My gaming PC, an Acer Predator Helios 300, doesn’t seem to be performing as well as expected.
My gaming PC, an Acer Predator Helios 300, doesn’t seem to be performing as well as expected.
Greetings, I own a Predator Helios 300 G3-572 with the following specifications:
Intel Core i7-7700 HQ (2.80 GHz base, 3.40 GHz boost)
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 with 6GB of VRAM and Intel® HD Graphics 630
500 GB SSD and a 1 TB HDD
The SSD houses my operating system, several games, and essential daily applications; the HDD stores the remaining files.
I have 16 GB of RAM.
Consequently, my computer is quite capable for gaming, particularly when graphics settings aren't maximized. However, even at low quality settings, I still achieve reasonable frame rates – for instance, in League of Legends at medium settings, I consistently maintain 100 fps, peaking at 160 with minimal activity, and rarely dropping below 80 during intense moments. While sufficient for gameplay, I believe my system should deliver higher performance for this particular game.
For Rainbow Six Siege, with most settings set to low or very low, I typically obtain 70 fps, though occasional stutters and a lack of fluidity can occur. My initial suspicions involve the division between my SSD and HDD storage configuration, potentially suboptimal Nvidia settings, and the possibility that my integrated Intel graphics card is limiting my frame rate performance. It’s also conceivable that my hardware simply isn't powerful enough for demanding titles.
Thank you.
Increased random access memory exceeding 16GB doesn’t significantly improve gaming performance; however, utilizing dual-channel configuration does provide a benefit. I own a comparable laptop, an Acer Nitro 5 featuring an i5 8300H processor and GTX 1060 graphics card, initially equipped with a single 8GB RAM module. When operating in single-channel mode, Far Cry 5 typically maintained approximately 40 frames per second; introducing a supplementary 8GB stick and employing dual-channel operation resulted in an additional 20 frames per second, consistently approaching 60 FPS. It’s plausible that this represents the most challenging situation for single-channel configurations, although some titles like Doom (2016) experienced only marginal gains with dual-channel setups. If you are experiencing central processing unit overheating and subsequent thermal throttling, you should attempt to reduce temperatures through more demanding fan profiles or voltage reduction techniques…
How hot are you operating? Many of those premium Intel mobile processors frequently approach thermal limits – for example, exceeding 90 degrees Celsius – unless you utilize powerful fans and apply undervolting. This is largely due to the limitations of cooling solutions in laptop computers.
Furthermore, could you describe your RAM setup? Are you using just a single 16GB module? If so, you’re operating in single-channel mode, which can significantly hinder performance in certain games, especially titles developed by Ubisoft, which often require substantial memory bandwidth and generally perform better with dual-channel RAM.
Supernova1138:
I’m curious about your cooling performance. Many premium Intel mobile processors frequently overheat and trigger thermal throttling—often reaching 90+ degrees Celsius—unless you utilize powerful fans and undervolt them. Laptop CPU coolers aren't typically very effective.
Could you also tell me about your RAM setup? Are you using just a single 16GB module? If so, you’re operating in single-channel mode, which can noticeably degrade performance, especially with games like Ubisoft titles that demand significant memory bandwidth. Dual-channel RAM generally provides substantially better results.
I haven't observed temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Celsius while gaming; however, it does occur occasionally, primarily with Rainbow Six Siege. League of Legends, on the other hand, usually maintains a temperature around 75 degrees.
The CPU sometimes behaves erratically, fluctuating between speeds—occasionally holding steady at 3.6GHz for extended periods before inexplicably dropping to just 2.8GHz. I'm uncertain if this is random, but it seems most pronounced when the PC is in power-saving mode and not plugged in; otherwise, it consistently remains at either 3.60 or 2.80 GHz.
My RAM was previously single channel, and after replacing my old 8GB stick with a new 16GB – Kingston HyperX Impact HX424S14IB/16 (2400MHz DDR4 CL14 SODIMM, 1.2V, 260-pin) – I’ve attached screenshots of my memory settings. Thank you for your assistance!
The speed of your processor depends on how you’ve configured its power settings. If it consistently operates at its highest Turbo frequency, it likely has “high performance mode” enabled by default when connected to electricity. When running solely on battery power, you might be utilizing a “power saving” setting, which typically deactivates Turbo Boost.
Reaching temperatures in the upper 90s triggers thermal throttling, frequently disabling Turbo clock speeds at that level. Consider using software like MSI Afterburner to create a temperature timeline chart and analyze it. If your frame rates decrease alongside spikes in CPU heat, this indicates thermal throttling is the cause.
Regarding RAM, I recommend returning the 16GB module and acquiring an additional 8GB stick, ideally matching its speed and timing specifications – mirroring those of the original component included with your laptop – to enable dual-channel operation. The single 16GB configuration should only be used if you anticipate needing to expand to 32GB later and wish to preserve one of your two SO-DIMM slots.
Supernova1138:
Your CPU performance depends on your power settings. If it consistently operates at its highest Turbo frequency, you likely have High Performance mode enabled, often the default when plugged in. When running on battery, Power Saving mode may be active, which typically disables Turbo Boost.
Temperatures reaching the 90s Celsius indicate thermal throttling, usually involving the disabling of Turbo clocks. Consider using a tool like MSI Afterburner to monitor your temperatures over time and analyze the data. If your frame rate drops align with temperature spikes, then thermal throttling is the cause.
Regarding RAM, I recommend returning the 16GB module and purchasing a second 8GB stick, ideally matching the original’s speed and timings for dual-channel operation. The only justification for a single 16GB configuration would be if you anticipate needing to upgrade to 32GB later and want to preserve one of your SO-DIMM slots.
I understand, but my existing 8GB RAM is unmarked, making it difficult to identify the exact model, so I opted for the 16GB module to avoid compatibility issues. As for the 32GB upgrade, I plan to acquire a second matching 16GB stick around early 2019.
This might seem basic: assuming the CPU isn’t the issue, would adding 32GB of RAM make a difference? Or is it simply futile in achieving those extra frames and smoother gameplay? I'll test MSI Afterburner during my next gaming session in 1-2 days!
Increased RAM beyond 16GB typically doesn’t significantly improve gaming performance; however, utilizing dual-channel configuration can provide a noticeable boost. I own a comparable laptop—an Acer Nitro 5 featuring an i5 8300H processor and GTX 1060 graphics card—originally equipped with a single 8GB RAM module. When operating in single-channel mode, Far Cry 5 consistently achieved approximately 40 frames per second; installing a supplementary 8GB stick and enabling dual-channel operation increased the frame rate by roughly 20FPS, resulting in consistent performance near 60FPS. It’s important to note that this represents a potentially unfavorable situation for single-channel configurations, and titles such as Doom (2016) experienced only marginal improvements with dual-channel RAM.
If you're experiencing CPU overheating and subsequent thermal throttling, you should attempt to lower your temperatures through intensified fan profiles, underclocking, utilizing Throttlestop to decrease turbo speeds, or a combination of these methods. Alternatively, disassembling the laptop to reapply thermal paste to the CPU and GPU is an option; nevertheless, this carries the risk of voiding the warranty and should be considered a final measure.
Supernova1138:
Increasing RAM beyond 16GB doesn’t significantly improve gaming performance, however, utilizing dual-channel configuration does make a difference. I own a comparable laptop – an Acer Nitro 5 with an i5 8300H and a GTX 1060 – originally equipped with a single 8GB RAM module. When operating in single-channel mode, Far Cry 5 typically maintained around 40 frames per second. Adding a second 8GB stick and enabling dual-channel operation resulted in an additional 20 FPS, consistently pushing the game closer to 60 FPS. It’s likely this represents a less favorable scenario for single-channel RAM, although some titles like Doom (2016) didn't experience substantial improvements with dual-channel.
If you're experiencing CPU thermal throttling, you’ll need to attempt to lower your temperatures through more aggressive fan settings, undervolting, or utilizing Throttlestop to decrease turbo clock speeds – potentially a combination of these methods. Alternatively, you could disassemble your laptop and reapply thermal paste to the CPU and GPU; however, this may void your warranty and should only be considered as a final option.
I’ve already lost my warranty due to installing an NVME M.2 SSD, so if I need to replace the thermal paste, I will! And of course, I'll explore the other suggestions you provided.
I’m going to investigate obtaining a second 8GB stick that matches my existing one; truthfully, 32GB is overkill for my needs as I only game occasionally and it isn’t worth the investment simply for dual-channel operation – 16GB is sufficient for my everyday tasks.
Thank you very much for your assistance! I really appreciate it. 😀
ok but late to this but i ahve the exact same problems, ive had this laptop since december 2017 and i have treid to almost everything exept the ram which im going to do now
i thaught it was my CPU but nope, my ram is running at single channel although i have 2x16gb of 2400mHz ram
i only found this today after trying and since the lapop [to my knowledge] only has 2 ram slots, what do i do?? take one out boot it up, then put it back in?? shouldnt it be running duel channel??