CES 2021 | Acer refreshes the Predator Helios 300 with RTX 3080 graphics and a 240Hz display

Acer's contributions to CES 2021 include an early-2021 version of its 15.6-inch Predator Helios 300, or PH315-53. Externally, the laptop is very similar to its predecessor, particularly in terms of its air intakes, fans and lid design. Acer has also left its port complement (1 USB type-C; 3 USB type-As; 1 HDMI; 1 mini-DisplayPort; 1 Gigabit Ethernet, a combo 3.5mm jack and a rear-facing power connector) unchanged .

The OEM also does not specify a change in CPU for this Predator Helios 300. Then again, its GPU has gotten an upgrade: it now has an RTX 3080 card, which can be paired with up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM in this version of the PC. It also now steps up to a 240Hz refresh rate for its FHD IPS display. 

This panel is also rated for a 3 millisecond (ms) response time (when its LCD Overdrive mode is on). This PH315-53 re-run also packs speakers that support DTS:X Ultra Audio and "simulated" 3D Surround Sound, which might help address criticism attracted by its previous generations in this regard.

Acer also fails to mention any battery upgrades for this Helios 300, leaving us to conclude that it is likely to be 59Wh again. Otherwise, it exhibits "Aeroblade 3D" fans, with the same CoolBoost tech seen in other newly-launched machines such as the 2021 Nitro 5. This refreshed Predator machine is currently projected to become available in March 2021, at a price of €1499 (~US$1819).