Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop [Tinkerer Rig] - $449 + Upgrade Costs - Ryzen 3 3200U + 15.6" IPS FHD

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Jun 5th, 2021 1:33 pm

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Jun 21st, 2020 1:18 am

redflagdealsguy [OP]: Deal Expert; Feb 24, 2018; 26160 posts; 35296 upvotes

Jun 21st, 2020 1:18 am

Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop [Tinkerer Rig] - $449 + Upgrade Costs - Ryzen 3 3200U + 15.6" IPS FHD

This is definitely a unique thread, for better or worse. If you can afford $175 more, other options avail themselves to you, but I've proposed a cost-minimizing value-rig below that some might be interested in.

This machine is faster than most comparably priced refurbs (and new), more powerful than the highest grade N-Series and Celeron Systems being sold with Windows 10. It's screen is also superior than most screens found on aging refurbs. Finally, it's thinner and sleeker than aging used laptops in this price range. Downsides include no USB C, but at this price it's no surprise.

What is a surprise: The upgrade options...
(2x) SODIMM Slots
(1x) WiFI Slot
(1x) NVMe Slot
(1x) SATA Slot

Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop

>> Deal Link <<

Amazon USA: Read Reviews

Amazon USA ReviewMeta Score: 4.2 / 5.0 (See below)

Teardown

Performance

Do I believe this performance is sufficient? Yes, it's plenty for very many work-a-day applications, and crushes the N-Series performance (garbage CPUs).

Proposed Upgrade Path

Upgrade Items
Samsung 8GB DDR4 2666Mhz 260 pin SODIMM
Samsung 8GB DDR4 2666Mhz 260 pin SODIMM
Intel AX200NGW WiFi 6 Card

Total Cost: $525.83 + Tax

==========================

Final Specifications
Ryzen 3 3200U
15.6" FHD IPS Panel
Backlit Keyboard
Numpad [Data Entry Enthusiasts]
12GB DDR4 RAM [Samsung 4G + Samsung 8G]
128GB NVMe SSD
Intel AX200NGW WiFi 6 Card
Thin Profile

Ports
(1x) USB 3.1 Gen 1
(1x) Ethernet
(2x) USB 2.0
(1x) HDMI

Additional Upgrade Options
Empty SATA Slot -- SATA SSD Upgrade
Occupied NVMe Slot -- NVMe SSD Upgrade

>> How to Disable Windows 10 S Mode [Should You? Yes] <<

Anecdotal Work-a-Day Review

God bless, folks.

Last edited by redflagdealsguy on Aug 8th, 2020 7:25 pm, edited 5 times in total.

I aim to be inclusive and considerate of others in my posts. If I fall short of that mark, feel free to let me know in good faith, and where appropriate, I'll edit my posts. Thank you.

Thread Summary

Acer Aspire 5 (A515-43-R19L) review. PCWorld, Sept. 25, 2019
^ Interesting performance charts.

393 replies

Jun 21st, 2020 1:33 am

Pamplemouse: Jr. Member; May 28, 2020; 151 posts; 212 upvotes

Jun 21st, 2020 1:33 am

I'm not a laptop geek but how is this better than Dell Vostro 3490 currently selling for $469
https://www.dell.com/en-ca/work/shop/la ... 490-laptop

+1

Jun 21st, 2020 1:36 am

redflagdealsguy [OP]: Deal Expert; Feb 24, 2018; 26160 posts; 35296 upvotes

Jun 21st, 2020 1:36 am

Pamplemouse wrote: ↑ I'm not a laptop geek but how is this better than Dell Vostro 3490 currently selling for $469
https://www.dell.com/en-ca/work/shop/la ... 490-laptop

PassMark score is 4200. Virtually identical to Acer laptop.

768p Screen = Riots on the RFD streets.

Screen is not IPS.

One SODIMM -- Theoretically upgradeable but you lose the 4GB already there.

You lose the numpad.

If you prefer 14", it may prove an interesting option, but with sacrifices.

The Acer laptop is a best seller on Amazon.com right now, for good reason IMO.

I aim to be inclusive and considerate of others in my posts. If I fall short of that mark, feel free to let me know in good faith, and where appropriate, I'll edit my posts. Thank you.

+17

Jun 21st, 2020 1:50 am

redflagdealsguy [OP]: Deal Expert; Feb 24, 2018; 26160 posts; 35296 upvotes

Jun 21st, 2020 1:50 am

Gaming on a Ryzen 3 3200U

Newer Games

00:01 - CoD: Black Ops 2
01:00 - FIFA 20
02:01 - CS:GO
03:10 - Dota 2
04:36 - Rocket League
06:20 - PUBG Lite
08:36 - Mega Man 11
10:11 - Tomb Raider (2013)
12:43 - Fortnite
14:33 - Resident Evil 2

Older Games

00:00 Mass Effect 2
00:53 Dead Space 2
01:48 Batman Arkham City
02:30 CSGO
03:12 Tomb Raider
04:12 Grand Theft Auto V
05:19 The Witcher 3
06:27 Dirt Rally
07:26 Inside
08:26 Fortnite
09:28 Resident Evil 2
10:35 Beyond Two Souls
11:22 FIFA 2020

I aim to be inclusive and considerate of others in my posts. If I fall short of that mark, feel free to let me know in good faith, and where appropriate, I'll edit my posts. Thank you.

+13

Jun 21st, 2020 2:12 am

CapTenneal: Newbie; Sep 23, 2011; 55 posts; 55 upvotes; SK

Jun 21st, 2020 2:12 am

This is a great option, as I've been looking for something within this price range for a family member who needs a basic, solid computer for a good price. Just out of curiosity, what laptops do you feel are worth jumping the extra $175 for?

Jun 21st, 2020 2:28 am

redflagdealsguy [OP]: Deal Expert; Feb 24, 2018; 26160 posts; 35296 upvotes

Jun 21st, 2020 2:28 am

CapTenneal wrote: ↑ This is a great option, as I've been looking for something within this price range for a family member who needs a basic, solid computer for a good price. Just out of curiosity, what laptops do you feel are worth jumping the extra $175 for?

Staples Lenovo 4500U 15.6" Laptop @ $699

It's likely going to become one of two primary laptops for me.

However, at $699, there are some deal-killers for people other than myself:
- Screen is TN and while good-looking, the cheaper Acer laptop probably has a better screen
- The Monster CPU demonstrates diminishing returns in day-to-day tasks against the stately Ryzen 3 3200U

On a technical point I struggle to understand, the Lenovo has 4GB Soldered 3200Mhz RAM which limits dual channel operations to a 4GB 3200Mhz SODIMM, any larger SODIMM would perform in single channel after the first 8GB were exhausted. Not a deal killer for most people, just not as flexible as the Acer. Dual channel performance in RAM generally means better system performance, especially for integrated GPUs sharing RAM.

There are other options in the $699 price range, I'm thinking clearance sales, but their value proposition is usually compromised in some way... speaking as someone who's looked.

I do believe there's good reason why this Acer is an Amazon.com USA Best Seller right now.

Last edited by redflagdealsguy on Jun 21st, 2020 2:29 am, edited 1 time in total.

I aim to be inclusive and considerate of others in my posts. If I fall short of that mark, feel free to let me know in good faith, and where appropriate, I'll edit my posts. Thank you.

+7

Jun 21st, 2020 2:29 am

Guest13384726: Deal Addict; Sep 9, 2010; 4863 posts; 3537 upvotes; Burnaby

Jun 21st, 2020 2:29 am

A 2C/4T AMD CPU laptop in 3Q2020? Regardless of iGPU. And from a previous generation. Hmmm.

I thought the state-of-the-art was 6C/12T or 8C/16T for laptops with AMD CPUs. Intel's entry level CPU for laptops (as chosen by manufacturers) is currently at least 4C/4T | 4C/8T.

Incompetent workers (and criminals) cover each other's "lower back"
Keywords: doxxers, moles, security breaches, cs*s,

+1

Jun 21st, 2020 2:38 am

redflagdealsguy [OP]: Deal Expert; Feb 24, 2018; 26160 posts; 35296 upvotes

Jun 21st, 2020 2:38 am

aviador wrote: ↑ A 2C/4T AMD CPU laptop in 3Q2020? Regardless of iGPU. And from a previous generation. Hmmm.

We're in strange times right now. My standard channels for RFDGuy special hookup deals are drying up. Work-at-home employees and CERBers seem to be siphoning inventory, combined with niggling supply chain issues.

I thought the state-of-the-art was 6C/12T or 8C/12T for laptops with AMD CPUs. Intel's entry level CPU for laptops (as chosen by manufacturers) is currently at least 4C/4T | 4C/8T.

The Ryzen 4800H is 8C / 16T on a laptop, state of the art specs for state of the art pricing.

Back in humble territory, check out the most recent Intel Pentium release Q1-2020.

Very unimpressive for a 2020, especially when pairing with the standard 4GB RAM / 64GB eMMC combination in the $399 / $499 laptops you're finding on Amazon. That and the Canadian units are still shipping with the more limited Intel N5000, seen below.

Final point on the N-Series laptops, they're almost all paired with soldered RAM and embedded eMMC, nullifying RAM and Storage upgrade options.

I aim to be inclusive and considerate of others in my posts. If I fall short of that mark, feel free to let me know in good faith, and where appropriate, I'll edit my posts. Thank you.

+6

Jun 21st, 2020 2:52 am

redflagdealsguy [OP]: Deal Expert; Feb 24, 2018; 26160 posts; 35296 upvotes

Jun 21st, 2020 2:52 am

This seems to be identical to the Amazon USA model... thankfully.

Therefore, as confirmed by the pictures, it appears to have a US English Keyboard.

========

Competing solution from @isrdum:
https://www.staples.ca/products/2975985 ... ws-10-home

redflagdealsguy wrote: ↑ The screen appears to be inferior, but I'll check it out in person. The above screen may be TN.

https://www.acer.com/ac/en/CA/content/m ... .HH8AA.001

Seems to confirm, no mention of an IPS panel. Deal killer for many.

Also, $499 is about the price of the OP Acer with the 12GB upgraded RAM.

I favor the OP Acer. Part of the problem with prior Ryzen 3200U has been the screen, that's not a problem here with the Amazon deal. Storage is trivial to upgrade as adding another 128GB to make it 256GB can be done through a $25 SATA SSD.

Thanks for your patience gents.

Last edited by redflagdealsguy on Jun 21st, 2020 2:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I aim to be inclusive and considerate of others in my posts. If I fall short of that mark, feel free to let me know in good faith, and where appropriate, I'll edit my posts. Thank you.

+6

Jun 21st, 2020 5:24 am

MafiaHitman: Deal Addict; Jul 29, 2001; 2008 posts; 664 upvotes; Calgary

Jun 21st, 2020 5:24 am

redflagdealsguy wrote: ↑ Gaming on a Ryzen 3 3200U

Thoughts on how this would run Destiny 2 on steam?

Jun 21st, 2020 6:29 am

vivibaby: Banned; May 15, 2016; 7020 posts; 2490 upvotes

Jun 21st, 2020 6:29 am

Too much work imo to make it workable and not cheap enough to make it a deal.

+1

Jun 21st, 2020 6:57 am

prvt10: Sr. Member; Feb 11, 2007; 922 posts; 623 upvotes; Toronto

Jun 21st, 2020 6:57 am

MafiaHitman wrote: ↑ Thoughts on how this would run Destiny 2 on steam?

About 50 fps on medium settings

Jun 21st, 2020 7:16 am

tkddad: Deal Addict; Aug 24, 2005; 1891 posts; 981 upvotes

Jun 21st, 2020 7:16 am

If anyone is wondering about battery life like I was, it's 49 wh resulting in about 6-7 hours according to this.

https://www.pcworld.com/article/3436964 ... tml?page=2

+4

Jun 21st, 2020 7:39 am

isrdum: Deal Addict; Mar 25, 2011; 4390 posts; 11206 upvotes; Quebec

Jun 21st, 2020 7:39 am

And this one for 500$????
https://www.staples.ca/products/2975985 ... 1249831041

Ryzen 3 3200U
256 GB SSD
8 GB DDR4
1920 x 1080
AMD Radeon Vega 3

In my opinion, every intervention in RFD deserve a "thanks". Thanks given until now: more than 100,000

Giving "Likes" gives cancer.... Don't do it!!!!

+4

Jun 21st, 2020 7:49 am

DaSnipe: Deal Addict; Dec 8, 2008; 1279 posts; 354 upvotes; Montreal, QC

Jun 21st, 2020 7:49 am

isrdum wrote: ↑ And this one for 500$????
https://www.staples.ca/products/2975985 ... 1249831041

Ryzen 3 3200U
256 GB SSD
8 GB DDR4
1920 x 1080
AMD Radeon Vega 3

I bought this for the secretary at work, I’ll test it out briefly but the specs were better than anything I’ve seen under 500$ new for a while

+2

Jun 21st, 2020 8:04 am

kit25: Deal Addict; Oct 17, 2007; 1090 posts; 156 upvotes; Toronto

Jun 21st, 2020 8:04 am

redflagdealsguy wrote: ↑ This is definitely a unique thread, for better or worse. If you can afford $175 more, other options avail themselves to you, but I've proposed a cost-minimizing value-rig below that some might be interested in.

This machine is faster than most comparably priced refurbs (and new), more powerful than the highest grade N-Series and Celeron Systems being sold with Windows 10. It's screen is also superior than most screens found on aging refurbs. Finally, it's thinner and sleeker than aging used laptops in this price range. Downsides include no USB C, but at this price it's no surprise.

What is a surprise: The upgrade options...
(2x) SODIMM Slots
(1x) WiFI Slot
(1x) NVMe Slot
(1x) SATA Slot

Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop

>> Deal Link <<

Amazon USA: Read Reviews

Amazon USA ReviewMeta Score: 4.2 / 5.0 (See below)

Teardown

Performance

Do I believe this performance is sufficient? Yes, it's plenty for very many work-a-day applications, and crushes the N-Series performance (garbage CPUs).

Proposed Upgrade Path

Upgrade Items
Samsung 8GB DDR4 2666Mhz 260 pin SODIMM
Intel AX200NGW WiFi 6 Card

Total Cost: $525.83 + Tax

==========================

Final Specifications
Ryzen 3 3200U
15.6" FHD IPS Panel
Backlit Keyboard
Numpad [Data Entry Enthusiasts]
12GB DDR4 RAM [Samsung 4G + Samsung 8G]
128GB NVMe SSD
Intel AX200NGW WiFi 6 Card
Thin Profile

Ports
(1x) USB 3.1 Gen 1
(1x) Ethernet
(2x) USB 2.0
(1x) HDMI

Additional Upgrade Options
Empty SATA Slot -- SATA SSD Upgrade
Occupied NVMe Slot -- NVMe SSD Upgrade

>> How to Disable Windows 10 S Mode [Should You? Yes] <<

Anecdotal Work-a-Day Review

God bless, folks.

Thanks for all the details!

do you have any recommendations for storage upgrade?? 512gb to 1tb.

+1

Jun 21st, 2020 8:04 am

hyperactiveme: Deal Addict; Feb 1, 2008; 4907 posts; 1679 upvotes; Niagara Falls, ON

Jun 21st, 2020 8:04 am

Bought this for my wife last year (Amazon.com) for her birthday so she can craft quicker

. It's been on 24/7 without issue. I did the upgrades.

Images

+2

Jun 21st, 2020 8:32 am

amkorp: Deal Addict; Sep 29, 2008; 1367 posts; 1492 upvotes; Toronto - Markham/Sc…

Jun 21st, 2020 8:32 am

hyperactiveme wrote: ↑ Bought this for my wife last year (Amazon.com) for her birthday so she can craft quicker . It's been on 24/7 without issue. I did the upgrades.

Now that's how much this model should be worth!

When last year did you get it?

+1

Jun 21st, 2020 8:38 am

Samwfive: Deal Addict; Nov 21, 2007; 3370 posts; 1320 upvotes; Scarborough

Jun 21st, 2020 8:38 am

aviador wrote: ↑A 2C/4T AMD CPU laptop in 3Q2020? Regardless of iGPU. And from a previous generation. Hmmm.

I thought the state-of-the-art was 6C/12T or 8tC/16T for laptops with AMD CPUs. Intel's entry level CPU for laptops (as chosen by manufacturers) is currently at least 4C/4T | 4C/8T.

What are you hmmming about? Did a ctrl-F and nowhere did OP claim this $450 laptop as a state-of-the-art and no one should think so.

isrdum wrote: ↑ And this one for 500$????
https://www.staples.ca/products/2975985 ... 1249831041

Ryzen 3 3200U
256 GB SSD
8 GB DDR4
1920 x 1080
AMD Radeon Vega 3

Looks better still, full cut-n-paste:

15.6-inch LCD display*** with 1920 x 1080 screen resolution
2.6 GHz AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor (1 MB cache)
8 GB DDR4 RAM system memory
256 GB Solid State Drive storage
Windows 10 in S mode operating system pre-installed
AMD Radeon Vega 3 graphics
WiFi, Bluetooth connectivity
Ports: 1 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, HDMI, Headphone/Microphone-combo, RJ-45
2-Cell Lithium-ion 36 Whr battery with Up to 7 Hours runtime
Dimensions: 14.3"H x 9.74"W x 0.79"D, 4.19 lbs

~~ONE unknown....keyboard.~~
Keyboard Language English!

*** ComfyView <<< TN panel(?)

Last edited by Samwfive on Jun 21st, 2020 10:02 am, edited 1 time in total.

+6

Jun 21st, 2020 8:46 am

mangoman: Deal Addict; Aug 31, 2006; 4052 posts; 1985 upvotes

Jun 21st, 2020 8:46 am

SImilar specs but the Aspire 3 model (TN panel) is also $499 at Shoppers (Same as the Staples one), if you want to use your points instead ($564 after taxes in ON but you can use 200,000 pts and get a 100,000 pt top up, then you can pay the difference however you want and you have to pay the taxes yourself.

Last edited by mangoman on Jun 21st, 2020 9:57 am, edited 1 time in total.

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