Acer Predator stalks the U.S. later this year
The many faces of Acer's Predator gaming PC.
(Credit: CNET UK)If you're anxious to get your hands on that crazy-looking Acer Predator gaming PC, Acer informs us that U.S. customers still have time to save up. It won't be available here until mid-third quarter (aka "around August").
Can't wait? You can always head to the U.K. if you want it sooner. Our CNET UK compatriots report that they'll get it next month. CNET UK's Rory Reid also outlines three different tiers for the Predator, and he has pricing, at least converted to pounds from Euros. Using Rory's numbers to convert from Euros to American dollars, the prices look thusly:
- Predator Sniper - $2,670
- Predator Trooper - $3,140
- Predator Crusher - $4,710
Prices and product names, and even the specs listed on the Predator Web site may change by the time it arrives in the States. Assuming those numbers more or less hold, the Predator seems to fit squarely in what's become the semimainstream $2,000-$5,000 arena for gaming PCs. That's not quite high-end enough to really compete against the likes of Falcon Northwest and Voodoo PC when those boutique shops really start showing off, but it places the Predator squarely against the Dell XPS 730 and the HP Blackbird 002.
Rich Brown reviews desktops and various other components and peripherals for CNET. E-mail Rich.
Cons: Use the bottom 2 PCI-E slots if upgrading to a dual GTX 280 or 260 SLI. It still runs in PCI-E x16 SLI.
Reason: A copper pipe next to the primary PCI-E slot may get in the way of a big video card, i.e. GTX 280/260.
Manual is somewhat lacking on how to remove the existing 9800 GTX. It's somewhat tricky.
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