Basically, nothing really seems to surprise us about this ultimately very classic device from Acer. Logically, there is no question of the integration of the 13th generation of Intel processors and the rest of the equipment is simply standard.
However, as we announced in the preamble, the release of the N50-640 is of particular interest to any computer hardware enthusiast: it is the first time that Intel’s Arc A380 graphics card is available in France. Of course, it’s not a great gamer card, but one wonders if the solution can compete with entry-level models from AMD or NVIDIA.
Acer Nitro N50-640 (Intel Arc A380) data sheet
| Model | Acer Nitro N50-640 (Intel Arc A380) |
|---|---|
| touch screen | Unknown |
| Processor (CPU) | Core i5-12400F |
| Graphics chip (GPU) | Intel Arc A380 |
| Random Access Memory (RAM) | 16 gigabytes |
| Internal memory | 512GB |
| Wi-Fi standard | WiFi 6E |
| operating system (OS) | Microsoft Windows 11 |
| Dimensions | 386 x 175mm |
| Weight | 7500 grams |
| Price | €699 |
product sheet |
The test was conducted using a rental product from the brand.
Acer Nitro N50-640 (Intel Arc A380) A somewhat “aggressive” mid-tower
At Acer, we have several lines of desktop computers depending on what you’re trying to achieve. We go from ConceptD design computers to the Aspire C or the Aspire XC and of course the Nitro to the very powerful Predator. The latter are not as imposing as the Predator, but it would be misleading to speak of compact cases. With our N50-640 we are dealing with a tower that is almost 40 centimeters high (39.2 cm) with a “floor” area of 17.5 cm wide and 38.6 cm deep.
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
You’ll agree, unless the machine is a monster, it’s not necessarily going to be very convenient to put on your desk. Another element to consider: the weight of the animal. It actually weighs 7.5 kilograms. Again, nothing prohibitive, but we’re staying very far from miniature PCs as it’s becoming more fashionable at the entry-level. For example, consider that the Mac Mini weighs less than 3 kg with a square frame measuring exactly 19.7 x 19.7 cm and a height of only 9.5 cm.
At first glance, the Nitro N50-640 is difficult to identify as more than one slot machine. The all-black dress is actually upgraded with some bright red LED inserts and the whole thing features relatively aggressive, rather angular shapes. We also wonder why many manufacturers are adopting this aggressive look when targeting the gamer market. Useful detail about these LEDs: it doesn’t seem possible to change their color or program an animation for them, but they can be cut.
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
However, it’s difficult to criticize Acer on one point that might be important: component accessibility. The PC is opened by removing two screws and sliding the left side panel. Then we discover a very spacious interior, in which you can quickly find your way around, even as a beginner, thanks to the small number of components. This should make it possible to increase the RAM if necessary, add a second SSD or replace the processor, we will come back to that later.
Last note, which may seem anecdotal but will interest more than one: The Nitro N50-640’s chassis includes an inductive charging station. Convenient for charging your smartphone battery without connecting cables.
An unbalanced connection
Given the volume of the tower, we expected relatively extensive connectivity. Unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that Acer hasn’t spoiled us on this particular point. The most striking example is therefore the small number of front connections. The manufacturer might not want to “stain” their machine’s design, but ending 2022-23 with a single USB-A port is pretty ridiculous. Next to this USB-A port, fortunately according to the USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard, there is a USB-C USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, two audio jacks (headphones, microphone) and … done !
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
Logically, the back panel is more provided, but there’s nothing to shout about ingenious about it. Since Acer has opted for a Core i5-12400F processor – i.e. without a graphics solution – it is logical that the computer’s I/O shield does not contain a video port. The lack of WLAN antennas is also not a problem: they are integrated into the housing. Only one network port is in the menu and it is gigabit ethernet only. Three 3.5mm jacks take care of audio, while USB is represented by two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports and four USB 2.0 ports.
That’s right, there’s no question of a USB-C port for a connection that seems frozen in time. The video connections are in turn relocated to the graphics card, which offers two DisplayPorts in the 1.4 standard and one HDMI in 2.0. Nothing but very classic. There you have it, apart from the inevitable power connection, we’ve got it covered.
Few accessories available
When some Acer devices come with accessories, this is not always the case. With the Nitro series, you have to settle for a keyboard and a mouse, so it makes it possible to have a working machine… down to the screen.
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
There is not much to report on the part of these two accessories. These are peripherals that couldn’t be more standard and also swear a bit with the gaming side of the rest of the machine. The keyboard, although a model with ultra-flat keys, is pleasant, but in no way comparable to mechanical switches found on gaming models. The same applies to the mouse, which belongs more to an office PC.
Acer Nitro N50-640 (Intel Arc A380) Windows 11 and lots of bloatware
Nothing but very ordinary can be said for the software aspect of the Nitro N50-640. Acer has logically switched to Windows 11 for its home version. As always, the operating system isn’t quite up to date when we get the beast, but nothing that a quick trip to Windows Update wouldn’t fix in the blink of an eye. However, it should be noted that Acer is particularly frugal when it comes to “additional” software.
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
Of course, as with any Windows, tons of different software and applications are pre-installed, but they are not at all functional: this is the case when accessing the Disney+ or Netflix platforms. The Microsoft Office application is the 2021 version, which is offered in a so-called evaluation version: Understand that you can use it for 30 days without restrictions, but then you have to open your wallet.
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
You have to be content with two tools for the “Acer” part. We have Nitro Sense which takes care of hardware monitoring: CPU usage, CPU/GPU temperature and fan speed. The Acer Care Center is a bit more advanced, but nothing extraordinary either. The aim is to bring together important system information, an update tool and various verification modules in a truthful, clear and well thought-out interface.
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
Acer Nitro N50-640 (Intel Arc A380)Very decent entry-level model
No need to beat around the bush, it’s clearly on this part that we expected the Nitro N5-640 to turn. The aim of our test is to see how the Intel Arc A380 graphics card behaves, while the American manufacturer does not seem interested in distributing its first generation GPUs on a large scale.
It is therefore quite logical that we started the performance evaluation with two tools that are more inclined to drive the graphics card. First, it’s the inevitable 3DMark that we launched and for which we kept the three main scenes – TimeSpy, TimeSpy Extreme and Port Royal – knowing it wasn’t always going to be easy for the A380.
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
On TimeSpy, it recognizes us somewhat surprised. With otherwise the same equipment, the Intel A380 performs better than the GeForce GTX 1650. The difference is relatively small (almost 200 points), but undisputed. In TimeSpy Extreme, the hierarchy is the same, but the gap widens a bit and the GTX 1650 lags behind by almost 300 points.
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
We’re launching Port Royal more for principle, insofar as the A380 isn’t designed for ray tracing, in the spotlight with this scene. The thing is impractical on such a map and we stay well below 1,000 points. Keep in mind that the GTX 1650 is no longer intended for this use.
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
In order not to multiply the tests, we present only one game to confirm the performances obtained on 3DMark. This is Shadow of the Tomb Raider, confirming our hierarchy. With 89 frames per second in 1080p, the level of detail at maximum, the Arc A380 is characterized by a quite correct performance, which even lets it come close to the GeForce RTX 3050.
Through these few tests, Intel’s Arc A380 is not a revolution for video game enthusiasts. On the other hand, it has to be recognized that it works well for anyone who doesn’t want to go beyond 1080p and knows how to limit themselves on the graphics options page. Not a toy for techies, but adequate for casual gamers.
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
Regarding the more general performance of the device, we started our tests with PCMark, which has good taste in simulating multiple uses with its web browsing, office automation and video editing modules. The performances of the Nitro N50-640 are more than respectable, taking advantage of the 16 GB of RAM integrated by Acer.
We end these few measurements with a quick assessment of the disk subsystem’s performance. Keep in mind that Acer uses a 512 GB Western Digital SN530 SSD here. Limited to PCIe 1.3 it won’t beat CrystalDiskMark records, but at 2.4 GB/s sequential read and 1.8 GB/s sequential write it ticks all the boxes.
Acer Nitro N50-640 (Intel Arc A380) consumption and heating measured
We measured the consumption of the Nitro N50-640 with a power meter. Of course, the only Intel Core i5-12400F processor is already known, but for us it is important to see what the Intel Arc A380 card needs.
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
On the Windows 11 desktop with only a few software programs running in the background, the entire machine is measured at 60 watts. On the other hand, consumption unsurprisingly increases to 145 watts when the CPU is heavily loaded, for example in the 3DMark CPU test. However, it should be noted that the consumption is lower, around 125 watts, when running the same 3DMark – this time on the TimeSpy test. Proof that the Arc A380 isn’t all that energy intensive.
Given the (relatively) compactness of the PC, we also wanted to check the heating observed when using the device. The Intel GPU is also very “quiet” under full load: In the worst case, it only climbs to 61°C. The same cannot be said of the CPU: the Core i5-12400F rose to 87°C.
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
Problem, this level of temperature is reached while the ventilation begins to hear in earnest. In the long term, we have little fear for the operation of the machine. On the other hand, replacing the CPU with buying a more robust one requires checking the cooling system and incurs additional costs.
Source: Nerces – Frandroid
Acer Nitro N50-640 (Intel Arc A380) pricing and availability
The version we tested with an Intel Core i5-12400F processor, 16 GB DDR4, 512 GB SSD and the Intel Arc A380 graphics card is said to have an official price of 999 euros, if we look closely, Acer believes.
Where to buy
Acer Nitro N50-640 (Intel Arc A380) at the best price?
The availability should take effect very soon, knowing that the Boulanger retailer seemed to have a kind of exclusivity with a price of 699 euros. Needless to say, the machine is much more interesting at this price than at the base price.