We have examined many gaming laptops under $1,000, and whereas some meet efficiency expectations and embody important options, others fall quick. Acer’s Nitro V 15 checks a lot of the essential containers, providing an Intel Core i7 CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics for $869.99. It’s fairly well-built with good connectivity and upgradeability. Nevertheless, loud followers and a subpar display imply that you just nonetheless should make some sacrifices.
Design of the Acer Nitro V 15
The Nitro V 15 appears to be like interesting for a funds gaming laptop computer. It has an understated design aside from flashy graphics on the lid and a reflective Nitro brand. The remainder of the all-black chassis is unassuming.
Though this Acer is made solely from plastic, which is anticipated on this value vary, it feels sturdy. The chassis and lid are extremely immune to flexing. The plastic in all fairness thick and doesn’t rattle or sound low cost when tapped with my fingers.
Measuring 14.3 x 9.4 x 1.06 inches, the Nitro is analogous in dimension to the MSI Cyborg 15 and the Lenovo LOQ 15ARP9. The Dell G16 7630 is barely bigger attributable to its 16-inch 16:10 display. The Nitro weighs 4.66 kilos in comparison with the MSI’s 4.37 kilos, whereas the Lenovo at 5.12 kilos and significantly the Dell, at 6.3 kilos, are heavier.
A lot of the Nitro’s ports are situated on the left edge, together with Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.1 video output, and one 10 Gbps USB Kind-C and two 5 Gbps USB Kind-A ports. The Kind-C port additionally helps DisplayPort out with an adapter. The AC energy barrel connector additionally resides right here.
In the meantime, the correct edge features a 3.5 mm audio jack and one other 5 Gbps USB Kind-A port, together with a Kensington lock slot. Internally, a MediaTek wi-fi card gives Wi-Fi 6 (not the newer 6E commonplace) and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity.
Acer Nitro V 15 Specs
| CPU | Intel Core i7-13620H |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 (6GB GDDR6, 2,130 MHz increase clock, 75W most graphics energy) |
| Reminiscence | 16GB DDR5-5200 (2x 8GB) |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Show | 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080, 16:9, IPS, 144 Hz |
| Networking | MediaTek Wi-Fi 6 MT7921, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Kind-C (with DisplayPort), 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Kind-A, Ethernet (1 Gbps), HDMI 2.1, 3.5 mm audio |
| Digicam | 720p |
| Battery | 57 Wh |
| Energy Adapter | 135W (barrel connector) |
| Working System | Home windows 11 House |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 14.3 x 9.4 x 1.06 inches |
| Weight | 4.66 kilos |
| Worth (as configured) | $869.99 |
Gaming and Graphics on the Acer Nitro V 15
Our Nitro V 15 overview mannequin options an Intel Core i7-13620H processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics (75W most graphics energy), and 16GB of DDR5-5200 RAM. It’s entry-level, however able to taking part in trendy video games.
I noticed about 144 frames per second (fps) common whereas taking part in F1 24 at Medium settings with DLSS enabled. The gameplay was fluid and by no means stuttered.
The techniques we’re utilizing for comparability embody the Dell G16 7630 (Core i5-13650HX, RTX 4060 140W, $999.99 as examined), MSI Cyborg 15 (Core i7-13620H, RTX 4050 45W, $899.99), and Lenovo LOQ ARP9 (AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS, RTX 4060 115W, $999.99). The Dell and Lenovo provide way more highly effective RTX 4060 graphics playing cards for $100 to $150 extra.
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In Shadow of the Tomb Raider (Highest element preset), the Nitro averaged 70 fps, noticeably outperforming the MSI Cyborg’s 64 fps. Nevertheless, it couldn’t match the Lenovo’s 96 fps or Dell’s 98 fps because of the RTX 4060s.
In Cyberpunk 2077 (Very Excessive preset), the Nitro was 10% quicker than the MSI, attaining 22 fps in comparison with 20 fps, nevertheless it couldn’t catch the Dell’s 33 fps. (We don’t have information for the Lenovo on this sport.)
Subsequent, the Nitro produced 63 fps in Far Cry 6 (Extremely preset), tying the MSI however falling wanting the Lenovo’s 79 fps and the Dell’s 85 fps.
In Pink Lifeless Redemption 2 (Medium preset), the Nitro averaged 48 fps, outperforming the MSI’s 44 fps. As anticipated, the Dell and Lenovo each continued performing considerably higher.
Lastly, in Borderlands 3 (on the sport’s “badass” preset), the Nitro as soon as once more outperformed the MSI, producing 62 fps to the MSI’s 56 fps. The hole between these, the Dell and Lenovo remained acute.
General, the Nitro delivers stable 1080p gaming efficiency. Its 75W RTX 4050 outperformed the 45W model within the MSI Cyborg 15. Nevertheless, the Dell and Lenovo clearly present that the RTX 4060 with 100W or extra of most graphics energy is a considerably superior performer.
We stress-test gaming laptops by operating the Metro Exodus benchmark 15 instances at RTX settings, simulating half an hour of gaming. Throughout the check, the Nitro V averaged 53.56 fps with solely minimal variance between runs, indicating constant cooling efficiency.
The Core i7-13620H averaged 2.34 GHz and 62 levels C on the P-cores and 1.89 GHz and 62 C on the E-cores. The GeForce RTX 4050 averaged 2.2 GHz and 64 C.
Productiveness Efficiency on the Acer Nitro V 15
Our Nitro overview unit is supplied with a Core i7-13620H CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It handles on a regular basis apps and lightweight content material creation with ease.
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Within the cross-platform Geekbench 6 CPU benchmark, the Nitro was in competition for the highest spot, scoring 2,571 factors in comparison with the MSI’s 2,580 factors. It produced the best rating of 13,373 factors within the multi-core check, with the MSI coming in second at 12,427 factors. The Lenovo LOQ lagged considerably in each checks.
The Acer was the second-best performer in our 25GB file switch check, attaining a median switch charge of 1,456.74 MBps in comparison with the Dell’s 1,718.8 MBps. Each the MSI and the Lenovo had sub-1,000 MBps switch charges.
In our Handbrake video transcoding check, the Nitro outperformed the MSI, changing a 4K video to 1080pin 5 minutes and 25 seconds in comparison with the MSI’s 5:49. It was solely barely behind the Lenovo’s 5:17, nevertheless it couldn’t match the Dell at 4:21.
Show on the Acer Nitro V 15
The Nitro makes use of a basic 16:9 display with a 1920 x 1080 decision. Highlights embody an anti-glare floor to reduce reflections, IPS know-how for broad viewing angles, and a 144 Hz refresh charge.
The image high quality is common at finest, with sufficient brightness however washed-out colours. Watching the 2016 sci-fi Arrival, the stark distinction of the spaceship scenes lacked impression, and the extra vibrant scenes appeared uninteresting. Likewise, the colourful race vehicles in F1 24 additionally failed to face out.
The Nitro’s subpar shade protection is clear from our show measurements, the place it covers simply 44.9% of DCI-P3 and 63.3% of sRGB, which is even decrease than the MSI Cyborg. In distinction, the Dell’s display presents markedly superior shade and better brightness.
Keyboard and Touchpad on the Acer Nitro V 15
The Nitro’s keyboard doesn’t resemble a typical gaming laptop computer keyboard, sticking with a normal font and white-only backlighting just like Acer’s Aspire laptops. Whereas Acer missed an opportunity so as to add some aptitude right here, at the least it averted the cliché crimson backlighting usually discovered on many different funds gaming laptops.
The shallow key journey limits tactile suggestions. Nevertheless, it’s straightforward to sort rapidly; I had no hassle reaching my private finest typing pace of 120 phrases per minute within the MonkeyType on-line typing check.
Acer would have been higher off leaving out the awkward three-column quantity pad, and it will have been preferable had all of the arrow keys been the identical dimension. The Nitro key within the prime row is the keyboard’s solely particular characteristic; urgent it launches the Nitro Sense app.
In the meantime, the Nitro’s giant touchpad is a pleasure to make use of, providing an anti-glare floor and quiet, satisfying tactile clicks.
Audio on the Acer Nitro V 15
The Nitro’s built-in audio system go away a lot to be desired. Whereas they supply sufficient quantity for private leisure, the sound high quality is tinny and almost devoid of bass. Listening to Sure’s “Proprietor of a Lonely Coronary heart,” the drum hits and guitar sounded strained, and the vocals had been hole.
The DTS:X Extremely app gives a graphic equalizer and a number of other audio presets, together with Music (the default), Voice, and Film, in addition to an Auto choice. Music was essentially the most well-balanced preset to my ears. The sound high quality considerably degraded with out this app’s assist.
Upgradeability of the Acer Nitro V 15
The Nitro presents good upgradeability, with two DDR5 SODIMM slots, two M.2 2280 SSD slots, an M.2 2230 wi-fi card slot, and a replaceable battery. These elements are accessible beneath the underside panel, which is secured by 11 Philips-head screws. All of the screws are the identical size.
Popping the plastic clips that safe the panel requires a plastic trim software; I had to make use of some drive to create a niche at one of many rear corners and thoroughly work throughout the rear edge. The clips across the different edges launched as soon as I had the rear edge loosened.
The thermal cooling answer is seen right here. The comparatively small dimension of the followers could also be a purpose why they’re so noisy.
Battery Life on the Acer Nitro V 15
Our battery life check entails simulated internet searching, streaming video over Wi-Fi, and operating OpenGL checks, all with the display brightness set to 150 nits. The Nitro V outperformed the opposite models by a major margin, lasting for five hours and 41 minutes in comparison with the Dell G16’s 5 hours and three minutes and the Lenovo LOQ’s 3 hours and 24 minutes. Although it’s no ultraportable, the Nitro lasts a respectably very long time off the plug.
Warmth on the Acer Nitro V 15
Throughout our 15-loop Metro Exodus stress check, we measured most floor temperatures on the Nitro of 68 levels Fahrenheit on the touchpad, 93 F between the keyboard G and H keys, and 104 F on the underside. No a part of the laptop computer felt greater than lukewarm to the contact.
There was regrettably nothing quiet concerning the Nitro’s cooling followers, which had been plainly audible throughout my front room. They’ve a particular whine. Utilizing closed headphones whereas gaming is a should. (Consider the best gaming headsets.) The followers additionally proved overreactive for on a regular basis use, usually spooling up every time I visited a webpage or did something that will briefly stress the CPU.
Webcam on the Acer Nitro V 15
Acer equips the Nitro V with a 720p webcam over its show. The image has a smooth focus and suffers from grain in low mild, typical of a small-sensor digicam. Whereas funds gaming laptops hardly ever provide higher, I nonetheless want for the sharper image of a extra trendy 1080p sensor. A privateness shutter would have additionally been a welcome addition, although it will be a shock beneath $1,000.
The webcam lacks an infrared sensor to allow Home windows Whats up facial recognition. This laptop computer doesn’t have a fingerprint reader, both, so that you’ll have to sort passwords.
Software program and Guarantee on the Acer Nitro V 15
Acer contains a number of apps on the Nitro, with the primary one being NitroSense. This app presents energy profiles, system standing (together with CPU and GPU temperatures and frequencies), and fan curve management. Different settings embody a battery cost limiter, a bluelight defend, and a keyboard backlight timeout. Moreover, you possibly can customise the system boot brand with your individual picture. The facility profile and fan curve could be saved in a profile, and the app middle part lets you bind a profile to an app so the profile is routinely activated when the app is launched.
One other included app, Acer Care Heart, gives well being checks for many elements, system updates, entry to Assist, restoration administration, and a tuneup characteristic to delete junk information. I particularly like that the restoration administration part permits backup of LAN and wi-fi drivers, which could be tough to search out for much less widespread networking playing cards just like the one on this Nitro for those who reinstall the OS.
The DTS apps talked about within the audio part are essential for the general sound high quality. There are a number of undesirable trial apps on the Nitro, together with McAfee LiveSafe, Dropbox, ExpressVPN, and Forge of Empires.
Acer covers the Nitro with a one-year guarantee.
Acer Nitro V 15 Configurations
We reviewed the Nitro V 15 outfitted with an Intel Core i7-13620H processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 144 Hz display. It was discounted to $869.99 on Newegg on the time of this overview with a 1TB SSD.
Configurations begin at $699.99 with a Core i5-13420H, an RTX 3050, and 8GB of RAM. Newegg additionally had a $999.99 mannequin with a Core i9-13900H, an RTX 4060, and 16GB of RAM. The Nitro V can be accessible with AMD processors; a $779.99 mannequin features a Ryzen 5 7535HS and an RTX 4050 whereas a $929.99 mannequin upgrades to a Ryzen 7 7735HS and an RTX 4060.
Amongst laptops with the RTX 4050, the MSI Cyborg 15 was discounted to $849.99 on Newegg with the identical fundamental specs as our Nitro, although as talked about, it makes use of a lower-wattage RTX 4050 and lacks a ten Gbps USB port. The Lenovo LOQ 15ARP9 was $879.99 from Lenovo with an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS and a 1TB SSD.
Although the Nitro is competitively priced, laptops with a GeForce RTX 4060 can be found for round $100 extra; the Dell G16 7630 was $949.99 with a Core i5-13650HX CPU, an RTX 4060, a 1TB SSD, and a 16-inch 2560 x 1600, 240 Hz show.
Backside Line
Acer’s Nitro V 15 is a stable alternative for budget-conscious avid gamers, albeit with just a few drawbacks. On the plus facet, its Core i7 CPU and RTX 4050 GPU produce passable 1080p framerates, it presents a flashy but tasteful design, and we additionally famous its good connectivity, upgradeability, and battery life.
The Nitro’s major holdbacks are loud cooling followers and a display with subpar shade, each of which make this laptop computer much less well-rounded than it ought to be. Though the fan noise could be mitigated with closed headphones, the display is beneath common even for a funds laptop computer. We additionally want for a greater webcam and fuller-sounding audio system.
Whereas we charge this Nitro increased than the MSI Cyborg 15 attributable to its superior efficiency, connectivity, and battery life, you may get the Dell G16 7630 for round $100 extra, which presents considerably higher efficiency and a a lot superior display. In case your funds is tight, although, the Nitro V 15 remains to be an honest alternative.
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