Acer Nitro 5 (NH.QLZEM.005) Gaming Laptop Review – Is It Worth It?
Acer Nitro 5 (NH.QLZEM.005) Gaming Laptop Review – Is It Worth It?
The Acer Nitro 5 is a popular choice for gamers on a budget, and the latest iteration with the NH.QLZEM.005 model doesn’t disappoint. This review dives into the performance, features, and overall experience of this gaming laptop, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Acer Nitro 5 (NH.QLZEM.005) is a mid-range gaming laptop designed to offer a balance of power and affordability. It’s equipped with an Intel Core i7-12650H processor, 16GB of RAM, and a GeForce RTX 4050 6GB GPU, making it capable of handling modern games at decent settings. This review will break down the key features, performance, and pros and cons, helping you determine if this laptop is a good fit for your gaming needs.
Key Features
Here are some of the notable features of the Acer Nitro 5 (NH.QLZEM.005):
- 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) TFT display with a 144Hz refresh rate
- Intel Core i7-12650H processor (10 cores, 16 threads, 3.5 GHz base, up to 4.7 GHz boost)
- 16GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM
- 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 6GB GDDR6 graphics card
- Backlit keyboard with RGB lighting
- Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i and Bluetooth 5.2
- Windows 11 pre-installed (Free DOS version available)
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) TFT, 144Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-12650H (10 cores, 16 threads, 3.5 GHz base, up to 4.7 GHz boost) |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4-3200MHz |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 6GB GDDR6 |
| Keyboard | Backlit with RGB lighting |
| Connectivity | Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 (Free DOS version available) |
Performance & Gaming
The Acer Nitro 5 (NH.QLZEM.005) delivers strong performance for gaming and everyday tasks. The Intel Core i7-12650H processor, combined with the 16GB of RAM, allows for smooth multitasking and effortless handling of demanding applications. I was impressed with the speed at which games loaded and ran, even with multiple applications running in the background.
The GeForce RTX 4050 6GB GPU is the real star of the show when it comes to gaming performance. I was able to run popular games like “Cyberpunk 2077” and “Elden Ring” at high settings with a consistently smooth frame rate. The 144Hz refresh rate of the display made the gaming experience even more immersive, with fast-paced action feeling incredibly fluid. Keep in mind, though, that for the most demanding titles at ultra settings, you might need to dial back the graphics settings to maintain a steady frame rate.
The 512GB SSD is a solid choice for speed and responsiveness. Boot times were fast, and game loading times were significantly quicker compared to traditional hard drives. However, for gamers who like to have a large library, this storage capacity might be limiting. Luckily, the laptop has an additional slot for expanding storage if needed.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Powerful performance for demanding games
- Fast 144Hz refresh rate display for smooth gaming
- Attractive design with RGB keyboard
- Good battery life for everyday use
- Affordable price point for the features offered
Cons:
- Limited storage capacity with only 512GB SSD
- Can get warm during intensive gaming sessions
- Speakers could be louder
- Trackpad could be more responsive
Final Verdict
The Acer Nitro 5 (NH.QLZEM.005) is a solid gaming laptop that offers a compelling combination of performance and affordability. If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle modern games at decent settings without breaking the bank, this is a great option. The powerful hardware, fast refresh rate display, and stylish design make it a highly enjoyable machine for both gaming and everyday use. While the limited storage and some minor shortcomings might be drawbacks for some, the overall value proposition makes it a worthy contender in the mid-range gaming laptop market. I would definitely recommend it to gamers who prioritize performance without sacrificing affordability.
