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Why GPU Prices Are Expected to Rise in 2026
Disappearing memory supply, soaring RAM costs, and Nvidia’s reported shift in how it handles VRAM are all pointing toward higher GPU prices in the coming year. For the first time in a long while, many graphics cards are finally selling at or even below MSRP, but that window may be closing much sooner than gamers expect. Memory manufacturers are redirecting production toward higher-margin AI and data center clients, leaving fewer GDDR6 and GDDR7 chips available for consumer GPUs.
Recent industry reporting also suggests Nvidia may reduce discrete gaming GPU production by as much as 30 to 40 percent in early 2026 due to VRAM constraints, reinforcing concerns that today’s relatively affordable pricing environment will not last.
What’s happening to the GPU market right now
For most of 2025, the GPU market finally appeared to normalize. Prices stabilized, cards were widely available, and some models dipped below MSRP for the first time since before the pandemic. On the surface, it looked like the long period of volatility had ended.
Underneath that stability, however, the supply chain was already tightening. DRAM prices began climbing sharply, inventories of GDDR6 and GDDR7 started to thin, and memory fabs shifted more capacity toward AI-focused products. That pressure is now starting to surface. AMD partners have reportedly warned retailers about upcoming price increases, and Nvidia’s next-generation launches are rumored to face delays tied not to GPU manufacturing capacity, but to memory availability.
The apparent health of today’s market may also be misleading. After the initial Blackwell launch, Nvidia and its partners ramped up production, which helped refill retail shelves. More recent chatter suggests that production is now being deliberately pulled back in anticipation of continued VRAM shortages. In other words, current availability reflects earlier output decisions, not a resolution of the underlying memory constraint.
Ram prices are exploding, and GPUs depend on the same supply
The first major warning sign appeared in the RAM market. Throughout 2025, DDR5 prices surged at a pace that caught nearly everyone off guard. Kits that cost around $90 in late summer suddenly climbed to $240 or more, with premium or high-capacity kits shooting even higher. Some configurations have seen year-over-year increases of more than 170 percent.
This spike isn’t limited to desktop memory. GPUs rely on specialized versions like GDDR6 and GDDR7, which come from the same handful of manufacturers. When DRAM prices spike, VRAM costs rise alongside it. The difference now is that memory fabs are prioritizing the most profitable customers, which are AI and data-center clients. That leaves far fewer chips available for consumer graphics cards, and it creates a situation where GPU makers must either absorb the cost or pass it on. Most will choose the latter.
AI data centers are consuming global memory production
The single biggest force behind the memory crunch is AI. Over the past few years, hyperscale companies such as Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Meta have dramatically increased their demand for high-performance memory. They are buying enormous quantities of:
* HBM (High Bandwidth Memory)
* Server-grade DRAM
* GDDR6 and GDDR7
* Complete production runs from major fabs
AI accelerators require far more memory per device than consumer GPUs, and they generate significantly higher profit margins. As a result, memory manufacturers are redirecting capacity away from gaming hardware and toward data centers.
This shift means consumer GPUs are no longer the priority. When memory is limited, enterprise buyers get first access, and gaming cards receive whatever supply remains. It is a similar situation to the crypto-mining era, except this time the demand is much larger, more sustained, and driven by enormous corporate budgets that can outbid the consumer market every time.
Nvidia may stop bundling VRAM with its GPUs, making the shortage even worse
A new industry rumor suggests that Nvidia has stopped supplying VRAM alongside its GPU and is instead forcing board partners to source memory on their own. AMD has not officially taken a similar stance, but chances are it may follow a similar lead. Normally, Nvidia sells partners a finished package that includes both the GPU die and the required VRAM modules. If this rumor is accurate, Nvidia is now shipping only the GPU itself while leaving partners responsible for finding GDDR6 or GDDR7 on the open market.
This change would have significant consequences. Large manufacturers like Acer may be able to secure their own memory supply, but smaller partners would struggle to compete with AI companies that are already buying most available inventory. If board partners have to acquire VRAM independently, they will pay higher prices, face more volatility, and deal with longer production timelines. Those added costs almost always get passed on to consumers.
The bigger concern is that some smaller vendors might not survive the shift. Companies with limited purchasing power cannot compete with massive data-center buyers for scarce memory, which could reduce competition in the GPU market and ultimately drive prices higher. Even though this information is still unconfirmed, it aligns with the broader memory shortage and makes a future GPU price spike even more likely.
Nvidia is reportedly cutting gaming GPU production in 2026
New industry reports suggest that Nvidia is preparing to reduce discrete gaming GPU production by as much as 30 to 40 percent in the first half of 2026, primarily due to ongoing VRAM supply constraints. The move is not a response to falling demand. Instead, it reflects the growing difficulty of securing sufficient GDDR6 and GDDR7 memory as manufacturers prioritize higher-margin AI and data center clients.
A production cut of this scale has direct implications for GPU pricing. When significantly fewer graphics cards are produced, supply tightens across retail and OEM channels even if demand remains steady. This reduces price competition, limits discounts, and pushes average selling prices higher, particularly in the midrange segment where volumes matter most.
These cuts are also unlikely to be evenly distributed. Lower-margin models and higher-VRAM configurations tend to be affected first, as they consume more memory while delivering less profit per unit. That makes popular 16 GB variants especially vulnerable to reduced availability or early price increases.
In practical terms, cutting GPU output while memory costs are already rising creates a compounding effect. Fewer cards reach the market, each one costs more to build, and manufacturers focus on protecting margins rather than volume. The result is a market that looks stable on the surface but becomes progressively more expensive for consumers.
GPU launches may be delayed due to memory shortages
The upcoming generation of graphics cards is already being affected by the global memory squeeze. Nvidia was originally expected to refresh its lineup with RTX 50-series Super models sometime in early 2026, but recent industry chatter suggests those launches may slip toward late 2026. The main issue is not manufacturing capacity for the GPUs themselves. The real bottleneck is GDDR7 availability.
Next-generation cards require newer, higher-density GDDR7 modules that are being produced in very limited quantities. Most of those modules are being reserved for enterprise hardware and AI accelerators, which leaves little supply for consumer products. AMD’s RDNA 4 lineup is caught in the same situation, since it still relies on GDDR6 and those inventories are being squeezed as well.
When memory becomes hard to source, GPU makers slow down production and wait for supply to improve. This leads to fewer cards on shelves, delayed product launches, and higher prices for the units that do reach retailers. Even if Nvidia or AMD wants to launch new cards sooner, they cannot do so without the VRAM to build them at scale.
Consoles and handhelds may also see supply issues and higher prices
The memory shortage is not limited to PC graphics cards. Any device that relies on DRAM or VRAM is vulnerable, which includes modern consoles and handheld gaming systems. Xbox has already experienced price increases and inventory instability in several regions, and analysts expect the situation to worsen if memory supply tightens further. Microsoft appears to have been caught off guard, which is why Series X units now fluctuate significantly in price.
Sony, on the other hand, seems to have secured additional supply ahead of time, which explains why PlayStation prices have remained relatively stable despite the broader market pressure. Even newer hardware like upcoming Steam Machine-style devices or handheld PCs could be affected, since they all require the same memory types that are currently in short supply.
If DRAM and VRAM remain expensive and difficult to source, console manufacturers may raise prices, reduce production, or quietly shift to smaller production runs. All of this contributes to the broader upward pressure on hardware costs heading into next year.
Why GPU prices will rise next year
All signs point to higher GPU prices as the industry moves into 2026, and the reasons extend beyond rising memory costs alone. Memory prices are climbing rapidly, with both GDDR6 and GDDR7 becoming harder to source as AI and data center operators absorb a growing share of global supply. At the same time, Nvidia’s reported shift away from bundling VRAM places more cost and risk on board partners, increasing volatility across the consumer GPU market.
More importantly, planned reductions in gaming GPU production are likely to accelerate price increases directly. Cutting output by as much as 30 to 40 percent means fewer graphics cards will reach retailers while demand from gamers, system builders, and OEMs remains relatively stable. When supply contracts this sharply, price competition weakens, discounts disappear, and average selling prices rise even if demand does not increase.
These production cuts also reshape which cards remain available. Manufacturers tend to protect higher-margin models first, leaving midrange and “best value” GPUs more exposed to shortages. As a result, the cards most consumers target for price-to-performance are often the first to sell out or see price creep, even before flagship models are affected.
Taken together, rising VRAM costs, AI-driven memory allocation, changes in VRAM sourcing, and deliberate reductions in GPU output create an environment where graphics cards become more expensive to build, harder to manufacture at scale, and increasingly resistant to price cuts. Even without a sudden demand spike, these conditions strongly favor higher GPU prices throughout 2026.
Final thoughts
For a brief moment, it looked like the GPU market had finally returned to normal. Prices stabilized, stock levels improved, and many cards were selling near or below MSRP. That window appears to be closing. The memory shortage, driven by the rapid expansion of AI and the shift in manufacturing priorities, is already shaping next year’s hardware landscape. If conditions stay the same, consumers should expect higher prices, slower launches, and tighter availability throughout 2026.
If you are planning to upgrade, the holiday season is one of the best times to do it. Acer’s Predator and Nitro gaming laptops and desktops often include powerful GPUs at competitive prices, and many models see significant discounts during year-end sales. Students can also take advantage of Acer’s education program, which offers up to 15 percent off select devices from the Acer Store. With a potential GPU shortage approaching, buying now at a reduced price may be the most cost-effective way to secure a high-performance system before hardware costs rise again.
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5 Best Acer Laptops to Gift Your Loved Ones This Christmas
Christmas is coming, and we have compiled a list of the best Acer laptops to gift your loved ones this festive season. From gamers to students and everyone in between, the Acer store has a wide range of laptops, Chromebooks, and accessories. Let’s dive in and take a look at our top 5 laptop picks.
1. Acer Swift Edge 14 AI Laptop - SFE14-51T-75PZ
This lightweight laptop with built-in AI features is perfect for working and creating without limits. The Acer Swift Edge 14 AI laptop offers an outstanding 21 hours of battery life and ultra-fast performance, so users can multitask with ease. This laptop would be perfect for hybrid workers who can run the AI assistance in the background for mundane tasks, or creatives who need fast performance and precision. This stunning Acer laptop is also made with post-consumer plastics and is created with the environment in mind. Get yours from the Acer store today or check out our other lightweight laptops for the ideal Christmas gift.
* Operating System: Windows 11 Home
* Processor Type: Intel® Core™ Ultra 7
* Processor Speed: 2.20 GHz (4.80 GHz turbo)
* Processor Core: Octa-core (8 Core™)
* Standard Memory: 32 GB
* SSD Capacity: 1 TB
* Display Screen Technology: OLED
* Screen mode: WQXGA+
* Screen Resolution: 2880 x 1800
* Speakers: 2
* Bluetooth: 5.4 or above
* Ports: HDMI, USB x 4, Audio line in / out
* Height: 0.37 inches (0.93 cm)
* Width: 12.35 inches (31.36 cm)
* Depth: 9.03 inches (22.93 cm)
* Weight: 2.18 lb (0.98 kg)
2. Predator Triton 14 AI - PT14-52T-972D
The Acer Predator Triton 14 AI blends portability, creativity, and performance to deliver a unique gaming experience. With high-quality visuals and RTX 5070 graphics, this AI-powered laptop makes an excellent Christmas gift for gamers. It also includes a stylus to unleash your creative flair, while the per-key RGB backlighting shines through the keypad for improved visibility. Treat the gamer in your life with the Predator Triton 14 AI from the Acer store this Christmas or check out our other gaming laptops.
* Operating System: Windows 11 Home
* Processor Type: Intel® Core™ Ultra 9
* Processor Speed: 3.30 GHz (5.10 GHz turbo)
* Processor Core: Octa-core (8 Core™)
* GPU: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5070
* Standard Memory: 32 GB
* SSD Capacity: 1 TB
* Display Screen Technology: OLED CineCrystal (Glare)
* Screen mode: WQXGA+
* Screen Resolution: 2880 x 1800
* Speakers: 6
* Bluetooth: 5.4 or above
* Ports: HDMI, USB x 4, Audio line in / out
* Height: 0.68 inches (1.72 cm)
* Width: 12.7 inches (32.25 cm)
* Depth: 8.7 inches (22.09 cm)
* Weight: 3.53 lb (1.60 kg)
3. Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 - CP514-5HN-K4ZE
If you are looking for something a little more streamlined this Christmas, then a Chromebook Plus would be a great option. These portable devices are designed for web-based browsing and creating, editing, and collaborating on Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. It also comes with 2TB cloud storage and 12 months of Google AI Pro. The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 is ideal for students who can do most of their research and writing online, and elderly parents who need a user-friendly device without the bells and whistles. Get yours from the Acer store or browse our other Chromebooks for everyday use.
* Operating System: Chrome OS
* Processor Type: Kompanio Ultra 910
* Processor Speed: 2.10 GHz
* Processor Core: Octa-core (8 Core™)
* Standard Memory: 16 GB
* SSD Capacity: 256 GBActive Matrix TFT LCD
* Screen mode: WQXGA+
* Screen Resolution: 2880 x 1800
* Speakers: 2
* Bluetooth: Yes
4. Acer Aspire 16 AI Laptop - A16-11M-X0LW
This AI-powered Copilot+ PC features a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor for enhanced speed and efficiency. It offers a long battery life that is ideal for those who use their laptop on the go, and features a large touchpad for enhanced accuracy. The Acer Aspire 16 AI laptop is packed with handy AI features to make life easier, while the 120Hz refresh rate gives it an overall smooth feel. It is a prime choice for those looking for a budget-friendly Christmas gift and a device that suits everyday use. Get yours today on the Acer store.
* Operating System: Windows 11 Home
* Processor Type: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ X
* Processor Speed: 3 GHz
* Processor Core: Octa-core (8 Core™)
* Standard Memory: 16 GB
* SSD Capacity: 512 GB
* Display Screen Technology: ComfyView (Matte); In-plane Switching (IPS) technology
* Screen mode: WUXGA
* Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1200
* Speakers: 2
* Bluetooth: Yes
* Ports: HDMI, USB x 4, Audio line in / out
* Height: 0.63 inches (1.60 cm)
* Width: 14 inches (35.56 cm)
* Depth: 9.85 inches (25.01 cm)
* Weight: 3.42 lb (1.55 kg)
5. Acer Swift Go 14 AI Laptop - SFG14-01-X006
The Acer Swift Go 14 AI laptop is packed with AI features to boost productivity. It is both thin and light, making it ideal for those who commute or work remotely. Moreover, this impressive laptop delivers a seamless performance that makes multitasking, working, and creating a breeze. It is a top choice for influencers or business owners who need performance and flexibility. Buy yours from the Acer store today.
* Operating System: Windows 11 Home
* Processor Type: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ X Plus
* Processor Core: Octa-core (8 Core™)
* Standard Memory: 16 GB
* SSD Capacity: 1 TB
* Display Screen Technology: ComfyView (Matte); In-plane Switching (IPS) technology
* Screen mode: WQXGA
* Screen Resolution: 2560 x 1600
* Speakers: 2
* Bluetooth: Yes
* Ports: USB x 4, Audio line in / out
* Height: 0.39 - 0.71 inches (0.99 - 1.80 cm)
* Width: 12.7 inches (32.25 cm)
* Depth: 8.9 inches (22.60 cm)
* Weight: 2.91 lb (1.31 kg)
Make your Christmas merry with Acer
Let Acer take the stress out of buying Christmas gifts with this excellent range of laptops for gamers, content creators, students, and elderly users. There’s something for everyone on the Acer store website, from the eco-conscious Acer Swift range to simple and user-friendly Acer Chromebooks. Check out our gift ideas and surprise your loved ones with a new laptop or device this Christmas, and don’t forget that students can get an added 15% student discount. Happy shopping, and wishing you a very merry Christmas from the Acer team!
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How NotebookLM is About to Change the Way You Learn
Learning today isn’t just about finding information - it’s about making sense of it. Whether you’re studying for a course, researching a topic, or trying to get through a stack of articles, the challenge is often organizing everything and understanding how it all fits together.
NotebookLM aims to solve that problem. Built by Google as an AI-powered research and study assistant (you can check it out directly here), it helps you work directly with your own materials such as notes, documents, transcripts, and articles into an interactive workspace where you can ask questions, generate explanations, and explore ideas more clearly. Instead of searching the web, NotebookLM focuses on what you give it, helping you build a deeper understanding of the content you’re already working with.
In this article, we’ll cover:
* What NotebookLM is and how it works
* How it differs from a general-purpose AI chatbot
* Ways it can support studying, research, and self-directed learning
* Key features that benefit students and educators
* A brief look at where NotebookLM might go next
What Is NotebookLM and How Does It Work?
NotebookLM is Google’s AI-assisted research and learning tool designed to help you work more effectively with your own materials. Unlike general AI chatbots that pull from the broader internet, NotebookLM focuses entirely on the documents, notes, and sources you upload, creating a controlled and personalized environment for studying or research - something especially appreciated by Educators, who can align content closely with their syllabus when preparing lessons.
When you create a notebook, you can add PDFs, Google Docs, transcripts, or pasted text. NotebookLM then analyzes your content and allows you to ask questions directly about your sources, generate summaries or explanations, create outlines and study guides, and identify key themes, connections, or inconsistencies. Because it stays grounded in your materials, the responses tend to be more focused and relevant to your specific content. In essence, NotebookLM functions less like a general chatbot and more like a personal research assistant, helping you interpret, organize, and build understanding from the information you’re already working with.
How NotebookLM Differs from other LLMs
Most AI chatbots are already designed to answer broad questions by pulling from a wide range of online information. NotebookLM works differently. Instead of searching the internet, it stays grounded in the specific materials you’ve added to your notebook.
Here’s what sets it apart:
* Source-anchored responses: NotebookLM only uses your uploaded documents as its knowledge base, making answers more focused, relevant, and predictable.
* Built-in document understanding: It can summarize long texts, compare sections, extract key points, or clarify concepts directly within your materials.
* Structured workspace: Rather than being just a chat window, NotebookLM organizes content into notebooks, making it easier to manage readings across different classes, research projects, and other class materials.
* Designed for deeper learning: The tool helps you generate study guides, outlines, explanations, and follow-up questions all tailored to the sources you provide.
This makes NotebookLM less of a general conversational tool and more of a purpose-built companion for learning, research, and content analysis. You can watch a quick video of exactly how it works and get started here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dHmu1GALmA
How NotebookLM Supports Learning and Research
NotebookLM is designed to make it easier to understand complex material, organize information, and stay focused on what matters. By working directly with the content you upload, it helps streamline tasks that typically take time and mental energy.
Some of the ways it can help include:
* Summarizing long readings
* Creating structured and scalable study materials
* Clarifying concepts and terminology
* Highlighting connections across documents
These capabilities make NotebookLM not only practical but also adaptable for a wide range of learners. Teachers and educators can define the scope and level of information appropriate for different grades, ensuring that students absorb material at the right pace rather than being exposed to unlimited or off-topic content from the broader internet.
NotebookLM also supports accessible learning through features such as audio overviews, allowing students to listen to summaries or explanations of their materials - an option that can be especially helpful for learners with special needs or different learning preferences. By turning scattered notes, transcripts, and articles into a single, interactive workspace, it allows learners to focus on comprehension and insight rather than on managing information.
Always Improving: Recent New Features
If you are already familiar with NotebookLM, you should be aware that it continues to evolve with several recent improvements that make it even more capable as a personal learning assistant. These upgrades include:
* Larger context window: Now able to handle bigger readings and more complex notebooks than before.
* Smarter, more coherent reasoning: Responses are clearer and better structured.
* Better memory across chats: Retains context more effectively, making follow-up questions more meaningful.
* ‘Discover Sources’: Can now suggest helpful web references to complement your own materials.
* Expanded file support and seamless Gmail/Drive integration: Allows for more flexible uploading for Word Documents, PDFs, and working directly with Google Workspace files.
Together, these enhancements make NotebookLM not just a tool for organizing notes, but a more intelligent, responsive companion that adapts to your learning and research needs.
Where NotebookLM Might Go Next
While NotebookLM is still evolving, its direction is clear: creating a more personalized, source-grounded way to learn. As AI tools become more integrated into everyday study routines, NotebookLM has the potential to support even more formats, richer collaboration features, and deeper integrations with the apps students already use.
For many learners, this also raises the importance of having devices that can support AI-driven study tools smoothly. Acer’s range of Chromebooks, including models designed for students and classrooms such as the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514, such as the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514, offer seamless access to NotebookLM and Google Workspace. With its convertible 2-in-1 design, 14-inch WUXGA display, and all-day battery life, it’s well suited for reading, research, and AI-assisted learning workflows. College students who purchase a Chromebook Plus for themselves can also enjoy 12 months free of Google AI Pro (a nearly $240 value), making it an accessible way to explore AI-enhanced learning from day one..
NotebookLM is still new, but it’s already changing how people understand and interact with their own materials. The best way to see its potential is to try it with content you’re working on right now - whether it’s a class reading, a research topic, or notes from a project.
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Acer Nitro V 15: Best Budget Gaming Laptop in 2025?
Searching for the best budget gaming laptop? Well congratulations because you’ve just found the best cheap gaming laptop out there, the Acer Nitro V 15. Instead of a cheap gaming laptop, perhaps we should say best value gaming laptop, as the Acer Nitro V 15 is a compact beast that perfectly balances portability and performance.
For committed gamers who demand smooth Full HD play combined with reliable multitasking and ever-stable performance, this isn’t only a good budget gaming laptop. It’s a ticket to jump into gaming missions whenever and wherever you are.
A potent combination of Intel processing, NVIDIA graphics and a 15.6” display, there’s much to discover about the Acer Nitro V 15. So let’s jump right in and take a look at the tech specs of the Acer Nitro V 15 Gaming Laptop - ANV15-52-778V2 currently available for the wallet-friendly price of $1,049.99.
* Operating System: Windows 11 Home
* Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-13620H processor Deca-core
* Processor Speed: 2.40 GHz
* Processor Speed (turbo): 4.90 GHz
* GPU: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5050 with 8 GB dedicated memory
* Display: 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 IPS 165 Hz
* Display Screen Type: Active Matrix TFT LCD
* Display Screen Technology: ComfyView (Matte); In-plane Switching (IPS) Technology
* Memory: 16 GB DDR4 SDRAM
* Memory Slots: 2
* Storage: 512 GB
* Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 or above
* Interfaces/Ports: HDMI, USB x 4, Audio in/out
* Battery Type: 76 Wh
* Maximum Battery Run Time: 8 hours
* Dimensions: 14.3” x 9.4” x 0.92”
* Weight: 4.66 lb
Power and portability
As you can see from these ever-tasty tech-specs, this is truly a prince among budget gaming laptops. Let’s begin with the brains of the beast and see what makes the Acer Nitro V 15 the perfect blend of power and portability. The Intel® Core™ i7-13620H processor is a deca-core processor with 6 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, topped with a maximum turbo boost of up to 4.9 GHz. Here you have a CPU tailored to balance gaming excess with everyday tasks and productivity. Keep up with whatever you need to get done, from fast-paced gaming, to intense multitasking, and everything in between.
Graphically genius
Still wondering what is the best gaming laptop for you? Well the Acer Nitro V 15’s NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5050 Laptop GPU with dedicated GDDR6 memory may help to sway your opinion about this device! This GPU is ready to drive modern gaming experiences at Full HD resolution, and with dedicated video memory, 8GB of VRAM handles visual workloads without leaning heavily on system RAM. Tied in with the CPU, this graphics card delivers finely tuned graphic excellence across all game genres from FPS to open world exploration.
Full HD Display
A portable full HD display is something to be proud of, and the Acer Nitro V 15’s 5.6-inch Full HD 1920×1080 display is a vision to behold. Fast and speedy play is the name of the game, and this display delivers refresh rates up to 180 Hz and response times up to 3 ms, depending on configuration. Paired with the GPU, the full HD resolution makes whatever you’re playing look fantastic. And from all angles, thanks to IPS technology and Acer’s matte ComfyView surface. Color-wise the Acer Nitro V 15 has got you covered with up to 100% sRGB color. Creators and gamers alike can benefit from the rich color accuracy this laptop delivers.
Memory and storage
All this color and speed mean nothing without solid memory and storage capacity. Well fret not, for the Acer Nitro V 15 has both, in droves. 16 GB of DDR4 memory in a dual-slot configuration provides ample memory as well as flexibility for future upgrades. For all your files and more, 512 GB PCIe NVMe 4.0 SSD means fast game loading, really rapid boot times, and solid responsiveness whatever you’re doing.
Connect with clarity
Connectivity is a must in all devices, and the Acer Nitro V 15 doesn’t disappoint. As you’d expect, this laptop has HDMI®, four USB ports, and an Ethernet port, as well as audio line-in and line-out. Headsets, peripherals, and external displays (if needed) can all be plugged while you play, without any friction.
For occasions where reliability is critical, Gigabit Ethernet lets you get wired in, while everyday connectivity is covered by the Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) and Bluetooth 5.1 or above. Built-in webcam and mic ensure smooth communications, while Acer’s suite of AI-powered tools including Acer PurifiedVoice™ and PurifiedView™ massively improve call quality.
Professionally portable
Where many budget laptops fall in the trenches, the Acer Nitro V 15 shines. The 76 Wh lithium-ion battery has a maximum runtime of up to 8 hours. That’s a full workday of Nitro V 15 power at your fingertips wherever you venture. The 135 W power adapter delivers fast charging when you need it, but on-the-go gaming, browsing, study, or work is the forte of the Acer Nitro V 15 budget gaming laptop.
In true Nitro style, the V 15 is black and discreet, able to seamlessly blend in a gaming den or professional environment. Weighing a mere 4.66 lbs and with a height of 0.93 inches, a width of 14.3 inches, a depth of 9.4 inches you can carry this laptop to work, school, or gaming meet-ups without ever feeling weighed down!
Best budget choice?
We hope you’ve enjoyed today’s exploration of the Acer Nitro V 15 gaming laptop. A practical, fun choice for gamers who require a balance of power and portability, the Acer Nitro V 15 stands out from the crowd. The Intel Core i7-13620H processor and RTX 5050 GPU provide serious capability for on-the-go Full HD gaming. 15.6” Full HD IPS display, PCIe 4.0 storage, and modern wireless support round out a machine designed for smooth, reliable everyday use. If you’re looking for an affordable gaming laptop with perfected performance, the Acer Nitro V 15 shows that portable hardware can still deliver raw power and versatility. Finally, remember to visit the Acer Store to explore other devices, where students can enjoy 15% off.
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Best Throwables to Use in Arc Raiders
If you want to win more fights in ARC Raiders, you need to know which grenades actually make a difference. The game offers a long list of throwables, but many look stronger in the description than they are in real combat. With the 1.3 update changing how explosive damage works, the meta has shifted again, especially for corner fights, anti-ARC bursts, and extraction pressure. This guide breaks down the ten best grenades in ARC Raiders, explains what makes each one useful, and helps you choose the right options for both PvP and PvE so you can avoid wasting resources on tools that will not carry their weight.
10. Gas Grenade
The Gas Grenade is a niche tool, but it becomes dangerous when you understand what it actually does. Instead of dealing damage, it drains the opponent’s stamina, and a player with no stamina cannot perform a normal roll or sprint to reposition. This means the grenade will not force someone out of cover through raw pressure, but it will leave them unable to escape once you start your push. In tight rooms or narrow hallways, it can trap an enemy long enough for you to take control of the fight.
9. Li'l Smoke Grenade
The Li'l Smoke Grenade earns its place on the list because of how consistently useful it is, even with its smaller cloud and shorter duration. It gives you quick, cheap cover when crossing open ground, looting a risky body, or breaking a sniper’s line of sight. While it is not as powerful as the full-size smoke grenade, its low cost makes it easy to bring several into every raid without thinking twice. It is a simple tool, but it adds real safety to almost any situation.
8. Shrapnel Grenade
The Shrapnel Grenade is designed mainly for PvP, where its burst of razor-sharp fragments can punish players holding tight corners or predictable angles. It has a longer fuse and a smaller radius than other options, but the fragmentation effect can catch someone as they move or try to reposition. While its raw damage is lower than a snap blast, it excels as a cheap and reliable area denial tool that forces opponents to give up their position. Used correctly, it can disrupt pushes, break defensive holds, and create openings for you to take control of the fight.
7. Wolfpack Grenade
The Wolfpack Grenade is one of the strongest anti-ARC tools in the game because of how reliably it targets and destroys flying units. When you throw it, the drones break apart and home in on enemies like Wasps, Snitches, Hornets, and especially Rocketeers, often deleting them before they become a threat. It can also contribute solid damage against larger ARC, though its spread makes it less efficient on multi-hitbox bosses. While it excels in PvE, it is essentially wasteful to use in PvP because the rockets do not track players well and offer far less value than cheaper, more flexible grenade options.
6. Heavy Fuse Grenade
The Heavy Fuse Grenade delivers strong explosive damage, but its long fuse time makes it difficult to use effectively. When thrown, it often rolls or bounces into awkward positions, giving opponents plenty of time to move out of the blast radius before it detonates. In PvE, it can still be useful for layering damage under large ARC units, but the delay means it will occasionally miss even stationary enemies. Its power is undeniable when it connects, yet the slow activation and high crafting cost limit its overall practicality compared to faster, more reliable options.
5. Blaze Grenade
The Blaze Grenade was once one of the strongest damage tools in the game, but the 1.3 update reduced its overall effectiveness against ARC units by limiting how many fire ticks can stack on multiple hitboxes. Even after the nerf, it remains a dangerous option in PvP because the spreading fire can trap players in rooms, corners, or narrow hallways, forcing them to take heavy damage if they stay put. The grenade’s value comes from how quickly the fire covers an area, punishing anyone who hesitates or tries to hold a position for too long. It is less efficient for clearing ARC now, but it is still a powerful way to control space and overwhelm players in close-quarters fights.
4. Snap Blast Grenade
The Snap Blast Grenade is a reliable mid-tier explosive that sticks to players, ARC units, or surfaces, which makes its placement much easier to control. Its damage is lower than a heavy fuse grenade, but it activates more consistently and is far cheaper to craft, giving it a strong cost-to-value ratio. Because it adheres to its target, it works well for area denial, corner pressure, or finishing weakened ARC units without worrying about a roll or bounce sending it off course. It lacks the raw power of higher-tier grenades, but its mix of reliability and affordability makes it a dependable choice in most raids.
3. Showstopper
The Showstopper is one of the strongest control grenades in the game because it detonates the instant it hits a target, creating a reliable stun that shuts down both players and ARC units. Against players, the forced stand-still animation lasts long enough to break corner holds, expose defenders, or secure a free opening shot. Against ARC, it can bring Rocketeers out of the sky or lock down dangerous units so you can finish them safely. Its only real drawback is the risk of throwing it too close and stunning yourself, but in the right hands, the Showstopper consistently turns chaotic fights in your favor.
2. Smoke Grenade
The full-sized Smoke Grenade is one of the most versatile utility tools in ARC Raiders, giving you a large, long-lasting cloud that completely breaks line of sight. It is invaluable during extracts because it lets you loot safely, revive teammates, or cross exposed terrain without getting picked off by snipers or third parties. In PvP, it creates chaos by allowing you to close the distance with close-range weapons or reposition before your opponent can react. You can also pair it with a Tagging Grenade to gain vision inside the smoke, letting you track and shoot an enemy who can no longer see you at all. Its wide coverage and long duration make it one of the most consistent and dependable grenades in the game.
1. Trigger 'Nade
The Trigger 'Nade is one of the strongest and most flexible grenades in the game because you can detonate it whenever you choose. This manual trigger lets you throw multiple grenades back-to-back and pop them all at once, creating devastating burst damage that can delete ARC units or strip a player’s shield in an instant. It lands reliably, hits hard, and avoids the problems caused by long fuse timers or unpredictable bounces. Whether you are ambushing a player, finishing a Bastion, or controlling a tight choke point, the Trigger 'Nade consistently delivers some of the highest value you can get from a throwable.
Conclusion
The grenade system in ARC Raiders offers far more depth than it first appears, and choosing the right tool can decide whether you win or lose a fight. Some grenades thrive on raw power, others excel through utility, and a few are only strong when paired with the right combo, like smokes with tagging grenades. Once you understand how each option fits into both PvP and PvE, it becomes easier to build a loadout that matches your playstyle and the challenges of each raid. No matter how you approach the game, mastering these top grenades gives you a noticeable edge and helps you stay one step ahead of both ARC and rival raiders.
For more Arc Raiders tips, guides, and detailed breakdowns, be sure to check out our other articles below:
* How to Level Fast in Arc Raiders: Best EXP Methods
* Arc Raiders Enemy Guide: All ARC Enemies, Weakpoints, Loot, and XP
* Best Skills to Upgrade in Arc Raiders
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Why You Should Remove Image Metadata Before Sharing Photos and How to Do It
Before you upload your next photo, join us to discover why you should remove the hidden image metadata inside it, and how to clean it safely on Windows 11 or with dedicated tools. It may sound like the stuff of spy movies, but there really is a bundle of info hidden inside each and every image file.
Image metadata often includes exact GPS coordinates of where the image was taken, when it was taken, and even the device used! While this info can be useful for organizing your photo library, it may reveal more about you than you’re comfortable with. Don’t panic, stick with us and learn how to view and remove image metadata to protect your privacy when you share photos online.
What is image metadata?
As we mentioned above, image metadata is the hidden info stored in a photo file. This invisible information is automatically embedded in every photo you take on digital devices. The most common standard is EXIF metadata, which stores details of the date and time the photo was taken, as well as the camera model, shutter speed, ISO, and even lens type. Your smartphone likely also records GPS coordinates, which can be used to pinpoint the exact spot where an image was captured.
If you edit your own photos, then editing software can add additional metadata like color profiles and copyright info. While metadata is undeniably useful for organizing your library and supporting editing workflows, it can also reveal more than you intend. Let’s take a closer look at why removing image metadata before sharing your photos is a wise move.
Why remove image metadata?
Privacy and safety are the primary reasons you should remove image metadata before posting your photos online! GPS data reveals locations like your home, office, or even your kid’s school. Add timestamps to this, and metadata becomes a potent cocktail of information that can hand stalkers or other nefarious individuals' way more insight into your life than you ever intended to share.
On top of personal privacy, removing metadata should be a part of your digital hygiene regime. Every unnecessary detail you share online increases your digital footprint, so removing metadata aligns with today’s cybersecurity best practices. Even if you’ve got no enemies, and you want the world to see your photos, you’re better off preserving a stroke of anonymity by removing metadata.
When you should wipe your image's properties
Many popular platforms including Facebook and Instagram strip most EXIF data, including GPS metadata (location) when photos are uploaded. While this data may be automatically stripped before posting, platforms may preserve metadata internally. We recommend that any image you post publicly, send to strangers, or use in sensitive contexts (marketplace, public groups) should be cleansed of metadata before uploading. Remember as well that other methods of sending data such as messaging apps, email, cloud albums, and AirDrop don’t wipe metadata from images.
When not to worry about metadata
Photos stored privately on your devices or cloud accounts don’t need to have their metadata wiped. If you’re sharing images in trusted private chats like family WhatsApp groups then don’t worry about metadata. But remember, if someone forwards your photo to a nefarious individual, the metadata you left in the file will travel with it.
Let’s not forget that metadata is actually intended to help photographers access image info. Metadata provides valuable information including camera settings. On top of this, it helps users organize their photo albums by time and location, and marks RAW images that require metadata for editing.
How to see image metadata on Windows 11
Before you strip your images of all their metadata, it helps to know exactly what information your photo is carrying. Thankfully Windows 11 makes it easy to view a file’s metadata directly from File Explorer:
* Right-click the photo file in File Explorer.
* Select Properties.
* Open the Details tab.
* You’ll see fields such as:* Date taken
* Camera model
* Software
* Dimensions and resolution
* GPS coordinates (if present)
How to remove metadata from images on Windows 11
Once you’ve deciphered what your photos reveal, removing the metadata is simple. Windows 11 includes a built-in tool that lets you remove sensitive details in a few clicks, as follows:
* Right-click the image
* Select Properties
* Open the Details tab.
* Select Remove Properties and Personal Information at the bottom.
* You can choose:* Create a copy with all possible metadata removed, or
* Remove the following properties from this file and select all or individual fields to delete (date taken, camera model, GPS).
* Windows can remove most metadata from JPEG and PNG files, but RAW formats (.CR2, .NEF, .ARW) may require specialized tools.
Other tools to remove metadata
A simple internet search will offer endless websites and tools offering to find and remove the metadata from your images. So, if you crave even more control over what your images reveal, a range of metadata cleaning tools can help you discover, edit, or wipe image metadata before sharing. These apps go beyond Windows 11’s built-in options, providing deeper customization options and stronger privacy protection.
ExifTool (Windows/macOS/Linux). The golden standard for metadata removal, this cross-platform, powerful, fast, flexible and customizable command-line tool offers complete metadata inspection and removal. Preferred choice of technical users, security pros, and photographers, ExifTool by Phil Harvey helps users read, write and edit meta information.
GIMP (Windows/macOS/Linux). Bring out GIMP, the free and open source GNU image manipulation program that’s been around for 30 years. As well as editing image metadata, GIMP can be tasked with photo retouching, image composition and image authoring.
Photo Exif Editor to view, edit or remove EXIF metadata (including GPS) from their photos. iOS users may want to check out Exif Metadata to swiftly and easily view, edit and remove image metadata.
Mind your metadata
We hope you’ve enjoyed discovering why you should remove image metadata before sharing photos. It really is a small step that delivers a huge boost to your digital privacy. If you’re sharing photos on social media or posting listings online, stripping metadata ensures you only share what you intend to, and nothing more.
With a few easy clicks, Windows 11’s built-in tools and other metadata-cleaning apps can protect you and your family. In a connected world where every meta detail matters, keeping the photos you share online metadata-free is one of the easiest ways to stay in control and secure.
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