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Acer Aspire C24: One-minute review
The Aspire C24 is a minimalist all-in-one (AIO) computer designed for everyday tasks. It encapsulates a blend of utility and aesthetic appeal, making it a worthy contender in the crowded AIO market.
The assembly of the stand is straightforward, requiring minimal effort. However, while the stand provides height adjustments, the maximum reach is relatively limited. Additionally, the lack of tilt functionality may be a drawback for some users, as many competing models offer this feature.
The Aspire C24 is equipped with a modest selection of ports, including five USB ports (one of which is Type-C), an HDMI output, a network port, and a combo audio jack. Nevertheless, the absence of an SD card reader can be disappointing, and the rear placement of the ports can be inconvenient, as it requires users to reach behind the unit for connections.
The performance of this AIO is satisfactory for light productivity tasks and 4K streaming. However, the display, while bright, only offers 1080p resolution, which feels underwhelming on a system of this nature. Gamers, in particular, will find limitations due to the absence of a dedicated GPU, leading to subpar gaming performance and noticeable humming during intensive tasks.
The included mouse and keyboard serve their purpose adequately. The keyboard is full-sized and features a number pad along with productivity-oriented shortcuts. The mouse, while functional, is smaller and lacks side buttons, which might hinder navigation efficiency. These peripherals connect via a USB dongle and operate on replaceable batteries, lacking any sort of plug-and-play capability.
The Aspire C24 does not fall into the budget category, which underlines its variability in value when compared to competing AIO models in terms of performance and price.
- Acer Aspire C24 (24-inch 512GB) at Amazon for £479.34
Acer Aspire C24 review: Price & availability
(Image credit: Future)
- Starts from £999.99 (about $1,350 / AU$1,900)
- Available in the UK only
- Expensive compared to what alternatives offer
The Acer Aspire C24 has a starting price of £999.99 (about $1,350 / AU$1,900) and is currently available in the UK. There are two configurations of the Aspire C24, both utilizing the Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, but varying in RAM and storage options; one offers 16GB of RAM with 1TB of storage, while the other provides 32GB of RAM with 2TB of storage.
Comparatively, the Lenovo Yoga AIO 27 presents a more compelling option at a similar price, featuring a larger and sharper display. Additionally, if you already possess a monitor and peripherals, the Apple Mac Mini (M4) emerges as a strong competitor, offering high performance for those who prefer macOS over Windows.
Acer Aspire C24 review: Specs
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Review configuration | Max configuration |
Price: | £999.99 (about $1,350 / AU$1,900) | £1,149.99 (about $1,550 / AU$2,195) |
CPU: | Intel Core Ultra 7 155U (1.7GHz, 12 cores) | Intel Core Ultra 7 155U (1.7GHz, 12 cores) |
Graphics: | Integrated Intel Graphics | Integrated Intel Graphics |
RAM: | 16GB DDR5 | 32GB DDR5 |
Storage: | 1TB NVMe PCIe 4 M.2 SSD | 2TB NVMe PCIe 4 M.2 SSD |
Display: | 23.8-inch Full HD (1080p) IPS, 16:9, 120Hz | 23.8-inch Full HD (1080p) IPS, 16:9, 120Hz |
Ports: | 4x USB-A (3x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB 2.0), 1x USB-C (3.2 Gen 2), 1x HDMI out 1.4b,1x 3.5mm combo audio, 1x RJ45 | 4x USB-A (3x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB 2.0), 1x USB-C (3.2 Gen 2), 1x HDMI out 1.4b,1x 3.5mm combo audio, 1x RJ45 |
Wireless: | WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.2 | WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.2 |
Camera: | 5MP w/ privacy shutter | 5MP w/ privacy shutter |
Weight: | 12.5kg | 12.5kg |
Dimensions (H x W x D): | 21.3 x 15.9 x 1.5 inches (540 x 405 x 37mm | 21.3 x 15.9 x 1.5 inches (540 x 405 x 37mm |
Acer Aspire C24 review: design
(Image credit: Future)
- iMac-esque looks
- Light and compact
- Ports can be hard to access
The Aspire C24 captures the essence of an AIO machine, merging desktop functionality with a tidy form factor. Its glossy white finish is reminiscent of the iMac’s design legacy, giving it a fresh, modern look that appeals to many.
This AIO is not just visually pleasing; it is also light and compact, which means it can easily fit into most workspace setups. However, the lightweight plastic materials do raise questions about durability, making it less ideal for users who may need a robust device.
Assembly is a breeze, with just a few screws required for the stand, and the unit’s compatibility with VESA mounts enhances its versatility for display preferences. The stand includes a small cable management clip, which is a thoughtful addition, but it has limited capacity for cable clutter.
While height adjustment is straightforward, the maximum height may pose ergonomic challenges for taller users, as it does not allow for tilting. This could hinder user comfort during extended periods of usage.
The bundle includes a full-sized keyboard and a smaller mouse, the latter of which lacks side buttons, limiting its functionality somewhat when compared against more versatile options. Connecting these peripherals is hassle-free, needing only a USB dongle for operation.
The Aspire C24 presents a modest range of ports; however, their placement at the rear can detract from user experience. This positioning means users need to reach behind, which could be cumbersome during frequent connections. The previous model’s side-placed ports and included SD card reader were more user-friendly.
Acer Aspire C24 review: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
- Reasonable general performance
- Bright but unrefined display
- Terrible graphical performance
GeekBench 6.4 (single-core): 2889; (multi-core): 15,500
3DMark Fire Strike: 8,072; Time Spy: 4,396; Night Raid: 34,260
CrossMark Overall: 1,865; Productivity: 1,756; Responsiveness: 1,430; Creativity: 2,164
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm (1080p, High): 56 fps; (1440p, High) 47 fps
In terms of performance, the Aspire C24 successfully manages light tasks and offers decent streaming capabilities. Nonetheless, multitasking can prove challenging, leading to occasional freezes that detract from its overall efficiency. The presence of an Intel Core Ultra 7 alongside 16GB of RAM indicates potential for more seamless multitasking capabilities.
Unfortunately, the absence of a dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU) results in disappointing gaming experiences. Even with lower settings, games like Cyberpunk 2077 struggle to provide a playable frame rate compared to similar systems in its category.
During gaming sessions, the unit emits a noticeable humming noise, adding to the overall acoustic footprint of the machine, which can be bothersome during extended use.
(Image credit: Future)
The display quality can be described as a mixed bag; while it’s bright enough to be usable in various lighting conditions, the 1080p resolution is not cutting-edge and can lead to visible pixelation, especially when compared to other modern displays.
On a positive note, the keyboard bundled with the Aspire C24 enhances productivity with its full layout and array of shortcuts, although it lacks the dampening found in more premium models. The mouse, though responsive, suffers from size limitations and the absence of additional buttons that could further enhance its user-friendliness.
Should you buy the Acer Aspire C24?
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Value | There are competing machines that offer better value, especially if you’re open to configurations outside of AIOs. | 3 / 5 |
Design | Its lightweight and compact design is inviting, though the materials feel less expensive than expected. This sentiment extends to the mouse and keyboard. | 4 / 5 |
Performance | Performance is adequate for lighter tasks, yet the presence of background noise during intensive tasks is noteworthy. The display also lacks sharpness. | 3 / 5 |
Total score | The Aspire C24 shines in design but falls short on performance delivering only moderate capabilities, combined with its price tag, leaves room for better options in the market. | 3.5 / 5 |
Buy the Acer Aspire C24…
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Acer Aspire C24: Also consider
If you find the Acer Aspire C24 lacking in certain areas, consider these alternatives:
How I tested the Acer Aspire C24
(Image credit: Future)
- Tested for a couple of days
- Used for multiple tasks and ran benchmarks
- PC reviewing experience
My comprehensive testing of the Aspire C24 spanned a few days where I engaged it in various activities, including productivity tasks, general browsing, gaming, and video streaming. I also performed a series of benchmark tests designed to scrutinize different aspects of PC performance.
I’ve reviewed numerous PCs and computing devices throughout my experience, ranging from laptops and tablets to full desktop systems, shaping my observation and analysis skills for reviews like this one.
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