Acer Predator Helios 500 User Manual
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Acer Predator Helios 500 User Manual

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PREDATOR HELIOS 500
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Summary of Contents for Acer Predator Helios 500

  • Page 1 PREDATOR HELIOS 500 User’s Manual...
  • Page 2 2. Open the Acer Product Registration app. 3. Install any required updates. 4. Sign up for an Acer ID or sign in if you already have an Acer ID, it will automatically register your product. After we receive your product registration, you will be sent a confirmation email with important data.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Connecting to a cellular network... 35 Universal Serial Bus (USB) PredatorSense USB Type-C port The PredatorSense main screen ... 36 PredatorSense and Acer Thunderbolt 3 port TureHarmonyTM settings...... 37 Displays............64 Adjusting the keyboard backlight .. 37 Overclocking ..........38 Video and audio connectors Adjusting the hotkeys ......
  • Page 4 4 - Table of contents Headphones and microphone ..66 How do I check for Windows updates? ............77 HDMI Where can I get more information? 78 Troubleshooting........79 Frequently asked questions Troubleshooting tips ......... 79 Requesting service ........71 Error messages ..........
  • Page 5 Getting started... In this section you will find: • Useful information on caring for your computer and your health • Where to find the power button, ports and connectors • Tips and tricks for using the touchpad and keyboard • How to create recovery backups •...

  • Page 6: First Things First

    Once you have connected to the internet, you can download updates for your computer from: http://go.acer.com/?id=17883 1. The link will open the Acer Support webpage. 2. Scroll down to Drivers and Manuals and search for your model by pasting in or manually entering the serial number, SNID, or product model.

  • Page 7: Basic Care And Tips For Using Your Computer

    Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it. • Only use the adapter provided with your device, or an Acer-approved adapter to power your device. • Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of heat, such as a radiator.

  • Page 8: Taking Care Of Your Ac Adapter

    1. Turn off the computer. 2. Disconnect the AC adapter. 3. Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. If your computer is dropped or visibly damaged, or does not work normally, please contact your nearest authorized Acer service center.

  • Page 9: Your Predator Notebook Tour

    Your Predator notebook tour - 9 O U R R E D A T O R N O T E B O O K T O U R After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Setup Guide, let us show you around your new Predator computer. Screen view Icon Item Description...

  • Page 10: Keyboard View

    10 - Your Predator notebook tour Keyboard view Icon Item Description Keys that allow you to change computer settings to suit your Programmable current game. keys You can define settings for each key in the PredatorSense application. For entering data into your Backlit computer.
  • Page 11 Your Predator notebook tour - 11 Icon Item Description Hard drive Indicates when the computer’s indicator hard drive is active. Indicates the computer’s battery status. Battery Amber when the battery is indicator charging. Blue when fully charged (with the AC adapter plugged in). Power Indicates the computer’s power indicator...

  • Page 12: Left View (Ph517-51)

    12 - Your Predator notebook tour Left view (PH517-51) Left view (PH517-61) Icon Item Description Allows the computer to stay Ventilation cool. and cooling Do not cover or obstruct the openings. Connects to an Ethernet 10/ Ethernet (RJ- 100/1000-based network. 45) port Pull the lip down to open the port fully.

  • Page 13: Usb Type-C Information

    Your Predator notebook tour - 13 USB Type-C information • USB 3.1 Gen 2 with transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps. • Supports DisplayPort audio/video output. ™ • Compatible with Thunderbolt ™ • Delivers up to 3 A at 5 V DC for USB charging. Right view Icon Item Description...

  • Page 14: Rear View

    14 - Your Predator notebook tour Rear view Icon Item Description Allows the computer to stay Ventilation cool. and cooling Do not cover or obstruct the openings. DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter. External Connects to a display device display using the high-definition (DisplayPort)

  • Page 15: Base View

    You may upgrade your Main storage computer’s main storage and and memory memory. To reduce compatibility compartment risk, Acer recommends asking an approved service center to do this. Speakers Deliver stereo audio output. Simulates removing and Battery reset reinstalling the battery.

  • Page 16: Using The Keyboard

    16 - Using the keyboard S I N G T H E K E Y B O A R D The keyboard has full-sized keys and a separate numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys. Hotkeys The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most computer's...

  • Page 17: Windows Keys

    Using the keyboard - 17 Hotkey Icon Function Description Brightness Decreases the screen Fn + down brightness. Fn + Volume up Increases the sound volume. Volume Decreases the sound Fn + down volume. Fn + Play or pause a selected Play/Pause Home media file.

  • Page 18: 18 - Using The Precision Touchpad

    18 - Using the Precision Touchpad S I N G T H E R E C I S I O N O U CH P A D The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the screen. As you slide your finger across the touchpad, the cursor will follow this movement.
  • Page 19 Using the Precision Touchpad - 19 Two-finger pinch Zoom in and out of photos, maps and documents with a simple finger-and-thumb gesture. Three-finger press Lightly tap the touchpad with three fingers to open Cortana (if your computer supports Cortana) or open the Search Windows (if your computer does not support Cortana).

  • Page 20: Changing Touchpad Settings

    20 - Using the Precision Touchpad The precision touchpad includes added technology features that help recognize and prevent unintentional gestures such as accidental taps, gestures, and pointer movement. Note The touchpad is sensitive to finger movement; the lighter the touch, the better the response. Please keep the touchpad and your fingers dry and clean.
  • Page 21 Using the Precision Touchpad - 21...

  • Page 22: Recovery

    Acer provides Acer Care Center, which allows you to reset your PC, refresh your PC, or create a factory default backup. If you cannot access Acer Care Center, click Settings in the Start menu, select Update & Security and then click Recovery.
  • Page 23 Recovery - 23 2. Select the Backup tab and click Get Started for Create Factory Default Backup to open the Recovery Drive window. 3. Make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is selected and click Next.

  • Page 24: Backing Up Your Wireless And Lan Drivers

    LAN drivers if you install another operating system. 1. From Start, select Acer then Acer Recovery Management. 2. Select the Backup tab and click Get started for Backup wireless and LAN drivers. Choose a folder to save your...

  • Page 25: Restoring Your Computer

    Windows. Reset this PC and keep my files 1. From Start, select Acer then Acer Recovery Management. 2. Select the Restore tab and click Get started to Choose an option.

  • Page 26: Reset This Pc And Remove Everything

    Reset this PC and remove everything 1. From Start, select Acer then Acer Recovery Management. 2. Select the Restore tab and click Get Started to Choose an option.
  • Page 27 Recovery - 27 3. Select Remove everything to reset your PC back to its factory default. This process will reinstall your operating system and remove all of your personal files, apps, and settings. 4. Select Just remove my files if you are keeping your computer.
  • Page 28 28 - Recovery 5. Click Reset to continue. 6. You will be shown the reset progress on the screen. The screen will turn off during the reset process. 7. The screen will turn back on when it is installing Windows. Your PC will restart several times during the reset process.

  • Page 29: Using A Bluetooth Connection

    Using a Bluetooth connection - 29 S I N G A L UE T O O T H C O N N E C T I O N Bluetooth is a technology enabling you to transfer data wirelessly over short distances between many different types devices.
  • Page 30 30 - Using a Bluetooth connection 2. Click on Add Bluetooth or other device then select the device that you want to add. 3. Your computer will automatically start searching for devices, as well as make itself visible to other devices. 4.
  • Page 31 Using a Bluetooth connection - 31 You can also enter the Bluetooth settings by selecting the Notifications icon in the lower right-hand corner of the screen to open the Notifications pane. From here, you can enable or disable Bluetooth or right-click on Bluetooth > Go to Settings to enter the Bluetooth settings.

  • Page 32: 32 - Connecting To The Internet

    32 - Connecting to the Internet O N N E CT I N G T O T H E N T E R N E T This chapter includes general information on types of connections, and getting connected to the internet. For detailed information, please refer to Network connections on page 83.
  • Page 33 Connecting to the Internet - 33 Predator notebook computers feature an Airplane mode hotkey that turns the network connection on or off. You can use the network management options to turn your wireless network on/off or control what is shared over the network. To connect to a wireless network, please follow the steps below.
  • Page 34 34 - Connecting to the Internet 4. Once you select a wireless network, select Connect. 5. If required, enter the network’s password.

  • Page 35: Connecting With A Cable

    Connecting to the Internet - 35 Connecting with a cable Built-in network feature If your computer has a network port, plug one end of a network cable into the network port on your computer, and the other end into a port on your router (refer to the image below.) Then, you'll be ready to get online.

  • Page 36: 36 - Predatorsense

    The PredatorSense main screen The main screen gives you an overview of temperatures and fan speeds. You can also change fan behavior, select a hotkey or lighting profile, change Acer TrueHarmony mode and change overclocking levels (see Overclocking on page 38).

  • Page 37: Predatorsense And Acer Tureharmonytm Settings

    Click the Settings icon to change settings for your Predator system. You can disable sticky keys or the Windows and menu keys, and change temperature units. To get a different audio experience, you can click Acer TrueHarmony icon to adjust the audio mode.

  • Page 38: Overclocking

    If the AC adapter is disconnected or if the battery charge is lower than 40%, overclocking options will be disabled. Note Acer is not responsible for any damages incurred from overclocking if any third party tools are used to overclock the CPU or graphics besides PredatorSense.

  • Page 39: Adjusting The Hotkeys

    PredatorSense - 39 Adjusting the hotkeys Select Hotkey to see programmable hotkey options. Three groups are available, shown in three colors. Click the arrows next to the P icon to switch to a different group. The P icon color corresponds to the color of the physical keys when that group is active.

  • Page 40: Record A Macro

    40 - PredatorSense Record a macro Select the Macros tab. Select Select macro to show a list of available macros, then click + New macro to record a new macro. You will be asked to enter a name for the new macro. Click OK, then click Start recording.

  • Page 41: Creating Profiles

    PredatorSense - 41 Creating profiles You can create profiles for hotkeys or lighting schemes and switch instantly using the menus on the main page. This allows you to set up multiple profiles for different games, or different users. From the main page, click Lighting or Hotkey then select the Profile list at the top of the page.

  • Page 42: Fan Control

    42 - PredatorSense Fan control Use the fan control to adjust the fan activity for the CPU and GPU. Activate CoolBoost™ to increase fan speed beyond the normal maximum, enhancing cooling power when the system is under heavy use. Monitoring From Monitoring page, click CPU/GPU or System tab to check processor and system temperature and loading.

  • Page 43: Sync Game Settings

    Sync game settings Use Game Sync to save the settings for different games. The settings includes the fan behavior, hotkey profile, lighting profile, Acer TrueHarmony mode and overclocking levels. The settings will be switched automatically when the game is launched.

  • Page 44: App Center

    44 - PredatorSense App Center App Center is a great way to quickly launch the installed app in your computer. To add the app, select Add App in the lower right page. Click Browse to select the execution file (.exe) of the app and click Add to finish. Then, you can double click the app icon to run the application directly.

  • Page 45: Bluelight Shield

    The Bluelight Shield can be enabled to reduce blue-light emissions from the screen to protect your eyes. To configure the Bluelight Shield, search for ’Acer Quick Access’ in the Start Menu. From here you can toggle Bluelight Shield on or off, and you can choose from four different modes to fit your needs: No.
  • Page 46 Keeping your computer and data safe... In this section you will find: • How to secure your computer • Setting passwords • What you need to prepare when you’re traveling • How to get the most out of your battery...

  • Page 47: Securing Your Computer

    Securing your computer - 47 E C U R I N G Y O U R C O M P U T E R Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your computer.

  • Page 48: Entering Passwords

    48 - Securing your computer password checkpoints on boot-up and resume from Hibernation (if available) for maximum security. Important Do not forget your Supervisor Password! If you forget your password, please get in touch with your dealer or an authorized service center.

  • Page 49: Bios Utility

    BIOS utility - 49 B I O S U T I L I T Y The BIOS utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer's BIOS. Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not normally need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run To activate the BIOS utility, press F2 while the computer logo is being displayed.

  • Page 50: Power Management

    50 - Power management O W E R M A N A G E M E N T This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, mouse, hard disk, peripherals connected to the computer, and video memory.
  • Page 51 Power management - 51 4. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable. 5. Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup. 6. Select Save changes.

  • Page 52: Battery Pack

    52 - Battery pack A T T E R Y P A C K The computer uses an embedded Lithium battery that gives you long use between charges. Battery characteristics The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the AC adapter. Your computer supports charge-in-use, enabling you to recharge the battery while you continue to operate the computer.

  • Page 53: Optimizing Battery Life

    Battery pack - 53 6. Reconnect the AC adapter and fully charge the battery again. Follow these steps again until the battery has been charged and discharged three times. Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time.

  • Page 54: Checking The Battery Level

    54 - Battery pack • Store your PC in a cool, dry place. The recommended temperature is 10° C (50° F) to 30° C (86° F). Higher temperatures cause the battery to self-discharge faster. • Excessive recharging decreases the battery life. •...

  • Page 55: Traveling With Your Computer

    Traveling with your computer - 55 R A V E L I N G W I T H Y O U R C O M P U T E R This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer.

  • Page 56: What To Bring To Meetings

    56 - Traveling with your computer Press the Windows key, click Power then select Shut Down You can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing the Sleep hotkey or by closing the display. When you are ready to use the computer again, open the display and, if necessary, press and release the power button.

  • Page 57: What To Take With You

    Traveling with your computer - 57 • Pack the computer in a protective case that can prevent the computer from sliding around and cushion it if it should fall. Warning Avoid packing items next to the top cover of the computer. Pressure against the top cover can damage the screen.

  • Page 58: Traveling With The Computer

    58 - Traveling with your computer a second AC adapter, you can avoid carrying the extra weight to and from home. If you use your computer at home for significant periods of time, you might also want to add an external keyboard, monitor or mouse.

  • Page 59: Traveling Internationally

    Traveling with your computer - 59 computer through a metal detector. Traveling internationally Important Check with your airline for any special requirements for travelling with Lithium batteries. When you are moving from country to country. Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling.
  • Page 60 60 - Traveling with your computer kits sold for appliances to power the computer. • If you are using the modem, check if the modem and connector are compatible with the telecommunications system of the country you are traveling in.
  • Page 61 Ports and connectors... In this section you will find: • Information on the ports and connectors fitted to your computer...

  • Page 62: Universal Serial Bus (Usb)

    62 - Universal Serial Bus (USB) ( U S B ) N I V E R S A L E R I A L The USB port is a high-speed port which allows you to connect USB peripherals, such as a mouse, an external keyboard, additional storage (external hard disks), or any other compatible device.

  • Page 63: Usb Type-C Port

    USB Type-C port - 63 U S B T Y P E P O R T A USB Type-C port is a connector that allows you to easily connect USB Type-C peripherals, such as additional storage (e.g. an external drive), or any other compatible device. The Type-C port is reversable;...

  • Page 64: 64 - Thunderbolt 3 Port

    64 - Thunderbolt 3 port H U N D E R B O L T P O R T A Thunderbolt 3 port allows you to easily connect devices with a Type-C connector to your computer, such as additional storage (e.g. an external drive), displays, other...
  • Page 65 Thunderbolt 3 port - 65 Important When removing a USB storage device, you should right-click on the USB icon in the Windows task bar and select "Eject <device>" to tell the operating system to stop using the device before removing it. Failure to do this may result in data loss or damage to your peripheral.

  • Page 66: 66 - Video And Audio Connectors

    66 - Video and audio connectors I D E O A N D A U D I O C O N N E C T O R S Add an external monitor to your computer via a video port. The type of port available depends on your computer’s configuration.

  • Page 67: Hdmi

    HDMI - 67 H DM I HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a high- quality, digital audio/video interface. HDMI allows you to connect any compatible digital audio/video source, such as your computer, a set-top box, DVD player, and audio/video receiver to any compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV) with a single cable.
  • Page 68 Got a question? In this section you will find: • Frequently asked questions • Tips for using Windows 10 • Troubleshooting information • How to protect yourself while online • Where to find Acer service center contact information...

  • Page 69: Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently asked questions - 69 R E Q U E N T L Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer. Easy solutions are provided for each one.
  • Page 70 70 - Frequently asked questions • The computer may be in Sleep or Hibernate mode (if there is a power LED, it will flash). Press and release the power button to resume. No audio is heard from the computer. Check the following: •...

  • Page 71: Requesting Service

    Attach your proof-of-purchase to the ITW passport. If the country you are traveling in does not have an Acer- authorized ITW service site, you can still get in contact with...
  • Page 72 Before you call Please have the following information available when you call Acer for online service, and please be at your computer when you call. With your support, we can reduce the amount of time a call takes and help solve your problems efficiently.

  • Page 73: Tips And Hints For Using Windows 10

    F r e q u en tl y a sk Frequently asked questions - 73 Tips and hints for using Windows 10 We know this is a new operating system that will take some getting used to, so we've created a few pointers to help you get started.
  • Page 74 74 - Frequently asked questions Can I personalize the Lock screen? You can personalize the lock screen with a different image, to run a slideshow of images, or to show you quick status and notifications to suit your personal needs. To change the background, press the Windows key or select Windows Start...

  • Page 75: How Do I Set The Alarm

    Frequently asked questions - 75 Can I make tiles bigger or smaller? Yes, you can. Right-click on a tile and select Resize. Select a size from the menu that appears. Can I change the screen resolution? Yes, you can. Move your cursor to the lower left-hand corner of the screen and type 'Resolution' in the text box to display the results;...

  • Page 76: Where Are My Apps

    76 - Frequently asked questions 9. Select On or Off to activate or deactivate the alarm. Hour Minutes Save Delete Note The alarm will only sound if your computer is awake at the set time. Where are my apps? Move your cursor to the lower left-hand corner of the screen and click search box, start typing the name of the app you would like to open.

  • Page 77: What Is A Microsoft Id (Account)

    Frequently asked questions - 77 How do I install apps? You will need to have a Microsoft ID to purchase and download apps from Microsoft Store. I can't find apps like Notepad and Paint! Where are they? Move your cursor to the lower left-hand corner of the screen and click search box.

  • Page 78: Where Can I Get More Information

    78 - Frequently asked questions Where can I get more information? For more information please visit the following pages: • Windows 10 information: go.acer.com/windows-tutorial • Support FAQs: support.acer.com...

  • Page 79: Troubleshooting

    F r eq ue nt ly as k e d qu est i o ns Frequently asked questions - 79 Troubleshooting This chapter shows you how to deal with common system problems. Read it before calling a technician if a problem occurs. Solutions to more serious problems require opening up the computer.
  • Page 80 80 - Frequently asked questions Error messages Corrective action Hard disk 0 Contact your dealer or an authorized extended type service center. error Contact your dealer or an authorized I/O parity error service center. Keyboard error or Contact your dealer or an authorized no keyboard service center.

  • Page 81: Internet And Online Security

    Internet and online security - 81 N T E R N E T A N D O N L I N E S E C U R I T Y First steps on the net Protecting your computer It is vital to protect your computer from viruses and attacks over the internet (see Internet security software on page 85).
  • Page 82 82 - Internet and online security Dial-up Some computers include a telephone dial-up (‘modem’) connector. This allows you to connect to the internet using your telephone line. With a dial-up connection, you cannot use the modem and the telephone simultaneously on a single phone line.

  • Page 83: Network Connections

    Internet and online security - 83 internet while away from home. The socket for a SIM card may be built in to your computer, or may require an external device, such as a USB modem or even an appropriately equipped mobile phone. Note If your computer includes a SIM card slot, you require a compatible SIM card and a contract with a cellular provider.
  • Page 84 84 - Internet and online security Components of a wireless LAN To set up your Wireless network at home you need to have the following: Access point (router) Access points (routers) are two-way transceivers that broadcast data into the surrounding environment. Access points act as a mediator between wired and wireless network.

  • Page 85: Surf The Net

    Acer website To get you started why not visit our website, www.acer.com. Acer is dedicated to provide you with on-going personalized support. Check out our Support section to get help tailored to your needs.
  • Page 86 86 - Internet and online security Staying ahead of cybercriminals Stay ahead of hackers and cybercriminals by understanding the tactics they use to access your private data. Ensure your software is up to date Cybercriminals rely heavily upon software or platform vulnerabilities, as they are the easiest way to sneak malware into a user's device unnoticed, sometimes with little action user's...
  • Page 87 Internet and online security - 87 personal information like social security or credit card numbers to someone that you don't know over the phone. Common threats cybercriminals use Now you know a few very common ways cybercriminals try to sneak onto your device or trick you into providing private information to them directly.
  • Page 88 88 - Internet and online security device is entirely under the control of the person who created the botnet. Most people who are infected with botnets aren't even aware that their computer's security has become compromised! What to do if you're infected: If you're infected you probably don't realize it as bots are notoriously quiet.
  • Page 89 Internet and online security - 89 programmed to "listen in" on transmissions, intercept data that is specifically targeted as valuable, and capture the data, such as your login credentials and passwords. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to ensure your privacy and anonymity are protected when you use public Wi-Fi.
  • Page 90 90 - Internet and online security programs do not work correctly, your computer may be infected by malicious software. However, do not blame every computer problem on a virus! If you suspect your computer is infected, the first thing to do is update, if you have not already done so, and run your antivirus and anti-spyware software.

This manual is also suitable for:

Ph517-51Ph517-61

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