Acer gaming desktops run from stealthy Predator to compact Nitro

The Predator Orion 9000 desktop has spawned a series, with a midsize (the Orion 5000) and a compact (Orion 3000).

The 3000 is the smallest, and looks tiny compared with the original 9000.

Acer didn't announce any updates to the Orion 9000, just had it present to preside over its cubs.

This is all we saw of the new high-end gaming desktop, plus the comment that it will incorporate dual Intel Xeon processors; it's intended for the crossover gamer/content creator that seems to be a lucrative market.

Like other major desktop manufacturers, Acer is jazzing up its gaming desktops targeted at more "casual" gamers. 

The 5000, like the 3000, has accent lights at the top rather than on the sides of the vents.

The 5000 comes in two versions: one with two-way graphics support and one without.

The Orion 5000 has a transparent side panel, but doesn't seem to have a handle like the 9000 does. There is an easy-release latch, though (that blue latch).

The graphics options for the non-SLI version are Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060, 1070 or 1080; the SLI version goes up to 1080 Ti.

The 5000 has illuminated fans that show through the vent grilles like the 9000.

On top, there's a single USB-C, three USB Type-A, a mic and a headphone jack.

The smallest of the line. I kind of wish it had a handle.

The 3000's connections are are the front rather than the top, and there aren't that many -- a single USB Type-A, USB-C, plus mic and headphone.

The power button is the same, but the top bump seems to be merely for design consistency with the others -- it doesn't have any ports on it.

Unusual for one of these entry-level gaming systems, the Nitro 50 has a more upscale grill/vent through which you can see the innards.

It has six USB Type-A connections on the back, plus Ethernet and basic audio-out.

iI has a few ports in the front -- USB-C, USB Type-A, mic and headphones -- as well as an SD card slot.

Another novelty for its class, the top has a Qi wireless charging pad for your phone.

The newest gaming mouse in the Predator family has swappable top and right panels, optional weights up to 10 grams and 16,000 dpi resolution at up to 400 inches per second.

It also comes in white and gold to match the Special Edition of the Predator Helios 300 laptop.

I like the setting indicator LEDs on the mouse.

Joining the desktop, Acer released some new inexpensive (presumably) gaming monitors for the Nitro line. The VGO comes in 22-, 24- and 27-inch models, in HD, QHD or 4K and up to 144Hz for the lower resolutions.

It may not light up, but it's certainly stylized in the back.

Some of the models have four-port USB 3 hubs.

An even lower-end model, the RGO, can handle up to 1080/75Hz, but otherwise it's a pretty typical cheap monitor, with a 6-bit + FRC panel.

Skinny bezels.

Also skinny bezels.

I do like the mechanistic-looking profile of the display and stand.