The new 16-inch Acer Predator Triton 500 SE came out this June, and it is quite an impressive gaming laptop. Powered by the latest Intel octa-core processors and NVIDIA RTX 30-series graphics, it can throw a punch in style.

The Triton 500 SE is quite an upgrade from the previously reviewed Acer Predator Triton 300 SE model, as it comes with more powerful components and offers more configurations. 

Let’s take a closer look at this portable gaming machine.

Acer Predator Triton 500 SE Design

Comparing to the previous Acer gaming laptops, like Predator Helios 300 or even bulkier Helios 500 models, the look of the new Predator Triton 500 is much more subtle and clean. And despite being a 16-inch model, the laptop is very thin and relatively light, weighing only 5.4 lbs.

Because of its minimal design and extremely capable hardware, the Predator Triton 500 SE will be an excellent work laptop for a business professional on the go. First of all, it’s not flashy. Second, it is durable and lightweight. But what’s more important, the Triton 500 SE can also run the most complex software with ease.

Acer Predator Triton 500 SE: Processor and Graphics Options

The model comes with the following 11th generation Intel Core i-series octa-core processor options:

• Base configuration Intel Core i7-11800H, 2.40 GHz (models PT516-51s-71Q2, PT516-51s-75WM, and PT516-51s-70TP)
• Intel Core i9-11900H, 2.50 GHz (model PT516-51s-92CB).

As to graphics, they range from NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (6GB VRAM) to RTX 3080 and 8GB dedicated memory. In addition, the 2nd Gen RTX Ampere architecture with Ray Tracing and Tensor Cores significantly implies the laptop’s gaming performance. 

As expected with these specs, the Triton 500 SE outperforms the 300 SE model by a mile.

16-inch Display

A 16-inch 16:10 screen panel is an exciting addition to the line, as it offers a bit extra vertical room compared to the previous Triton gaming laptop models. And it really makes a difference. For example, it allows you to view several web browser tabs without having to switch between them. 

All configurations come with the WQXGA 16:10 165Hz panel, 2560 x 1600 screen resolution. 

Another perk is that the model features Mini LED technology, often used in high-end TVs and the latest Apple iPad Pro 12-.9-inch tablet model. As a result, it provides a superior viewing experience with much more vivid and brighter contrasting colors and images. 

5th Generation AeroBlade 3D Cooling Technology 

This technology is set to increase the airflow and optimize system performance, regardless of the task. 

Bionic design supposedly allows more air, though, while being much quieter compared to traditional cooling fans. Each of those bionic blades is only 0.08mm thin. And the wind guide technology can redirect cool air exactly where your system needs it the most. 

In reality, fans can still get too loud when you game or perform other CPU/GPU-intensive tasks. But that is often to be expected from gaming laptops, especially the thin and light ones. Unfortunately, the new Acer Predator Triton 500 SE is no exception. 

Acer Predator Triton 500 SE: Miscellaneous

The Triton 500 SE laptop offers a great I/O port selection:

• two Thunderbolt 4 ports
• one HDMI port
• two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports 
• two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
• one microphone combo jack
• one fingerprint reader 

Storage options range from 512GB to 1TB PCI Express SSD. Three available configurations come with 16GB of DDR4 SDRAM, except for the Intel Core i9 based model, which has 32GB of memory.

The fingerprint is located on the trackpad. And the web camera is traditionally built into the screen front bezel frame.

The base model goes for $1549.99 at Best Buy. The most expensive Triton 500 SE configuration with the RTX 3080 graphics card and Core i9 processor will cost you a whopping $2699.99.

Used Acer Gaming Laptop Resale Value

If you have an older Acer gaming laptop and looking to upgrade to the latest Triton 500 SE model, it might make sense to do an Acer trade-in to recover some cash out of it and put it towards your new purchase. The amount you can recover, of course, entirely depends on your laptop model and its functional condition, but here are just a few examples of what you can expect to receive:

• An older Acer Predator Triton 500 version with the 8th generation Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics yields up to a $466 cash offer*.
• You can resell an even older Acer Predator 15 G9 Intel Core i7 6th generation based for up to $279*.
• A very popular among our customers, Acer Nitro 5 AMD Ryzen 5 is not necessarily a gaming model per se. Still, the NVIDIA GTX 1650 Ti graphics make it capable of handling some of them even more demanding titles. Currently, this Acer configuration goes for up to $248.

Bottom Line

The 2021 Acer Predator Triton 500 SE not only sports a beautiful design but is also packed with high-performing hardware. Its 16-inch 16:10 165Hz display makes for an outstanding gaming and viewing experience. The model, of course, comes with a hefty price tag, yet plenty of more expensive laptops offer inferior gaming performance. 

*Priced on 07/20/2021. Subject to change.