Acer Predator Triton 300 SE OLED review: A gaming laptop for content creators

Price When Reviewed

$1,949

Best Prices Today: Acer Predator Triton 300 SE OLED

It’s exhausting to stroll two ft with out tripping over a brand new laptop computer with an OLED show, and Acer’s Predator Triton 300 SE is the newest to hitch the enjoyable. Though largely much like final 12 months’s mannequin, the newest Triton 300 SE pairs the OLED display screen with a leap to Intel 12th-gen Core graphics. This results in spectacular processor efficiency — however I assumed this was a gaming laptop computer? While the show is drop-dead attractive, the keyboard and graphics efficiency had been nothing to write down dwelling about. Read on to be taught extra.

Acer Predator Triton 300 SE OLED specs and options

The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE OLED is basically a particular mannequin of the Triton 300 SE, and the modifications transcend the show. This small laptop computer goes large on multithreaded efficiency with an Intel Core i9-12900H processor. It additionally packs in 32GB of DDR5 reminiscence and a 1TB stable state drive. 

• CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H
• Memory: 32GB
• Graphics/GPU: RTX 3060 with 95 watt TDP
• Display: 2880 x 1800 16:10 non-touch OLED
• Storage: 1TB PCie NVM SSD
• Webcam: 1080p
• Connectivity: 1x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C 4, 1x USB-A 3.2 with Power Off Charging, 1x USB-A 3.2, 1x HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm combo audio jack
• Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
• Biometrics: Fingerprint reader
• Battery capability: 80 watt-hours
• Dimensions: 12.03 inches large x 8.9 inches deep x .78 inches thick
• Weight: 3.75 kilos
• MSRP: $1,949

So far, so good, particularly on the laptop computer’s $1,949 MSRP. There is one part, nevertheless, that’s decidedly mid-range: the Nvidia RTX 3060 cell graphics chip. It’s definitely the weakest hyperlink on this laptop computer’s chain of in any other case spectacular {hardware}.

Design and construct high quality

The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE OLED is a good-looking, workmanlike laptop computer. Rugged strains and sharp angles trace on the laptop computer’s gaming intent, however using subdued gunmetal panels and small Predator logos retains aptitude to a minimal. It splits the distinction between gaming {and professional} design which, given its beefy processor and small footprint, is smart. 

I just like the look, however I’ve a couple of nits to choose. The laptop computer’s supplies are enticing on their very own however the shade of various laptop computer panels can fluctuate. I discovered the hinge typically appeared extra blue than the inside panel beneath it, whereas the touchpad is yet one more shade of grey. Details like this lower towards the mannequin’s “SE” branding (which presumably is supposed to face for Special Edition, although Acer by no means mentions this in its advertising). 

The laptop computer feels stable in day-to-day use and physique panels resist flex whereas typing or utilizing the touchpad. A slight warp is seen when holding the laptop computer from one nook, however solely simply, and the chassis emits no groans in protest. There’s apparent flex within the show lid, nevertheless, which wobbles because the display screen is open or closed. 

This is a 14-inch laptop computer with a small footprint. Display bezels are very slim on the highest and sides and never extreme alongside the underside. The Triton 300 SE is noticeably smaller than the Alienware x14, which has a big show chin and bump-out on the rear of the chassis. Asus’ ROG Zephyrus G14 is a couple of fractions of an inch thinner and some grams heavier. 

Keyboard and trackpad

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Predator Triton SE has a spacious format that takes up a lot of the 14-inch laptop computer’s restricted inside house. Key caps are massive and most keys are full-sized (or very near it). Key really feel is first rate, too, with good journey and a few tactile response when activated. 

Acer makes some odd decisions, nevertheless, they usually drag down the expertise. The format features a column of perform keys on the best facet. These push the complete keyboard to the left. Acer additionally huddles the perform keys into teams of 4 which, as soon as once more, modifications their location. I discovered myself attempting to find keys whereas touch-typing. 

The touchpad measures about 4 inches large and two and a half inches deep. This is typical for a small gaming laptop computer however feels cramped all the identical. The restricted house could make multi-touch gestures tougher and left me feeling twisted whereas navigating the desktop.

It’s a mixture, then, however I do choose the Acer Predator Triton 300 SE OLED to Alienware’s x14, which has a fair smaller touchpad and fewer nice keyboard format. The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is extra much like the Triton 300 SE OLED however has a greater format, because it doesn’t have a column of media keys pushing the keyboard off-center. 

Display, audio

IDG / Matthew Smith

Acer delivers a stunning 2880 x 1800 OLED show on this model of the Predator Triton 300 SE. This is the main distinction between the OLED mannequin and its inexpensive siblings, which have a 1,920 x 1,200 LCD show. But wow — what a distinction. 

OLED gives a giant enhance in picture high quality over typical LCD with far superior distinction ratio, a a lot wider shade gamut, and higher shade accuracy. It’s even brighter than the LCD show in final 12 months’s Predator Triton 300 SE. 

Sharpness is nice, too, due to the show’s excessive decision. Pixel density works out to about 242 pixels per inch, which has similarities to pixel density of an Apple MacBook Pro 14 and 50 % higher than the 1920 x 1200 LCD. Individual pixels are tough to pick and video games look crisp. 

All Predator Triton 300 SE fashions have a 16:10 show, which gives extra vertical house than a 16:9 widescreen. This has grow to be a pattern after years of 16:9 dominance, and it’s a optimistic change. It’s a tad simpler to suit a number of home windows on a 16:10 show. Games with a busy interface, like technique titles and MMORPGs, profit from the additional house.

The OLED show’s refresh price goes as much as 90Hz. This is lower than most gaming laptops with an LCD show, which generally have a refresh rate between 144Hz and 240Hz. But let’s be actual: most laptops can’t drive refresh charges that top in trendy video games. Even 90Hz is asking so much. 

Nvidia G-Sync can be lacking, so display screen tearing will be a problem when V-Sync is turned off.

Audio high quality isn’t nearly as good, nevertheless. The audio system have loads of quantity and sound nice in much less advanced content material, like podcasts, however video games and flicks can muddy the sound. I observed that busy audio sources, like a raging river or close by waterfall, had a metallic, scorching high quality that appeared extra like digital static than an natural noise. 

Webcam, microphone, biometrics

The Predator Triton 300 SE OLED surprises with a 1080p webcam that gives first rate video high quality. Video seems crisp and vivid. Bright gentle sources can throw the auto-focus off kilter and a darkish room will result in grainy video, however general high quality is a lot better than common for a gaming laptop computer. 

Microphone high quality is much less spectacular, with a tinny, hole presentation and a restricted capacity to choose up audio that’s off-axis. While this helps with eliminating background noise, it additionally triggered my voice to sound too quiet once I wasn’t dealing with the laptop computer. 

A fingerprint reader is included within the touchpad. It’s on the left, moderately than the best, which southpaws ought to admire. The fingerprint reader works in addition to some other, offering quick logins in most conditions however hanging when my finger was a bit off the mark or damp. There’s no IR digital camera, facial recognition login isn’t supported.

Connectivity

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Predator Triton 300 SE gives a modest number of connectivity. It features a Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C 4 port with Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alternate Mode, plus two USB-A 3.2 ports, for a complete of 1 Thunderbolt / USB-C and two USB-A.

The Thunderbolt / USB-C port can cost the laptop computer however doesn’t present as a lot energy because the 180-watt energy brick, so efficiency could also be restricted whereas utilizing USB-C and the battery could discharge. This is regular, as most USB-C sometimes maxes out at 100 watts of energy (a newer 240-watt Power Delivery standard exists however stays uncommon). 

Video connectivity is offered by both the Thunderbolt 4 port, which gives DisplayPort Alternate Mode, or a full-sized HDMI 2.1 port. It’s good to see Acer go for HDMI 2.1, because it permits higher refresh charges and resolutions on exterior shows. A 3.5mm combo audio jack gives help for headphones or microphones.

But that’s it. There’s no bodily Ethernet port and no devoted DisplayPort or Mini-DisplayPort. These omissions may sway many in direction of utilizing a Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C dock or hub to develop connectivity. A barrel plug gives energy from the 180 watt energy brick.

The ports are positioned on the laptop computer’s flanks, not the rear, and positioned about midway between the entrance and rear of the laptop computer. This may very well be a problem when docking the laptop computer, because it makes cable administration tougher. It’s additionally an issue when utilizing an exterior mouse alongside the laptop computer, as cords from linked units could occupy the house customers will need to place the mouse. 

Wired connectivity isn’t nice, then, however wi-fi connectivity is best. The Predator Triton 300 SE OLED helps the newest Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 requirements. This will assist future-proof the laptop computer’s wi-fi connectivity and, in case you have a Wi-Fi 6E router, you’ll get pleasure from glorious wi-fi speeds. Wi-Fi 6E can exceed the performance of Gigabit Ethernet in a best-case situation, making the shortage of wired Ethernet a bit extra tolerable.

Performance

The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE OLED I examined was decked out with an Intel Core i9-12900H processor, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB stable state drive, and Nvidia’s RTX 3060 cell graphics with as much as 95 watts of juice. This mighty {hardware} for a 14-inch laptop computer offered beneath $2,000.

IDG / Matthew Smith

PCMark 10 gives a powerful consequence for the Predator Triton 300 SE OLED, although there’s room for debate. 

A rating of 7,014 is nice for a small gaming laptop computer. However, it’s not a lot better than the Alienware x14 with Core i7-12700H and falls behind the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 with AMD Ryzen 6900HS. 

IDG / Matthew Smith

Cinebench R20, however, offers Acer an apparent win. The Core i7-12900H led it to a rating of 6,121, which is a number of hundred factors greater than the Alienware x14 (although it, admittedly, solely had the Core i7) and method higher than the AMD-powered options. This reveals the Predator Triton 300 SE is a powerful alternative for multithreaded workloads. 

IDG / Matthew Smith

It’s the identical story within the Handbrake check, which transcodes a 4K trailer of Tears of Steel. Lower is best on this check, and the Acer breezes by way of the workload a lot faster than both AMD-powered various. 

In truth, whereas not proven on this chart, the 14-inch Predator Triton 300 SE is barely a tad behind a bulk of 15-inch and 17-inch laptops we’ve examined with 12th-gen Intel Core i7 or Core i9 {hardware}. 

IDG / Matthew Smith

Processor efficiency is barely a part of the story, nevertheless. This is a gaming laptop computer, so it must recreation.

Unfortunately, 3DMark doesn’t result in a powerful begin. The Acer is available in behind all of the options, together with the Alienware x14, which makes use of Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics however has a decrease energy restrict of 75 watts. 

IDG / Matthew Smith

Shadow of the Tomb Raider isn’t nice, both, with a median of 77 frames per second at 1080p decision and Highest settings. This result’s behind the Alienware x14 although. Out of curiosity, I additionally tried testing the older Rise of the Tomb Raider and noticed the same consequence, with the Acer falling behind the Alienware.

IDG / Matthew Smith

Metro: Exodus: Enhanced Edition throws Acer a bone. The Predator Triton 300 SE and Alienware x14 nearly tie on this check, with just one body per second separating them. This reveals extra demanding titles can nonetheless deliver efficiency all the way down to 30 frames per second, requiring a transfer to decrease settings if 60 fps is desired. 

Performance will be improved by opening Acer’s PredatorSense software program and switching the efficiency mode from Default to Extreme or Turbo. This does enhance outcomes: Time Spy rose from 7,846 to 8,588. This comes alongside screaming followers and excessive floor temperatures, each of which makes the laptop computer disagreeable to make use of. 

I can’t think about utilizing the laptop computer day-to-day in both Extreme or Turbo, however they could be helpful for those who plan to start out a 3D render or video encode and depart for dinner.

Battery life

A modest 78 watt-hour battery powers the Acer Predator Triton 300 SE. This is massive for many laptops however not massive for a high-performance machine. Alienware’s x14 has a bigger 80 watt-hour battery. Asus’ ROG Zephyrus G14, however, has a smaller 76 watt-hour unit.

IDG / Matthew Elliott

Acer has a secret weapon, nevertheless: switchable graphics. This function, which isn’t current on all gaming laptops, falls again on Intel’s Iris Xe graphics when the Nvidia RTX 3060 could be overkill. 

The result’s sturdy battery efficiency. Acer’s Predator Triton 300 SE lasted eight hours and 41 minutes whereas looping a 4K file of the quick movie Tears of Steel. That’s roughly double the Alienware x14 and 35 % longer than the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. 

This is nice information if you would like a gaming laptop computer that will also be used whereas touring. To be clear, gaming will have interaction the RTX 3060 graphics chip and slash endurance. If you persist with net searching or video, nevertheless, the Predator Triton 300 SE can deal with a cross-country flight.  

Conclusion

The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE OLED has potential. It’s a compact but highly effective laptop computer with a wonderful show and first rate battery life. Pricing isn’t horrible, both, with an MSRP of $1,949. That’s not cheap, nevertheless it’s affordable for a laptop computer with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB stable state drive.

Graphics efficiency lets the laptop computer down, nevertheless. Nvidia’s RTX 3060 is a wonderful mid-range cell graphics resolution, however the Predator Triton 300 SE’s value places it very near premium territory. Even Alienware’s x14, which I examined at $1,999, managed to squeeze forward, and the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is simply flat-out superior in video games.

The Predator Triton 300 SE OLED is a a lot better laptop computer for content material creators than it’s for players, though it’s offered as a gaming machine. The Intel Core i9-12900H processor and vivid, color-accurate show make it nice for many who need a compact Windows laptop computer for picture or video enhancing. If you simply need to recreation, although, the Alienware x14 or Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 ought to show a more sensible choice.