Over the past few years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a major focus for both Intel and AMD. While Intel has been garnering attention for its AI features in its new Core Ultra CPUs, it’s important not to overlook the strides AMD has made in this field as well. In fact, since mid-2023, AMD has been equipping many of its Ryzen processors with neural processing units (NPUs), and it has continued to expand its AI offerings ever since.
One notable example of AMD’s AI capabilities is found in Acer’s latest Nitro 17 gaming laptop, specifically the AN17-42-R9TH model. This laptop is built around an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor, which is one of the top offerings in AMD’s product line. While AI on the desktop often bypasses the CPU in favor of a dedicated graphics processor, the Nitro 17 features the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics processor, which provides a significant boost not only to gaming performance, but also AI image generation.
In terms of specifications, Acer hasn’t pushed the limits with the Nitro 17. It comes with 16 GB of RAM and a 1-terabyte solid-state drive, which are more or less entry-level options in today’s market. However, it’s important to note that the true power of this laptop lies not only in its hardware specs, but also in its design and external features.
Externally, the Nitro 17 is a true beast. It boasts a large 17.3-inch screen with a resolution limited to 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. The laptop has a thickness of 34 millimeters, making it one of the thickest laptops on the market. Furthermore, it weighs over 6.3 pounds, making it the heaviest laptop since 2018. Adding to the weight is the power brick, which weighs an additional pound.
Now, let’s dive into the design of the laptop. The Nitro 17 has a design that can be described as bold and angular. It features sharp, angled corners and a screen that is spaced away from the back of the laptop by about a centimeter. The screen is propped up on a small riser that gives it a separate device-like appearance. This design is largely unchanged from the 2023 model, with only a few minor graphical updates.
The keyboard on the Nitro 17 is highly responsive, and it rests in a beveled tray. The keyboard is color-backlit with four tunable zones and various lighting modes that allow colors to roll across the keys in different patterns. It also includes a numeric keypad and full-size arrow keys, as well as custom keys like a Copilot button and a Nitro key. The Nitro key launches Acer’s NitroSense software, which provides comprehensive control over various aspects of the laptop’s performance. Above the keyboard is a stand-alone button that cycles through four power modes, ranging from Quiet to Turbo.
In terms of connectivity, the Nitro 17 has a generous array of ports. It features two USB-C ports (one USB 3.2 and one USB 4), an HDMI jack, a microSD card slot, a full-size Ethernet adapter, and three USB-A ports (one USB 3.2 and one USB 2.0). While the inclusion of a USB 2.0 port may seem outdated, the abundance of other connectivity options makes up for it. The laptop also features various vents and grilles around the edges for the dual exhaust fans. Though these fans can become a bit noisy when the machine is under moderate load, they are quieter than many other laptops on the market. The speakers on the Nitro 17 are decent, providing satisfactory sound quality for casual entertainment and gaming purposes.
In conclusion, while much of the focus in the AI world has been on Intel and its Core Ultra CPUs, it’s important not to overlook AMD’s contributions to this field. AMD has been integrating NPUs into its Ryzen processors since mid-2023, and its AI offerings continue to expand. Acer’s Nitro 17 gaming laptop, powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor, showcases AMD’s AI capabilities. Combined with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics processor, the laptop provides a significant boost not only to gaming performance but also to AI applications like image generation. With its bold design, solid specifications, and ample connectivity options, the Nitro 17 is a compelling option for gamers and AI enthusiasts alike.
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