What can I do to upgrade my Acer Helios 300? Model number listed.

I purchased the Acer Predator Helios 300 from Amazon during their prime day sale and so far I'm loving the computer, have only had some minor issues. My question is what upgrades are compatible with this machine? Right now I am looking to add a 2.5 inch SSD 500GB and wanting the maximum speed that my Predator can output not the fastest ssd on the market unless it can keep up. Also looking to upgrade the RAM eventually and also the M.2 PCI to an intel optane in the future if possible. Thanks for taking the time out to help me any constructive response is appreciated! Also My wifi download speed is only 4mb a second but speed test I'm getting over 100mbs and on the ps4 up to 400mb/s DL and 25ish UL. Sorry If I'm breaking any rules or sound like a noob I haven't owned a computer since 2007 decided to make the switch from my xbox one and ps4.

TL&DR: Best hardware upgrades for system and also any reason wifi would be so slow? Thanks for the time!

Model: PH315-51-78NP
CPU: Intel I7 8750H
RAM 16GB DDR4 Dual channel. "User Benchmark said this was under performing out for box for some reason.
DISK:INTEL SSDPEKKW256GB
GPU: GTX 1060 6GB
WIFI: Intel(R) Wireless-AC 9560

Accepted answers

Commodore_1995#

About ssd, this model accepts a ssd m2 2280 sata 3 or nvme gen3x4 of at least 512gb. I do not recommend that you replace an ssd m2 2280 with an optane memory, as ssd m2 2280 nvme is even faster than optane memory. In addition, optane memory acts as a cache for HDD, but will not improve the speed of a 2.5 "ssd.

About the 2.5 "ssd, this model accepts sizes of 7.0mm or 9.5mm, see:

However, you should make sure that your notebook has the caddy hd support and sata cable installed in the notebook.

Regarding ram memory, this model supports up to 32gb ddr4. I suggest you download this crucial tool: https://www.crucial.com/

MaClane

Good afternoon LukeNukesEm !

And what is the main use of the laptop?
From the settings, I don't see a real need for upgrades.
Even because some changes will violate the warranty.
But it is possible several updates as:
RAM: up to 32Gb
SSD: Change both M.2 and a standard 2.5 "Sata 3.
In that case, there is no need to get Optane using SSD.
As for the wireless connection, I suggest that you check your modem / router and settings as the wireless card of this model is high performance 802.11 (a / b / g / n / ac) standard, and update your sdrivers correctly.

All comments

Commodore_1995#

About ssd, this model accepts a ssd m2 2280 sata 3 or nvme gen3x4 of at least 512gb. I do not recommend that you replace an ssd m2 2280 with an optane memory, as ssd m2 2280 nvme is even faster than optane memory. In addition, optane memory acts as a cache for HDD, but will not improve the speed of a 2.5 "ssd.

About the 2.5 "ssd, this model accepts sizes of 7.0mm or 9.5mm, see:

However, you should make sure that your notebook has the caddy hd support and sata cable installed in the notebook.

Regarding ram memory, this model supports up to 32gb ddr4. I suggest you download this crucial tool: https://www.crucial.com/

MaClane

Good afternoon LukeNukesEm !

And what is the main use of the laptop?
From the settings, I don't see a real need for upgrades.
Even because some changes will violate the warranty.
But it is possible several updates as:
RAM: up to 32Gb
SSD: Change both M.2 and a standard 2.5 "Sata 3.
In that case, there is no need to get Optane using SSD.
As for the wireless connection, I suggest that you check your modem / router and settings as the wireless card of this model is high performance 802.11 (a / b / g / n / ac) standard, and update your sdrivers correctly.

LukeNukesEm

Thank both of y'all very much for the informative and timely responses. "I'm from NC we say y'all lol". I will be using my computer for heavy gaming on whatever it will run as well as CAD programs and 3D printing programs as I own a 3D printer as well. I will also have many tabs open while doing these tasks. Currently I have been playing Planet Coaster, Warframe, GTA V, Apex Legends, WO/Warships. Planet coaster runs it the hardest overall although when I go into Apex and mess with the settings it will use 100% of the GPU in turbo. Going by these suggestions I will keep the m.2 that I have and just add a 2.5 inch ssd for some extra space and I'm leaning towards the Samsung 860 EVO 500GB 2.5 Inch SATA III SSD or something similar that fits. For the RAM the only ones I can find that say they will fit are Crucial 2X16GB DDR4-2400 SODIMM (CT2K16G4SFD824) The RAM is benchmarking lower than normal according to User Benchmark and I would like to have the 32GB just in case It's ever needed. I will try and update the drivers and mess with the modem and router as well, I didn't even think of that lol. I used to be all about computers and build a desktop when I was a 8yrs old but that was almost 20yrs ago and It seems like we have advanced so far in such a little amount of time It really makes me excited for what the future holds. I plan on using this laptop for a year maybe 2 for gaming then making it my work station and building a desktop for gaming. What are some not so obvious things that could void my warranty? I hate to ask a question I could google but I hate getting many different answers most conflicting. UserBenchmark.com/UserRun/18817449

LukeNukesEm

I'm not sure if this will help explain at all but here it is anyway.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029997/uploads/editor/zf/3hlesqkuyu5a.png

xapim

LukeNukesEm said:

I'm not sure if this will help explain at all but here it is anyway.

LukeNukesEm If you want to upgrade ram and if its for rendering works etc get hyperx 2666 should be the best you can get as it clocks well over 2666 mine clocks at 2890/4 Windows will only recognize it at 2400 as every other ram but its working at 2666 as cpuz shows it) because it has built in xmp as our bios do not support xmp profiles but its not cheap and userbenchmark will get the wrong benchmarks when windows is sending the wrong system info

like for ex on my benchmark windows refuses to accept that my ram its clocking at 2666 (which it is) also as i stated forget the xmp bios profiles on laptops not sure if any supports but if so they are just a few this bios feature was created mainly with desktops in mind

Kingston HyperX DDR4 2666 C15 2x16GB

783 User benchmarks, average bench 87%

2 of 2 slots used

32GB SODIMM DDR4 clocked @ 2400 MHz

Performing below potential (7th percentile) - ensure that a dual+ channel XMP BIOS profile is enabled

XdxD

@xapim, even my PC's RAM frequency is getting shown as just 1333MHz while Task Manager shows max as 2667MHz.

xapim

XdxD said:

@xapim, even my PC's RAM frequency is getting shown as just 1333MHz while Task Manager shows max as 2667MHz.

Yup it's some windows flaw

Commodore_1995#

About warranty, in most countries users are allowed to open their notebooks to upgrade ram, hd and ssd memory as long as the user does not break any warranty seals or damage any parts. Ideally, however, you should ask Acer technical support directly in your country.

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