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Acer gaming desktops run from stealthy Predator to compact Nitro

The company's new gaming gear for summer includes two more options in the mesmerizing Orion line, a flagship that's got a name and a CPU, and more.

Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Lori Grunin
Acer Predator Orion 9000
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Acer Predator Orion series

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

Acer Predator Orion 9000
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Acer Predator Orion 3000

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

Acer Predator Orion 9000
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Acer Predator Orion 9000

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

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Predator X

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.

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Acer Nitro 50

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

Acer Predator Orion 5000
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Acer Predator Orion 5000

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

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Acer Predator Orion 5000 models

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

Acer Predator Orion 5000
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Transparent panel

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).

Acer Predator Orion 5000
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Inside the Predator Orion 5000

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

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Acer Predator Orion 5000 fans

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

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Acer Predator Orion 5000 top connections

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

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Acer Predator Orion 5000 illuminated fans redux

Acer Predator Orion 3000
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Acer Predator Orion 3000

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

Acer Predator Orion 3000
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Acer Predator Orion 3000

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.

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Acer Predator Orion 3000 power

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.

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Nitro 50 design

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.

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Nitro 50 back

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

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Acer Nitro 50 connections

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

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Qi

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

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Acer Predator Cestus 510

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.

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Acer Predator Cestus 510

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

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Acer Predator Cestus 510 white and gold

I like the setting indicator LEDs on the mouse.

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Nitro VGO

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.

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Nitro VGO

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

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Nitro VGO hub

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

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Nitro RGO

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.

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Nitro VGO

Skinny bezels.

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Nitro RGO

Also skinny bezels.

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Nitro RGO stand

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

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Acer Predator Orion 5000

Acer Predator Orion 5000
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Acer Predator Orion 5000

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