expiredDr.W posted Feb 25, 2025 11:18 AM
Item 1 of 2
Item 1 of 2
expiredDr.W posted Feb 25, 2025 11:18 AM
(Cert. Refurb) Acer Predator Helios 18: 18" QHD+ 240Hz IPS, i9-14900HX, RTX 4080, 32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD $1563.99
$1,564
$2,500
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank ksimm033
Now with that being said, be prepared to tinker with it. You will need to undervolt the CPU to 1.4v (directions/how too's on Reddit) and buy a cooling pad. The i9's were built to run hot, but i would suggest keeping it at a max of 90c and below (90c being the peak). They come with the i9 set at 1.5v, which then gives you a super boost, but then will throttle (kind of counter intuitive). Out of the box, I believe I was hitting 97c on stress tests regularly (which then your CPU throttles down and could result in downgraded performance). Undervolting will also keep the machine alive longer. For these laptops with an undervolt and cooling pad, your looking at 80c-90c under load (40c-50c idle) for the CPU and prob 65c-75c for the GPU (35c to 40c idle).
You could always do a repaste for the temps as well (LM on CPU and TP on GPU). Unessessary if you undervolt.
The speakers are ok, but what impressed me compared to other laptops is this laptops DAC. It can drive my 300 Ohm headphones decently and the sound is clean (I compared against a couple DAC/AMPs and decided I didn't need one).
I normally forgo turbo mode on the laptop and use its performance setting. The fans are probably one of the biggest downsides, because they sound like a jet engine and get up to 65db on max. Cooling pad will definitely help keep that down. When the family is away, I let everything unleash at its full potential and don't use/need headphones most of the time.
Hopefully this helps!
Edit: I forgot to mention, the CPU heat issue is not constrained to Acer. All laptops with i9hx chips run hot.
Using the Anker Prime Docking station with dual 4K monitors, and the laptop as the 3rd display. No issues with multitasking multiple programs, and it's very intuitive and responsive.
I'm using it as a replacement for my core i7 desktop w/ 1060ti GPU. Comparing specs and pricing across the board, it seems to be the best deal I've came across, including most desktops, so that's why I pulled the trigger.
Suggestion- find a nice cooling pad. No issues yet, but can tell it's putting out heat and I'm not even using it full tilt. I snagged the thermaltake, but the Razer Chroma RGB may be an even better investment for heat management.
Again, no gaming, but using it professionally as a desktop replacement has been a nice change!
A big consideration between the Predator 4080 and 4090 (besides the obvious) would be if you prefer the mini LED screen which is only on the 4090 version.
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Now with that being said, be prepared to tinker with it. You will need to undervolt the CPU to 1.4v (directions/how too's on Reddit) and buy a cooling pad. The i9's were built to run hot, but i would suggest keeping it at a max of 90c and below (90c being the peak). They come with the i9 set at 1.5v, which then gives you a super boost, but then will throttle (kind of counter intuitive). Out of the box, I believe I was hitting 97c on stress tests regularly (which then your CPU throttles down and could result in downgraded performance). Undervolting will also keep the machine alive longer. For these laptops with an undervolt and cooling pad, your looking at 80c-90c under load (40c-50c idle) for the CPU and prob 65c-75c for the GPU (35c to 40c idle).
You could always do a repaste for the temps as well (LM on CPU and TP on GPU). Unessessary if you undervolt.
The speakers are ok, but what impressed me compared to other laptops is this laptops DAC. It can drive my 300 Ohm headphones decently and the sound is clean (I compared against a couple DAC/AMPs and decided I didn't need one).
I normally forgo turbo mode on the laptop and use its performance setting. The fans are probably one of the biggest downsides, because they sound like a jet engine and get up to 65db on max. Cooling pad will definitely help keep that down. When the family is away, I let everything unleash at its full potential and don't use/need headphones most of the time.
Hopefully this helps!
Edit: I forgot to mention, the CPU heat issue is not constrained to Acer. All laptops with i9hx chips run hot.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/256697302569
If yes, can you confirm if the display is mini-LED?
The ebay listing mentions, Acer Predator Helios 18 (Model PH18-72-924C)
I can't tell if the PH18-72-924C comes with mini-LED?
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