Notebookcheck Logo

Review Acer Aspire 3830TG (i7/SSD) Subnotebook

Throttling reloaded. If the Core i5 already moaned as a consequence of heat issues, what will a Core i7 do? Acer isn't afraid of taking risks and sets up a (potential) dream of mobility with an SSD, strong graphics and a swift processor and 8 GB of RAM.
Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830TG-2628G12nbb: The hardware upgrade to a Core i7, SSD and 8 GB of RAM costs 1100€
Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830TG-2628G12nbb: The hardware upgrade to a Core i7, SSD and 8 GB of RAM costs 1100€

Some configurations are timeless and like to be used time and again. The customer jumps for joy when a fast SSD hard disk, a strong processor, a generous RAM capacity and a good graphics card are united in a small, handy case. Especially when the price is low, as the case in the Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830TG (version: 2628G12nbb).

The first time we took a closer look at the TimelineX 3830TG was in May 2011. A seemingly high quality design, good input devices, a strong battery life and a very good application performance impressed us for the time being. We noticed the color weak screen, the fairly instable case and the Core i5-2410M's throttling (2.3 GHz) negatively. The latter fueled many discussions among the readers and likely was also reason for many claims sent to the manufacturer.

Now Acer opens a new chapter in its 3830TG and installs an even stronger processor. But how can a Core i7 2620M (2.7 GHz) prove itself if the Core i5 already overburdened the cooling system? Have Acer's engineers become active and installed a second fan? The combination with an SSD will doubtlessly ensure a performance boost, but does it also reduce waste heat during load?

All answers can be found in this review update of the Aspire TimelineX 3830TG. Details about workmanship, interfaces, connectivity and input devices can be found in the first review of the 3830TG (i5, May 2011).

Case

The flat case with the homogeneous base plate is an eye catcher - nothing's changed about that. The silk-matt blue with the superimposed Acer logo looks like a subtle understatement in view of the strong components. The weak point is the low torsional stiffness of the case. The base unit warps evidently when carrying or handling the 13.3 inch device. In return, the lid, as well as its surface, is agreeably rigid for its low thickness.

The flat case only weighs 1886 grams
The flat case only weighs 1886 grams

Connectivity

See the review of the Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830TG (i5/HDD).

Input Devices

See the review of the Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830TG (i5/HDD).

Display

A glare LED screen, model AUO B133XW03 V2, reproduces the colorful picture elements in a resolution of 1366x768 pixels. The screen is the same as in the 3830TG-2414G75nbb test device from May 2011. Consequently, the test rates are just as poor - the lowest contrast of 163:1, the low brightness (~186 cd/m2) and the minute color spectrum. Hopes that Acer has perhaps built in a high quality screen in this premium TimelineX are thus shattered.

Color spectrum: Aspire 3830TG vs. AdobeRGB (t)
Color spectrum: Aspire 3830TG vs. AdobeRGB (t)
Color spectrum: Aspire 3830TG vs. sRGB (t)
Color spectrum: Aspire 3830TG vs. sRGB (t)
Color spectrum: Aspire 3830TG vs. Asus G74S FHD (t)
Color spectrum: Aspire 3830TG vs. Asus G74S FHD (t)
181
cd/m²
179
cd/m²
187
cd/m²
188
cd/m²
189
cd/m²
183
cd/m²
187
cd/m²
187
cd/m²
194
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
AUO B133XW03 V2 tested with Gossen Mavo-Monitor
Maximum: 194 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 186.1 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 92 %
Center on Battery: 189 cd/m²
Contrast: 163:1 (Black: 1.16 cd/m²)42.95% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
60.8% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
41.29% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Frontal view, direct sun
Frontal view, direct sun
View from above, direct sun
View from above, direct sun
Frontal view, indirect sun
Frontal view, indirect sun

As typical for a low cost TN screen, the viewing angles are just as poor as the suitability for use in daylight. The brightness is far too low for the latter (should be 300 cd/m2) and the glare type ruins the image with annoying reflections. Lateral views remain color stable up to about 45 degrees. Colors invert beyond that and the known ghosting turns up. They are especially aggravating when several persons are looking at pictures, games or movies at the same time.

Viewing angles: Acer Aspire 3830TG-2628G12nbb
Viewing angles: Acer Aspire 3830TG-2628G12nbb

Performance

90 watt power adapter
90 watt power adapter

The dual Core i7-2620M (2x2.70 GHz, 32nm) is the strongest configuration of the Aspire 3830TG. It replaces the Core i5-2410M from the less expensive version, respectively the test device of May 2011. A Core i7 may seem to be oversized for a subnotebook, but Toshiba's Portégé R830-10V, Dell's Vostro 3350, Sony's Vaio VPC-Z21Q9E and Fujitsu's Lifebook S761 show the 35 watt 2620M to be a tested subnotebook CPU.

The processor can overclock up to 3.4 GHz via Turbo Boost 2.0. The so-called "Dynamic Range @ Turbo Frequency Limits" can even increase the clock a few notches providing the cooling is good. That's the theory. How the Aspire 3830TG deals with this in practical use will be seen in a moment.

The tried and tested Geforce GT 540M, including Optimus (deactivation of GPU in favor of the IGP, Intel HD Graphics 3000), is used as the graphics card. It is the strongest, gaming capable GPU that is currently installed into 13.3 inch devices. Additionally, there are 8 GB of RAM and an SSD that bids a memory capacity of 120 GB.

System info CPUZ CPU
System info CPUZ Cache
System info CPUZ Mainboard
System info CPUZ RAM
System info CPUZ SPD
System info GPUZ Intel HD 3000
System info GPUZ Geforce GT 540M
DPC Latency Checker: Idle, OK
DPC Latency Checker: WLAN On/Off minor latencies
 
System information: Acer Aspire 3830TG-2628G12nbb

Is the cooling system strong enough to allow the i7-2620M to develop its standard performance (like in larger laptops)? According to the CPU benchmarks, it is. The 2620M reaps very good 3.11 points in the Cinebench R11.5 CPU test (multi core).  That is the same score as the 15.6 inch Latitude E6520 or the Dell Vostro 3550 managed to achieve. 13.3 inch devices with this CPU are all below this. Examples are the Fujitsu Lifebook S761 or the Sony Vaio VPC-SA2Z9E (both 3.0 points). The MacBook Pro 13 2011-02 only managed 2.6 points due to its massive throttling.

Positive: We repeated the Cinebench assessment several times and repeatedly achieved the same result. After Prime95 (CPU 100%), after Furmark (GPU) and after both stress tests were executed simultaneously: It remained at 3.11 points. In the meantime, the clock rate was stable at 3.2 GHz (in Turbo). Verdict: The i7-2620M computes at the expected level during CPU-only performance. The cooling is sufficient for this.

We check what happens when 3D performance, so GPU load, is added at the same time with Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (BFBC2). Cinebench R10 single/multi and R11.5 multi can now only count with 1.2 GHz. That lessens the scores considerably. It takes about 60 seconds for the clock to again reach 3.3 GHz after the game is finished.

Intel Core i7 2620M (2.7-3.4 GHz)
Intel Core i7 2620M (2.7-3.4 GHz)
Cinebench R11.5 Multi-CPU: @3.2 GHz
Cinebench R11.5 Multi-CPU: @3.2 GHz
Game BFBC2 + Cinebench R10 Single: @1.2 GHz
Game BFBC2 + Cinebench R10 Single: @1.2 GHz
Game BFBC2 + Cinebench R10 Multi: @1.2 GHz
Game BFBC2 + Cinebench R10 Multi: @1.2 GHz
Game BFBC2 + Cinebench R11.5 Multi: @1.2 GHz
Game BFBC2 + Cinebench R11.5 Multi: @1.2 GHz
Game's end 60 seconds + Cinebench R10 Single: @3.3 GHz
Game's end 60 seconds + Cinebench R10 Single: @3.3 GHz
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
4282
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
9373
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
5599
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
5287 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
11328 Points
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
5659 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
25.03 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
3.11 Points
Help
PCMark 7 scores
PCMark 7 scores

What does the performance look like in the overall performance of CPU, graphics, RAM and SSD?  PCMark Vantage and PCMark 7 render information. The total scores of 12371, respectively 3928 points are very strong. The Sony Vaio VPC-SA2Z9E/B (same CPU) also "only" achieves 10833, respectively 3448 points with an SSD. The Asus U36SD (SSD, i5) is even a bit weaker with 9431, respectively 2861 points, which is due to the slower processor and the weaker GPU.

Strange: Even gaming laptops or workstations equipped with quad cores (2630QM  or 2920XM) don't manage a significantly higher score, and partly even show lower scores. Examples would be the Alienware M18x (PCMark 7: 4579), the Fujitsu Celsius H710 WXP11DE (3695) and the XMG P501 PRO (4208). Normal 2620M laptops, without SSD, only reach about 2000 points (Vostro 3350). The named devices also have strong graphic cards. Thus, it's remarkable that a small 13.3 inch device closes in on the performance machines with help from an SSD.

The strong result of the application performance has a concrete reason: The Intel SSD X25-M. It thrusts the PCMark Vantage HDD score to 21965 points. Although that isn't the SSD top range (30-40 thousand; e. g. Schenker XMG A501), gamers such as the Alienware M11x R3 (17701, Samsung SSD PM800 2) or the subnotebook Vaio SA2Z9E (15599, Samsung MZRPA128HMCD RAID0) lag behind. The recently tested Asus U36SD (21410, Intel SSD 320 series) can keep up owing to its SSD. Laptops with a rotating hard disk (7200 rpm) at most reach 7000 points (e. g. Seagate Momentus XT Hybrid HDD, Toshiba Qosmio X770-10J).

5.9
Windows 7 Experience Index
Processor
Calculations per second
7.1
Memory (RAM)
Memory operations per second
7.5
Graphics
Desktop performance for Windows Aero
5.9
Gaming graphics
3D business and gaming graphics
6.7
Primary hard disk
Disk data transfer rate
7.6
PCMark Vantage Result
12371 points
PCMark 7 Score
3928 points
Help

The GeForce GT 540M's 3D performance (1024 MB DDR3) is barely ever just below the usual level. The clock of 672/900 MHz (core/memory) corresponds to the standard specs. 3DMark 2006 (1280x1024) finishes with 7806 points - a typical score for this CPU-GPU configuration. The 3DMark Vantage score of P3829 is however below most GT 540M test devices with the same CPU (~P4150). Unigine Heaven (CPU independent) finishes with 13 fps, which in turn is a very typical score for a GT 540M.

3DMark 06 Standard Score
8055 points
3DMark Vantage P Result
4488 points
3DMark 11 Performance
996 points
Help

The read and write rates of the hard disk test prove to be average in comparison to other flash memories. 251/116 MB/s (read/write CrystalDiskMark) or 251/101 MB/s (read/write AS SSD) are slightly below the Asus U36SD and considerably below the RAID0 of the Vaio SA2Z9E (926/634 MB/s, read/write CrystalDiskMark). Samsung's Series 9 900X3A, without RAID0, is still the number one of read/write with 467/306 MB/s.

Other SSDs are also in the lead in writing small data files. The Crucial RealSSD C300 in the XMG A501 (47 MB/s write) or the Samsung SSD PM810 in the Alienware M14x (38 MB/s write) are in the lead in 4K write/read. The X25-M in the test device manages 32 MB/s here. The throughputs are quite good in 512K read: 188 MB/s instead of 172 MB/s in the Asus U36SD. A Vaio SA2Z9E leaps away with 432 MB/s due to RAID0, Samsung's Series 9 900X3A isn't much better with 196 MB/s, though.

Short: The Intel SSD X25-M G2 MLC (120 GB) doesn't belong to the fastest ones on the market, as can be expected from the price range (released end of 2010). The system's overall performance (see PCMark scores) nevertheless climbs to rates that would be unthinkable with a HDD. If you want to be sure about getting the best SSD, you can orientate yourself on our comprehensive SSD tests, e.g. ADATA S510 120 GB or Intel X25-M.

Crystal Disk Mark 3.0: 251 MB/s read
Crystal Disk Mark 3.0: 251 MB/s read
Comparison CDM: 3830TG with HDD
Comparison CDM: 3830TG with HDD
AS SSD test: 251 MB/s read
AS SSD test: 251 MB/s read
HD-Tune: 137 MB/s read
HD-Tune: 137 MB/s read
Intel X25-M G2 SSDSA2M120G2GC
Transfer Rate Minimum: 93.1 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 154.6 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 136.8 MB/s
Access Time: 0.1 ms
Burst Rate: 64.1 MB/s
CPU Usage: 1 %

Gaming Performance

Wie wir testen - Leistung

The games partly confirm the good to very good gaming performance of the Geforce GT 540M. Nevertheless, the results aren't better than with a Core i5. Consequently, the Core i7 isn't absolutely necessary in gaming matters. 32 fps are possible in Battlefield: Bad Company 2 in high details. But an Asus X43SV-VX084V with an i5-2410M also achieves that.

In games, such as Dirt 3, where the CPU is apparently put under more demand, the frame rates cave-in evidently due to the CPU's throttling to 1.2 GHz. Only 18 fps are possible in high details (multiple tests). 30 to 40 fps would be standard for a GT 540M. Deus Ex Human Revolution runs much smoother. But a Packard Bell NX69 with an i5 CPU also manages 37 fps in high details.

So generally, the GT 540M is suitable for a smooth game play in high details providing the resolution doesn't surpass 1366x768 pixels. The CPU's thermal throttling can however cause losses in CPU intensive games. Inasmuch, nothing has improved since the first 3830TG test device with an i5 and hard disk. The tester noticed throttling and drops in frame rates in a few games back then. The BIOS (version 1.02) doesn't offer any option to change the limits for thermal throttling.

low med. high ultra
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (2010) 42.7 31.7
Dirt 3 (2011) 29.6 17.6
Deus Ex Human Revolution (2011) 93 37.2

Emissions

Vent
Vent
Single fan
Single fan

System Noise

We are pleased about the Aspire 3830TG's low system noise. The level fluctuates between 29.6 (silent, fan off, SSD=noiseless) and 33 dB (A). This results in a pleasant setting which will likely remain unnoticed by most users.

The single fan turns up its speed audibly during load, whereby it never gets louder than 40 dB (A). 37 dB (A) are due during constant multi core CPU load (Prime95). Computer game load, induced here with 3DMark 2006, lets the fan tendentiously rotate a bit louder with 38 dB (A). The highest noise was only generated in our stress test which loads both CPU and GPU simultaneously. Here, the throttling factor described in the following section must be noted. It throttles the CPU performance for its own protection and thus significantly reduces the waste heat. The single fan, respectively the entire cooling system is overburdened.

We don't know why the manufacturer has turned away from the twin fan as in the previous 3820TG. The case got warmer at about the same noise level, but there was no issue with throttling. The twin fan with a vent on the right and left could discharge the waste heat generated by the GPU and CPU faster.

Noise Level

Idle
29.6 / 31.6 / 32.9 dB(A)
Load
37.8 / 39.6 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance)

Temperature

The performance throttling has a positive effect during high load. The temperatures during our ultimate stress scenario (unrealistic) remain within an acceptable range. Whether or not 41 degrees Celsius in the keyboard's center is too high or not can certainly be disagreed upon. However, the average remains below 36 degrees Celsius on both the bottom and the top, which is acceptable for a slim case.

CPU throttling during simultaneous GPU load

The processor clock throttled to 1.2 GHz (default clock: 2.7 GHz) during the stress test (Prime95 & Furmark). The system's power consumption is at a low 52 watts then. When Furmark (GPU) is stopped, the clock increases to 2.7 GHz after a while (constant) and the power consumption is stable at 44 watts. Throttling didn't turn up during the processor benchmarks. The results correspond with those of larger laptops. So, it is clearly the simultaneous graphics load's waste heat that indirectly forces the processor to throttle. The 90 watt power adapter is sufficient for the power supply, which can also be seen in its low heat of 38 degrees Celsius during the stress test.

Prime95 CPU Multi-Core: @2.7 GHz constant, system 44 w
Prime95 CPU Multi-Core: @2.7 GHz constant, system 44 w
Prime95 + Furmark: shortly after start @ 3.2 GHz
Prime95 + Furmark: shortly after start @ 3.2 GHz
Prime95 + Furmark: @1.2 GHz throttle, system 52 w
Prime95 + Furmark: @1.2 GHz throttle, system 52 w
Max. Load
 37.7 °C
100 F
38.5 °C
101 F
30.6 °C
87 F
 
 37.2 °C
99 F
41.2 °C
106 F
33.4 °C
92 F
 
 31.6 °C
89 F
36.6 °C
98 F
33.8 °C
93 F
 
Maximum: 41.2 °C = 106 F
Average: 35.6 °C = 96 F
26.8 °C
80 F
34.1 °C
93 F
37.2 °C
99 F
30.5 °C
87 F
39.2 °C
103 F
32 °C
90 F
33 °C
91 F
40.8 °C
105 F
34.9 °C
95 F
Maximum: 40.8 °C = 105 F
Average: 34.3 °C = 94 F
Power Supply (max.)  38.1 °C = 101 F | Room Temperature 20 °C = 68 F | Voltcraft IR-360
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 35.6 °C / 96 F, compared to the average of 30.7 °C / 87 F for the devices in the class Subnotebook.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 41.2 °C / 106 F, compared to the average of 35.9 °C / 97 F, ranging from 21.4 to 59 °C for the class Subnotebook.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 40.8 °C / 105 F, compared to the average of 39.4 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 30.1 °C / 86 F, compared to the device average of 30.7 °C / 87 F.
(±) The palmrests and touchpad can get very hot to the touch with a maximum of 36.6 °C / 97.9 F.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.3 °C / 82.9 F (-8.3 °C / -15 F).

Battery Life

Despite the strong components, the power consumption is low. Why this also applies to constant load can be explained with CPU throttling. A Core i7 at 100% load, but clocked at 1.2 GHz (rather than 2.7 to 3.4 GHz), runs on the back burner and only needs a fraction of its TDP (35 watts). Therefore, the low stress test power consumption is a negative trait for the 3830TG. It should be noted that the 3820TG from 2010, also with a 35 watt CPU and a strong graphics card (HD 5650), drained 76 watts out of the power socket.

The power consumption was 66 watts during a computer game, which can fluctuate a bit depending on the processor and graphics (test with 3DMark06). Why does a game need more power than the stress test? The processor isn't throttled at all or only a bit, see temperature.

The idle consumption of 5.6 to 10.8 watts is remarkably low. The TimelineX predecessor, 3820TG with a HD-5650 graphics and i5-460M consumed 8.5 to 15 watts in the same assessment.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.3 / 0.9 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 5.6 / 8.8 / 10.8 Watt
Load midlight 66 / 52.6 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC 960
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.

The 3820TG (66 Wh) from 2010, with a HD 5650 graphics, manages a tight battery runtime of 4:10 hours (WLAN test). The successor 3830TG (66 Wh) from May 2011 increased this to 7:28 hours. Our 3830TG i7/SSD upgrade manages 6:05 hours with the same capacity of 66 watt hours. Consequently, the runtime is shorter, but still within the frame of what a higher quality subnotebook should offer. The recently reviewed Asus U36SD-RX114V (SSD, GT 520M) managed 7:45 hours.

Charging: 172 min
Charging: 172 min
WLAN: 365 min
WLAN: 365 min
Load: 134 min
Load: 134 min
Idle: 535 min
Idle: 535 min
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
8h 55min
WiFi Surfing
6h 05min
Load (maximum brightness)
2h 14min

Verdict

Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830TG: Power users won't be satisfied
Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830TG: Power users won't be satisfied

Acer hasn't managed to bring CPU throttling under control. Thus, like in the Core i5 version of the Aspire TimelineX 3830TG, the following problem remains: The Core i7-2620M (2x2.70 GHz) throttles its clock rate to 1.2 GHz during simultaneous graphics and CPU load (and only then). It becomes very noticeable in a few games which drop to unusually low frame rates.

Even if a lot has been written about the "notorious" throttling in this review, it isn't the worst case scenario and the end of this subnotebook. If performance considerations are sooner regarded as secondary and not every frame is fought for in the settings during the occasional game, it is a stable running and very high performance subnotebook in 90% of the applications (very good CPU benchmarks). The Core i7-2620M delivers excellent performance rates without simultaneous GPU load. Together with the SSD's fast access rates, we could determine remarkable system scores.

The battery life has decreased by a good hour in comparison with the HDD/i5 version, but is still acceptable with six hours. The biggest drawback for mobility fans is the continued use of the reflective and viewing angle weak screen (same screen as used in the first model).

The Acer TimelineX 3830TG-2628G12nbb is goes over the virtual counter for 1100€. Regrettably, there are hardly any 13.3 inch alternatives without CPU throttling, but with a similarly strong graphics performance. The Sony Vaio SA2Z9E/B scores best (minor throttling), but costs over 2000€.

These devices are available completely without throttling at a similar or lower price, but with a weaker GT 520M: Asus U36SD (SSD; 1150€); Asus U30SD (HDD, 700€).

Acer Aspire 3830TG-2628G12nbb: Extremely fast with SSD and Core i7. But it comes to performance losses during simultaneous graphics load.
Acer Aspire 3830TG-2628G12nbb: Extremely fast with SSD and Core i7. But it comes to performance losses during simultaneous graphics load.
By courtesy of ...
Please share our article, every link counts!
In Review:  Acer Aspire 3830TG-2628G12nbb
In Review: Acer Aspire 3830TG-2628G12nbb, by courtesy of:

Specifications

Acer Aspire 3830TG-2628G12nbb (Aspire 3830TG Series)
Processor
Intel Core i7-2620M 2 x 2.7 - 3.4 GHz (Intel Core i7)
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M - 2048 MB VRAM, Core: 672 MHz, Memory: 900 MHz, DDR3, DirectX 11, Nvidia Optimus, ForceWare 267.21
Memory
8 GB 
, 2x4096MB, Samsung DDR3-10700, 667MHz, maximum 8 GB
Display
13.30 inch 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixel, AUO B133XW03 V2, LED, diagonal: 33 centimeters, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel HM65
Storage
Intel X25-M G2 SSDSA2M120G2GC, 120 GB 
, X25-M MLC
Soundcard
HD Audio
Connections
2 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: headphone out (S/PDIF), microphone in, Card Reader: 5-in-1 (SD, MMC, MS, MS PRO, xD), RJ-45
Networking
Atheros AR8151 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller (10/100/1000MBit/s), Atheros AR5B97 Wireless Network Adapter (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 3.0+HS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 28.9 x 322 x 228 ( = 1.14 x 12.68 x 8.98 in)
Battery
66 Wh Lithium-Ion, 6 cell, 6000 mAh, 11.1 Volt, built-in, model: AS11A5E, manufacturer: Panasonic
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 1.3MP
Additional features
90 watt adapter with power cable, manual, Adobe Reader 9, Microsoft Office 2010 Starter, clear.fi, eSobi, McAfee Internet Security Suite trial version, Norton Online Backup, NTI Media Maker 9, Skype, Windows Live Essentials, Acer software, 24 Months Warranty, warranty includes Pick-Up & Return service and 12 monath International Travelers Warranty (ITW), color: Ice-Blue (blue with silver and black), 2 stereo speakers
Weight
1.886 kg ( = 66.53 oz / 4.16 pounds), Power Supply: 356 g ( = 12.56 oz / 0.78 pounds)
Price
1100 Euro

 

Acer marks its strongest consumer laptops with the tag TimelineX
Acer marks its strongest consumer laptops with the tag TimelineX
Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830TG-2628G12nbb: The CPU already throttles to 1.2 GHz in games (Battlefield).
Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830TG-2628G12nbb: The CPU already throttles to 1.2 GHz in games (Battlefield).
Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830TG-2628G12nbb: Strong battery life despite strong hardware? The promise of 8 hours isn't kept.
Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830TG-2628G12nbb: Strong battery life despite strong hardware? The promise of 8 hours isn't kept.
The strong power supply unfortunately doesn't prevent a renewed CPU throttling during load.
The strong power supply unfortunately doesn't prevent a renewed CPU throttling during load.
The power adapter remains unchanged: 90 watts.
The power adapter remains unchanged: 90 watts.
The color weak, glare type screen is the same, though.
The color weak, glare type screen is the same, though.
A 120 GB SSD makes the slow Western Digital disk superfluous and eight gigabytes of RAM are lavish.
A 120 GB SSD makes the slow Western Digital disk superfluous and eight gigabytes of RAM are lavish.
The dual core i7-2620M replaces the i5-2410M from the first review.
The dual core i7-2620M replaces the i5-2410M from the first review.
We've tested the TimelineX 3830TG a second time. The reason is a major hardware upgrade.
We've tested the TimelineX 3830TG a second time. The reason is a major hardware upgrade.
The workmanship is high-quality, but the case's stability is poor.
The workmanship is high-quality, but the case's stability is poor.
but the handy, small case doesn't take up a lot of room in the backpack either.
but the handy, small case doesn't take up a lot of room in the backpack either.
The 13.3 inch laptop doesn't fit in the jacket pocket like this Ducktales paperback,
The 13.3 inch laptop doesn't fit in the jacket pocket like this Ducktales paperback,
and the slim case encourages mobile use.
and the slim case encourages mobile use.
In our opinion, the matt blue design is advantageous
In our opinion, the matt blue design is advantageous
The smallest member is the 13.3 inch Aspire TimelineX 3830TG with a weight of only 1886 grams.
The smallest member is the 13.3 inch Aspire TimelineX 3830TG with a weight of only 1886 grams.
Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830TG-2628G12nbb: The slim case looks good. But it doesn't set an example in matters of stability.
Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830TG-2628G12nbb: The slim case looks good. But it doesn't set an example in matters of stability.

Similar Devices

Devices with Same Screen Size and/or Weight

Acer TravelMate P4 laptop review: Understatement is for the bosses
Iris Xe G7 80EUs, Raptor Lake-U i5-1335U, 14.00", 1.459 kg
Intel Meteor Lake Analysis - Core Ultra 7 155H only convinces with GPU performance
Arc 8-Cores, Intel Meteor Lake-H Ultra 7 155H, 14.00", 1.3338 kg
Acer Swift Go 14 review - The Meteor Lake Core Ultra 7 impresses with its AI core
Arc 8-Cores, Intel Meteor Lake-H Ultra 7 155H, 14.00", 1.3338 kg
Acer Swift X 14 laptop review with RTX 3050: Underchallenged i5-1240P
GeForce RTX 3050 4GB Laptop GPU, Alder Lake-P i5-1240P, 14.00", 1.402 kg
Acer Swift 3 SF314 in review: No flight of fancy for the AMD laptop
Vega 7, Lucienne (Zen 2, Ryzen 5000) R5 5500U, 14.00", 1.319 kg
Acer Swift 3 SF314 in review: Laptop tackles test with flying colors
Iris Xe G7 80EUs, Tiger Lake i5-1135G7, 14.00", 1.214 kg

Links

Compare Prices

Pros

+Adequate scope of interfaces
+Generous keyboard
+Fan partly inactive in idle
+Very good battery life
+Low power consumption operation
+Very good gaming performance in 13.3 inches
 

Cons

-CPU throttling down to 1.2 GHz
-Port positioning
-High-gloss screen
-Poor display rates
-Permanently built-in 6 cell battery

Shortcut

What we like

The low power consumption in idle and the good battery life. The case's slim looks are appealing.

What we'd like to see

A stable base unit would significantly enhance the outer impression. Core i7 performance without throttling would be a real argument for buying this 13.3 inch laptop.

What surprises us

The CPU throttling isn't eliminated, but has rather been reissued. Thus, customers buy an expensive i7 version of the Aspire 3830TG, but still don't have i7 performance.

The competition

Apple MacBook Pro 13 Early 2011 (2.7 GHz, throttling); Asus U36SD (no throttling); Asus U30SD (no throttling); Fujitsu Lifebook S761 (no throttling); Sony Vaio VPC-SA2Z9E/B (minor throttling); Sony Vaio VPC-Z21Q9E (no throttling); Dell Vostro 3350 (no throttling); HP ProBook 5330m (SSD); Lenovo IdeaPad Z370 (minor throttling); Toshiba Portégé R830-10V (no throttling) and Satellite R830-10D (throttling); Acer Aspire 3750 (GT 520M, no throttling i3 version)

Rating

Acer Aspire 3830TG-2628G12nbb - 10/04/2011 v2(old)
Sebastian Jentsch

Chassis
82%
Keyboard
87%
Pointing Device
86%
Connectivity
69%
Weight
89%
Battery
91%
Display
67%
Games Performance
85%
Application Performance
94%
Temperature
84%
Noise
89%
Add Points
75%
Average
83%
84%
Subnotebook - Weighted Average
Sebastian Jentsch, 2011-10-17 (Update: 2013-06- 6)