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Acer Aspire V Nitro Black Edition VN7-792G-74Q4 Notebook Review

Full speed with Nitro. Acer's successful Nitro lineup is being upgraded to Skylake. The manufacturer again manages to leave the rivals behind thanks to a well-conceived total package.

For the original German review, see here.

Acer presented us its Aspire Nitro line for the first time a bit over a year ago. Its successful total concept distinguished it from the masses of multimedia laptops. Intel's new Skylake generation is a must for the latest version. In addition to the new processors, the manufacturer relies on DDR4 memory and a new USB Type C port including Thunderbolt 3 support. As known from Acer, various configurations are available. Among them one high-resolution 4K screen.

Our review sample has been furnished with a high-performance Intel Core i7-6700HQ, 8 GB of working memory, a 1 TB SSHD (8 GB cache), an Nvidia GeForce GTX 960M, and an FHD screen. It is currently sold for approximately 1230 Euros (~$1308). The price for top configuration with a Blu-ray drive, 4K screen, additional 256 GB SSD and 16 GB of working memory is 1900 Euros (~$2021).

The Asus N551JWMSI GP62 2QE and Schenker XMG A705 are rivals. Of course, we would like to make comparisons with our previously tested models from this line (Acer Aspire V Nitro 7-791GAcer Aspire V 17 Nitro VN7-792G-55SF). The looks and some other aspects are the same in this version. Details can be found in our in-depth review of the Acer Aspire V 17 Nitro (VN7-791G-759Q).

Acer Aspire V Nitro Black Edition VN7-792G-74Q4 (Aspire VN7-792G Series)
Processor
Intel Core i7-6700HQ 4 x 2.6 - 3.5 GHz (Intel Core i7)
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M - 2048 MB VRAM, Core: 1100 MHz, Memory: 1250 MHz, Boost 1176 MHz, 10.18.13.5362 WHQL (ForceWare 353.62), NVIDIA Optimus
Memory
8 GB 
Display
17.30 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel, AUO B173HAN01_0, IPS, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel HM170 (Skylake PCH-H)
Storage
Toshiba MQ02ABD100H, 1000 GB 
, 5400 rpm, 8 GB SSD cache, 911 GB free
Soundcard
Intel Skylake PCH-H High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
1 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 USB 3.1 Gen2, 1 Thunderbolt, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: microphone + headphone, Card Reader: SD, USB Type C
Networking
Realtek RTL8168/8111 Gigabit-LAN (10/100/1000MBit/s), Qualcomm Atheros QC61x4 Wireless Network Adapter (n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0
Optical drive
Matshita DVD-RAM UJ8HC
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 25 x 423 x 296 ( = 0.98 x 16.65 x 11.65 in)
Battery
53 Wh Lithium-Ion, 3 cells
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 1.3 MP
Additional features
Speakers: 4 stereo speakers, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
3.06 kg ( = 107.94 oz / 6.75 pounds), Power Supply: 620 g ( = 21.87 oz / 1.37 pounds)
Price
1230 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Connectivity

Besides the basic configuration known from the former models, our review sample now features a USB Type C port. It additionally provides a Thunderbolt 3 interface that makes data rates of up to 40 Gbits possible. More details can be found in Intel's specifications. The interfaces are positioned on the laptop's rear, which prevents cables from connected peripherals from interfering in the workspace.

Rear
Rear
Left: 1x Kensington lock, 1x USB 2.0, DVD drive
Left: 1x Kensington lock, 1x USB 2.0, DVD drive
Front: SD-card reader
Front: SD-card reader
Right: headphone and microphone jack, 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB Type C (incl. Thunderbolt), 1x Ethernet port, power-in
Right: headphone and microphone jack, 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB Type C (incl. Thunderbolt), 1x Ethernet port, power-in

Communication

An Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174 802.11 ac module takes care of wireless communication. The connection is performed via an internal LP-PCIe interface and is to achieve a throughput of up to 866 Mbps.

Acer's Aspire V17 has also been furnished with an Ethernet port. Cabled communication can reach data rates of up to one gigabit per second.

A real-world situation is created in the writer's personal scenario. Data is sent from an NAS storage via the internal network here, using a FRITZ!Box 7490. The router is positioned one story below our multimedia laptop, which corresponds to a linear distance of approximately three to four meters. An Apple iMac (Late 2013) that supports the IEEE 802.11 ac standard (1300 Mbits gross) serves as the reference device. 

The Aspire V 17 achieved 96 MB/s via a LAN connection and approximately 54 MB/s via the Wi-Fi connection. The iMac's results are worse with 90 MB/s (LAN) and 36 MB/s (Wi-Fi). We did not observe any issues like lags or unusually high pings in the practical test (playing Battlefield online), either.

We also tested the SD-card reader's transfer speed with a Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II. According to the AS SSD benchmarks, the sequential read rates are roughly 27.3 MB/s and the sequential write rates 29.7 MB/s. We copied 250 JPG files from the SD card to the system to simulate a real-world scenario. The average transfer rate after five runs was 14 MB/s - a rather poor outcome.

Accessories

Our review sample was shipped without accessories. However, the manufacturer does not offer any product-specific accessories, either.

Maintenance

Acer again omits maintenance hatches in its newest version of the Nitro line. The entire base unit has to be removed for repairs. That enables accessing the fans, battery, hard drive and Wi-Fi module (with antenna). More details can be found in our former review of the Aspire V 17.

Warranty

The two-year warranty ex-factory includes a pick-up & return service. Further warranty upgrades can be ordered on the manufacturer's page. For example, a four-year carry-in with traveler's warranty costs 80 Euros (~$85).

Input Devices

Acer Aspire V 17: input devices
Acer Aspire V 17: input devices

Keyboard

A chiclet keyboard with a numpad is installed in Acer's Aspire V 17 Nitro. Considerable effort has been invested here compared with the former unit: The keyboard no longer yields and the drop has also been improved. The surface is lightly roughened, providing enough grip. All keys are mounted firmly and do not wobble excessively at the edges. The pressure point is convincing and is suitable even for elongated office work. The stroke noise while typing is sooner subdued and not distracting. A red, one-level keyboard backlight is installed for typing in the dark. Although it looks impressive it could be somewhat brighter. Multi-level brightness control would have been nice.

Touchpad

The implemented touchpad's size of 10.6 x 7.8 cm is sufficient. Its surface texture is neither too rough nor too sleek, which results in close to ideal gliding traits. The input device itself responds well even in the problematic corners. Multitouch gestures also function without snags. The only annoying flaw: Inputs are accompanied by a clattering noise.

Display

Subpixel arrangement
Subpixel arrangement

A screen with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels is installed in the present multimedia laptop. Acer changed the display builder for the current models. An LG panel was used in our April review. The screen now comes from AU Optronics. An IPS panel is still installed in all screens, which is not a matter of course. By comparison: MSI's GP62 and Schenker's XMG A705 are both furnished with viewing-angle dependent TN screens. Our review sample's average brightness of 326 cd/m² is roughly 30 cd/m² higher than the average of the 17-inch multimedia laptops tested in the past 12 months. A different screen from AU Optronics was installed in our review of Acer's Aspire V 17 Nitro VN7-792G-55SF. It only achieved a brightness of 261 cd/m².

A 4K screen can be selected in place of the Full HD model. The price, including an additional 256 GB SSD, starts at 1800 Euros (~$1915).

308
cd/m²
321
cd/m²
332
cd/m²
305
cd/m²
346
cd/m²
336
cd/m²
315
cd/m²
338
cd/m²
333
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
AUO B173HAN01_0 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 346 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 326 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 88 %
Center on Battery: 346 cd/m²
Contrast: 1081:1 (Black: 0.32 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.01 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 3.58 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
66.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
91.3% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
67% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.23

The contrast of 1081:1 is also noted positively. It is much higher than in the comparison devices of the other laptop manufacturers. The average of all review samples from the past 12 months is 765:1. The black level of 0.36 cd/m² can be considered as decent although it does not quite produce a natural black tone.

In our next step we analyze the color and grayscale shifts compared with the sRGB reference. The DeltaE shift in the CalMAN Grayscale assessment is a quite good 3.58. The shift in CalMAN ColorChecker is identically good at 4.01.

Our Aspire Nitro presents good rates but, unfortunately, we have to point out an unwelcome irregularity of our review sample. The matte screen texture leads to a slightly distorted perception of the color reproduction. That results in, for example, colored artifacts on a white screen or an effect often described as "chroma noise". Compared with other matte screens, it is evidently stronger in the present device and might possibly annoy more sensitive users.

CalMAN Grayscale
CalMAN Grayscale
CalMAN ColorChecker
CalMAN ColorChecker
CalMAN Saturation Sweeps
CalMAN Saturation Sweeps

Now we look at the reproducible color spaces. The installed screen achieves a good coverage of 91% compared with the sRGB reference. However, the AdobeRGB is out of reach with coverage of just 59.5%.

VN7-792G-74Q4 vs. sRGB
VN7-792G-74Q4 vs. sRGB
VN7-792G-74Q4 vs. AdobeRGB98
VN7-792G-74Q4 vs. AdobeRGB98

We also checked whether the review sample is suitable for outdoor use. Although the size and weight make outdoor use difficult, the matte screen is impressive thanks to its sufficient brightness. The screen cannot compensate for direct sunlight, making use only under cloudy skies recommendable.

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
28 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 7 ms rise
↘ 21 ms fall
The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 67 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
58 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 30 ms rise
↘ 28 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 93 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

The high-quality IPS panel allows, for example, watching videos from virtually every viewing angle. Only the brightness distorts slightly depending on the screen's alignment. We have previously seen that this screen technology is not a matter of course in the comparison devices.

Viewing-angle stability
Viewing-angle stability

Performance

LatencyMon
LatencyMon

Acer's Aspire V 17 Black Edition is prepared for almost every application field. Apart from multimedia and office use, our review sample can also cope with the gaming sector. Even up-to-date games will be rendered smoothly with this configuration.

The manufacturer relies on a new i7 CPU from the Skylake architecture and continues to use a dedicated Nvidia graphics card. A special bonus: The installed DDR4 memory. Our laptop features two 4 GB modules that operate in dual-channel mode. Like known from the former Nitro line, Acer offers several versions. Options are an Intel Core i5 CPU as a frugal processor (Intel Core i5-6300U) or a performance version (Intel Core i5-6300HQ).

Furthermore, buyers can optionally add different hard drive models (SSD, HDD, SSHD). In addition to the working memory capacity of 8 or 16 GB, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 950M can also be ordered. An especially interesting model is, for example, the extended configuration of our review sample with a 4K UHD screen and second 256 GB SSD storage device. However, it also costs considerably more with a purchase price of 1800 - 1900 Euros (~$1915 - ~$2021).

Processor

The manufacturer installs an Intel Core i7-6700HQ in our review sample. The used processor was premiered in September this year and is the biggest innovation of the Nitro line. The processor unit used here clocks at 2.6 GHz and can reach speeds of up to 3.5 GHz via Turbo Boost (4 cores max. 3.1 GHz). Its four cores place it in the upper performance class. In terms of performance, it is slightly above the level of an Intel Core i7-4810MQ and Intel Core i7-4900M.

We compare the review sample with its rivals and previously tested Black Edition models still based on a CPU from the Haswell architecture in Cinebench R15.

The Aspire V 17 almost always clocked stably at 3.1 GHz in the benchmarks. This good utilization of the Turbo mode is rewarded with a good score of 679 (multi-core test). Thus, it scores 9% better than a Schenker XMG A705 that features the same CPU.

An interesting fact: Our review sample achieves the same score as Asus' N551JW but is 6% better than an Aspire V Nitro 7-791G. That is remarkable seeing that both laptops sport the same Intel Core i7-4720HQ.

Our review sample scored as expected as long as it was connected to an outlet. Unfortunately, the results declined in battery mode. The score in Cinebench 15 dropped to 414 here.

Cinebench R15
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
Acer Aspire V Nitro Black Edition VN7-792G-74Q4
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
679 Points
Asus N551JW-CN094H
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Kingston SMSM151S3128GD
675 Points -1%
MSI GP62-2QEi781FD
GeForce GTX 950M, 5700HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
682 Points 0%
Acer Aspire V Nitro VN7-792G-55SF
GeForce 945M, 6300HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
468 Points -31%
Acer Aspire V Nitro 7-791G-70TW
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
643 Points -5%
SCHENKER XMG A706
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ, Samsung SSD 850 EVO M.2 250 GB
619 Points -9%
MSI GE72-6QF8H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 6700HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
667 Points -2%
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
Acer Aspire V Nitro Black Edition VN7-792G-74Q4
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
139 Points
Asus N551JW-CN094H
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Kingston SMSM151S3128GD
141 Points +1%
MSI GP62-2QEi781FD
GeForce GTX 950M, 5700HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
143 Points +3%
Acer Aspire V Nitro VN7-792G-55SF
GeForce 945M, 6300HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
136 Points -2%
Acer Aspire V Nitro 7-791G-70TW
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
133 Points -4%
SCHENKER XMG A706
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ, Samsung SSD 850 EVO M.2 250 GB
149 Points +7%
MSI GE72-6QF8H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 6700HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
137 Points -1%
Cinebench R11.5
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
Acer Aspire V Nitro Black Edition VN7-792G-74Q4
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
7.43 Points
Asus N551JW-CN094H
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Kingston SMSM151S3128GD
6.69 Points -10%
MSI GP62-2QEi781FD
GeForce GTX 950M, 5700HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
7.53 Points +1%
Acer Aspire V Nitro VN7-792G-55SF
GeForce 945M, 6300HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
5.42 Points -27%
Acer Aspire V Nitro 7-791G-70TW
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
7.03 Points -5%
SCHENKER XMG A706
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ, Samsung SSD 850 EVO M.2 250 GB
6.81 Points -8%
MSI GE72-6QF8H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 6700HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
7.37 Points -1%
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
Acer Aspire V Nitro Black Edition VN7-792G-74Q4
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
1.63 Points
Asus N551JW-CN094H
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Kingston SMSM151S3128GD
1.58 Points -3%
MSI GP62-2QEi781FD
GeForce GTX 950M, 5700HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
1.66 Points +2%
Acer Aspire V Nitro VN7-792G-55SF
GeForce 945M, 6300HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
1.49 Points -9%
Acer Aspire V Nitro 7-791G-70TW
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
1.13 Points -31%
SCHENKER XMG A706
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ, Samsung SSD 850 EVO M.2 250 GB
1.66 Points +2%
MSI GE72-6QF8H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 6700HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
1.57 Points -4%
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
6709 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
26243 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
6618 Points
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
3367
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
18994
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
4919
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
45.27 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
7.43 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.63 Points
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
99.6 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
49.61 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
679 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
139 Points
Help

System Performance

Our multimedia device is powered by high-performance hardware. Applications always make a smooth impression. Unfortunately, the response time is not as good. The reason: The SSHD cannot replace a genuine SSD storage. PCMark 7 is used to provide concrete data about working speed. In total, the laptop scores quite well with almost 4800 points in PCMark. However, the rivals based on an SSD achieve better scores. For example, Schenker's XMG A705 accomplishes 6052 points. Even the former Acer Aspire V Nitro 7-791G achieves a better score (5669 points).

Acer Aspire V Nitro Black Edition VN7-792G-74Q4
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
Asus N551JW-CN094H
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Kingston SMSM151S3128GD
MSI GP62-2QEi781FD
GeForce GTX 950M, 5700HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
Acer Aspire V Nitro 7-791G-70TW
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
PCMark 7
9%
43%
25%
Score
4671
4939
6%
6411
37%
5669
21%
Lightweight
4065
4835
19%
6422
58%
5486
35%
Productivity
3663
4540
24%
5727
56%
4753
30%
Entertainment
3963
3580
-10%
4766
20%
4105
4%
Creativity
7981
8188
3%
11607
45%
10091
26%
Computation
17552
15364
-12%
21912
25%
19135
9%
System Storage
3359
4582
36%
5453
62%
5120
52%
PCMark 7 Score
4671 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3751 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
4320 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4660 points
Help

Storage Device

Acer uses a 1 TB SSHD with an 8 GB SSD storage in our configuration. The 2.5-inch magnetic hard drive spins at 5400 rpm. As said above, other versions that additionally rely on a genuine SSD storage also exist.

Now a glance at the sequential read and write rates. They are 113.8 MB/s and 106.6 MB/s. The SSD storage in Schenker's XMG A706 achieves almost five times as high rates. SSD storage devices score considerably better especially in the important 4K tests.

Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
Transfer Rate Minimum: 53.6 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 112.9 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 88.3 MB/s
Access Time: 17.5 ms
Burst Rate: 55.5 MB/s
CPU Usage: 4.6 %

Graphics Card

Like in the Haswell Nitro line, the manufacturer again uses an Nvidia GTX. The graphics card based on Maxwell architecture is a member of the performance class. Our version of the graphics unit has 2 GB memory and a core clock of 1030 - 1100 MHz. Other models of the Aspire V 17 Nitro line have as much as 4 GB of storage depending on the configuration.

3DMark 11 is used to show whether the installed graphics solution can achieve the expected results. With a score of 5709 points, our review sample takes first place in the comparison group. Even Schenker's XMG A705 designed for gaming cannot keep up with that with 5580 points. The Haswell model of our review sample lags behind our all-rounder by 5% with 5410 points. By comparison: The alternative Acer Aspire V 17 Nitro (Nvidia GeForce GTX 945M and Intel Core i5-6300U) configuration reaches 4025 points here.

As commented on in the Processor section, the performance drops strongly in battery mode. Only 3160 points is achieved as soon as the review sample's plug is pulled.

More comparisons with other mobile graphics cards and laptops can be found in our mobile graphics cards benchmark list.

3DMark 11 Performance
5709 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
84659 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
17598 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
4061 points
Help

Gaming Performance

There's plenty of power in our review sample. That becomes clear in the selected test games. Acer's laptop achieves approximately 71 fps using maximum graphics settings in Tomb Raider. None of the comparison devices in this group can compete with that despite similar performance components. Our second place: Schenker's XMG A705 with an average of 50 frames per second.

We used the game Thief for a comparison with Asus' N551JW. Acer's Aspire V 17 scores roughly 8.5 % better here. Our Aspire Nitro also provides us with smooth gameplay in high graphics setting using Full HD in Battlefield Hardline.

More gaming benchmarks about the installed graphics unit can be found in our article: "Gaming performance of recent laptop graphic cards."

Tomb Raider
1366x768 High Preset AA:FX AF:8x (sort by value)
Acer Aspire V Nitro Black Edition VN7-792G-74Q4
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
113 fps
MSI GP62-2QEi781FD
GeForce GTX 950M, 5700HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
71.6 fps -37%
Acer Aspire V Nitro VN7-792G-55SF
GeForce 945M, 6300HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
68 fps -40%
Acer Aspire V Nitro 7-791G-70TW
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
111.4 fps -1%
SCHENKER XMG A705
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU512HCGL
112.1 fps -1%
1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:FX AF:16x (sort by value)
Acer Aspire V Nitro Black Edition VN7-792G-74Q4
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
71.2 fps
MSI GP62-2QEi781FD
GeForce GTX 950M, 5700HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
34.1 fps -52%
Acer Aspire V Nitro VN7-792G-55SF
GeForce 945M, 6300HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
31.4 fps -56%
Acer Aspire V Nitro 7-791G-70TW
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
49.1 fps -31%
SCHENKER XMG A705
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU512HCGL
49.8 fps -30%
Thief - 1920x1080 Very High Preset AA:FXAA & High SS AF:8x (sort by value)
Acer Aspire V Nitro Black Edition VN7-792G-74Q4
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
28.7 fps
MSI GP62-2QEi781FD
GeForce GTX 950M, 5700HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
20.6 fps -28%
Asus N551JW-CN094H
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Kingston SMSM151S3128GD
25.7 fps -10%
Acer Aspire V Nitro VN7-792G-55SF
GeForce 945M, 6300HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
18.5 fps -36%
Battlefield Hardline
1920x1080 High Graphics Quality (DX11) (sort by value)
Acer Aspire V Nitro Black Edition VN7-792G-74Q4
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
52 fps
MSI GP62-2QEi781FD
GeForce GTX 950M, 5700HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
38.2 fps -27%
Acer Aspire V Nitro VN7-792G-55SF
GeForce 945M, 6300HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
32.3 fps -38%
Acer Aspire V Nitro 7-791G-70TW
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
48.6 fps -7%
SCHENKER XMG A705
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU512HCGL
50.6 fps -3%
1920x1080 Ultra Graphics Quality (DX11) AA:4x MS (sort by value)
Acer Aspire V Nitro Black Edition VN7-792G-74Q4
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
33.5 fps
MSI GP62-2QEi781FD
GeForce GTX 950M, 5700HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV512MBF M.2
22.9 fps -32%
Acer Aspire V Nitro VN7-792G-55SF
GeForce 945M, 6300HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
20.4 fps -39%
Acer Aspire V Nitro 7-791G-70TW
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
30.8 fps -8%
SCHENKER XMG A705
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU512HCGL
31.6 fps -6%
low med. high ultra
Tomb Raider (2013) 330 177 113 71.2
Thief (2014) 87 64 54 28.7
Battlefield Hardline (2015) 147 133 52 33.5

Emissions

System Noise

The idle noise development is extremely positive. The fans are usually inactive, and only the HDD's noise is audible. The fan's responsiveness is satisfactory. It takes a while for the fans to speed up and reach their maximum noise level of 48 dB(A). The review sample is loud at this maximum noise level. However, the fans' frequency is not distracting. The rivals are roughly on par here. Acer's Aspire V 17 Nitro VN7-792G with its weaker components is much quieter. This configuration reaches a maximum of 38.6 dB(A).

Noise Level

Idle
32.6 / 32.6 / 33.4 dB(A)
HDD
32.8 dB(A)
DVD
38 / dB(A)
Load
36.5 / 48 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1 (15 cm distance)

Temperature

Underside
Underside
Stress test
Stress test

The operating temperatures of Acer's Aspire V17 Nitro were always pleasant in our test period. The casing only heated up lightly even during games.

The review sample stably remained below 30 °C in idle. High temperatures were only observed sporadically under maximum load. Unfortunately, the hot spot of 44 °C was reached in the keyboard's rear area. Overall, the multimedia device fares very well. The XMG A705 is a bad example here with critical rates of 54 °C under load.

Besides the temperature development on the casing, the hardware's behavior in a stress situation is interesting. We used the programs Prime95 and Furmark to simulate this load scenario. The CPU still clocked at its base rate of 2.6 GHz after running for one hour. Two of the four cores reached a much higher temperature of 96 °C than the other two (max. 90 °C). Both warmer cores therefore throttled. However, that did not happen very often and then only for a few seconds. The average of all cores was 2.6 GHz.

 27.2 °C
81 F
30.1 °C
86 F
28.1 °C
83 F
 
 25.1 °C
77 F
30.7 °C
87 F
28.7 °C
84 F
 
 23.8 °C
75 F
24.8 °C
77 F
30.4 °C
87 F
 
Maximum: 30.7 °C = 87 F
Average: 27.7 °C = 82 F
29.2 °C
85 F
31.6 °C
89 F
26.7 °C
80 F
28.1 °C
83 F
30.4 °C
87 F
26.3 °C
79 F
33 °C
91 F
26.3 °C
79 F
24.4 °C
76 F
Maximum: 33 °C = 91 F
Average: 28.4 °C = 83 F
Power Supply (max.)  28.9 °C = 84 F | Room Temperature 23.1 °C = 74 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 31 °C / 88 F, compared to the average of 31.2 °C / 88 F for the devices in the class Multimedia.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 43.8 °C / 111 F, compared to the average of 36.9 °C / 98 F, ranging from 21.1 to 71 °C for the class Multimedia.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 41.4 °C / 107 F, compared to the average of 39.1 °C / 102 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27.7 °C / 82 F, compared to the device average of 31.2 °C / 88 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 30.4 °C / 86.7 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.8 °C / 83.8 F (-1.6 °C / -2.9 F).

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The idle power consumption is quite balanced and typical for the selected configuration. The Aspire V 17 Nitro consumes 5.8 - 14.7 watts in this operating state. All comparison devices are within a similar range. Evident differences to the competition are first seen under load. With 120 watts, our review sample requires almost 20 - 30 watts more than all comparison devices. Solely the XMG A705 demands 140 watts.

The included power supply has an output of 135 watts.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.3 / 0.7 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 5.8 / 9 / 14.7 Watt
Load midlight 85 / 121.5 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Runtime

A 3-cell battery with a capacity of 52.5 Wh is inside the Aspire V 17 Nitro. We ascertained the runtime in different scenarios.

To determine the maximum possible battery runtime, we set the screen's brightness to minimum and ran the Batter Eater Reader's test. The multimedia laptop shut down after almost seven hours using disabled communication modules and enabled energy-saving profile. 

The somewhat weaker version of our review sample reaches 10 hours and 14 minutes. Schenker's XMG A705 goes idle after approximately 1.5 hours before our review sample.

We simulate Internet browsing for a real-world runtime. Using a medium brightness of approximately 150 cd/m², the Aspire V 17 Nitro achieved 4 hours and 14 minutes. It is almost on par with most comparison devices with that. Only MSI's GP62 2QE steps out of line with a poor 1.5 hours.

We use Battery Eater Classic test to measure the minimum possible runtime. Our review sample stopped running after 1 hour and 36 minutes using high-performance mode and maximum screen brightness. The laptops in our comparison group are again very similar here.

Battery Runtime - WiFi Websurfing (sort by value)
Acer Aspire V Nitro Black Edition VN7-792G-74Q4
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
254 min
Asus N551JW-CN094H
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Kingston SMSM151S3128GD
246 min -3%
MSI GP72-2QEi781
GeForce GTX 950M, 5700HQ, WDC Scorpio Blue WD10JPVX-22JC3T0
160 min -37%
Acer Aspire V Nitro 7-791G-70TW
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
204 min -20%
Acer Aspire V Nitro VN7-792G-55SF
GeForce 945M, 6300HQ, Toshiba MQ02ABD100H
273 min +7%
SCHENKER XMG A705
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU512HCGL
258 min +2%
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
6h 50min
WiFi Websurfing
4h 14min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
5h 55min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 36min

Pros

+ classy design
+ screen's brightness and contrast
+ IPS panel
+ performance
+ input devices

Cons

- no maintenance hatches
- screen's color noise

Verdict

In review: Acer Aspire VN7-792G. Test model courtesy of Edustore.
In review: Acer Aspire VN7-792G. Test model courtesy of Edustore.

The manufacturer almost seamlessly connects to the success of the tried line with the latest update and can even add to that. In addition to the performance technical features, some small aspects have been polished. The keyboard has improved considerably and now makes a really decent impression alongside the touchpad. It is a bit unfavorable that the touchpad produces loud noises. It makes a too loose and almost broken impression. A detail that we previously observed in another Acer device.

The installed screen's very good brightness and high contrast are convincing. Unfortunately, the chroma noise of the matte surface is distracting.

The inner values in the forms of the processor and DDR4 storage have been improved. Our review sample convinced in the benchmarks with results worthy for competition. The working speed is overall decent, but a genuine SSD could improve it evidently.

The multimedia laptop even made a good impression in Emissions. The temperature development is not too high even under load. We looked at the battery life in the last part of the test and discovered that the possible runtime is still decent for this laptop category.

Acer's Aspire Nitro VN7-792G is a powerful all-rounder with many strengths and few weaknesses.

The presented total package here has a price tag of 1230 Euros (~$1308). Alternatives start at around 1000 Euros (~$1064) and stop at 1900 Euros (~$2021). Unfortunately, choosing the right components is not easy. The buyer will have to work their way through many configurations until they hopefully find their desired configuration.

Acer Aspire V Nitro Black Edition VN7-792G-74Q4 - 12/09/2016 v6(old)
Nino Ricchizzi

Chassis
83 / 98 → 85%
Keyboard
86%
Pointing Device
89%
Connectivity
56 / 81 → 69%
Weight
56 / 20-67 → 77%
Battery
81%
Display
89%
Games Performance
84 / 85 → 99%
Application Performance
82 / 92 → 89%
Temperature
91%
Noise
80 / 95 → 84%
Audio
88%
Camera
40 / 85 → 47%
Average
77%
86%
Multimedia - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Archive of our own reviews > Acer Aspire V Nitro Black Edition VN7-792G-74Q4 Notebook Review
Nino Ricchizzi, 2015-11-24 (Update: 2018-05-15)