1 DCI-P3: 97 % VRR: G-Sync |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop 8 GB GDDR6 140 W Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop 8 GB GDDR6 140 W Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop 12 GB GDDR6 175 W |
| Sound | 2 x 2 W stereo w/ DTS X speakers |
| Camera | 1080p with IR support |
| Touchpad | 12.6 x 8.3 mm, Gorilla Glass |
| Connectivity | Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675i Bluetooth 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C, DP 1.4, Thunderbolt 4, USB charging 5 V; 3 A, DC-in port 20 V; 65 W) 1 x HDMI 1 x microSD card reader |
| Dimensions | W: 14.1 inches (36 cm) D: 11 inches (28 cm) H: 1.06 inches (2.7 cm) |
| Mass | 5.73 pounds (2.60 kg) |
| Power brick | 330W AC adapter |
| Battery | 4 cell Li-Ion 90 Wh |
| Keyboard | Per-key RGB backlit |
| Chassis | Color: Black Materials: Matte black aluminum alloy with plastic base |
| Fingerprint reader | No |
| Facial recognition | Yes |
| Website | Acer |
All statements attributed to reviews are the reviewer's own opinion. Note that these claims were accurate at the time of publication and may be dated when you are reading this article. Read more.
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The Acer Predator Helios 16 (2023) is a high-performance gaming laptop designed for gamers and creative professionals. It features Intel 13th Gen HX series processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4000 series GPUs. Available configurations vary by store and location.[1]
Primary Hardware
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Processor
The Predator Helios 16 (2023) can come with the following processors[1]:
- Intel Core i9-13900HX with 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) and 32 threads, 36 MB cache and a max frequency of 5.4 Ghz.
- Intel Core i7-13700HX with 16 cores (8 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 24 threads, 30 MB cache and max frequency of 5.0 Ghz.
The Intel Core i9-13900HX and i7-13700HX processors are designed to handle demanding tasks, including gaming and content creation. The i9-13900HX offers higher performance with more cores and threads, making it suitable for users who need maximum processing power. The i7-13700HX, while slightly less powerful, still provides robust performance for most applications.
Reviewers have noted that the i9-13900HX performs well in multi-core tasks, with a multi-core performance that corresponds to its competitors with the same CPU. However, it can suffer from thermal throttling under sustained loads unless turbo mode is activated.[2] The i7-13700HX also performs well, maintaining good performance in multi-core tasks and gaming.[2]
Benchmarks:
- Cinebench R23:
Graphics
In addition to the integrated graphics, the Predator Helios 16 (2023) ships with the following discrete GPUs[1]:
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU with 8 GB GDDR6 memory, 2350 Mhz boost clock, and 140 W Total Graphics Power (TGP).
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU with 8 GB GDDR6 memory, 2080 Mhz boost clock, and 140 W TGP.
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU with 12 GB GDDR6 memory, 1930 Mhz boost clock, and 175 W TGP.
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4000 series GPUs are designed to deliver high performance in gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks. The RTX 4080, with its higher TGP and more VRAM, offers the best performance among the three, making it suitable for users who need the highest possible frame rates and graphical fidelity.
Reviewers have noted that the RTX 4080 performs well but can be inconsistent in some games, sometimes falling short compared to competitors with similar specifications.[3] The RTX 4060 and RTX 4070 also perform well, maintaining good frame rates in gaming and other tasks.[2]
Benchmarks:
- 3DMark Time Spy:
- 3DMark Fire Strike:
- The Witcher 3 1920 x 1080 Ultra:
Memory
The Predator Helios 16 (2023) supports up to 32 GB of DDR5 memory, with configurations available with 16 GB DDR5-4800 or DDR5-5600 SDRAM.[1]
The memory is adequate for gaming and multitasking, but may not be sufficient for more demanding applications or future-proofing as software requirements increase.[3] The memory performs well, contributing to the overall responsiveness of the system. It is fully utilized in dual-channel mode, enhancing performance in memory-intensive tasks.[2]
Benchmarks:
- AIDA64 Memory Copy: ~58458 MB/s[2]
Storage
The Predator Helios 16 (2023) comes with a 1 TB PCIe NVMe SSD, with an additional M.2 slot available for upgrades.[1]
The SSD offers high sequential read speeds but suffers from thermal throttling under load, which can significantly reduce performance during extended use.[2]
Benchmarks:
Co-processors
The Predator Helios 16 (2023) does not include any dedicated co-processors.[1]
Input Devices
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Keyboard
The Predator Helios 16 (2023) features a 6-row full-size chiclet keyboard with mini-LED per key RGB lighting.[1]
The keyboard has good key travel of 1.8mm, but the feedback could be more pronounced. The mini-LED backlighting is energy-efficient and offers multiple settings.[2]
Touchpad
The touchpad measures 12.6 x 8.3 mm and is coated with Gorilla Glass.[1]
The touchpad provides precise feedback and supports multi-touch gestures, making it easy to navigate.[2]
Webcam
The Predator Helios 16 (2023) comes with a 1080p webcam with IR support.[1]
The webcam performs well in good lighting but struggles in backlit conditions. It supports Windows Hello for facial recognition.[2]
Microphone
The Predator Helios 16 (2023) includes an integrated microphone.[1]
The microphone quality is decent for video calls and gaming, but it may not be suitable for professional audio recording.[2]
Output Devices
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Display
The Predator Helios 16 (2023) features a 16-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a refresh rate of either 165 Hz or 240 Hz.[1]
The display is bright and covers 97% of the DCI P3 color space, making it excellent for gaming and creative work. It has a high contrast ratio of 1419:1 and does not use PWM, reducing eye strain.[2]
Benchmarks:
Audio
The Predator Helios 16 (2023) comes with two 2-watt speakers with DTS X support.[1]
The speakers provide balanced mids and highs but lack bass, making them average compared to competitors. The maximum volume of 76.1 dB(A) is adequate for casual use.[2]
Connectivity
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WiFi
The Predator Helios 16 (2023) is equipped with a Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675i wireless network adapter.[1]
The Wi-Fi performance is strong, with good speeds and support for the latest wireless standards.[2]
Benchmarks:
Bluetooth
The Predator Helios 16 (2023) includes Bluetooth support.[1]
SD Card Reader
The Predator Helios 16 (2023) features a microSD card reader.[1]
The card reader is average in speed compared to competitors, with decent read and write speeds.[2]
USB
The Predator Helios 16 (2023) is equipped with the following USB ports[1]:
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (up to 10 Gbps, DisplayPort over USB-C, Thunderbolt 4, USB charging 5 V; 3 A, DC-in port 20 V; 65 W)
Display Outputs
The Predator Helios 16 (2023) includes the following display outputs[1]:
- 1 x HDMI
- 2 x DisplayPort
Case
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The Predator Helios 16 (2023) features a matte black aluminum alloy chassis with a plastic base.[1] The design is sleek and visually appealing, with a solid feel. The laptop is compact for a 16-inch model, with a thin bezel around the screen.[3]
The overall chassis construction is robust and well-built, but the materials used may not convey the premium feel found in some competitors.[3]
Maintenance
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The Predator Helios 16 (2023) is fairly easy to access for maintenance, with ten Torx T5 screws securing the bottom panel.[2]
Upgradeable components:[2]
- RAM
- Two M.2 PCIe4 x4 SSDs
Cooling System
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The Predator Helios 16 (2023) is equipped with five heat pipes and liquid metal on the CPU.[2]
The cooling system effectively manages heat during gaming, keeping temperatures low and ensuring quiet operation.[2]
Heat
The laptop remains cool during use, with hot spots reaching 55 °C during gaming. The cooling system is efficient, but users may experience discomfort if the laptop is used on the lap for extended periods.[2]
Noise
The laptop is quiet in balanced mode but can get loud under load, reaching up to 49 dB(A) during gaming.[2]
Benchmarks:
Energy Management
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Power Consumption
The Predator Helios 16 (2023) ships with a 330 W AC adapter.[1]
The laptop has high idle consumption but reasonable load consumption, making it efficient for a gaming laptop.[2]
Benchmarks:
Battery Life
The Predator Helios 16 (2023) comes with a 90 Wh Li-Ion battery.[1]
The battery life is average for a gaming laptop, lasting around 5.5 hours during web browsing. It charges quickly, reaching 50% in about 30 minutes.[2]
Benchmarks:
Biometrics
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The Predator Helios 16 (2023) does not include a fingerprint reader but supports Windows Hello facial recognition.[1]
Software
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All SKUs ship with Windows 11 Home, but the laptop can be upgraded to Windows 11 Pro.[1]
Preinstalled Software
Predator Sense
The Predator Sense program acts as the primary control center in the Predator Helios 16. It handles performance profiles, keyboard lighting, hardware troubleshooting, and system updates.[2]
Other Preinstalled Software
The laptop also comes with McAfee LifeSave and other less useful software.[2]
Linux Support
Linux support is limited, as the laptop is primarilydesigned for Windows.[2]
Accessories & Warranty
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The Predator Helios 16 (2023) comes with a 330 W AC adapter and standard paperwork.[1]
Acer provides a one-year limited manufacturer warranty for the Predator Helios 16 (2023) if purchased in the US.[1]
Reviews Summary
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Overall Sentiment
The Acer Predator Helios 16 (2023) is generally well-received for its high-performance components and vibrant display. Reviewers appreciate its powerful Intel 13th Gen processors and Nvidia RTX 4000 series GPUs, which deliver strong performance in gaming and other demanding tasks. The 240Hz QHD display with 97% DCI P3 coverage is particularly praised for its color accuracy and brightness, making it suitable for both gaming and creative work.[3][2]
However, the laptop is noted to have some drawbacks, including inconsistent gaming performance compared to competitors, thermal throttling issues with the SSD, and average battery life. The design, while sleek and robust, may not convey the premium feel found in some other high-end gaming laptops.[3][2]
Problems Summary
- Inconsistent gaming performance compared to competitors.[3]
- Thermal throttling issues with the SSD under load.[2]
- Average battery life for a gaming laptop.[2]
- High idle power consumption.[2]
- The design, while robust, may not convey a premium feel.[3]
- Loud fan noise under load.[2]
- Lack of a fingerprint reader.[1]
Community Reception
Overall Sentiment
Problems Summary
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 "Predator Helios 16 (2023) Specifications". Acer.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 2.27 2.28 2.29 2.30 2.31 2.32 2.33 2.34 2.35 2.36 2.37 2.38 2.39 2.40 2.41 2.42 2.43 2.44 2.45 2.46 2.47 2.48 "Acer Predator Helios 16 laptop review: A quiet gaming laptop with many strengths". NotebookCheck.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 "Acer Predator Helios 16 Review". PCGamer.