Are you looking for a gaming laptop that has the 12th generation of Intel CPU without breaking the bank? Then you might want to look closer at the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-525P. This laptop is part of Acer’s Nitro series, dedicated to providing gamers with powerful performance and a sleek design. All without the high price tag.
With a fast 12th Gen i5 processor, and RTX dedicated GPU the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-525P is a high-quality machine created with gamers in mind. In this review, we’ll uncover the top features, specs, and benefits of the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-525P. We will also take a closer look at what makes this affordable gaming laptop a top contender in the budget gaming laptop market.
Aesthetically-Pleasing Acer Nitro 5
Next, let’s discuss the design and appearance of this i5-12500H Acer Nitro 5 model. Before we go to its specs and performance. As soon as you lay your eyes on this AN515-58-525P Nitro 5 variant, you’ll notice how aesthetically pleasing it looks. This 15-inch gaming laptop features a sleek body that measures 14.19 x 1.06 x 10.67 inches. It weighs about 2.2kg or 5.51 lbs.
The laptop boasts a sturdy chassis made of plastic. Not only does it enhance its durability, but it also adds to its sleek and modern appearance. The simple “Acer” logo is prominently displayed on the laptop’s lid. It adds to its overall clean and elegant appearance.
One of the standout features of this machine is its backlit keyboard with red LED lighting. The lighting enhances its gaming aesthetics and adds to the overall cool factor of the laptop. The keys are well-spaced and provide tactile feedback for a comfortable typing and gaming experience. It also has a dedicated numeric keypad, which makes number input easy and efficient. This feature is especially useful if you are a student who needs to work with numbers regularly. Also if you are a gamer who needs to input commands faster during gameplay.
AN515-58-525P – The Specs
Let’s quickly explore this affordable powerhouse specification;
| Product: | Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-525P Gaming Laptop | Intel Core i5-12500H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU | 15.6" FHD 144Hz IPS Display | 8GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD | Killer Wi-Fi 6 | Backlit Keyboard |
| Screen | Full-HD 15.6″ IPS Display with 1920×1080 resolution, and 144Hz refresh rate.
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| Processor | 12-C/16T 12th Gen of Intel i5-12500H (3.30 – 4.50 GHz clock speed) |
| Graphics | Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 SDRAM (Upgradable) |
| Storage | 512GB SSD (Upgradable) |
| Connectivity | HDMI 2.1, Audio Combo port, RJ-45 port, A webcam, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Port (supporting data transfer up to 10Gbps, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 4, USB Charging) |
| Other features | Stereo speakers, built-in Microphone, Red backlit keyboard, NitroSense, CoolBoost Technology, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Upgrade kit |
| Strength & Weakness | VIEW |
Decent 8GB of DDR4 SDRAM
For this economical price, you are getting a gaming laptop with the minimum recommended amount of RAM, which is 8GB. With this amount of RAM, you can run games at decent graphics settings. It also results in good visuals and a respectable gameplay experience. 8GB of RAM is recommended as a general guideline to provide a decent gaming experience.
Beware though, some newer games and AAA titles may recommend or require higher amounts of RAM. Typically, 16GB or more, for optimal performance. So if you want to play those games with this laptop, know what you are expecting. If your aim is to play the most recent games intensively, save your money a little bit more. With about 100 bucks more, you can get a similar model with a higher RAM amount, such as this one. If you are a bit tech-savvy, you will like the flexibility of this Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-525P. It allows you to expand its RAM capacity.
Besides the RAM, other factors such as its CPU, and GPU can help this laptop to perform more effectively. So although this laptop comes with only 8GB of RAM, the combination of other specifications may allow you to play the newest games, but with reduced performance. Avoiding running other resource-intensive tasks in the background may also help to play those recent games.
i5-12500H: A Game Changer for Gamers
The RTX 3050 Acer Nitro 5 model comes with an Alder-lake Intel Core i5-12500H CPU. For another variant with an i7 CPU, this Nitro 5 is a good option.
Intel has released the i5-12500H just last year. This 12th Gen 12-core, 16-thread processor boasts of 4 performance cores and 8 efficient cores. It also comes with a whopping 3.30 GHz base clock and 4.50 GHz max. turbo boost frequency.
The Alder-Lake Intel Core i5-12500H is the first-ever processor with hybrid technology. That means it has both performance and efficient cores that run independently to optimize power consumption. The performance cores are for heavy-duty work, and the efficiency cores are for lighter tasks. With this hybrid technology, the Alder-Lake processor can deliver up to 19% more IPC (Instructions per Cycle)! This translates to faster gaming performance and higher frame rates. Even in multi-core intensive games such as Cyberpunk 2077 or Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
Additionally, the i5-12500H boasts an impressive 2% increase in effective speed compared to the 11th Gen of i9 (i9-11950H), making it a significant improvement in terms of CPU performance. This boost in speed can greatly enhance tasks such as gaming, video editing, and other resource-intensive activities. It provides a noticeable performance advantage for users who require top-tier processing power. The i5-12500H’s improved performance makes it a compelling option for those seeking cutting-edge CPU capabilities.
Hybrid Technology & Overclocking
Moreover, Intel has designed this CPU to save a lot of battery life, especially during light usage or idle times. Thanks to its hybrid technology. Also, this processor comes with Intel’s AI-powered Dynamic Tuning Technology. This technology uses machine learning to predict workload patterns and adjust power levels accordingly. If you are a gamer who worries about power consumption, this CPU will tackle this issue for you.
No gaming laptop is complete without overclocking abilities, and this Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-525P does not disappoint. Its CPU has a flexible overclocking range. Additionally, your laptop is also compatible with the latest DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0 technology. This means you can expect faster loading times and improved data transfer speeds, perfect for gaming. Additionally, the processor comes with the latest Wi-Fi 6, which offers faster internet speeds and more bandwidth.
Lastly, with all these features, you can ensure faster gaming experience with a budget-friendly capable CPU.
The Power of RTX 3050
When it comes to gaming, there is no compromise on performance. You will want to look for a laptop that has the best equipment to elevate your gaming experience to an entirely new level. NVIDIA has always been a dominant player in the graphics card industry. They provide gamers with high-end graphic cards to meet their gaming needs. One of their GPU edition, the GeForce RTX 3050, is a force to be reckoned with. How is the GeForce RTX 3050 inside this AN515-58-525P the perfect GPU for a laptop in this price range? We’ll discuss it soon.
Equipped with powerful 2nd generation RT Cores, 3rd generation Tensor Cores, and high-speed G6 memory, this ampere GPU is designed for playing the latest games. What distinguishes this GPU from others in its class is the addition of multiprocessors which NVIDIA specifically designed for streaming. With these features and more, this graphics card will give you a stellar gaming experience. Moreover, the architecture of this GPU is optimal for handling the most demanding games with ray tracing technology. It also renders realistic graphics and provides a smooth and glitch-free gameplay experience.
4GB of GDDR6 GPU
The dedicated GPU boasts 4GB of GDDR6 memory, ensuring a seamless gaming experience. Furthermore, it offers you the ability to run the latest games without any hiccups. If you are tired of playing games that are choppy, then the RTX 3050 inside this AN515-58-525P laptop is the ideal GPU. Its enhanced memory speed ensures that games load faster, providing gamers with a more immersive gaming experience.
Additionally, the GeForce RTX™ 3050 card provides gamers with a new level of performance with the latest Direct 12 Ultimate technology. This technology delivers the most realistic lighting and shadow effects, allowing gamers to experience games like never before. With this technology, gamers can notice even the smallest details in the game’s surroundings.
RTX 3050’s Ability
One of the best features of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 is its ability to support the latest displays like 4K and 8K, and even virtual reality (VR). The graphics card supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which enables you to experience ray-traced game effects with minimal lag. In combination with the NVIDIA DLSS, and AI-enhanced rendering features, gamers can enjoy high-quality graphics without compromising on gameplay.
All in all, getting a laptop that has this RTX 3000 series for this price point is hard to come by. It offers a compelling price-to-performance ratio. It makes a great deal for anyone looking for a great laptop deal with high-end graphics capabilities.
The benefit of a 144 Hz Screen
If you are a gamer who prioritizes gameplay smoothness and responsiveness over anything else, you will love the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-525P screen. It is a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display with a refresh rate of 144Hz. This high refresh rate equates to a smoother image and therefore smoother gameplay. You can expect a significant reduction in choppy gameplay with this display. Look for a stand-alone gaming monitor? We recommend this one.
Moreover, with the 144Hz panel, your images will blend seamlessly without leaving any trace and minimize motion blur. This means it makes it easier to track your objects, and characters in fast-paced games like first-person shooters or racing games. It gives you the advantage needed to stay ahead of your competition.
All in all, the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-525P does not have the best screen in the world, but its 144 Hz screen provides so many benefits. It offers you smoother gameplay, reduced motion blur, a competitive edge, and a fascinating gaming experience.
LED Lighting Keyboard – More Accuracy
As a gamer who often spends hours on your laptop, you will appreciate the backlit keyboard of this i5-12500H Acer Nitro 5. It comes with immersive red LED lighting, which is great for seamless gameplay. Apart from gaming, the backlit keyboard of this device can make your typing more efficient. Imagine finding your keys easier especially at night or in dimly lit areas. The well-spaced keys provide a comfortable and tactile typing experience, even during long typing sessions. Additionally, the backlit keyboard allows you to easily find the keys, reducing errors, and increasing speed.
The dedicated numeric keypad and the highlighted WASD keys just make this AN515-58-525P even better. The dedicated Numpad is a big plus if you need to input numbers frequently. This attribute eliminates the need to switch back and forth between the numeric keypad and the regular keyboard. Whenever you need to enter numbers. With a numeric keypad, calculations, data entry, and other numerical tasks become seamless, making your gaming and work experience more efficient.
The WASD keys, commonly used for movement in many popular PC games, are the lifeline of your gaming experience. With backlit and highlighted WASD keys, you can easily locate them at a glance. Even in the heat of an intense gaming session. No more fumbling around or hitting the wrong keys by mistake. The bright illumination and distinct highlighting of the WASD keys not only look cool but also provide practical benefits. It gives you a competitive edge by enabling quick and precise movements, essential for gaming success.
Battery Life
The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-525P gaming laptop is designed primarily for high-performance gaming and power-intensive tasks. This means that the battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and settings. As a gaming laptop, it typically has a relatively shorter battery life compared to regular laptops.
While the device is rated for up to 8 hours of use depending on certain settings, resource-intensive tasks may reduce this battery life significantly. Therefore, it’s recommended to keep the laptop plugged in when gaming or performing other power-hungry activities for optimal performance. In brief, this machine offers an impressive gaming experience but with a relatively shorter battery life expectancy.
Decision
The i5-12500H Acer Nitro 5 variant combines an Intel Core i5 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, 144Hz IPS display, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD into a powerful package that won’t dip into your savings account too much.
It also offers Killer Wi-Fi 6 and a backlit keyboard to give you the most bang for your buck. If you’re looking for an affordable gaming laptop that won’t disappoint you performance-wise, then the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-525P is just what you need – all under 1K.
