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MagyarAcer Aspire V15 Nitro Black Edition VN7-591G-75TD Notebook Review Update
For the original German review, see here.
Just a few months ago, we reviewed the Acer Aspire V15 Nitro Black Edition -- a simultaneously thin and high-performance gaming computer. The test device we have before us today, the VN7-591G-75TD, is the series' current top model. The processor and graphics core are the same, but when it comes to the rest of the hardware, Acer went the extra mile: A bigger hard drive, more RAM, more graphics memory, and higher display resolution. Instead of a Full HD panel, Acer lavishly equipped their VN7-591G-75TD with a 4k display (3840x2160 pixels). But taking every aspect of the device into consideration is the computer with the new display a prize worth keeping your eye on? Read on to find out.
In terms of competitors, the Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712) and the Toshiba Satellite P50t-B-10T are also up at the plate. Both of these notebooks are equipped with 4k displays as well.
Since the VN7-591G-75TD is structurally identical to its sister model, we won't cover the computer's case, connectivity, input devices or speakers in detail. Information on these subjects is available in our review of the sister model.
Display
The Aspire is outfitted with a matte 15.6-inch display with a native resolution of 3840x2160 pixels. The screen's brightness (303.3 cd/m²), contrast (1003:1) and black value (0.3 cd/m²) are good or very good. In light of these measurements, there's nothing to criticize about this panel.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 87 %
Center on Battery: 301 cd/m²
Contrast: 1003:1 (Black: 0.3 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.15 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 3.94 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
94.4% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
61% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
66.2% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
94.5% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
64.5% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.35
| Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G | Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX GeForce 840M, 4210U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD | Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712) GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP | Toshiba Satellite P50t-B-10T Radeon R9 M265X, 4710HQ, Toshiba MQ01ABD100 | Asus GL550JK-CN391H GeForce GTX 850M, 4700HQ, SanDisk SD6SB1M256G1002 | MSI GE60-2PEi781B GeForce GTX 860M, 4700HQ, WDC Scorpio Blue WD10JPVX-22JC3T0 | Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-591G-77A9 GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | -36% | -21% | -1% | -2% | 0% | -5% | |
| Display P3 Coverage | 64.5 | 41.35 -36% | 50.6 -22% | 64.1 -1% | 63.9 -1% | 65.7 2% | 66.9 4% |
| sRGB Coverage | 94.5 | 61.2 -35% | 76.3 -19% | 92.3 -2% | 92.4 -2% | 92.5 -2% | 84 -11% |
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 66.2 | 42.54 -36% | 52.3 -21% | 65.5 -1% | 65.2 -2% | 66.8 1% | 61.4 -7% |
| Screen | -72% | -20% | 16% | -15% | -12% | -24% | |
| Brightness middle | 301 | 213 -29% | 290 -4% | 255 -15% | 328 9% | 327 9% | 317 5% |
| Brightness | 303 | 208 -31% | 257 -15% | 248 -18% | 310 2% | 309 2% | 319 5% |
| Brightness Distribution | 87 | 84 -3% | 81 -7% | 88 1% | 85 -2% | 90 3% | 87 0% |
| Black Level * | 0.3 | 0.7 -133% | 0.512 -71% | 0.18 40% | 0.43 -43% | 0.43 -43% | 0.46 -53% |
| Contrast | 1003 | 304 -70% | 566 -44% | 1417 41% | 763 -24% | 760 -24% | 689 -31% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 3.15 | 7.59 -141% | 3.72 -18% | 2 37% | 3.99 -27% | 3.59 -14% | 5.79 -84% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 3.94 | 9.23 -134% | 3.11 21% | 1.61 59% | 5.18 -31% | 4.86 -23% | 5.01 -27% |
| Gamma | 2.35 94% | 2.2 100% | 2.48 89% | 2.37 93% | 2.5 88% | 2.35 94% | 2.35 94% |
| CCT | 6855 95% | 9250 70% | 6959 93% | 6462 101% | 7619 85% | 7177 91% | 7347 88% |
| Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 61 | 39 -36% | 48.16 -21% | 60 -2% | 59 -3% | 60 -2% | 55 -10% |
| Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 94.4 | 92.1 -2% | |||||
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | -54% /
-62% | -21% /
-20% | 8% /
11% | -9% /
-11% | -6% /
-8% | -15% /
-19% |
* ... smaller is better
Straight from the factory, the display's color reproduction is already excellent. With an average DeltaE 2000 color deviation of 3.15, the panel just barely misses the target range (DeltaE of less than 3). At a DeltaE of 3.94, the grayscale is almost as accurate as the color scale. Additionally, the display doesn't even show a hint of a blue cast. If the screen is calibrated, these already good numbers get even better. We tried it out. The color scale deviation dropped to just 1.22, while the grayscale deviation fell to 0.73. After calibration, the panel proves to have a high degree of color accuracy when compared with the sRGB reference color space. Unfortunately, however, the screen can't display the entire AdobeRGB and SRGB color spaces. The color-space coverage rates fall at 61% (AdobeRGB) and 94% (sRGB) (Correction 20.5.2015 due to a wrong sRGB-reference-profile). But as long as the user isn't planning on using the computer for professional image editing or graphics applications, color-space coverage isn't a relevant concern.
The Aspire is equipped with an IPS panel, which means the screen content looks right from any angle. The combination of the matte display surface, good brightness and high contrast make it possible to use the computer outdoors.
Performance
The Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G line consists of notebooks for mobile gamers. The version under our scrutiny at the moment is the line's top model, the VN7-591G-75TD. The notebook costs about 1600 Euros (~$1920). Acer also has a myriad of versions with different hardware on the market. Lower-priced models are available in the VN7-571G line. These more inexpensive notebooks are outfitted with GeForce 840M and GeForce GTX 850M graphics cores.
Processor
The Aspire's quad-core Core i7-4710HQ (Haswell) processor is the notebook's computational muscle. This isn't an energy-saving ULV processor, but rather a conventional mobile processor with a TDP of 47 Watts. The processor runs at a base clock speed of 2.5 GHz. Using turbo, the speed can be increased to 3.3 GHz (all four cores), 3.4 GHz (two cores), or 3.5 GHz (only one core). The system reaches the full turbo speeds in battery mode as well as AC power mode. The computer completed the Cinebench benchmark's multi-thread tests at 3.3 GHz and the single-thread tests at 3.3 to 3.5 GHz. In battery mode, the machine performed the tests at 2.9 GHz (multi-thread) and 2.9 to 3.4 GHz (single-thread).
| Geekbench 3 | |
| 32 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value) | |
| Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-591G-77A9 | |
| 32 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value) | |
| Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-591G-77A9 | |
| Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score (sort by value) | |
| Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX | |
| Toshiba Satellite P50t-B-10T | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-591G-77A9 | |
| Octane V2 - Total Score (sort by value) | |
| Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX | |
| Toshiba Satellite P50t-B-10T | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-591G-77A9 | |
| Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total (sort by value) | |
| Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX | |
| Toshiba Satellite P50t-B-10T | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-591G-77A9 | |
* ... smaller is better
System Performance
A quick SSD and powerful processor make for a fast and stable system. The results in the PCMark benchmark also prove to be very good. Surprisingly, however, the Aspire does worse here than its sister model, which is equipped with the same GPU and CPU. The reason: The display's higher resolution. For this reason, we reduced the resolution under Windows to 1920x1080 pixels and ran the PCMark 8 benchmarks again. In this situation, the 4k Aspire performed even better than its sister model (Home v2: 3729, Creative v2: 4465, Work v2: 4428).
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 3729 points | |
| PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2 | 4465 points | |
| PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 4428 points | |
Help | ||
Storage Devices
When it comes to storage space, owners of this Aspire won't have much to fuss about. A solid state drive from Lite On serves as the system drive. This is an M.2 model with a capacity of 256 GB. About 190 GB remains available to the user. The SSD offers good transfer rates, though it doesn't belong in the list of top models. The notebook is also outfitted with a 2 TB 2.5-inch hard drive that runs at 5400 rpm.
| Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G | Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX GeForce 840M, 4210U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD | Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712) GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP | Asus GL550JK-CN391H GeForce GTX 850M, 4700HQ, SanDisk SD6SB1M256G1002 | Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-591G-77A9 GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD | SCHENKER XMG P724 GeForce GTX 880M SLI, 4810MQ, Samsung SSD 840 EVO 500GB mSATA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS SSD | -5% | -4% | -1% | -2% | 22% | |
| Seq Read | 473.3 | 490.2 4% | 495 5% | 472.8 0% | 504 6% | 504 6% |
| Seq Write | 423.6 | 326.1 -23% | 414.8 -2% | 428.2 1% | 325.1 -23% | 483.6 14% |
| 4K Read | 28.15 | 35.61 27% | 22.69 -19% | 32.44 15% | 37.69 34% | 40.83 45% |
| 4K Write | 64.3 | 75.8 18% | 62.5 -3% | 91.1 42% | 81.7 27% | 109.9 71% |
| 4K-64 Read | 334.1 | 195.3 -42% | 285.6 -15% | 319 -5% | 195.5 -41% | 355.2 6% |
| 4K-64 Write | 247.1 | 232 -6% | 239.5 -3% | 183.6 -26% | 234.9 -5% | 270.5 9% |
| Access Time Read * | 0.081 | 0.111 -37% | 0.082 -1% | 0.125 -54% | 0.11 -36% | 0.097 -20% |
| Access Time Write * | 0.056 | 0.046 18% | 0.054 4% | 0.046 18% | 0.042 25% | 0.03 46% |
* ... smaller is better
Graphics Cards
The Aspire has a dual graphics solution (Optimus) at its command, comprised of Intel's HD Graphics 4600 core and Nvidia's GeForce GTX 860M GPU. The integrated Intel GPU is responsible for everyday applications and graphics processing in battery mode, while the GeForce core takes care of programs that demand more of the hardware, like computer games. The switching occurs automatically, though the user can intervene manually. The GTX 860M core is a high-end CPU that runs at a base clock frequency of 1029 MHz. Via turbo, the clock rate can be raised to up to 1097 MHz. The GPU is supported by 4 GB of quick GDDR5 memory. The results in the 3DMark benchmarks are high, as expected, and they are on par with those of comparable notebooks, including the Aspire's sister model.
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 5210 points | |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 82813 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 15550 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 3733 points | |
Help | ||
| 3DMark 06 - 1280x1024 Standard Score AA:0x AF:0x (sort by value) | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-591G-77A9 | |
Gaming Performance
A glance at the Aspire's specs is enough to infer that the system won't have any trouble running computer games. Our gaming tests confirm this. The machine can fluidly render almost every current game in HD resolution (1366x768 pixels) and at high quality settings. Older games and games with lower hardware demands run fluidly at even higher resolutions. Overall, the VN7-591G-75TD achieves higher frame rates than its sister model. We attribute this to the newer drives and larger video memory.
We tested the system to see to what extent the 4k resolution is actually available for current games. We used the same quality settings that we use for regular gaming benchmarks, of course leaving the resolution at 3840x2160 pixels in every case. Several games proved to run fluidly at the full resolution, though we had to reduce the quality settings. Games with high performance demands, like Battlefield 3, still require FHD and reduced graphics details to maintain the framerate in a playable range.
| min. | med. | high | max. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider (3840 x 2160) | 39.8 | 27.2 | 20.7 | 12.8 |
| Grid: Autosport (3840 x 2160) | 76.3 | 37.2 | 30.9 | 18.9 |
| Battlefield 3 (3840 x 2160) | 25.8 | 21.4 | 16.2 | 10.8 |
| GRID: Autosport | |
| 1366x768 Medium Preset (sort by value) | |
| Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD | |
| Asus GL550JK-CN391H | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-591G-77A9 | |
| 1920x1080 High Preset (sort by value) | |
| Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD | |
| Asus GL550JK-CN391H | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-591G-77A9 | |
| 1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:4x MS (sort by value) | |
| Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD | |
| Asus GL550JK-CN391H | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-591G-77A9 | |
| Battlefield 3 | |
| 1024x768 low AA:- AF:2x (sort by value) | |
| Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD | |
| 1366x768 medium AA:- AF:4x (sort by value) | |
| Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD | |
| 1366x768 high AA:- AF:16x (sort by value) | |
| Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD | |
| 1920x1080 ultra AA:4x MS AF:16x (sort by value) | |
| Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD | |
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
| Total War: Shogun 2 (2011) | 101.9 | 46.4 | ||
| Battlefield 3 (2011) | 153.2 | 105.9 | 85.3 | 35.8 |
| Mass Effect 3 (2012) | 60 | 60 | 60 | |
| Dirt Showdown (2012) | 96.9 | 91.6 | 48.4 | |
| Ghost Recon: Future Soldier (2012) | 61.4 | 42.7 | 17.5 | |
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 330.8 | 163.7 | 104.6 | 46.7 |
| BioShock Infinite (2013) | 203.4 | 123.7 | 110 | 42.6 |
| Assassin´s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013) | 60.2 | 59.8 | 44.5 | 23.6 |
| GRID: Autosport (2014) | 200.9 | 108.3 | 83 | 45.4 |
Emissions & Energy
System Noise
In idle mode, the Aspire's fans frequently stand still. As soon as the notebook is under load, however, the fans start up. Even so, under every level of load, the sound generated by the fans remains at a reasonable volume and is normal for a device in this performance class. Unfortunately, the fans in our test device produced more than the usual rustling sound -- we also heard a bothersome humming/buzzing sound in certain circumstances. The structurally identical sister model didn't generate a sound like this. Acer probably used different fans in the various models in the Nitro line.
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 31 / 34 / 36.1 dB(A) |
| HDD |
| 31 dB(A) |
| Load |
| 41.6 / 43.6 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min:  , med:  , max:  Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance) | ||
Temperature
The Aspire completed the stress test (Prime95 and Furmark running simultaneously for at least an hour) in different ways in AC power mode and battery mode. In AC power mode, the processor ran for a short time at 2.7 to 3 GHz and then dropped its speed to 800 MHz. Shortly thereafter, the CPU accelerated back up to 2.7 to 3 GHz. It continued this behavior for the duration of the test. The graphics core ran the whole time at full speed (1097 MHz). In battery mode, the CPU went about its work at 800 to 1200 MHz, while the GPU ran at 770 to 850 MHz. During the stress test, the Aspire's case temperature exceeded the 40 °C line in several spots. However, considering all the high-performance hardware at work in the computer, overall its temperatures proved to be quite moderate.
(-) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 47.8 °C / 118 F, compared to the average of 40.4 °C / 105 F, ranging from 21.2 to 68.8 °C for the class Gaming.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 45.7 °C / 114 F, compared to the average of 43.2 °C / 110 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29.9 °C / 86 F, compared to the device average of 33.8 °C / 93 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 27.8 °C / 82 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (+1.1 °C / 2 F).
Power Consumption
The Aspire certainly isn't an energy-saving machine. Even in idle mode, the notebook's power consumption rate rises to up to 22.7 Watts. During the stress test, the energy usage climbed to 130.7 Watts. Since the CPU speed fluctuated, the power consumption rate fluctuated along with it. Overall, the device's energy usage is on par with its sister model's.
| Off / Standby | 0.1 / 0.2 Watt |
| Idle | 16.1 / 21 / 22.7 Watt |
| Load |
88.4 / 130.7 Watt |
   
| |
Battery Life
In our WLAN test, which is designed to simulate practical, everyday use, we run a script that automatically loads a new webpage every 40 seconds. The energy-saving profile is active, and the display brightness is set to about 150 cd/m². The Aspire reached a runtime of 3:01 h in this test. This certainly isn't an outstanding result. Its sister model held out over an hour longer. Our test device's higher energy consumption rate in idle mode manifests itself here.
Verdict
The Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro Black Edition VN7-591G-75TD shares the same verdict with its sister model, the Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro Black Edition VN7-591G-77A9. This is an easily transportable and high-performance notebook for gamers. The two computers are outfitted with the same processor and graphics core. The notebook under our scrutiny today has even better hardware (more hard drive space, more RAM). The most noticeable difference between the two models is their displays. Overall, the VN7-591G-75TD's 4k display proves to be an attractive feature. Its brightness and contrast are good, and even out of the factory, its color reproduction only deviates slightly from the ideal range. Additionally, the screen content looks correct from every angle, as is generally true of IPS panels. Unfortunately, the display's full resolution is only useable for a limited number of games -- as long as the quality settings are reduced and the game doesn't demand too much of the hardware. In terms of battery life, our test model can't keep up with its sister model; its higher energy consumption rate in idle mode shows itself here.
