The most recent Core Ultra CPUs from Intel differ from the company’s earlier series in a few areas. A few significant architectural modifications have been made, such as the integrated NPU, which will be more crucial in the AI era.
Predator Helios Neo 14 and Acer Nitro 16 are the two new gaming laptops that Acer unveiled. With the newest Intel Core Ultra processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series Laptop GPUs, the Predator Helios Neo 14 is likely the best gaming laptop available right now. With a WQXGA display, 165Hz refresh rate, and 100% sRGB color gamut support, it has a small form factor. Thermal protection is another area where you’re covered by features like a dual-fan setup and liquid metal on the CPU.
In contrast, the Acer Nitro 16 is outfitted with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series Laptop GPUs and Intel Core i7 14th generation processors. The HX-series Intel 14th gen chips, which are essentially the laptop versions of the chips found in desktop computers, are what Acer is aiming for here, whereas the Neo 14 has the more recent Intel Core Ultra chips. Other than having a 16-inch WQXGA display, a 165Hz refresh rate, and 100% sRGB color spectrum compatibility, it resembles its Core Ultra cousin in most respects. Performance modes and keyboard illumination effects are customizable to suit your tastes.
AI-related features like Windows Copilot and AI-powered conference options are available on both laptops. Even though the Neo 14 includes an NPU, it doesn’t seem like you can do much with it yet, thus choosing the Core i7-powered machine won’t really cost you anything more. But that doesn’t mean it won’t matter in the future, so you might as well purchase a laptop with an NPU today. In North America, the Predator Helios Neo 14 retails for $1,799.99, while the Acer Nitro 16 is available starting in May for $1,399.99.
Source: Acer
