Acer Predator Helios 16 (2023)

From ProdWiki
Acer Predator Helios 16 (2023)
ManufacturerAcer
Product familyPredator
Release dateJanuary 2023;
3 years ago
 (2023-01)
Introductory priceUSD 2300
DiscontinuedNo
Operating systemWindows 11 Home
CPUIntel Core i9-13900HX
Intel Core i7-13700HX
Memory16 GB DDR5-4800 or DDR5-5600 SDRAM
Memory slots2 user accessible
Storage1 TB PCIe NVMe SSD
Storage slots2 user accessible
Removable storagemicroSD
DisplayScreen 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
GraphicsNvidia 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
Sound2 x 2 W stereo w/ DTS X speakers
Camera1080p with IR support
Touchpad12.6 x 8.3 mm, Gorilla Glass
ConnectivityKiller 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
DimensionsW: 14.1 inches (36 cm)
D: 11 inches (28 cm)
H: 1.06 inches (2.7 cm)
Mass5.73 pounds (2.60 kg)
Power brick330W AC adapter
Battery4 cell Li-Ion 90 Wh
KeyboardPer-key RGB backlit
ChassisColor: Black
Materials: Matte black aluminum alloy with plastic base
Fingerprint readerNo
Facial recognitionYes
WebsiteAcer

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.

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

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

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

Processor

The Predator Helios 16 (2023) can come with the following processors[1]:

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:
    • i7-13700HX: ~1898 pts (single-core), ~22598 pts (multi-core)[2]
    • i9-13900HX: ~2100 pts (single-core), ~30000 pts (multi-core)[3]

Graphics

In addition to the integrated graphics, the Predator Helios 16 (2023) ships with the following discrete GPUs[1]:

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:
    • RTX 4060: ~10948 pts[2]
    • RTX 4080: ~13500 pts[3]
  • 3DMark Fire Strike:
    • RTX 4060: ~23631 pts[2]
    • RTX 4080: ~31000 pts[3]
  • The Witcher 3 1920 x 1080 Ultra:
    • RTX 4060: ~117.8 fps[2]
    • RTX 4080: ~130 fps[3]

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:

  • AS SSD Total Score: ~7575 pts[2]
  • Seq Read: ~5246.2 MB/s[2]
  • Seq Write: ~4435.2 MB/s[2]

Co-processors

The Predator Helios 16 (2023) does not include any dedicated co-processors.[1]

Input Devices

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

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

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

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:

  • Brightness: ~498 cd/m²[2]
  • Contrast: ~1419:1[2]
  • Gray-to-gray response time: ~13.6 ms[2]

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

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

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:

  • iperf3 transmit: ~1361 MBit/s[2]
  • iperf3 receive: ~1431 MBit/s[2]

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

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

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

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

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

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

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:

  • Idle: ~24 dB(A)[2]
  • Load: ~49 dB(A)[2]

Energy Management

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

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:

  • Idle: ~20.5 W[2]
  • Load: ~175 W[2]

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:

  • WiFi Websurfing: ~5h 38min[2]
  • Load (maximum brightness): ~1h 28min[2]

Biometrics

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

The Predator Helios 16 (2023) does not include a fingerprint reader but supports Windows Hello facial recognition.[1]

Software

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

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

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

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

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

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. 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. 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. 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.