Acer Aspire AM3985-UR21P Pro Reviews

We’ve been wondering why manufacturers have been slow to roll out Intel’s new third-generation processors in mid-range towers. Now the issue seems clearer. The addition of the Intel Core i5-3450 to this system, which in all other respects is nearly identical to the Acer Aspire M3970 we reviewed earlier this year, improves little. The performance gap is tiny. The Intel HD 2500 is nothing to brag about, either. We can’t help but wonder why Intel has decided to use this instead of providing the Intel HD 4000 to all of its desktop parts. Intel already does this for its laptop products, which is why an Ultrabook can beat this desktop in 3DMark. The decision to handicap mainstream processors with a slow IGP brings back memories of the infamous Graphics Media Accelerator, a part that didn’t deserve its name. All mainstream desktops, however, share these problems, so we can’t single out this Acer because of them. The M3985 is a simple, competent PC. It provides enough power for many users, it’s silent and it has no serious flaws. Pricing also appears competitive, though this may change as other manufacturers introduce more third-generation desktops and jostle for position. We see no particular reason to buy this desktop but no particular reason not to.