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Updated January 12, 2024·
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is a good choice if you're looking to save money and still get solid performance for general use and gaming, with a middle-range processor and graphics card, reasonable storage, and RAM. It's also more portable than the MSI Katana 17, which can be an advantage if you move around a lot. However, the MSI Katana 17 provides significantly more power and storage, double the RAM for intensive tasks such as engineering software, 3D rendering, or machine learning applications. It also has a larger screen which is better for gaming and video editing but this makes it heavier and less portable. The MSI is more future-proof with newer components, but you have to weigh this against the higher price and reduced ease of transport. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Acer Predator Helios 300
- Good overall display quality
Advantages of the MSI Katana 17
- Very good for engineering and design
Key differences
General Use
7.4
7.9
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
294.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
256.0 nits
3.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
3.0 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
6.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.2/10
The MSI Katana 17 and Acer Predator Helios 300 are both good for general use, though the MSI Katana 17 is somewhat better.
The MSI Katana 17 offers twice the storage and double the memory of the Acer Predator Helios 300, which may contribute to its higher general use classification, as this can result in smoother multitasking and better overall performance. The MSI Katana 17 also has a larger screen and newer CPU, which can enhance the user experience for everyday tasks; however, it is slightly heavier, which could be less ideal for those needing higher portability.
Gaming and AI
7.2
7.9
6.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.3/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The MSI Katana 17 and Acer Predator Helios 300 are both good for gaming and AI, though the MSI Katana 17 is somewhat better.
The MSI Katana 17 offers a more powerful Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU and a larger screen for an enhanced visual experience, while the Acer Predator Helios 300, with its Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU, provides solid gaming performance with a respectable refresh rate, making both suitable for gaming and 3D applications, but the MSI has a distinct edge in terms of graphical power. Although they both have the same screen refresh rate, which is crucial for smooth gameplay, the stronger GPU in the MSI gives it an advantage for more demanding gaming and 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
7.6
8.4
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
6.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Katana 17 is very good for engineering and design, while the Acer Predator Helios 300 is good.
The MSI Katana 17 is rated higher for engineering and design use than the Acer Predator Helios 300 because it has a more powerful CPU, double the RAM, and a more advanced GPU, which are very important for tasks that require robust performance and handling of complex software. Additionally, the MSI Katana 17 has a larger screen which offers a bigger workspace, although this makes it somewhat less portable than the Acer Predator Helios 300; other factors like keyboard and speaker quality, along with operating noise, are similarly rated for both laptops.
Content Creation
7.3
7.8
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Katana 17 and Acer Predator Helios 300 are both good for content creation, though the MSI Katana 17 is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Screen Quality
7.3
6.9
15.6in
SIZE
17.3in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
294.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
256.0 nits
The Acer Predator Helios 300 has a better screen than the MSI Katana 17 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design, while the MSI Katana 17 has a better screen for content creation, and software development.
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is preferred for general use due to its combination of high resolution and brightness, ensuring sharp and vibrant display. For engineering and design, its color accuracy, covering a wider range of the color spectrum, makes it suitable for work that demands precise colors. However, in gaming and 3D applications where fast-moving visuals are common, its lower refresh rate may result in less fluid motion compared to laptops with higher refresh rates.
Portability
Fair
Fair
15.6in
SIZE
17.3in
5.5 lbs
WEIGHT
5.7 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Acer Predator Helios 300 and MSI Katana 17 both have only fair portability, though the Acer Predator Helios 300 has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,204
$1,367
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Acer Predator Helios 300 has a price of $1,204 and the MSI Katana 17 costs $1,367.
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Key similarities
Software Development
7.1
7.5
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Katana 17 and Acer Predator Helios 300 are both good for software development.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Battery
3.5 Hours
3.0 Hours
The Acer Predator Helios 300 has 3.5 hours of battery life. The MSI Katana 17 has 3 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Build Quality
7.4
7.2
The Acer Predator Helios 300 and MSI Katana 17 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the Acer Predator Helios 300 and the MSI Katana 17 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Acer Predator Helios 300 | MSI Katana 17 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,204 | $1,367 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2021 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.3'' x 10'' x 0.9'' | 15.7'' x 10.8'' x 0.99'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.51 lbs | 5.73 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.3" | 15.67" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10" | 10.75" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-11800H | Intel i7-13620H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 3.5 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 59 Wh | 53.5 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 17.3" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 144Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 294 nits | 256 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.9/10 | 6.2/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 3 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Acer Predator Helios 300
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Christian Hintze | November 2022
"The Acer Predator Helios 300 review is an overclocked gaming laptop with a good display. The Predator is large, heavy, and loud, but also offers plenty of performance according to gamers. An overclocked gaming laptop - or its user - also has to struggle with the usual disadvantages we mentioned above. On the other hand, overclocking is optional, and those who like it quieter and can live with a few less frames per second can also switch to the significantly more moderate Standard mode. Then the Helios 300 won't be any louder than the competitors."
MSI Katana 17
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Benjamin Herzig | February 2023
"The MSI Katana 17 B13V laptop impressed us in its main area of competency - gaming. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 ensures high-performance levels which can compete with the previous generation's RTX 3070 Ti. In addition to the speedy GPU, the MSI comes with a 144 Hz display as well as an RGB keyboard and provides a very good typing experience. Despite the power at hand, the laptop remains comparatively cool."
Get a great deal on the Acer Predator Helios 300 or the MSI Katana 17
About Acer
Acer is a prominent Taiwanese electronics brand which makes a wide range of laptops, with multiple product lines catering to personal use, gaming, and business use. They are renowned for having exceptional value for money, as they frequently offer good specifications at a lower price than other manufacturers.
About MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
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