Acer · Instant quote

Acer Predator Helios 500

Processor:

Graphics Card:

Cosmetic Condition:

Functionality:

Charger Included?

The Acer Predator Helios 500 is an 17.3-inch gaming laptop that Acer sold across two distinct generations, first in 2018 and again in 2021, under the model numbers PH517-51, PH517-61, and PH517-52. It was built for gamers and creators who wanted desktop-class graphics in a laptop chassis, and it never pretended to be thin or light to get there. Early units paired 8th-generation Intel Core chips or AMD Ryzen 7 with GTX 1070 or Radeon RX Vega 56 graphics; the 2021 refresh moved to 11th-generation Intel Core i7 or i9 with RTX 3070 or RTX 3080. That range of GPU options is exactly why used units still bring real money on the resale market: a discrete RTX 3080 configuration holds value the way a mainstream ultrabook never will. Pick your processor, graphics card, and condition in the tool above for an instant cash offer, or see how the process works before you commit. If this isn't your exact model, you can still sell your laptop through the Acer category page and we'll help you sort out the right configuration.

Confirm you have the Predator Helios 500

The fastest way to check is inside Windows. Press Windows key + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter — the System tab lists the exact model name. You can also run msinfo32 the same way for a more detailed system summary. If Windows won't boot, flip the laptop over: the regulatory sticker on the underside lists the model number directly.

PH517-51

  • 2018 release
  • Intel Core i7 or i9, 8th generation
  • NVIDIA GTX 1070 graphics

PH517-61

  • 2018 release
  • AMD Ryzen 7 processor
  • Radeon RX Vega 56 graphics

PH517-52

  • 2021 release
  • Intel Core i7 or i9, 11th generation
  • NVIDIA RTX 3070 or RTX 3080 graphics
  • Includes SKUs 971Q, 99KT, and 78A9

Prefer a visual check? The 2021 PH517-52 has per-key RGB backlighting on the keyboard, while the 2018 models use zoned RGB lighting instead. Port placement on the rear edge also shifts slightly between generations, and the 2021 unit runs Wi-Fi 6, which you can confirm under Settings → Network & Internet if you're unsure which generation you have. Our Acer model number guide walks through this in more detail.

Core hardware configurations

Processor

  • AMD Ryzen 7 (PH517-61)
  • Intel Core i7 or i9, 8th generation (PH517-51)
  • Intel Core i7 or i9, 11th generation (PH517-52)

Graphics

  • Radeon RX Vega 56
  • NVIDIA GTX 1070
  • NVIDIA RTX 3070
  • NVIDIA RTX 3080

The GPU tier moves resale value more than any other spec on this laptop. An RTX 3080 configuration is worth confirming carefully before you get a quote.

Memory

  • Dual SO-DIMM slots
  • User-upgradable RAM on both generations

Storage

  • Dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots
  • Upgradable storage on both generations

Display & audio

Display: A 17.3-inch Full HD panel built for high refresh gaming, with the exact refresh rate depending on year and configuration. Check the display for dead pixels and backlight bleed before you set a condition grade.

Audio: A quad-speaker layout tuned for front-facing sound, which matters on a laptop this size since you'll rarely be wearing headphones during a long session.

Ports & connectivity

Port selection is consistent across most configurations, though Thunderbolt 3 is limited to Intel-based units.

Wired
  • Multiple USB-A ports
  • USB-C (Thunderbolt 3 on Intel configurations)
  • HDMI
  • Mini DisplayPort
  • Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45)
  • Headphone/microphone combo jack
Wireless
  • Wi-Fi 6 (PH517-52)
  • Wi-Fi 5 (PH517-51, PH517-61)
  • Bluetooth

17.3-inch display Thunderbolt 3 Dual NVMe storage Upgradable RAM RTX 3080 option Per-key RGB (2021) Gigabit Ethernet

Battery, build & more

Battery: A large battery by laptop standards, though gaming loads on a discrete GPU this powerful will drain it quickly. Expect this machine to live near an outlet.

Dimensions & weight: A genuinely heavy, thick chassis. This is a desktop replacement, not a machine designed to travel daily.

Software: Ships with Windows and Acer's PredatorSense utility for fan curves, lighting, and overclocking profiles. Confirm the utility launches correctly, since a corrupted install is a common support complaint.

Known issues: Owners have reported thermal throttling under sustained load and hinge wear after years of heavy use, given the chassis weight. Test both before grading the condition.

Frequently asked questions

01 How do I find the model number or exact configuration?
Press Windows key + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter to see the model name and GPU under the System and Display tabs. For a full breakdown of processor, RAM, and storage, run msinfo32 the same way. If the laptop won't power on, the underside sticker lists the model number, and you can cross-check it against the PH517 variants listed above. Our device model finder can also help if you're unsure which generation you're holding.
02 How do I tell it apart from the Predator Helios 300?
The Helios 300 is the smaller, lower-tier sibling in the same lineup, typically sold with a 15.6-inch display and less powerful GPU options than the Helios 500's range topping out at RTX 3080. Check the screen size first — 17.3 inches points to the Helios 500. Then confirm the model number on the underside sticker or through dxdiag, since PH517 identifies the Helios 500 while PH315 identifies the Helios 300.
03 Can I sell it with damage, a cracked screen, or a weak battery?
Yes, damaged units are still worth submitting for a quote. Cracked screens, a battery that no longer holds a charge, and even a laptop that won't power on can still be accepted, and the quote adjusts to reflect the condition. What can't ship as-is is a locked account: any Windows account tied to the laptop must be removed and the drive should be unencrypted or BitLocker suspended before it leaves your hands. Sign out of your Microsoft account under Settings before shipping.
04 What raises the trade-in value the most?
The graphics card matters more than anything else on this laptop. An RTX 3080 configuration is worth notably more than a GTX 1070 unit in otherwise identical condition. Beyond the GPU, a clean display with no dead pixels or hinge damage, a battery that still holds a reasonable charge, and original storage capacity intact (rather than swapped for a smaller drive) all help. Keeping the original charger also helps, since replacement bricks for high-wattage gaming laptops aren't cheap to source.
05 How do I erase it and remove my accounts, and how do I get paid?
Go to Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC, and choose to remove everything. Before you reset, go to Settings → Accounts and remove the device from your Microsoft account, and if BitLocker is enabled, suspend it under Settings → Privacy & Security → Device Encryption so the drive isn't locked for the next owner. Once the reset finishes, shipping is free and insured. Payment goes out after we test the laptop, by PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, or check. Full details on the wipe process are on our data erasure protocols page.