Predator Helios 18: The AI Ready Gaming Laptop

Edmund_McGowan · April 2

Step into the future of portable gaming with the Acer Predator Helios 18, a large screen gaming laptop ready to take on any game you throw at it. Prepare to forge your galactic destiny with the Predator Helios 18, a next-gen gaming laptop powered by the latest 13th-14th Gen Intel CPUs (i7-i9) and Nvidia RTX 30-40 series GPUs. The Helios 18 also features a radiant Mini LED display, state-of-the-art cooling and RTX for an AI augmented gaming experience. Read on to discover the ground-breaking features of this big screen laptop, as well as why 18-inch laptops are fast becoming the new norm.

Why supersize screens are the new gaming standard

Before we delve into the finer details of the Predator Helios 18, let’s shed some light on the relatively recent phenomenon of supersize gaming laptop screens.

While standard laptops in the 15-16-inch range are the go-to size for most users, when it comes to gaming, bigger is better, and large gaming screens are becoming increasingly popular among serious gamers. Here’s an in depth discussion of 18-inch screens if you’re keen to find out more.

Design advancements in modern gaming tech have allowed slim laptops to accommodate larger displays. While esports competitions are mostly played on 24-inch desktop screens, many gamers looking for a portable setup that can also be their primary stationary rig are choosing 18-inch gaming laptops.

Intense, action-packed games popular today require the player’s undivided attention. When it comes to gaming performance, computers in the 18-inch size range provide players with several advantages: 18-inch screens are proving to be the perfect size for gamers to keep on top of the on-screen action without getting overwhelmed, or losing track of the action. In addition to screen size, a well-spaced keyboard can help players to nail lightning-fast maneuvers. Screen size aside, remember that the extra size can translate to extra gaming power, accommodating higher-spec hardware, increased efficiency cooling, and more RAM for immersive gameplay.

3 of the best: the Helios 18

Now that we’ve covered the basics of the growing popularity of 18-inch gaming laptops, let’s take a look at Acer’s Predator Helios 18. Available in black, and abyss black, there are currently 6 models of the Predator Helios 18, with prices in the range of around $1,700 to $3,100. Here, we’ll cover the entry, mid-range and top-of-the-line models.

The entry level model Predator Helios 18 PH18-71-756U is powered by Intel® Core™ i7-13700HX processor Hexadeca-core 2.10 GHz, with a NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 with 8 GB dedicated memory graphics card. This model comes with 16 GB, DDR5 SDRAM of memory, and 1 TB SSD storage.

The top of the line model Predator Helios 18 PH18-72-90C9 runs on an Intel® Core™ i9-14900HX processor Tetracosa-core (24 Core™) 2.20 GHz processor, and a NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4090 with 16 GB dedicated memory. Suited to more demanding games and computing tasks, 32 GB DDR5 SDRAM memory, and 2 TB SSD storage will assist you in forging your galactic destiny, whatever route you take!

Now let’s delve deeper, and explore the tech-specs of a mid-range model in the series, retailing for around $2000, the Predator Helios 18 PH18-71-76B3.

Operating System: Windows 11 Home 64-bit
Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-13700HX processor Hexadeca-core 2.10 GHz
Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 with 8 GB dedicated memory
Memory: 16 GB DDR5 SDRAM
Storage: 1 TB SSD
Display: 18 inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 16:10 165 Hz
Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E 1675i, Bluetooth 5.2
Built in Devices: Microphone
Interfaces/Ports: HDMI, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A Ports, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Ports, 2 x USB Type-C port supporting: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps), DisplayPort over USB-C, Thunderbolt 4, USB charging 5 V; 3 A, DC-in port 20 V; 65 W
Input: Backlit keyboard, Multi-touch Gesture TouchPad (Moisture resistant)
Battery: Li-Ion 4-cell 90Wh, maximum run time: 5 hours
Dimensions: 15.9 x 12.3 x 1.15 inches
Weight (Approx): 7.60 lb

Power

This next-gen gaming laptop makes the most of its size, housing a powerful 13th Gen processor, enabling you to go further in both gaming and creation. Graphics wise, The NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 GPU promises to push the limits of your gaming speed and performance. NVIDIA DLSS 3.5 is powered by the new fourth-gen Tensor Cores and Optical Flow Accelerator on GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs, using AI to create additional high-quality frames.

What’s more, ray tracing simulates real-world light, creating beyond-life like virtual worlds for you to explore. Loosely translated, this means that the Helios 18 is a performance powerhouse, with AI powered boost for turbo charged, silky smooth gaming, creation, and more.

Screen

The highlight of this gaming laptop is the 18-inch, neon-lit WQXGA Mini LED 16:10 screen. The blisteringly-fast standard refresh rate of 165 Hz forges on-screen worlds of light and darkness. The levels of contrast displayed on the Helios 18 screen create immersive realms, for both gaming, films and creation, unrivaled by many other screens. You have to see it to understand the Helios 18 experience.

MagKey 3.0

Seize the day, and perform your best when it matters most with the colorful per-key RGB customization and swappable MagKey 3.0. The vivid LED illuminated keyboard offers two interchangeable keyboard options. MagClick provides feedback with short key travel for speedier actuation (0.3mm), and MagSpeed, employing a rubber dome and exclusive look and feel, combining speedometer aesthetics with vibrant LED lighting.

Other features

Cooling comes as standard, powered by dual 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D fans, as well as a generous helping of tactically-placed liquid metal thermal grease. So whether you’re editing videos, creating, or getting stuck into your favorite game, you can rely on the Helios 18 to stay cool and maintain maximum performance.

PurifiedVoice 2.0 is another AI feature of the Helios 18 that will elevate your in-game performance to next levels. Combined with the three mic design of the Helios 18, this state-of-the-art technology filters out annoying ambient noises, meaning that communicating with your team has never been easier, or clearer.

The takeaway

We hope that you have enjoyed this discussion of Acer’s Predator Helios 18 gaming laptop. The tech-specs of this supersize gaming beast truly speak for themselves. If you get a chance to try out this laptop for yourself, we think you’ll agree. The benefits of an 18-inch gaming laptop are many. As we discussed above, 18-inch laptops such as Predator Helios 18 hit the sweet spot in screen size for game performance. Larger screen size is similarly helpful for creative projects: ample horizontal and vertical screen real estate gives you room to work efficiently, without getting lost, or losing track of your mouse cursor.

Acer’s Predator Helios 18 is an AI ready gaming laptop bursting with state-of-the-art technology. Featuring the latest, fastest 13th-14th Gen Intel CPUs (i7-i9) and Nvidia RTX 30-40 series GPUs, this series is ready for the future, are you? If you are looking for a gaming PC with the perfect screen size and stunning performance, check out the Predator Helios 18 today.