•  Date Published: 13 Mar 2025
    • Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
    • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Laptop, 125W)
    • 14.5″, 2.5K (2560 x 1600), 120 Hz, IPS
    • 4000GB SSD
    • 16GB RAM
    • 1.90 kg (4.2 lbs)
    7.6
    TOTAL SCORE
    6.0 Portability Good
    8.5 Display Excellent
    7.1 For Work Very Good
    8.0 For Gaming Excellent
    Acer Predator Helios Neo 14

    Acer Predator Helios Neo 14

    $1954.80 $1749.00
    Buy Now Amazon.com

    Review

    Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 in-depth review

    We were quite impressed by the Nitro 14 (AN14-41) since it offers tons of power for a 14-incher. Now, it's time to test the more premium sibling of this machine which is called Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 (PHN14-51). This time around, the Helios version is powered by Intel Meteor Lake-H CPUs. These chips are efficient but they aren't as punchy as the Raptor Lake-H / HX CPUs which are a better complement to GPUs as fast as the GeForce RTX 4070 which is the most powerful graphics card for this Acer series. Still, considering the device's limited internal space, a 28W processor offers an optimal balance of performance and heat dissipation. The device is full of gamer-centric features such as G-SYNC, Nvidia Advanced Optimus, and a MUX switch for optimal GPU performance when using the machine [...]

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    Pros

    • Great performance for a 14-incher
    • Covers 94% of the sRGB gamut and has accurate colors when our "Design and Gaming" profile is applied (BOE0C65)
    • 165Hz refresh rate + 3072 х 1920 resolution (BOE0C65)
    • No PWM (BOE0C65)
    • High max brightness of 452 nits (BOE0C65)
    • Snappy pixel response times (8 ms) (BOE0C65)
    • MUX switch + Nvidia Advanced Optimus + G-SYNC
    • Modern port selection - 2x Thunderbolt 4 plus 2x Gen 2 Type-A connectors
    • Good keyboard and touchpad
    • Long battery life given the powerful hardware (~9 hours of video playback)
    • Solid base
    • The CPU and the GPU can maintain high clocks during long full loads (3.70 GHz for the P-cores  / 2514 MHz for the GPU core)
    • The fans aren't extremely aggressive in "Turbo" mode
    • Great "Performance" mode - much less noise + 100W GPU TGP
    • Fast and well-cooled SSD (1TB SK Hynyx HFS001TEJ9X125N)

    Cons

    • The CPU hits 95°C in long loads
    • The right side of the keyboard feels hot during gaming
    • A bit shorter key travel than expected
    • Soldered RAM and just one M.2 Gen 4 slot

    Disassembly, maintenance and upgrade options

    Opening the DeviceUndo the 9 Torx-head screws securing the bottom panel. Turn over the laptop and pop the hinge cover. Carefully pop the rear step by step by inserting a thin plastic tool between the plate and the base. Flip the device upside down and pry the sides and the front to remove the bottom panel.More info: We found a metal shroud with a cooling pad for the NVMe on the inside of the bottom panel.Battery RemovalDetach the battery connector from the motherboard. Undo the two Phillips-head screws securing the battery. Lift the battery to[...]

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