The CPU in the Acer Aspire 3 A317-51G is slowed down
The Acer Aspire 3 A317-51G is a multimedia all-rounder in the 17.3-inch format. The test device provided to us is the current top model of the series. It's available for just under 1,000 Euros (~$1,185). However, you won't find any high-quality case materials despite the high price point. The chassis is completely made of black plastic. The massive case and the mediocre battery life reveal that the laptop is primarily intended for use on a desk.
The laptop is powered by a Core i7-10510U processor and a dedicated GeForce MX250 graphics core. Together, they bring most of the games in our database smoothly onto the screen. However, you have to accept some compromises in terms of resolution and quality level - this is especially true for modern titles.
Users who need as much CPU power as possible would be making a wrong choice here, though. Acer slows down the processor a bit because the power consumption of the entire laptop needs to remain within the energy budget provided by the 65-watt power adapter. The purchase of a Core-i7 Aspire is, therefore, not worthwhile. Compared to the Core-i5 processors, the CPU is supposed to offer higher Turbo clock speeds, but it doesn't manage to deploy them. However, this can look different on Aspire models that lack a dedicated GPU.
The port configuration isn't particularly generous. The laptop has three USB Type-A ports (2x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1). There's no USB Type-C port. A memory card reader has been completely forgone as well - a questionable decision. An external monitor can be connected via HDMI.
The display (Full HD, IPS) scores points with a matte surface, stable viewing angles, good contrast, and decent color reproduction. The maximum brightness and the color-space coverage are too low for a device in this price range, though.
More information and many benchmark results can be found in our review of the Acer Aspire 3 A317-51G-72MD.
Are you a techie who knows how to write? Then join our Team! Wanted:
Details here