The Nitro N50 range is not strictly speaking a novelty, Acer regularly updates it to follow the evolutions of the market. This end-of-year 2022 version, however, has an advantage: it introduces Intel’s Arc A380 graphics card for the first time in France. For what verdict?
Our full review
Acer Nitro N50-640 (Intel Arc A380)
In principle, nothing really seems likely to amaze us in this machine finally very classic concocted by Acer. Logically, there is no question of integrating the 13th generation of Intel processors and the rest of the configuration is simply within the norm.
However, as we announced in the preamble, the release of the N50-640 is of particular interest to any computer hardware enthusiast: it is the first time that Intel’s Arc A380 graphics card is available in France. Of course, it’s not a big player card, but we wonder if the solution can compete with entry-level models from AMD or NVIDIA.
DON’T AVERAGE TURN A LITTLE “AGGRESSIVE”
At Acer, we have several ranges of desktop computers depending on the objective. We go from ConceptD design computers to very powerful Predators through the Aspire C or Aspire XC and, of course, the Nitro. The latter are not as imposing as the Predator, but it would be misleading to talk about compact case. In the case of our N50-640, we are dealing with a tower almost 40 centimeters high (39.2 cm) for a footprint “on the ground” 17.5 cm wide by 38.6 cm deep.
You will agree, if the machine is not a monster, it will not necessarily be very practical to put it on his desk. Another element to take into account: the weight of the beast. It actually accuses 7.5 kilograms on the scale. Again, nothing prohibitive, but we remain very far from miniature PCs as it is more and more fashionable on the entry-level.
UNBALANCED CONNECTIVITY
Given the volume of the tower, we expected to discover a relatively large connectivity. Alas, we must admit that on this precise point, Acer has not spoiled us. Thus, the most striking example is the low number of ports on the front. The manufacturer may not have wanted to “tarnish” the design of its machine, but ending up with a single USB-A port in 2022-23 is pretty ridiculous. Next to this USB-A connector fortunately to the USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard, there is a USB-C USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, two audio jacks (headphones, microphone) and… That’s all!
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Logically, the back side is more provided, but there is nothing to shout genius. Knowing that Acer has opted for a Core i5-12400F processor – therefore devoid of graphics solution – it is logical that the I/O shield of the machine does not contain any video port. The lack of WiFi antennas is not a problem either: they are integrated into the chassis. Only one network port is on the menu and it’s just one Gigabite Ethernet. Three 3.5mm jacks take care of the audio while USB is represented by two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports and four USB 2.0 ports.
You read correctly, there is no question of USB-C port for a connection that seems frozen in time. The video connectors are deported to the graphics card which offers two DisplayPort to the 1.4 standard and one HDMI to 2.0. Nothing but very classic. That’s it, apart from the inevitable power port, we went around.
FEW ACCESSORIES PROVIDED
If some machines signed Acer come with some accessories, this is not always the case. In the case of the Nitro range, you have to be satisfied with a keyboard and a mouse, which allows you to have a functional machine… except for the screen.
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Not much to report on the side of these two accessories. These are standard peripherals that, by the way, swear a little with the gaming side of the rest of the machine. The keyboard is indeed a model with ultra-flat keys, pleasant, but not at all comparable with mechanical contractors as on gaming models. The same goes for the mouse that seems more likely to accompany an office PC.
WINDOWS 11 AND LOTS OF BLOATWARE
Nothing but very ordinary to evoke for the software aspect of the Nitro N50-640. Acer has logically oriented itself towards Windows 11 in its home version. As always, the operating system is not completely up to date when we receive the beast, but nothing that a little turn on the side of Windows Update can solve in a jiffy. It should still be noted that Acer is particularly ungenerous in “ancillary” software.
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Of course, as with any Windows, a lot of software and various applications are pre-installed, but they are not in the least functional: this is the case for access to Disney+ or Netflix platforms. As for the Microsoft Office application, it is the 2021 version that is offered in so-called trial version: understand that you can use it for 30 days without limitation, but that then, it is necessary to untie the scholarship.
For the “Acer” part, you have to be satisfied with two tools. We have Nitro Sense that takes care of hardware monitoring: CPU occupancy, CPU/GPU temperature and fan rotation speed. The Acer Care Center is a little more advanced, but nothing extraordinary either. The aim is to bring together key system information, an update tool and various verification modules in a true, clear and well-thought-out interface.
ENTRY OF VERY CORRECT RANGE
No need to beat around the bush, it is clearly on this part that we were waiting for the Nitro N5-640 at the turn. The objective of our test is to see how the Intel Arc A380 graphics card behaves while the American manufacturer seems not to be looking to distribute its first generation of GPUs on a large scale.
It is therefore quite logical that we started the performance evaluation with two tools more inclined to run the graphics card. First of all, it was the inevitable 3DMark that we launched and for which we retained the three main scenes – TimeSpy, TimeSpy Extreme and Port Royal – knowing that it was not always going to be easy for the A380.
MEASURED CONSUMPTION AND HEATING
Using a power meter, we measured the consumption of the Nitro N50-640. Of course, that of the only Intel Core i5-12400F processor is already known, but it is important for us to see what the Intel Arc A380 card requires.
On the Windows 11 desktop with just a few software in the background, the entire machine is measured at 60 Watts. On the other hand, unsurprisingly, consumption rises to 145 Watts when the CPU is heavily used, on the 3DMark CPU test for example. It should be noted, however, that on the same 3DMark – on the TimeSpy test this time – the consumption is less important, about 125 Watts. Proof that the Arc A380 is not that energy intensive.
Given the (relative) compactness of the PC, we also wanted to check the heating recorded when using the machine. Even under full load, the Intel GPU is very “calm”: it climbs in the worst case to only 61 ° C. On the other hand, the same cannot be said for the CPU: the Core i5-12400F has risen to 87°C.
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Problem, this temperature level is reached while the ventilation begins to seriously be heard. We have little fear for the operation of the machine in the long term. On the other hand, changing the CPU to buy a stronger one will involve reviewing the cooling system and will generate an additional cost.
OUR OPINION ON THE ACER NITRO N50-640
Design
A nice case for the N50-640 even if Acer does not break its head too much by using the same design throughout the Nitro range. We must also appreciate the principle of relatively aggressive red LEDs. Note the large interior space that allows easy access to the components embedded in the PC.
Performance
Even though the N50-640 is touted as a gaming machine, don’t expect hair-raising performance. The goal here is to offer a machine capable at a low price: in this sense, the presence of the Intel Arc A380 graphics card is a plus, but do not expect to exceed the 1,080p definition (Full HD) or always put the level of detail of the games to the maximum.
Connection
If we regret the lack of USB-C port, the back of the N50-640 is properly supplied with six USB-A, an RJ45 Ehternet Gigabit port and the essential audio connectivity. Alas, on the front, things are more succinct: we take advantage of headphone / microphone jacks and a USB-C port, but only one USB-A is in the game.
Software
On the software side, Acer ensures the bare minimum. We logically find Windows 11 (home edition), but that’s about it. The manufacturer adds only two small programs of its design to ensure the monitoring of the PC, but does not forget to drown us under the countless “offers” that accompany Windows and are useless.
