Introduction
For gamers looking for a balance between performance and affordability, the Acer Nitro 50 N50-656-UR12 Gaming Desktop delivers just that. Powered by an Intel Core i5-14400F 10-core processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, this gaming desktop is built for smooth, lag-free gameplay. With 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, it provides a solid foundation for gaming, content creation, and everyday computing. In this review, we will break down its features, performance, pros and cons, and answer common questions to help you decide if the Nitro 50 is the right gaming PC for you.
Features
1. Powerful Processor and GPU
The Nitro 50 is equipped with an Intel Core i5-14400F 10-core processor, which can reach up to 4.7GHz with turbo boost. Paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, this desktop can handle modern games like GTA V, Fortnite, and Apex Legends at high settings. While it may not meet the requirements for the most demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2 at max settings, it’s more than capable for most titles, especially at 1080p resolution.
2. 16GB DDR5 RAM & 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
The Nitro 50 comes with 16GB of DDR5 RAM, which is expandable to 32GB if you need more multitasking power. The 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD ensures lightning-fast load times for games and applications, making this desktop suitable for both gaming and productivity. The SSD storage means your data will load quickly, and the system will boot up in seconds .
3. Gaming Performance
When it comes to gaming, the Nitro 50 performs well for its price range. In games like Hitman 3 and F1 22, it achieves respectable frame rates, averaging 82fps on ultra settings at 1440p in Hitman 3. However, the frame rate drops when features like ray tracing are enabled, especially in more graphically demanding titles .
4. Connectivity & Expandability
The Nitro 50 is well-equipped with ports, including a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port, USB 3.2 Gen2 and Gen1 ports, and multiple USB 2.0 ports. The system also features three DisplayPorts and one HDMI 2.1 port, allowing you to connect multiple monitors or external devices. The built-in Intel Wi-Fi 6E ensures a fast and reliable wireless connection for gaming and streaming.
5. DTS:X Ultra Audio
Audio is a key part of the gaming experience, and the Nitro 50 doesn’t disappoint. It features DTS:X Ultra Audio, which provides immersive sound for games, movies, and music. Whether you’re playing a competitive shooter or watching a movie, the audio is crisp and clear, adding to the overall experience .
Pros and Cons
Pros:
• Solid Gaming Performance: With an RTX 3050 and Intel Core i5-14400F, the Nitro 50 offers smooth gameplay for most modern titles at 1080p and 1440p resolutions.
• Fast Storage: The 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD provides fast load times and ample storage for games and applications.
• Expandable Memory: The system comes with 16GB of DDR5 RAM but can be expanded to 32GB for better multitasking and future-proofing.
• Affordable for Gaming: Compared to other pre-built gaming desktops, the Nitro 50 is competitively priced while still offering good specs for casual and semi-serious gamers.
• Wide Array of Ports: Plenty of USB and display options for peripherals and external monitors.
Cons:
• Limited Future Proofing: While it handles current-gen games well, the RTX 3050 may struggle with future AAA titles, especially at higher resolutions and with ray tracing enabled.
• Runs Hot: The Nitro 50 can get quite warm under heavy load, and its small form factor means less room for airflow. Investing in additional cooling solutions might be necessary .
• Pre-installed Bloatware: Acer pre-loads the system with unnecessary software that many users might find annoying. A cleanup post-purchase is recommended to ensure the system runs smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Acer Nitro 50 good for gaming?
Yes, the Nitro 50 is a good choice for gaming at 1080p or 1440p. It can handle popular games like Apex Legends, Minecraft, and GTA V at high settings. For more demanding games, it may require lowering the settings to maintain smooth performance .
2. Can I upgrade the Acer Nitro 50?
Yes, the Nitro 50 is upgradeable. You can expand the RAM from 16GB to 32GB, and it has room for additional storage with two extra bays for 3.5-inch HDDs. However, the small case size limits other upgrades like the GPU .
3. Does the Acer Nitro 50 come with a keyboard and mouse?
Yes, the Nitro 50 includes a USB keyboard and mouse. While they are functional, they are basic in design and may not be suitable for competitive gaming .
4. How does the Acer Nitro 50 compare to other gaming desktops?
In terms of price-to-performance, the Nitro 50 stands out as a budget-friendly option. However, more expensive models like the Asus ROG Strix offer better performance, especially for higher resolutions and future-proofing .
5. Is the Acer Nitro 50 future-proof?
While the Nitro 50 is capable of running current games at high settings, its RTX 3050 may not be able to handle future AAA titles at the same performance level. Expanding the RAM and adding more storage can help extend its usability, but the GPU will be the limiting factor in the long run .
Verdict and Purchase Link
The Acer Nitro 50 N50-656-UR12 is a solid option for gamers looking for a well-rounded desktop that delivers good performance at a reasonable price. It’s not a high-end machine, but it gets the job done for casual gaming, light content creation, and daily computing tasks. On The Inspect Aspect Scale, we give it a 7.5 out of 10.
Ready to upgrade your gaming setup? Click here to buy the Acer Nitro 50 now.