Acer Swift 3 vs Swift 5: Intel Tiger Lake Details

Yes, both the Acer Swift 3 and Swift 5 were launched with Intel Tiger Lake processors (11th Gen Intel Core, codenamed Tiger Lake) starting in late 2020. The Swift 3 received Tiger Lake in October 2020, while the Swift 5 followed in early 2021, with both lines later updated to Tiger Lake Refresh (11th Gen vPro) and then to 12th Gen Alder Lake in 2022. This article explains the Tiger Lake versions of both laptops, how they differ, and what to check before buying one used or refurbished today.

Background: The Tiger Lake Generation

Intel’s 11th Gen Tiger Lake mobile processors (Core i5-1135G7, i7-1165G7, i7-1185G7, etc.) were a major architectural update over the previous Ice Lake and Comet Lake chips. They introduced the Willow Cove CPU cores, Iris Xe integrated graphics (up to 96 execution units), and integrated Thunderbolt 4/USB4 support. Tiger Lake also brought PCIe 4.0 on some models, faster memory support (LPDDR4x-4266), and Intel’s Evo platform certification for thin-and-light laptops meeting specific battery and responsiveness targets.

Acer adopted Tiger Lake across its Swift lineup because the chips offered a big jump in iGPU performanceâ€”roughly double that of previous Intel UHD graphicsâ€”making these laptops genuinely usable for light photo editing and casual gaming. The Swift 3 and Swift 5 were among the first Windows laptops to ship with these chips, and they remain popular on the used market because of that performance boost.

Swift 3 Tiger Lake: Specs and Features

The Acer Swift 3 (SF314-59 and SF314-59G models) launched with Tiger Lake in October 2020. Key specs include:

CPU options: Core i5-1135G7 or Core i7-1165G7 (quad-core, 8 threads, 4.7 GHz max boost)
Integrated graphics: Intel Iris Xe (80 or 96 EUs)
Memory: 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x (soldered, not upgradeable)
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB NVMe SSD (upgradeable M.2 2280)
Display: 14-inch 1080p IPS, some models with touch
Ports: 2x USB-C (one with Thunderbolt 4), 2x USB-A, HDMI, headphone jack
Battery: 56 Wh, claimed up to 16 hours (real-world around 8-10)
Weight: around 1.2 kg (2.65 lbs)

The SF314-59G variant added an NVIDIA GeForce MX350 discrete GPU for better graphics performance, but it was less common and often pricier. The non-G version relies solely on Iris Xe, which is still capable for 1080p video playback and light gaming at reduced settings.

Swift 5 Tiger Lake: Specs and Features

The Acer Swift 5 (SF514-55 and SF514-55T) launched in early 2021, positioned as a thinner and lighter alternative to the Swift 3. It shares the same Tiger Lake CPU options but adds:

14-inch display: 1080p IPS or 1440p (QHD) touch panel, with up to 100% sRGB on some models
Chassis: Magnesium-lithium and magnesium-aluminum alloy, weight around 1.05 kg (2.31 lbs)
Battery: 56 Wh, similar to Swift 3
Ports: Same as Swift 3 but with two Thunderbolt 4 ports on some configurations
Memory: 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x, soldered

The Swift 5’s main selling point was its portability: it was one of the lightest 14-inch laptops at the time, and the Tiger Lake chip allowed it to stay fanless under light loads. However, the fanless design means sustained heavy loads cause thermal throttling, which is a common complaint.

How to Choose Between Swift 3 and Swift 5

When deciding between these two Tiger Lake models, consider your priorities:

Weight: Swift 5 is about 150g lighter, which matters if you carry it daily.
Display: Swift 5 offers a QHD touch option; Swift 3 is mostly 1080p non-touch.
Price: Swift 3 is usually cheaper, especially used.
Upgradeability: Both have soldered RAM, but the Swift 3’s SSD is easier to replace than the Swift 5’s (which is also M.2 but sometimes requires removing the bottom cover with more care).
Performance: Identical CPUs, so performance is the same in short bursts; the Swift 3’s thicker chassis may sustain boost clocks slightly longer.

If you find a Swift 5 at a similar price to a Swift 3, the lighter build and better display option make it the better buy. Otherwise, the Swift 3 offers nearly the same performance for less money.

Common Problems and Fixes

Owners of these Tiger Lake models report a few recurring issues:

Wi-Fi dropouts: Some units shipped with Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201, which had driver issues on early Windows 10 builds. Update the driver to the latest version from Intel’s site.
Battery drain in sleep: Modern Standby can drain battery in a backpack. Disable Modern Standby in BIOS or use hibernate instead of sleep.
Fan noise (Swift 3): The fan can spin up under light load due to aggressive thermal policy. Update BIOS to the latest version, which often improves fan curves.
Thunderbolt 4 not working: Ensure the BIOS is updated and the Thunderbolt driver is installed. Some docks require a firmware update.

Most issues are resolved with driver and BIOS updates from Acer’s support page. Always check the serial number to find the exact model.

Comparison: Swift 3 vs Swift 5 (Tiger Lake)

Here’s a side-by-side summary for the typical configurations (i5-1135G7, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD):

Dimensions: Swift 3: 323 x 228 x 15.9 mm; Swift 5: 318 x 210 x 14.9 mm
Weight: 1.2 kg vs 1.05 kg
Display: 1080p IPS vs 1080p or 1440p touch
Ports: Both have 2x USB-C (with Thunderbolt 4 on most), 2x USB-A, HDMI
Battery life: Similar, around 8-10 hours of mixed use
Price (used, 2024): Swift 3: $300-450; Swift 5: $350-500

The Swift 5 is essentially a premium version of the Swift 3 with a lighter chassis and better display options. Performance is identical because the CPU and GPU are the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Swift 3 and Swift 5 Tiger Lake models still worth buying in 2024?

Yes, for basic productivity, web browsing, and media consumption. The 11th Gen Intel chips are still capable for these tasks, and Iris Xe graphics handle 4K video playback smoothly. However, they lack modern features like DDR5 RAM and PCIe 4.0 SSDs (though some have PCIe 4.0). For heavy multitasking or gaming, consider a newer laptop.

Can I upgrade the RAM on these laptops?

No, the RAM is soldered on both models. You cannot upgrade it after purchase, so choose 16GB if you plan to keep the laptop for several years. The storage (M.2 SSD) is upgradeable on both, but the Swift 5’s SSD slot is more difficult to access.

Which model has better battery life?

Both have the same 56 Wh battery and similar power draw, so battery life is nearly identical. Real-world usage gives about 8-10 hours, depending on screen brightness and workload. The Swift 5’s lower weight doesn’t affect battery, but the QHD display option consumes more power than the 1080p panel.

Do these laptops support Windows 11?

Yes, both are officially supported because Tiger Lake processors meet Windows 11’s requirements (TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot). You can upgrade for free from Windows 10. Make sure to enable TPM in the BIOS if it’s off.

What is the difference between the SF314-59 and SF314-59G?

The -59G model includes an NVIDIA GeForce MX350 discrete GPU, which is faster for gaming and video encoding than the integrated Iris Xe. However, it’s heavier and has slightly shorter battery life. The MX350 is about 2x faster than Iris Xe in 3D games, but still only suitable for light gaming at 720p/1080p low settings.

Can I use a Thunderbolt 3 dock with these laptops?

Yes, Thunderbolt 4 is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 docks. You can connect external monitors, Ethernet, and charge the laptop through a single cable, provided the dock provides enough power (typically 60W or more).

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in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0 | 100000
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2

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