The Acer Nitro 5 is one of the most popular budget gaming laptops on the market. It delivers strong performance, a gamer-focused design, and plenty of customization options, making it a solid choice for casual gamers or anyone looking for a balance between power and affordability. While it doesn’t have the premium features of high-end gaming laptops, the Nitro 5 holds its own in the budget to mid-range category.
WHAT WE THINK ABOUT ACER NITRO 5
PROS AND CONS
- Great gaming performance for the price
- Good cooling system
- Upgrade-friendly design
- Decent port selection
- Bulky, plastic build
- Mediocre display brightness and color accuracy
- Average battery life
ACER NITRO 5 SPECIFICATION
| Processor (CPU) | Up to Intel Core i7-13700H or AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS |
| Graphics (GPU) | Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 or AMD Radeon RX 7600M |
| RAM | 8GB/16GB/32GB DDR5 (upgradable to 32GB) |
| Storage | 512GB/1TB SSD (expandable with additional slots for storage upgrades) |
| Display | 15.6-inch/17.3-inch FHD (1920×1080) or QHD (2560×1440), up to 165Hz |
| Battery Life | 57.5Wh, 5-6 hours on average for mixed use |
| Weight | ~2.5kg (15.6-inch model), ~3kg (17.3-inch model) |
| Keyboard | RGB backlit with a dedicated NitroSense key |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ports | USB-C, USB-A (x3), HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Cooling | Dual-fan system with quad exhaust vents and CoolBoost technology |
DESIGN AND BUILD
The Nitro 5 sticks to a gamer-centric design. It features sharp angles, red accents, and an aggressive aesthetic. While the build is primarily plastic, it feels durable enough for regular use, though it lacks the premium finish of more expensive gaming laptops. The laptop is on the heavier side, making it less portable compared to slim gaming ultrabooks.
The RGB-backlit keyboard is a highlight, offering four customizable zones and good tactile feedback. The trackpad is functional but nothing extraordinary. One standout feature is the dedicated NitroSense button, allowing quick access to cooling controls and system monitoring.
DISPLAY
The Nitro 5 comes with a range of display options, including Full HD and QHD panels with refresh rates up to 165Hz. The high refresh rate ensures smooth visuals for gaming, but the overall brightness (around 300 nits) and color accuracy fall short for creative tasks like photo or video editing. Gamers will find the display adequate, but the experience may not be as immersive in brightly lit environments.
PERFORMANCE
With Intel’s 13th Gen processors or AMD Ryzen 7000-series options, paired with GPUs like the RTX 4060, the Acer Nitro 5 delivers excellent gaming performance for its price. It can handle modern AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II at high settings with good frame rates.
Thermals: Acer’s CoolBoost technology ensures efficient cooling during long gaming sessions. While the fans can get loud under heavy loads, they keep temperatures in check, preventing thermal throttling.
Storage and RAM: With upgradable RAM and dual storage slots, the Nitro 5 is ideal for gamers who want to enhance their system over time.
BATTERY LIFE
Battery performance is average for a gaming laptop. You can expect about 5-6 hours of general use, but this drops to 1-2 hours during intense gaming sessions. This is typical for most gaming laptops, but it reinforces the need to stay near a power source while gaming.
COMPARISON: ACER NITRO 5 VS COMPETITORS
| Model | Acer Nitro 5 | ASUS TUF Gaming A15 | HP Victus 16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$1,200 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,250 |
| CPU | Intel i7/Ryzen 7 | Ryzen 7 7735HS | Intel i7-13700H |
| GPU | RTX 4060 | RTX 4060 | RTX 4060 |
| Display | FHD/QHD, 144Hz/165Hz | FHD, 144Hz | FHD, 144Hz |
| RAM | 16GB (upgradable) | 16GB (upgradable) | 16GB (upgradable) |
| Battery Life | 5-6 hours (mixed use) | 6-7 hours (mixed use) | 5-6 hours (mixed use) |
| Weight | 2.5kg | 2.3kg | 2.48kg |
| Build Quality | Plastic chassis | Military-grade durability | Plastic chassis |
BUY OR NOT TO BUY?
Buy it if:
- You want a powerful gaming laptop without breaking the bank.
- You value upgradeability for RAM and storage.
- A high refresh rate display for smooth gaming is a priority.
Don’t buy it if:
- You want a lightweight, portable laptop.
- Display brightness and color accuracy are crucial for your work.
- You need long battery life for gaming on the go.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Acer Nitro 5 is an excellent entry point into gaming laptops, offering a combination of solid performance, upgrade potential, and gamer-focused features at a competitive price. While it doesn’t boast the premium materials or advanced displays found in higher-end models, it delivers where it matters most—reliable gaming performance and a responsive, customizable experience.
For casual gamers, students, or budget-conscious buyers who want strong performance without spending a fortune, the Acer Nitro 5 is a great option. However, users seeking more portability or professional-grade displays may need to look elsewhere.
