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Acer Predator Helios 300

Processor:

Graphics Card:

Cosmetic Condition:

Functionality:

Charger Included?

The Acer Predator Helios 300 has been Acer's flagship budget-gaming line since its first release in 2017, running through 2022 under model numbers like PH315-53, PH317-55, and PH315-54. It paired mainstream Intel or AMD processors with NVIDIA GeForce graphics at a price gamers and students could actually justify, and later revisions carried that formula through several CPU and GPU refreshes without changing the basic pitch. A used Helios 300 still holds value because of what's inside it: a discrete GPU, RAM and storage you can usually upgrade yourself, and a chassis built for sustained load rather than looks. Whether yours runs an RTX 3070 or a GTX 1660 Ti, pick the processor and graphics configuration and the condition above for an instant cash offer. See how the process works for details on shipping and payout, or go straight to selling your laptop if you already know what you have.

Confirm you have the Predator Helios 300

The quickest way to confirm your exact configuration is the sticker on the underside of the chassis, near the regulatory markings. It lists the full model number, something like PH315-54 or PH317-56. You can also get close without flipping the laptop over: press Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. The System Summary window lists the System Model field, which usually matches the sticker. For a full walkthrough with photos, the guide to finding your Acer model number covers where else the number turns up if the sticker has worn off.

PH315 series (15.6-inch)

  • PH315-43
  • PH315-51
  • PH315-52
  • PH315-53
  • PH315-54
  • PH315-55

PH317 series (17.3-inch)

  • PH317-51
  • PH317-52
  • PH317-53
  • PH317-55
  • PH317-56

Prefer a visual check? The PH315 is a single 15.6-inch chassis; the PH317 is visibly wider, thicker, and heavier, built around a 17.3-inch panel. Early units (PH315-51/-52) use a smoother, all-black lid with a single red accent stripe, while later units (PH315-54 onward) moved to a more angular red-and-black lid design.

Core hardware configurations

Processor

  • Intel Core i7, 7th through 12th generation, depending on model year
  • AMD Ryzen 7 4000 series on select 2020 configurations
  • Quad-core through octa-core designs across the range

Graphics

  • NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti or GTX 1060 on the earliest units
  • GTX 1660 Ti, RTX 2060, and RTX 2070 on mid-cycle refreshes
  • RTX 3060 and RTX 3070 on the newest configurations
  • The GPU tier moves resale value more than any other spec on this line

Memory

  • Two SODIMM slots on nearly every generation, so RAM is user-upgradable
  • A dual-channel kit performs noticeably better than a single stick

Storage

  • M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, with a second M.2 slot open for expansion on most generations
  • Some earlier units also carry a 2.5-inch bay for a secondary drive

Display & audio

Display

15.6-inch or 17.3-inch FHD (1920x1080) IPS panel, depending on chassis size. Refresh rate climbs across the generations, from 144Hz on early units up to 165Hz or higher on the newest RTX 3000-series configurations.

Audio

Stereo speakers tuned through Acer's audio software rather than a dedicated subwoofer. Fine for solo play and video, thin for anything that needs real bass.

Ports & connectivity

Port selection shifted a little across six years of updates, but the core layout stayed consistent: one video output, several USB-A ports, one USB-C, and a wired network jack.

Left side
  • 3.5mm headphone/mic combo jack
  • USB-A 3.2 ports
Right side
  • HDMI output
  • Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45)
  • USB-C, Thunderbolt on later boards

Discrete NVIDIA GPU RGB keyboard PredatorSense utility Upgradable RAM & storage Wi-Fi wireless High refresh display

Battery, build & more

Battery

Built for wall-outlet gaming rather than all-day use. Expect a few hours of light work away from the charger and considerably less under sustained gaming load.

Build

Aluminum lid over a plastic chassis, finished in Acer's black-and-red Predator styling. The PH317 body runs noticeably heavier and thicker than the PH315, built around airflow rather than portability.

Software

Ships with Windows and Acer's PredatorSense utility for fan curves, keyboard lighting, and performance profiles.

Known issues

Early PH315-51 and PH315-52 units are commonly reported to run hot under sustained load, and hinge wear shows up on higher-mileage units across the line. Neither is disqualifying for trade-in, but both affect the condition grade.

Frequently asked questions

01 How do I find the model number and exact configuration?
Flip the laptop over and check the sticker on the underside, near the regulatory markings. It lists the full model number, such as PH315-53 or PH317-56. If the sticker is worn or missing, press Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. The System Summary window shows the System Model field, which should match. The same tool also lists installed RAM and processor, which helps confirm the configuration if you are not sure which one you have.
02 How do I tell it apart from the Acer Nitro 5?
Check the model number sticker first, since the two lines share a similar chassis and both carry NVIDIA graphics. A Predator will show a PH-prefixed model number (PH315, PH317), while a Nitro 5 shows AN515 or AN517. Visually, the Predator lid carries the Predator logo and a more angular, red-accented design, while the Nitro 5 uses a plainer black lid with a smaller Nitro badge. The Predator line also runs a higher-end GPU tier and a brighter keyboard lighting scheme in most configurations.
03 Can I sell it with damage, a weak battery, or a lock screen I can't clear?
Yes, in most cases. A cracked screen, a battery that no longer holds a charge, or a unit that won't power on still has resale value in parts and components, and the quote adjusts to reflect the condition. What you cannot skip is the account: any Microsoft account tied to the laptop, and BitLocker if it's enabled, needs to be removed or suspended before shipping, otherwise the drive may be unusable to anyone downstream. If the laptop won't boot at all, do your best to remove the account through Windows recovery options, or note the issue when you submit the order.
04 What raises the trade-in value the most?
The GPU tier matters more than anything else on this line. An RTX 3060 or 3070 unit is worth meaningfully more than an early GTX 1050 Ti configuration, all else equal. After that, higher RAM and storage tiers help, since both are common upgrade points on this chassis and buyers know it. A working battery, an undamaged hinge, an intact keyboard with no dead RGB zones, and the original charger all move the condition grade up. Cosmetic wear on the lid matters less than function.
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 the full wipe option, not the quick one. Before that finishes, sign in to your Microsoft account online and remove the device from your account list, and if BitLocker is turned on, suspend or decrypt it so the next owner isn't locked out. Once the reset completes, box up the laptop and its charger. Shipping is free and insured, and payment goes out after testing, by PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, or check. Full steps for wiping other device types are in our data erasure protocols.