Acer refreshes Predator and Nitro laptops with latest Intel and Nvidia chips

Acer has refreshed its Predator and Nitro laptops with the latest chips from Intel and Nvidia at CES 2024.

Acer announced Predator Helios Gaming Laptops with Intel Core 14th Gen Processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 Series Laptop graphics processing units (GPUs).

Acer also announced the new Predator Helios Neo 18 and Helios Neo 16 with the latest processors and GPUs for AI and enhanced graphics.

Acer unveiled its refreshed models of the Predator Helios 18 and Predator Helios 16. Acer also announced
the new Predator Helios Neo 18 gaming laptop and major updates to the Predator Helios Neo 16,
all outfitted with the latest Intel Core 14th gen processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 Series Laptop GPUs with DLSS 3.5 technology and Nvidia Advanced Optimus.

The Nvidia RTX Laptop GPUs are packed with specialized AI Tensor Cores enabling AI performance and
accelerations in creative apps, efficient productivity, fast gaming, and more.

The Predator laptops feature Microsoft’s Copilot in Windows 11 and a dedicated Copilot key for quick access to AI-powered task assistance. They also come with one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, giving gamers access to hundreds of high-quality PC games.

The Predator Helios 18 and Predator Helios 16 laptops come with options for Mini LED panels, MagKey 3.0 swappable mechanical switches for shorter key travel and response time, and fast network speeds with Wi-Fi 7 compatibility.

Along with the top gaming specs and features, the pair of new Helios Neo laptops have hidden messages on their sleek anodized covers. All the gaming laptops leverage 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D fan technology to keep the laptops cool under pressure, Acer’s PurifiedVoice 2.0 AI-noise reduction technology to eliminate unwanted background noise, and speakers with DTS:X Ultra for immersive audio experiences when playing, communicating, or streaming.

Predator Helios 18 and Predator Helios 16 Laptops

With up to an Intel Core i9 processor 14900HX that features newly optimized performance hybrid architecture, the Predator Helios 18 (PH18-72) and Predator Helios 16 (PH16-72) let users go head-to-head with today’s most demanding games.

The AI-ready gaming laptops ar powered by up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU with AI-enhanced graphics thanks to DLSS 3.5 technology’s full ray tracing capabilities. GeForce RTX technologies are supported in more than 500 popular games and applications, including blockbuster games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2.

Acer’s advanced thermal solutions keep the devices and internals running at full steam, driven by dual 5th Gen AeroBlade fans combined with liquid metal thermal grease on the CPU and vector heat pipes.

The laptops offer options of 16 and 18-inch (16:10) WQXGA or Mini LED panels that operate at a rapid 250 Hz, support brilliant 1000 nits luminosity, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut.

Beyond the screen, the machines have dynamic RGB lighting effects on the laptops’ Predator logos, backside Infinity Mirror lighting bar, and customizable LED backlit keyboards. Lighting effects and colors of the cover logos and per-key RGB can be customized using the latest all-in-one PredatorSense app, which also functions as the control and monitor center for the laptops’ performance mode and fan settings.

The Predator Helios 16 and Predator Helios 18 laptops also come with the latest sensory technology features. New MagKey 3.0 has been installed on the laptops’ vital WASD buttons with two additional sets for customization included upon purchase. MagClick features a patented swappable mechanical switch that lets gamers enjoy the satisfying sounds of distinct mechanical tactile feedback and faster response time with every key press.

Meanwhile, MagSpeed combines speedometer aesthetics with vibrant LED lighting underneath to add pleasing effects. For ingame communication and streams, the laptops leverage Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0’s triple microphone array and AI noise reduction technology to filter out unwanted background sounds,
and Acer PurifiedView’s AI-powered webcam solution for clear video and image outputs.

Immersive sounds can be amplified through the headphones and internal speakers embedded with DTS:X Ultra for high-quality and distortion-free audio. The Predator Helios laptops also ensure stable and fast network speeds with Wi-Fi 7 capability and each features two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and MicroSD card readers for added convenience.

Predator Helios Neo 18 and Helios Neo 16 Laptops

The Predator Helios Neo 18 (PHN18-71) and Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72) come with the latest technology and features at more accessible price points, to power the gaming adventures of more casual and entry-level esports players.

They have laser-etched encrypted codes on their deep black anodized covers, enticing gamers to decipher the hidden messages.

Powered by up to a newly optimized Intel Core i9 processor 14900HX paired with up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPUs with maximum graphics power of 140 watts in Turbo mode, the Helios Neo gaming devices enable users to do more beyond gaming and creation.

They also leverage smooth AI-driven graphic enhancements and accelerated system performance with
DLSS 3.5 technology and full ray tracing. As an added boost, the laptops can be configured with up to 32 GB DDR5 5600 MHz memory and up to 2 TB PCIe Gen 4 solid state drives in RAID 0.

The combination of 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D fan technology, liquid metal thermal grease on their CPUs, and vector heat pipes for efficient heat transfer ensures that the laptops’ maximum output is sustained throughout.

The Helios Neo 18 and Helios Neo 16 laptops showcase visuals on their WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS displays with 240 Hz refresh rates, 3-millisecond response time, and coverage for 100% DCI-P3 color range. Their panels come with Nvidia Advanced Optimus and G-Sync technology to dynamically increase frame rates and reduce latency based on loaded games and applications.

Features such as dynamic lighting customization on the laptops’ four-zone RGB keyboard and device management through the PredatorSense 5.0 utility app (with a dedicated PredatorSense Key) give users full control and allow them to add personal touches to their devices.

The Helios Neo 18 and Helios Neo 16 laptops also utilize Acer’s AI-enhanced video conferencing tools in Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0 and Acer PurifiedView, while the powerful DTS:X Ultra surround sound speaker system elevates sounds generated when gaming, chatting, and leisure activities.

They also come with Intel Killer DoubleShot Pro for lag-free connections, and a full range of ports including two USB Type-C with Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and MicroSD card readers.

Nitro gaming laptop

Acer will announce significant upgrades to the Acer Nitro 17 (AN17-72) gaming laptop.

It is powered by up to an Intel Core i7 processor 14700HX and up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, in a budget-friendly gaming device.

It also features a 17.3-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) display with a fast 165Hz refresh rate and support for Nvidia Advanced Optimus. A dedicated Microsoft Copilot key makes it easy to harness the power of AI to assist with productivity and creativity tasks.

Price and availability

The Predator Helios 18 (PH18-72) will be available in North America in March, starting at $2,000. The Predator Helios 16 (PH16-72) will be available in North America in January, starting at $1,900.

The Predator Helios Neo 18 (PHN18-71) will be available in North America in March, starting at
$1,550. The Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72) will be available in North America in March, starting at
$1,500. Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region.