Acer Spin 5 Gen 7

Technical Specifications

The Acer Spin 5, encompassing models such as the SP513-51 and SP513-52N, features Intel Core U-series processors. The SP513-51 typically includes 7th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors (e.g., i5-7200U, i7-7500U), while the SP513-52N upgrades to 8th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors (e.g., i5-8250U, i7-8550U). RAM configurations generally include 8GB of DDR4 memory, with some variants supporting up to 16GB. For the SP513-52N, RAM is often soldered, limiting upgradeability. Storage is provided by Solid State Drives (SSD) with capacities commonly found at 256GB or 512GB, utilizing M.2 SATA interfaces, with some models offering PCIe compatibility.

The display is a 13.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS touchscreen, featuring a 360-degree hinge for convertible functionality. Typical brightness levels range from 274 to 280 nits. Graphics are handled by integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 (for 7th Gen CPUs) or Intel UHD Graphics 620 (for 8th Gen CPUs). Connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO technology and Bluetooth 4.1. Port selection varies slightly by model: the SP513-51 offers USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI, an audio jack, and a microSD card reader. The SP513-52N enhances this with a full-sized SD card reader and a USB-C port (USB 3.1 Gen 1) that supports DisplayPort over USB-C and charging.

Analysis: The technical specifications reflect a mid-range convertible laptop from its era (2016-2018). The upgrade from 7th to 8th Gen Intel Core processors in the SP513-52N marks a significant improvement in multi-core performance due to the transition from dual-core to quad-core ULV chips. The Full HD IPS touchscreen and 360-degree hinge provide versatility. However, the integrated graphics limit its use to light tasks and casual gaming. The inclusion of USB-C on later models (SP513-52N) improves modern connectivity options, but the absence of Thunderbolt 3 or faster USB standards reflects its older design. Soldered RAM on some configurations restricts future memory upgrades.

Support & Compatibility

The Acer Spin 5 models (SP513-51 and SP513-52N) originally shipped with Windows 10 Home. Official support for upgrading to Windows 11 is generally not extended to devices with 7th Generation Intel Core processors. While 8th Generation Intel Core processors are typically compatible with Windows 11, the SP513-52N is not explicitly listed on Acer's official Windows 11 compatibility list for Spin models. Some refurbished units of the SP513-52N are sold with Windows 11 pre-installed, suggesting it can run the OS, but official driver support from Acer for Windows 11 on these specific older models may be limited. Driver availability for Windows 11 on the SP513-51, for instance, is noted as scarce on third-party driver sites.

Microsoft's mainstream support for Windows 10 is scheduled to end on October 14, 2025. After this date, devices running Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance, increasing cybersecurity risks.

Analysis: The support and compatibility status of the Acer Spin 5 (7th/8th Gen Intel Core models) is critical given its age. The impending end-of-life for Windows 10 means these devices will soon operate without crucial security updates, posing significant risks in an enterprise environment. The lack of official Windows 11 support for the SP513-51, and the absence from Acer's official compatibility list for the SP513-52N, indicates that these assets are nearing or past their practical end-of-support for modern operating systems and security patches. This necessitates careful consideration for continued deployment, especially in environments requiring stringent security and up-to-date software.

Security Status

The Acer Spin 5 (SP513-52N) includes a Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0), which is a hardware-based security feature. Many configurations also feature an optional or integrated fingerprint reader, providing biometric authentication for enhanced login security. These features contribute to the device's baseline security posture. However, as older hardware, these models are more susceptible to vulnerabilities that may not be patched due to their end-of-life status for operating system support. The primary vulnerability stems from the impending end of Windows 10 support in October 2025, which will cease security updates.

Analysis: The security status of the Acer Spin 5 (7th/8th Gen Intel Core models) is concerning for enterprise use in late 2025 and beyond. While the presence of TPM 2.0 and a fingerprint reader offers foundational security, the lack of ongoing official operating system and driver updates for Windows 11, coupled with the Windows 10 end-of-support, exposes these devices to increasing cybersecurity risks. Without continuous patching for newly discovered vulnerabilities, the asset becomes a potential entry point for malicious actors. Recommendations include isolating these devices from critical networks, upgrading to officially supported hardware, or implementing robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions if continued use is unavoidable.

Performance & Benchmarks

Performance for the Acer Spin 5 varies between the 7th and 8th Generation Intel Core processor models. The 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7200U (dual-core) provides sufficient performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, office applications, and media consumption. Benchmarks for the SP513-51 with an i5-6200U (a comparable Skylake dual-core) show PCMark 08 Home Conventional scores around 2574 and Cinebench R15 CPU scores around 293 cb.

The 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U (quad-core) in the SP513-52N offers a significant boost in multi-core performance, making it more capable for multitasking and moderately demanding applications. Benchmarks for the SP513-52N with an i5-8250U show PCMark 10 scores around 3522 and Geekbench 4 multi-core scores around 8228 to 11,588. Cinebench R15 CPU scores for the i5-8250U are around 308 cb, with multi-thread tests reaching 3.4 GHz for short bursts. Integrated Intel HD/UHD Graphics 620 are suitable for streaming video and light graphical tasks but struggle with demanding games or professional creative applications.

Analysis: The performance status of these Acer Spin 5 models is adequate for basic productivity and general computing tasks. The 8th Gen models offer a noticeable performance uplift, particularly in multi-threaded workloads, making them more resilient for slightly heavier use. However, compared to contemporary devices in 2025, both generations are significantly underpowered. Their integrated graphics are a bottleneck for any graphically intensive work. While they can handle common office and web-based applications, their age means slower processing times and less efficient power consumption compared to newer hardware, impacting overall productivity and user experience in a modern enterprise context.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for the Acer Spin 5 (7th/8th Gen Intel Core models) generally highlight its value proposition and versatility as a 2-in-1 convertible. Positive aspects frequently mentioned include its solid build quality, attractive design (especially the metal construction of the SP513-52N), and the functionality of its touchscreen and 360-degree hinge. The keyboard is often described as comfortable, and the overall performance for everyday tasks is considered solid. Battery life is typically reported to be around 7 to 10 hours, which was competitive at the time of release.

Common criticisms include the display's brightness, which can be dim, especially for outdoor use. Some users note fan noise under load and the device's weight (around 3.5 pounds) for a 13-inch convertible, making it less comfortable for extended use in tablet mode compared to lighter alternatives. Bloatware pre-installed on the system is also a frequent point of feedback. Earlier models (SP513-51) were sometimes criticized for the lack of a full-sized SD card reader and the absence of a USB-C port.

Summary

The Acer Spin 5 (7th/8th Gen Intel Core models), primarily represented by the SP513-51 and SP513-52N, is a convertible laptop that offered a compelling blend of features and value during its release period (2016-2018). Its 360-degree hinge and Full HD IPS touchscreen provide versatile usage modes, from traditional laptop to tablet. Technical specifications, including Intel Core i5/i7 processors (7th Gen in SP513-51, 8th Gen in SP513-52N), 8GB to 16GB RAM, and SSD storage, delivered adequate performance for general productivity and media consumption at the time. The SP513-52N, with its quad-core 8th Gen Intel processors, marked a notable performance improvement over its predecessors.

However, as of late 2025, this asset presents significant weaknesses for enterprise asset management. Its primary vulnerability lies in the impending end of Windows 10 support in October 2025, which will cease critical security updates. While some 8th Gen models might technically run Windows 11, official Acer support and driver availability for these specific older models are limited, making them unsuitable for secure, compliant enterprise environments. Performance, while sufficient for basic tasks, is considerably outpaced by modern hardware, impacting efficiency and user experience. User feedback, while generally positive for its original value, highlights limitations such as display brightness and weight, which further diminish its appeal for current enterprise deployment.

Recommendations for the Acer Spin 5 (7th/8th Gen Intel Core models) in an enterprise context are to phase out these devices immediately. Their security posture will rapidly degrade post-Windows 10 end-of-support, posing unacceptable risks. Continued use should only be considered in isolated, non-critical environments with strict security controls and no access to sensitive data. For any core business operations, replacement with modern, officially supported hardware running current operating systems is imperative to maintain security, performance, and compatibility standards.

Information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.