A Comprehensive Guide to Finding a Laptop with 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD, and 2GB Graphics Card for i5 or i7 Processor

When it comes to selecting a mid-range laptop that is versatile for day-to-day tasks, gaming, and productivity, finding components that match specific requirements can be challenging. To help you decide, this article outlines a laptop that matches the specifications you are seeking: 8GB RAM, 1TB hard disk, and a 2GB graphics card with an i5 or i7 processor. We will explore the performance, features, and benefits of this model, specifically the Acer Aspire 5.

specs and Performance Overview

The Acer Aspire 5 is a popular choice among users who require a balance of performance and affordability. Equipped with an i5 8250U 4 core 8 threads 1.6GHz base 3.4GHz boost all cores 4GB DDR4 2400MHz RAM, 1TB 5400RPM HDD, and Nvidia GeForce MX150 2GB DDR5, the Acer Aspire 5 offers a robust combination of components for day-to-day use and some gaming activities.

Day-to-Day Usage

For tasks such as document editing with MS Office, web browsing, streaming videos, and general internet use, the Acer Aspire 5 delivers a seamless experience. The 4GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB HDD provide ample space for documents, multimedia files, and applications.

Entry-Level Gaming

The laptop's performance is particularly noteworthy in entry-level gaming scenarios. With the NVIDIA GeForce MX150 2GB DDR5 graphics card, you can run popular games at respectable frame rates. For instance, games like Battlefield 1, Far Cry 5, Need for Speed 2016, The Witcher 3, The Division, and even modern games can be played at mid-high details at 720p resolution.

Performance with Powerful Gaming

While the system is capable of running older games at higher frame rates (60 fps) at 720p, more recent games may require lower settings. For example, games like Hitman Absolution, Hitman Series, Skyrim, Need for Speed Most Wanted, Splinter Cell Blacklist, and Metro 2033 can be played at high settings at 720p. However, some of the latest titles demanding more power may need to be played at medium or low settings to maintain a good experience.

Preferred Gaming Experience: PUBG Mobile

A notable game that performs well on this laptop is PUBG Mobile. Running PUBG Mobile with the highest settings at 1366x768 resolution can achieve smooth frame rates (50-60 fps). This makes it a great choice for mobile players who prefer high settings without sacrificing performance significantly.

CPU Performance

The Intel i5 8250U processor is quite capable and runs efficiently, especially at around 3.4GHz on all cores when under light load or lower temperatures. If the temperature exceeds 60-65°C, the clockspeed drops to 1.6GHz on all cores. Users can manage this by reducing the CPU power state through system settings or third-party software.

Storage and Speed Improvement

One of the best features of this laptop is its M.2 SSD slot, which can enhance overall performance. Initially, an Adata XPG SX6000 256GB NVMe M.2 SSD was installed. While the laptop is well-ventilated, the M.2 SSD tends to heat up to 65-70°C when used over a surface. For a more comfortable use, a cheaper and cooler WD Green 120GB MSATA SSD was swapped, which operates at 45-50°C.

Graphics Management

The laptop utilizes both the MX150 GPU and the integrated UHD 620 GPU, with automatic switching between the dedicated and integrated graphics as needed. The UHD 620 handles most tasks, while the MX150 is primarily used for gaming. This dual-GPU setup ensures optimal performance for both demanding and light tasks.

Battery Life and Efficiency

For users who require extended battery life, the Acer Aspire 5 offers decent performance on battery. The CPU can be underclocked to 40% of its maximum power state to save power while still maintaining usability.

Alternatives and Further Upgrades

For those looking for an even higher level of performance, an alternative model is available with 8GB RAM, a 2TB HDD, and a full HD screen. This model also includes an additional slot for upgrading the RAM to up to 20GB in total (16GB DIMM).

Though the original model with 4GB integrated RAM is sufficient for most tasks, upgrading to 8GB RAM (as done in this review) provides a noticeable improvement in performance, especially for tasks like opening multiple browsers or managing high-load applications.

Conclusion

The Acer Aspire 5 with its 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD, and 2GB graphics card is a robust choice for users looking for a balance of performance and affordability. Its capability to handle both day-to-day tasks and some entry-level gaming makes it a versatile option for a wide range of users. With the right upgrades, it can be further optimized for enhanced performance and usability.