If you like a clutter-free desk and want to avoid spending too much on a versatile desktop computer, the Acer Aspire C27-1655-UA91 is nothing short of an excellent choice. Last year, when we reviewed the Acer Aspire C27-1655-UA93 with an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD storage, we liked it for the compact AIO design and impressive performance, but we had an issue with the over $1,000 asking price, that was within striking distance of better machines including the 27-inch Apple iMac with a Retina 5K display.
We just wished the Aspire C27-1655-UA93 were a little cheaper, and sure, Acer now has a Core-i5 version – the Aspire C27-1655-UA91 – that rocks the same great design as its Core i7-powered sibling, offers solid overall performance and is reasonably priced. We can’t find any glaring faults in this 27-inch AIO desktop, and the value it offers on a price-performance basis makes it a good enough all-in-one solution for most people.
This Acer Aspire C27 doesn’t promise game-changing performance, but it performs as a daily workhorse with flying colors. It comes highly recommended.
About the Acer Aspire C27
The Aspire C27-1655-UA91 is a novel example of an affordable, capable all-in-one PC. Clocking in at under a grand, the Acer Aspire C27 has all the features you’ll need to get through all your daily tasks in a compact, sleek design that’s molded to fit anywhere you need it.
- SLIM. STYLISH. STUNNING: Save the clutter on your desk with this All-in-One PC. Enjoy the...
- Breaking the boundaries of performance with the Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor - up to...
- 27.0" Full HD Widescreen IPS LED Back-lit Screen. 12GB 2666MHz DDR4 Memory. 512GB NVMe M.2...
The Acer Aspire C27 (2021 Series) has three all-in-one desktop models at varying price points, but all of them are more affordable than AIOs with similar specs.
- Acer Aspire C27-1655-UA12 model – Intel Core i5-1135G7, Windows 11 Home
- Acer Aspire C27-1655-UA91 model – Intel Core i5-1135G7, Windows 10 Home
- Acer Aspire C27-1655-UA93 model – Intel Core i7-1165G7, Windows 10 Pro
Our review model is the Acer Aspire C27-1655-UA91, with a Core i5 processor and Windows 10 Home out of the box, but you can upgrade it to Windows 11 hassle-free. It comes with a 27-inch Full HD IPS display, and is ideal for most buyers, specifically those in need of a PC for day-to-day tasks, but it will be a good candidate for resource-hungry tasks like gaming or video editing.
But when it comes to basic tasks like browsing the internet and checking emails – the Aspire C27 is a solid machine that handles all these things like a champ.
Here are the specs for the model we’re reviewing:
- Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7
- Graphics Card: Intel iris Xe
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Hard Drive: 512GB NVMe M.2 SSD
- Processor Core: Quad-core (4 Core)
- RAM: 12GB DDR4 266MHz
- Display: 27-inch Full HD IPS
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Weight: 8.82 pounds
- Dimensions: ‎17.72 x 0.28 x 17.72 inches
What we Like
Stylish, AIO form factor design
The 27-inch Apple iMac remains the gold standard among large-screen all-in-one (AIO) PCs, but the Aspire C27-1655-UA91 strikes a clean design and a thin profile for much less. You’ll love this AIO desktop’s styling, granted the plastic build doesn’t feel cheap either. Everything is straight on, and the system is nondescript, with thin bezels framing a display propped atop a V-shaped stand. All components are packed behind the bottom half of the screen, and the top is only 0.25 inches thick.
At 24.2 inches wide by 17.7 inches high, the Aspire C27 is more compact than the competing 27-inch iMac and weighs half as much (only 8.8 pounds versus 19.7). The Acer Aspire C27 is not only a great choice for tight budgets but also if you don’t have much space on your desk.
One reason the Aspire C27 is so petite is that Acer opted to place the speakers behind the display, instead of a speaker bar beneath it. Therefore, you don’t have front-facing speakers, but down-firing. I initially doubted this setup, but the audio output remains impressive as it bounces off the desk and can easily fill a small office. Nonetheless, without a subwoofer, the pair of stereo speakers lack much bass response but still deliver ample volume for watching Netflix and YouTube.
Solid Performance and Extras
Our review model of the Acer Aspire C27 features an 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 12GB of memory, a 512GB SSD (loaded with Windows 10 Home), and 512GB hard drive, and Intel Iris Xe graphics. The Core i5 chip used here is a quad-core mobile CPU, while the Iris Xe is an entry-level mobile graphics option, a step up from the usual CPU-based integrated graphics.
On the whole, this configuration of the Acer C27 feels peppy and handles various multitasking scenarios without a hiccup. Just like the Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3, it runs quietly and efficiently, thanks to efficient mobile components that offer a big boost during everyday work.
For general use, the Aspire C27-1655-UA91 has more than enough muscle to deliver a pleasant Windows 11 experience and can even handle some light media editing tasks. Also, with the Iris Xe graphics, the Aspire can’t be classified as a gaming PC – far from it – but it’s capable of playing casual games at its native resolution.
We usually see an inexpensive, wired keyboard and mouse in low-end to midrange AIOs, but Acer aces the Aspire C27 with a wireless set. The keyboard isn’t the gaming type but is still compact, comfortable, and very useful. The mouse works well but is a bit undersized.
What we didn’t like
The 1080p screen would be brighter
As mentioned, the difference in display resolutions sets apart the Aspire C27 and the 27-inch Apple iMac. The Acer’s full HD (1,920-by-1,080-pixel) panel offers a fraction of the iMac’s Retina 5K (5,120-by-2,880-pixel) screen.
Ideally, 1080p resolution is a better fit for a 22- or 24-inch panel, but stretching it over the 27-inch diagonal size is a little too much. Text and the edges of icons look fuzzy, and you can easily see individual pixels when sitting at a normal distance from the display.
No USB-C port
The Acer Aspire C27-1655-UA91 gets a decent selection of ports, but it’s far from perfect. All ports are located in a neat row on the rear panel. A front- or side-mounted port or two for easier access would’ve been better, but it’s not too difficult to reach the ports around the back.
What you have here, however, only covers the basics: an HDMI video output, for USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, an Ethernet jack, and audio line-in and-out ports.
The biggest omission from this array of ports is a USB Type-C port. If you have USB-C storage drives, phone charging cables, or other devices, you’ll need to invest in a USB-C adapter.
Should you buy the Acer Aspire C27?
If you just need an affordable all-in-one, then the Acer Aspire C27 certainly fits the bill. This 27-inch AIO is not without its charms. Its mobile Core i5 CPU and Intel Iris Xe graphics, along with 12GB of RAM and ample, fast SSD storage provide a good bang for your all-in-one buck. And the selection of parts is efficient enough that you don’t need loud cooling fans to keep thermals in check. And, the thin, compact design is also a boon for those limited on space but looking for a big-screen AIO.
Granted the screen brightness would be better, but it remains a great machine at this price. It’ll be equally at home in an office or living room, and the build quality is good. You’ve got a couple of USB 3.1 ports, decent connectivity inside, and a quad-core Intel Core i5 CPU for a pittance.
Overall, the Acer Aspire C27 certainly got the screen and build quality to handle general-purpose home and office life, and that makes the Acer Aspire C27-1655-UA91 an easy choice to recommend.
The Review
Acer Aspire C27-1655-UA91
The Acer Aspire C27-1655-UA91 is a well-rounded, compact all-in-one desktop that delivers solid performance on everyday tasks, but a sharper display and a few USB-C ports would go a long way in improving its otherwise rich profile.
Recommended Configuration
Acer Aspire C27-1655-UA91 AIO Desktop | 27" Full HD IPS Display | 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | 12GB DDR4 | 512GB NVMe M.2 SSD | Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 | Windows 10 Home
4 used from $674.99
PROS
- Compact design for a 27-inch all-in-one
- Competitive performance for the price
- Dual storage drives offer speed and space
CONS
- Grainy, dim display
- No USB-C ports
Review Breakdown
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EDITORS RATING
Last update on 2024-11-18 at 20:37 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
