The Acer Nitro 14 is a gaming laptop computer that’s all about worth. I’ve a smooth spot for this sort of laptop computer: Costly gaming laptops are spectacular, however you don’t should spend some huge cash for an excellent gaming expertise. There’s one thing lovely about any laptop computer that delivers strong efficiency at a low value. However you’ll have to just accept some compromises to maintain the value down.

Additional studying: Greatest gaming laptops 2024: What to search for and highest-rated fashions

Acer Nitro 14: Specs

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Acer Nitro 14 contains an eight-core AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS CPU. AMD launched the Ryzen 8000 CPUs again in December 2023. It’s not one among AMD’s newest Ryzen AI CPUs which can be simply rolling out, nevertheless it’s a strong CPU with affordable gaming efficiency, as we’ll see within the benchmarks.

The Nitro 14 additionally contains an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB of LPDDR5X reminiscence, and a 512 GB solid-state drive. It’s an inexpensive package deal for gaming on a finances, however Acer doesn’t present any configuration choices: That is the one {hardware} configuration out there.

Since that’s the case, it’s value flagging that the 512 GB SSD could also be just a little on the small aspect in a world the place some video games are coming in at over 100 GB every. I want having some additional area to work with, because the uninstall-a-game-to-make-room shuffle can get annoying.

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS
• Reminiscence: 16 GB LPDDR5X
• Graphics/GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
• Show: 14.5-inch 1920×1200 IPS show with 120Hz refresh fee
• Storage: 512 GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
• Webcam: 720p webcam
• Connectivity: 2x USB Kind-C (One USB4 Full Operate, one USB 3.2 Gen 2), 2x USB Kind-A (USB 3.2 Gen 2), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x combo headphone jack, 1x microSD card slot, 1x DC energy in, 1x Kensington lock slot
• Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
• Biometrics: None
• Battery capability: 76 Watt-hours
• Dimensions: 12.77 x 10.16 x 1.03 inches
• Weight: 4.4 kilos
• MSRP: $1,299 as examined

Acer Nitro 14: Design and construct high quality

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Acer Nitro 14 has a classic-looking design. This 14.5-inch laptop computer is all black – aside from the silver Nitro emblem on the lid and under the display and the orange plastic fins on the again of the machine. It’s just a little chunky, however not massively so. At 4.4 kilos, it’s on the heavy aspect in comparison with another 14-inch gaming laptop computer.

This laptop computer’s chassis is made solely out of plastic. There are not any metallic elements right here, as there are on some costlier laptops. That’s one of many methods Acer is conserving prices down.

Whereas plastic doesn’t really feel as “premium” to the contact as metallic, the construct high quality feels good and durable. There’s no bizarre flex to the laptop computer’s chassis. The hinge motion is especially strong and easy, and it’s straightforward to open the laptop computer with a single hand.

The laptop computer’s cooling system additionally works effectively. Sizzling air is directed out either side of the laptop computer, in addition to the again. Whereas gaming, the new air spraying out the edges of the laptop computer wasn’t significantly intense, and it wasn’t annoying on my mouse hand — an issue that many different gaming laptops do have.

The Acer Nitro 14’s keyboard deck does get just a little sizzling whereas working intensive video games, however not unusually so. Nevertheless, a lot of the warmth stays in the course of the keyboard. The WASD space stayed very affordable to the contact.

Acer Nitro 14: Keyboard and trackpad

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Acer Nitro 14 features a full-size keyboard with three zones of LED backlighting. Out of the field, the keyboard is configured to animate between totally different colours, and it seems to be nice in case you’re a fan of the rainbow LED gamer aesthetic. (After all, you’ll be able to configure the backlight nonetheless you want).

Like many different components of this laptop computer, the keyboard feels nice. It’s not an unusually snappy keyboard, and also you received’t rave about it to anybody. However the keys are responsive. Whereas the motion feels mushy, it doesn’t really feel dangerous. It’s nice. It received’t gradual you down when typing or gaming. You aren’t going to get the very best key really feel on a value-focused gaming laptop computer.

I’m a fan of the full-size arrow keys on the keyboard — no half-height arrow keys right here, as you see on many fashionable laptops. There’s additionally a devoted NitroSense key that launches the Acer NitroSense software program, the place you’ll be able to change energy profiles on the laptop computer. On the top-left nook of the keyboard, there’s a Turbo button that overclocks the {hardware} and turns the followers to most while you press it. (Additionally, there’s a Copilot key to open Microsoft’s AI chatbot).

The trackpad on this machine is an efficient dimension, and the palm rejection labored effectively whereas I used to be gaming. It’s moderately easy to glide your finger over it, however it’s product of plastic — glass touchpad feels a lot nicer. I’m not an enormous fan of the click-down feeling on the touchpad, which doesn’t really feel as crisp and responsive as those on some costlier machines. Like another features of this machine, it’s usable — however not nice.

Acer Nitro 14: Show and audio system

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Acer Nitro 14’s show isn’t the highest-resolution or brightest show you’ll discover. At 14.5 inches with a 1920×1200 decision, it’s effectively paired to offer good gaming efficiency with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. The 120Hz refresh fee and 3ms response fee are strong, the colours look good, and the show additionally makes use of Nvidia G-Sync to scale back tearing.

It’s a dim show, although. At simply 300 nits of brightness, that is unusually dim. After I assessment a gaming laptop computer with show with 400 nits of brightness, I observe these are on the dim aspect. This laptop computer has a show that’s 25 p.c dimmer than the common dim display.

Whether or not this issues depends upon your style and the way you’ll be utilizing the laptop computer. If there might be daylight falling on the display, you’ll undoubtedly discover the low most brightness. However in case you’ll be utilizing the laptop computer indoors in a darker room, it’s possible you’ll be nice with its brightness.

You’ll discover laptops with larger decision shows, OLED screens, 144Hz or quicker refresh charges, and extra brightness elsewhere. However they’ll usually be costlier.

The Acer Nitro 14’s show doesn’t look dangerous. It’s completely serviceable. However in case you’re contemplating spending extra money on a gaming laptop computer, you may get a laptop computer with a greater show.

The built-in audio system are nothing to put in writing house about. There’s an actual lack of bass — laptop computer audio system usually lack bass, however these actually do. They don’t get significantly loud, however they do get loud sufficient. They don’t have notably crisp audio or a large soundstage. However they’re right here, they usually labored, and I fortunately gamed with them. At this value level, that’s nice — particularly since most players will want plugging in a headset or exterior audio system, anyway.

Acer Nitro 14: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

The Acer Nitro 14’s webcam is a compromise. It’s a 720p webcam, so it seems to be noticeably grainy in comparison with the 1080p webcams which can be changing into normal on many fashionable laptops. It really works, however this isn’t the perfect machine for video conferencing — though you’ll be able to at all times plug in a USB webcam, in case you like. This machine does include Home windows Studio Results, a package deal of AI results with options like blurring your background and forcing eye contact, which is sweet.

The three-microphone array additionally doesn’t sound significantly spectacular, regardless of the AI-based “Acer Purified Voice” know-how. It did job of choosing up my voice, nevertheless it wasn’t with the best sound high quality. I like to recommend an exterior headset or USB microphone, particularly for voice chatting whereas gaming — however that’s a good suggestion on any gaming laptop computer, anyway. Each the microphone and webcam are definitely usable in a pinch.

The Acer Nitro 14 additionally doesn’t embrace any biometric {hardware}. You received’t have the ability to check in together with your fingerprint or facial recognition. You’ll be getting into a PIN or typing your password as an alternative. It could be extra handy to have at the least one biometric possibility for Home windows Whats up.

Acer Nitro 14: Connectivity

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Acer Nitro 14 encompasses a respectable choice of ports. On the left aspect, it gives a USB Kind-C port (USB4 Full perform), a USB Kind-A port (USB 3.2 Gen 2), a combo audio jack, a DC power-in jack, and a Kensington lock slot.

On the suitable aspect, the Nitro features a USB Kind-C port (USB 3.2 Gen 2), a USB Kind-A port (USB 3.2 Gen 2), an HDMI 2.1 port, and a microSD card slot.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

That’s a wide selection of ports, full with two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports, one among every on both sides. Some finances gaming laptops would have minimize just a few of those ports to avoid wasting cash. The one factor probably lacking is an Ethernet port for wired networking, however in fact you possibly can use a dongle for that.

For wi-fi networking, this laptop computer gives Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The Wi-Fi labored effectively — and, whereas it could be good to see Wi-Fi 7, this laptop computer is true at a cutoff level. The following technology of laptops appear like they’ll have it as a regular function. For the value, the shortage of Wi-Fi 7 {hardware} is completely comprehensible. You most likely received’t have a Wi-Fi 7 router but, anyway.

Acer Nitro 14: Efficiency

The Acer Nitro 14 delivered strong gaming efficiency with its AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, and 16 GB of RAM. The cooling system did job, with the laptop computer’s keyboard staying an inexpensive temperature – particularly across the WASD keys.

As at all times, we ran the Acer Nitro 14 by means of our normal benchmarks to see the way it performs.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

First, we run PCMark 10 to get an thought of general system efficiency. Whereas this benchmark is designed to measure efficiency holistically, the CPU’s efficiency is a large issue.

With a PCMark 10 general rating of seven,961, the Acer Nitro 14 exceeded equally spec’d laptops we in contrast it to on this benchmark, together with the HP Omen Transcend 14 and Alienware m16 R2.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Subsequent, we run Cinebench R20. This can be a closely multithreaded benchmark that focuses on general CPU efficiency. It’s a fast benchmark, so cooling below prolonged workloads isn’t an element. However, because it’s closely multithreaded, CPUs with extra cores have an enormous benefit.

The Acer Nitro 14 achieved a rating of 6,771 on the multithreaded Cinebench R20 benchmark. That’s rating and exceeded a lot of the different PCs we in contrast it to right here. The Alienware m16 R2, with its Intel Core Extremely 7 155H CPU, did beat it. That’s no shock as that Intel CPU has 16 cores, whereas this AMD CPU has eight cores.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

We additionally run an encode with Handbrake. That is one other closely multithreaded benchmark, nevertheless it runs over an prolonged interval. This calls for the laptop computer’s cooling kick in, and plenty of laptops will throttle and decelerate below load.

The Acer Nitro 14 completed the encode course of in 863 seconds, or simply below 14 and a half minutes. That was a greater rating than most different laptops we in contrast it to – although, once more, the Alienware m16 R2 pulled forward. (That machine is 50 p.c costlier than the Acer laptop computer right here, although).

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Subsequent, we run graphical benchmarks. First, we run 3Dmark Time Spy, a graphical benchmark that focuses on GPU efficiency. With a rating of 9,484, the Acer Nitro 14 once more delivered glorious efficiency even in comparison with different RTX 4060-powered laptops. It was exceeded solely by a laptop computer with a costlier RTX 4070 GPU.

After that, we run the benchmarks constructed into just a few video games. First, we use the built-in benchmark in Shadow of the Tomb Raider to check all of the gaming laptops we assessment. It’s an older sport, nevertheless it’s a good way to match graphical efficiency throughout totally different PCs.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

With a mean of 118 frames per second within the Shadow of the Tomb Raider benchmark, the Acer Nitro 14 once more delivered glorious efficiency – particularly for a laptop computer with RTX 4060 graphics.

Lastly, we run the built-in benchmark in Metro Exodus. This can be a extra demanding sport, and we set the benchmark to 1080p decision on the Excessive element setting.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Acer Nitro 14 delivered a superb rating of 37 frames per second within the benchmark. Once more, that’s on the excessive finish in comparison with different RTX 4060-powered laptops.

Total, the Acer Nitro 14 delivers glorious efficiency in video games – particularly for the value. The CPU performs effectively, and this laptop computer will get lots of efficiency from its RTX 4060. With just a little additional thickness, this machine doubtless has the thermal room to push the {hardware} more durable. Naturally, you will note higher efficiency on laptops with higher-end GPUs just like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 and 4080, however these will value you additional.

Acer Nitro 14: Battery life

The Acer Nitro 14 features a 76 Watt-hour battery. You’ll find gaming laptops with bigger batteries, however they’ll add some weight — and price.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

To benchmark the battery life, we play a 4K copy of Tears of Metal on repeat within the Motion pictures & TV app on Home windows 11 with airplane mode enabled till the laptop computer suspends itself. We set the display to 250 nits of brightness for our battery benchmarks. This can be a best-case state of affairs for any laptop computer since native video playback is so environment friendly, and actual battery life in day-to-day use is at all times going to be lower than this.

The Acer Nitro 14 lasted a mean of 531 minutes in our normal battery life benchmark. That’s almost 9 hours. It’s extra runtime than the opposite laptops we’re evaluating it towards: AMD CPUs are likely to get higher battery life than comparable Intel CPUs, in my expertise. Maybe that can change with Intel’s Lunar Lake {hardware}.

Keep in mind that you simply’ll get considerably lower than our benchmarked 9 hours of battery life in the actual world. You need to use this laptop computer away from an outlet for just a few hours, however you received’t get all-workday battery life.

It’s additionally value noting that gaming laptops don’t ship their critical gaming efficiency except they’re plugged in, anyway. You’ll wish to plug in any gaming laptop computer when enjoying something however the lightest video games.

Acer Nitro 14: Conclusion

The Acer Nitro 14 presents nice efficiency for the value. It’s a strong deal in comparison with different 14-inch gaming laptops with RTX 4060 {hardware}, just like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 and HP Omen Transcend 14. The Acer Nitro 14 prices lots of of {dollars} lower than these machines.

I like seeing high-performing finances gaming laptops across the $1,000 mark. You don’t want the fanciest, costliest laptop computer to have an excellent gaming expertise, and this machine proves it.

You do should make some compromises, and also you’ll discover options like OLED screens, all-metal building, snappier keyboards, and higher-resolution webcams on costlier machines. But when your important priorities are speedy gaming efficiency at a low value, this machine is an efficient worth.