In depth comparison and review of Acer Predator Helios 500 (PH517) and MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK). Compare sizes, performance, storage capacities, batteries and other important specifications and features to easily choose the right laptop for you. Our goal is to help you uncover differences between the products and find the laptop that will best fit your needs.
Advantages and disadvantages of Acer Predator Helios 500 (PH517) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
powerful gaming performance
high refresh rate display
expandable storage options
robust cooling system
good connectivity options
heavy and bulky
short battery life
loud under load
expensive base model
Advantages and disadvantages of MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
powerful intel processor
high refresh rate display
robust gaming performance
affordable price point
solid build quality
average battery life
limited port selection
heavier design
dim display brightness
| DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Acer Predator Helios 500 (PH517) | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Product Type | Notebook | Notebook |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 39.9 cm x 32 cm x 3.53 cm | 35.9 cm x 25.9 cm x 2.49 cm |
| Weight | 3.9 kg | 2.25 kg |
| Case Material | Polycarbonate, ABS plastic, anodised aluminium | - |
| Colour | Abyssal black | - |
| DISPLAY | Acer Predator Helios 500 (PH517) | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Screen Size (Type) | 17.3" - IPS | 15.6" |
|---|---|---|
| LCD Backlight Technology | LED backlight | - |
| Screen Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (Ultra HD 4K) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
| V-Sync Rate at Max Res. | - | 144 Hz |
| Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
| Image Brightness | 1000 cd/m² | - |
| Colour Gamut | - | 45% NTSC |
| Features | Anti-glare, Narrow Border Display, VESA DisplayHDR 1000, 8 ms (grey-to-grey) response rate | IPS-level |
| PROCESSOR | Acer Predator Helios 500 (PH517) | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i9 (11th Gen) 11980HK | Intel Core i7 (12th Gen) 12650H / 2.3 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Max Turbo Speed | 5 GHz | 4.7 GHz |
| Number of Cores | 8-core | 10-core |
| Cache | 24 MB | L3 - 24 MB |
| Chipset | Intel HM570 | - |
| Features | Intel Smart Cache, Intel Deep Learning Boost (DL Boost) | Intel Smart Cache |
| MEMORY | Acer Predator Helios 500 (PH517) | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| RAM | 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) | 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) |
|---|---|---|
| Max RAM Supported | 64 GB | - |
| RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM | DDR5 SDRAM |
| Speed | 3200 MHz | - |
| Rated Speed | 3200 MHz | - |
| Form Factor | SO-DIMM 260-pin | SO-DIMM 262-pin |
| Slots Qty | 2 | - |
| Empty Slots | 0 | - |
| STORAGE | Acer Predator Helios 500 (PH517) | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Total Capacity | 2.048 TB | - |
|---|---|---|
| Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 2 x 1.024 TB SSD PCIe - Qimonda | 1 TB SSD M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe) |
| AUDIO & VIDEO | Acer Predator Helios 500 (PH517) | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Multi-GPU Configuration | - | 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics Processor (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 / Intel UHD Graphics |
| Video Memory | 8 GB GDDR6 SDRAM | - |
| Gaming | - | Yes |
| Camera | Yes - Full HD | Yes |
| Video Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 | - |
| Sound | Speakers, two microphones | Stereo speakers, microphone |
| Codec | Realtek ALC295 | - |
| Compliant Standards | High Definition Audio, DTS:X Ultra | - |
| Audio Features | - | Output: Nahimic 3D audio, Hi-Res Audio |
| COMMUNICATIONS | Acer Predator Helios 500 (PH517) | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.2 | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Controller | Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX 201 |
| Network Interface | 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet | Ethernet |
| Ethernet Controller | Killer E3100G | - |
| Features | Dual stream (2x2) | Dual stream (2x2) |
| BATTERY | Acer Predator Helios 500 (PH517) | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Technology | 4-cell Lithium Ion | 3-cell |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity (Size) | 74 Wh | 53.5 Wh |
| Battery Life | Up to 4 hours | - |
| AC ADAPTER | Acer Predator Helios 500 (PH517) | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Output | 330 Watt, 19.5 V | - |
|---|
| INPUT | Acer Predator Helios 500 (PH517) | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Type | Keyboard, touchpad | Keyboard, touchpad |
|---|---|---|
| Numeric Keypad | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard Backlight | Yes | Yes (RGB) |
| Features | Acer PredatorSense, per-key RGB | Marked WASD, 1.7mm travel distance, 4-Zone RGB backlight |
| CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS | Acer Predator Helios 500 (PH517) | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Interfaces | HDMI Mini DisplayPort 1.4 2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort Alt Mode) (Power Delivery) 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (with power off charging) LAN Microphone input Headphone output |
USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (supports DisplayPort Alt Mode) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB 2.0 LAN Headphone/microphone combo jack HDMI (8K support) |
|---|
| SOFTWARE | Acer Predator Helios 500 (PH517) | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Operating System (OS) | Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition | Windows 11 Home |
|---|---|---|
| Software Included | - | MSI APP Player, MSI Center |
| MISCELLANEOUS | Acer Predator Helios 500 (PH517) | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Included Accessories | Power adapter, pouch | Power adapter |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Firmware Trusted Platform Module (TPM) solution | - |
| Security Slot Type | Kensington security slot | - |
| Theft/Intrusion Protection | Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) | - |
| Features | Administrator password, system password, hard drive password, 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D fan technology | Cooler Boost 5 technology |
| Compliant Standards | HDCP | - |
| Manufacturer Warranty | Limited warranty - 1 year - carry-in International travellers warranty - 1 year |
Limited warranty - 1 year |
| Model Number | 52 | 033UK |