Acer Predator Triton 300 SE review
The Acer Acer Predator Triton 300 SE ranks as the #28 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 82. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #3-ranked connectivity among 777 laptops. Consider the MSI Stealth 16 AI or MSI Prestige 13, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE is a compact laptop that prioritizes portability over performance. While its 14-inch design and RTX 360 GPU are impressive, the device struggles with heat management and has a premium price tag of $1500. The laptop's build quality feels outdated compared to competitors, and it comes with unnecessary bloatware. Despite respectable gaming performance, the Triton 300 SE is not the best value for its price. If you prioritize portability over raw power, this laptop may be worth considering, but others in the same price range offer more comprehensive features and better build quality.
Build
The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE's build quality is subpar compared to its competitors. It runs hot, which may be a concern for gamers and intense users. The laptop feels like it's two years behind in design and construction. The screen's brightness is also not impressive, making it struggle to compete with other devices on the market. Overall, the Triton 300 SE's build quality and design are major drawbacks that detract from its otherwise decent performance capabilities. Give Acer Aspire 5 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled build.
Display
The display on the Acer Predator Triton 300 SE is a letdown. While it's not terrible, it doesn't quite live up to the standards set by its competitors. The screen's brightness is a major issue, struggling to reach adequate levels in well-lit environments. This can be frustrating for users who want to enjoy their games or videos without having to adjust the room lighting. In terms of overall display quality, it's serviceable but not impressive. The colors and contrast are decent, but they don't pop as much as you'd like. Overall, I would say that the display is one of the weaker aspects of this laptop, making it a less-than-ideal choice for those who prioritize visual fidelity in their gaming experience. Get your hands on Acer Chromebook Spin 714 if you're looking for better display.
Performance
The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE's performance is a mixed bag. The Intel Core i7-1260P processor provides decent CPU power, but the laptop often falls short in gaming and demanding tasks due to the Tiger Lake H35 CPU's limitations. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, although underperforming at times, delivers respectable results when running at its maximum 75W power envelope. However, the laptop's high temperatures, bloatware, and subpar screen brightness make it a less desirable option for gaming enthusiasts. Overall, the Triton 300 SE's performance is passable but not impressive given its price and competition. Consider discovering the power of Razer Blade 18, featuring the latest advancements in performance.
Battery and Charging
The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE's battery life falls short, lasting around 4-5 hours in my tests. The laptop also takes over an hour to charge from empty to full, which is disappointing given its premium price tag. The lackluster charging speed is especially notable considering the laptop's compact size and powerful specs. Overall, the Triton 300 SE's battery life and charging performance are underwhelming, making it less ideal for those who need a laptop that can keep up with their busy schedule on the go.
Connectivity
The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE's connectivity options are decent but not impressive. It features Wi-Fi 6, Gigabit Ethernet, and USB-A ports, which is standard for this price point. However, it lacks USB-C, SD card slots, or Thunderbolt ports, making it less convenient for users who need these features. The HDMI port and audio jacks are a welcome addition, but overall, the Triton 300 SE's connectivity feels somewhat lacking. For a superior connectivity, Acer Swift Go 14 could be the right choice.
Features
The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE boasts a compact 14-inch design, sacrificing some performance for portability. It features an Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics, and up to 64GB RAM. The laptop also has a range of storage options and a backlit keyboard, but its build quality feels dated compared to competitors. A better alternative might be Acer Swift 14 AI, featuring a next-level features.
Support and Maintenance
The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE's poor build quality, excessive bloatware, and underwhelming screen brightness are notable drawbacks. Furthermore, its tendency to run hot and subpar gaming performance make it a less desirable option. The manufacturer's lack of effective support through their built-in tool is also a concern.
Pros
1. The laptop's 14-inch size and convenience factor are worth the premium price.
2. After jumping through hoops to fix the GPU power issues, turbo and extreme modes delivered on their promise of 75 watts.
3. Despite running hot, the laptop still manages to deliver respectable performance across the board.
4. The Rtx 360 is a powerful GPU that matches or beats lower-wattage RTX 3080s.
5. The laptop's portability makes it perfect for gamers who want a lightweight option.
6. The Rtx 360 running at 75 watts in extreme and turbo modes makes for respectable gaming performance.
7. Despite the CPU bottlenecks, the Triton 300 SE still manages to deliver decent frame rates.
8. The laptop's price is justifiable given its unique selling points.
Cons
1. The laptop runs hot, making it uncomfortable to use.
2. Build quality feels like it's two years behind the competition.
3. Acer still insists on loading their devices up with bloatware.
4. The screen doesn't get that bright and is probably not the greatest out there compared to the competition.
5. The laptop's price is a premium, making it hard to justify for some users.
6. CPU bottlenecks make the laptop hard to recommend for gaming.
7. The laptop sacrifices performance for portability, which might not be ideal for all gamers.
8. Acer still needs to work on their support tools, as the built-in app failed to detect critical bios updates.
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