Full review of the new Acer Predator Helios 18, the new benchmark for uncompromising laptop gaming
Acer Predator Helios 18 stands as the new flagship of the Taiwanese house, bringing with it all the best hardware currently in circulation. The result is therefore a solid, complete machine capable of satisfying any request, starting from web browsing up to more complex video games. Laptop gaming without sacrifices exists and this Predator Helios 18 is proof of that. Let’s find out in the full review!
Key features
- OS: Windows 11
- Processor: Intel Core i9-13900HX 2,20 GHz
- Dimensions and displays: 45,7 cm (18″) WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 16:10 IPS 240 Hz
- RAM: 32 GB, DDR5 SDRAM
- ROM: 2 TB SSD
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 with 12GB dedicated memory
Packaging and build quality | Acer Predator Helios 18 review
The notebook arrives in a substantial package containing everything you need, from the instruction manual to the330W power supply. The construction is also solid and fully reflects the “strong character” of the PC. In fact, with a weight of 3.16 kg, transporting it will be anything but simple (it is true that the internal components and the related reference target completely justify this limitation).
Equally important here is the panel, from ben 18 pcs, or 45.7 cm if you prefer, LCD type. Below we find the Multi-touch Gesture touchpad with certification Microsoft Precision Touchpad, whose accuracy we regret, unfortunately, is not always striking. Interesting the number of inputs and ports available, between the side and the back, which include: HDMI, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 type A port, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 type A ports, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 type A C and 5 USB ports. Finally, on the front we find the grille dedicated to the stereo speakers.
Hardware e display | Review Acer Predator Helios 18
On this Acer Predator Helios 18 we find the series of top-of-the-range Intel Core HX processors up to the 13th generation equipped, more specifically a i9-13900HX at 2.20 GHz (24 cores) assisted by a 240 Hz panel and an amount of RAM equal to 32 GB DDR5 SDRAM type. The keyboard is fully backlit per key and has various customization settings in the dedicated PredatorSense software, which we will discuss in more detail in the following paragraphs.
There is also the graphics support given by the Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 series, supported by the ultra-efficient NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture, which guarantees a qualitative leap in both performance and graphics based on artificial intelligence, here specifically a RTX 4080, capable of running any program currently in circulation without any problems. Available storage space can be up to 2TB on M.2 PCIe Gen4. Good connectivity with support for IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax and Bluetooth 5.1 wireless networks. Finally, a small note of demerit for the stereo speakers, which result undertone both in terms of power and quality.
Performance and keyboard | Acer Predator Helios 18 review
But now let’s move on to the facts, how do all those previously described components perform? Incredibly well, on the other hand the CPU score obtained on Geekbench 6 of 17177 don’t lie! Whatever use you opt for, you will only get enormous satisfaction from this PC: whether you need to open a web page, watch a film or work on video or photo editing projects, everything will be extremely quick and fast.
But a gaming PC is made above all for playing, isn’t it? So let’s see how it behaves with some of the gods following games: for The Witcher 3 (with RT active and 1440p resolution) we will have an average of 55 FPS, A Plague Tale: Requiem (Ultra 1440p) average of 70 FPS, Halo Infinite (Ultra 4K) average of 68 FPS and finally Red Dead Redemption 2 (Ultra 4K) with an average of 60 FPS. As it is possible to see therefore, 4K may not always be the ideal choice, preferring to it the 1440p which, in our opinion, does not look bad on a relatively compact device. The noise of fans at maximum speed it is undoubtedly felt, however the compensation in terms of cooling will be more than satisfactory. The keyboard is also well made, with level feedback and a slightly longer stroke than the average laptop.
Software and autonomy | Acer Predator Helios 18 review
The software platform is of course Windows 11, with all the strengths and weaknesses that we already know. Here, however, Acer comes into play with its software integrations, among which it certainly stands out PredatorSense (which even has a button dedicated to it) and which brings with it a whole series of settings. For example, you can monitor the status of internal components, adjust a user profile (for daily use or gaming), customize the keyboard backlight and much more, all with captivating and distinctive graphics. Finally, the autonomy, which is attested averagewith about 2 and a half or 3 hours of daily use and web browsing, at a “balanced” energy level.
Conclusions
Ultimately, this Acer Predator Helios 18 proves to have all it takes to be one of the best gaming laptops currently on the market. List price is definitely high, but on the other hand it could not be otherwise with a hardware equipment of this type. We can only recommend its purchase to those looking for the best of the best in laptop gaming. Keep an eye on it! Before saying goodbye, we invite you to follow the hardware section of techgameworld.com for further news and video reviews. See you soon!
Plus points
- Well built
- Hardware equipment
- Outstanding display
- Predator Sense
Points against
- Audio not up to par
- Sometimes inaccurate touchpad