Acer Aspire 715-42G Review: Gaming laptop with cheap discrete graphics card

Nowadays, the demand for gaming is very popular with computer users. However, not everyone can equip themselves with a real gaming machine. Therefore, a balanced computer between gaming and working needs is what many people are looking for. Today, we are going to introduce you to the Acer Aspire 715-42G (8GB RAM version) - a true gaming laptop for less than $ 1000.

If you're looking for a slim, light laptop, the Acer Aspire 715-42G isn't such a product. This eye-catching laptop with a 15.6-inch screen is more suitable for working and playing games at home than for coffee or for people on the go. However, it is not too uncomfortable to carry around.

Configuration information

1. Screen: 15.6-inch 1,920 x 1,080;
2. - CPU: AMD Ryzen 5-5500U (2.1GHz up to 4.0GHz, 8MB);
3. - RAM: 8GB DDR4 2400Mhz (2 slots, upgradeable up to 32GB);
4. - Graphics processor: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR6;
5. Hard drive: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD;
6. - Network connection: 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 4.2;
7. Operating System: Windows 10 Home (64-bit);

Original design and feel

With a metallic gray finish, the Acer Aspire 7 is designed with luxury and luxury in mind. Its 2.1 kg weight makes it not ideal for travel. Including the screen and the body, the overall feel is quite thick. However, if your work requires a lot of movement, the 2.1 kg weight of the Asprire 715-42G is not too much of an issue.

The machine is designed with a two-sided hinge that can be opened up to 180 degrees to help bring a variety of viewing angles and most comfortable when working, playing games or watching movies for users.

Aspire 7 is relatively fully equipped with ports. On the left are two USB 3.2 ports, one of which can be used for charging even during shutdown; one USB-C port, one HDMI port and one network port. 

Right includes: USB 2.0 port, 3.5mm headphone jack and power socket. Along with that, the large heat sink on the side promises good cooling even when using the machine for a long time.

Screen, speakers, keyboard

It owns a 15.6-inch full-HD IPS screen with pleasant colors and contrast, not too glare. The keyboard of the Acer Aspire 7 has a quite soft backlight accompanied by the keys that are quite good and have enough settlement so that you do not feel like you are typing on the table. The left-side trackpad is also a bit soft, but very smooth and responsive.

The machine is equipped with a fairly stable speaker system, almost no buzzing or distortion even when turning on the maximum volume, the reason may be that the power is not too large. Basically the speakers of the Aspire 7 'enough' for general needs.

Webcam and microphone capture and sound is quite good in bright enough conditions and not too noisy. If used for learning or meeting Online, the device is completely responsive.

Performance

The performance of the Aspire 7 is basically the start of a real gaming PC. The Aspire 7 looks like a multipurpose laptop, but happens to have a graphics chip that's powerful enough for heavy games like Fortnite to the latest AAA titles.

Depending on the game, the Aspire 7's graphical rendering can automatically adjust from medium to highest display settings. When trying to run 10 Chrome Tab and Game Fortnite in maximum graphics mode, the machine only loads 55% CPU, 85% RAM and 79% graphics chip. 

The machine's other chip and graphics tests both gave pretty good results. The multi-core performance score according to Geekbench 4 reached 17860 while the single core score reached 4531. 3D graphics test with 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra machine reached 1597 points despite the graphics card is not too terrible. When playing Fornite with high FPS Aspire 715-42G also achieves above fair level of smoothness and can stand on the same tray with the machines in the price range above $ 1000 will of course still be inferior in some cases.

Conclude

Basically despite the price tag just under $ 1000 but what Asus Aspire 715-42G does completely far beyond what we can expect. Not only is the eye-catching appearance, the Aspire 7's configuration has not yet reached 10, but it is completely possible to achieve 8 points. Therefore, Asus Aspire 7 is quite suitable for the needs of learning, working and There is a plus point is that the game is quite good. Not many laptops currently on the market have equivalent features at the same price. 

Lesley Montoya

Update 26 April 2021