Unboxing the Acer Aspire 5: Affordable Budget Laptop with Powerful AMD Ryzen

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Hardware Specifications
3. Operating System
4. Display and Design
5. Keyboard and Trackpad
6. Ports and Connectivity
7. Audio and Battery Life
8. Performance and Gaming
9. Comparison with Other Laptops
10. Linux Compatibility
11. Pros and Cons
12. Conclusion

Introduction

Hey everybody, it's La from Inside Bin, and today we're diving into a fantastic value-packed laptop, the Acer Aspire 5. This 15-inch laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen processor and offers exceptional graphics performance for its $315 price point. In this review, I'll share all the features and capabilities of this incredible laptop. But before we begin, I want to emphasize that I purchased this laptop with my own funds, and all the opinions you'll hear are completely unbiased. With that out of the way, let's delve into this value-packed laptop and discover its true potential.

Hardware Specifications

The Acer Aspire 5 is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor and a 128GB NVMe solid-state drive. The processor delivers excellent performance, especially when paired with the dual-Channel configuration of 8GB RAM. The laptop also provides the option to upgrade the storage with a 2.5-inch SATA drive. However, it's worth noting that the default configuration only includes 4GB of RAM, limiting the laptop's performance. I highly recommend purchasing an additional stick of RAM or upgrading to a new set to unlock the full potential of this laptop.

Operating System

Upon receiving the laptop, it runs on Windows 10 in S mode, which restricts the installation of applications to those available in the Windows 10 app store. Fortunately, there is a process to disable S mode and install any software you desire. I strongly recommend doing this to fully utilize the capabilities of the laptop.

Display and Design

The Acer Aspire 5 features a 15-inch 1080p IPS display, offering great viewing angles and sharp image quality. However, the display is somewhat dim, which can be a drawback in bright environments. Nevertheless, considering the price point, the display quality is exceptional. The laptop weighs just 3.97 pounds (1.8 kilograms), making it lightweight compared to other laptops in its category. The build quality is decent, with a metal lid for screen protection and a primarily plastic body.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The laptop is equipped with a typical Acer keyboard, featuring slightly smaller keys than other 15-inch laptops. However, Acer has managed to include a number pad and backlit keys, which is a nice addition. The trackpad has a slightly squishy feel but performs adequately for everyday use. Another convenient feature is the ability to lay the display flat, providing added durability and protection.

Ports and Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Acer Aspire 5 offers a decent range of ports. It includes a port for power, a built-in Gigabit Ethernet port, a full-size HDMI output, one USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0 port, a headphone/microphone jack, an additional USB 2.0 port, and a Kensington lock. While the laptop lacks a USB-C port, the overall range of ports is sufficient for most users.

Audio and Battery Life

The audio quality of the downward-firing stereo speakers is decent, providing good loudness and stereo separation. However, the sound quality may vary depending on the surface the laptop is resting on. For the best sound experience, it is recommended to connect headphones via the headphone jack or use Bluetooth headphones. The battery life of the Acer Aspire 5 ranges from six to six and a half hours, which is average for laptops in this price range. However, graphically intensive tasks might reduce battery life further.

Performance and Gaming

One of the standout features of the Acer Aspire 5 is its impressive performance, particularly in gaming. With the dual-channel configuration and additional RAM, the laptop can handle games like Fortnite, Half-Life 2, GTA 5, Dolphin Emulator, and Rocket League. The 1080p IPS display enhances the gaming experience, and the AMD Ryzen processor outperforms its Intel counterparts in low-cost laptops. Overall, the graphics performance of the Acer Aspire 5 is exceptional for its price point.

Comparison with Other Laptops

When compared to other laptops, the Acer Aspire 5's value shines through. It offers comparable performance to more expensive laptops equipped with Intel processors. However, it falls slightly behind in CPU-dependent tests. Additionally, last year's Acer Aspire 5 with an MX 150 discrete GPU outperforms the current model. Nevertheless, the AMD Ryzen chips in low-cost laptops are true Hidden Gems in the market.

Linux Compatibility

The Acer Aspire 5 also exhibits excellent compatibility with Linux. All the essential features, including audio, video, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, work seamlessly on both Windows and Linux operating systems. This flexibility allows users to choose their preferred OS without any major limitations or compatibility issues.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional value for the price
• Impressive graphics performance
• Dual-channel memory capability
• Adequate audio quality
• Lightweight and portable design

Cons:

• Dim display in bright environments
• Throttling during extended gaming Sessions
• Limited port selection
• Default RAM configuration limits performance

Conclusion

To conclude, the Acer Aspire 5 offers tremendous value for its affordable price tag. With its powerful AMD Ryzen processor and impressive graphics performance, this laptop surpasses expectations in gaming and day-to-day tasks. Although there are minor drawbacks such as screen brightness and throttling during extended gaming sessions, they do not overshadow the overall excellent performance of this laptop. If you're on the hunt for a budget-friendly laptop that doesn't compromise on performance, the Acer Aspire 5 is an excellent choice.

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Highlights

• Acer Aspire 5 delivers exceptional value with its performance and affordable price.
• The AMD Ryzen processor and dual-channel RAM configuration enhance gaming capabilities.
• The 15-inch 1080p IPS display provides great viewing angles, although it is slightly dim.
• The Acer Aspire 5 offers a decent range of ports and solid build quality for its price.
• Linux compatibility and seamless operation on both Windows and Linux OS are additional advantages.

FAQ

Q: Can I upgrade the RAM on the Acer Aspire 5? A: Yes, the Acer Aspire 5 allows for RAM upgrades. It is recommended to add an additional stick or replace the default RAM for improved performance.

Q: Does the Acer Aspire 5 have a touchscreen display? A: No, the Acer Aspire 5 does not feature a touchscreen display. However, the 15-inch matte finished display offers excellent image quality.

Q: How is the battery life of the Acer Aspire 5? A: The Acer Aspire 5 has a battery life of approximately six to six and a half hours during basic work tasks. Graphically intensive activities may reduce battery life further.

Q: Can the Acer Aspire 5 handle demanding games? A: Yes, the Acer Aspire 5 can handle demanding games such as Fortnite, GTA 5, and Rocket League. However, it is recommended to upgrade the RAM for optimal gaming performance.