A GPU vendor warns price hikes are coming later this year, and I can't help wondering if that means now is the right time to pull the trigger. Well okay, now might only be the second-best time to buy a GPU--the best time was probably just before AI-crazed companies started hoovering up all the memory and storage. But unless you can go back in time, right now might be the best time for anyone considering a graphics card purchase to pull the trigger. I say that because on this week's episode of The Full Nerd I heard the hosts discussing a recent Tom's Hardware story about a GPU vendor warning that card prices are going to rise significantly in the back half of this year. The vendor, PC Partner, also predicts that "entry-level" cards will be the hardest to get.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. PC building is more fun when you have no idea what you're doing A strange little hacker gadget reminded me that confusion, failure, and experimentation were always the best parts of building computers. I don't know about you, but the whole reason I got into upgrading and building PCs is because I wanted to play . My age hadn't hit double digits by the time the game shipped on DOS in '94, but a year or two later I got my hands on a copy and realized our old family PC didn't have the chops to run id's latest. Thus began my 30+ years of PC enthusiasm, starting with me getting frustrated by memory management (death to HIMEM) and leading me here as a PCWorld veteran who can work a screwdriver and a solder gun almost as well as anyone.

PCWorld highlights laptop stands as essential travel accessories that significantly improve ergonomics by reducing neck, back, and shoulder pain from hunching over screens. These portable stands enhance laptop cooling and airflow, leading to better performance and extended battery life during extended work sessions. Quality options are surprisingly affordable, with many effective models available for just $20-$30, making them accessible investments for any laptop user. One of my favorite PC accessories is small enough to toss in any backpack yet makes using your laptop cooler, quieter and more comfortable. You can pay $50 or more for a good one, but a cheap model can be yours for less than the cost of a fancy coffee.

PCWorld emphasizes that ergonomics is crucial for PC users to prevent repetitive stress injuries and chronic pain from prolonged computer use. Regular stretch breaks every 30-45 minutes and investing in ergonomic equipment like standing desks, vertical mice, and specialized keyboards can significantly reduce physical strain. Minor aches serve as early warnings of serious injuries, making proactive ergonomic solutions essential for long-term health and comfort. Do your hands, wrists, or shoulders ache after you get up from your PC? Don't ignore it. Those minor grumbles can be the early warning signs of serious repetitive stress injuries that can impact you for the rest of your life.

PCWorld explores custom DIY PC builds as superior alternatives to Steam Machines, with builds starting at $1,050 despite current high component costs. Custom builds offer better value and personalization compared to Steam Machines, featuring gaming-focused and streaming-optimized configurations with various price points.

PCWorld reports that rising RAM and storage prices are driving hardware vendors to re-release older components like AMD's Ryzen 7 5800X3D and GeForce RTX 30-series cards. This trend matters for PC builders seeking affordable alternatives as memory shortages and cost increases make newer hardware less accessible. The shift encourages enthusiasts to find creative solutions with existing components and embrace the joy of tinkering despite market challenges. Your weekly edition of The Full Nerd has arrived, and there's a new face on the team: mine!

PCWorld highlights how AI-focused hardware like Nvidia's RTX Spark creates challenges for traditional PC benchmarking methods that may no longer adequately assess performance. Current benchmarks struggle to evaluate devices designed for hybrid computing, where workloads split between local hardware and cloud services. The industry needs new benchmarking approaches that answer whether AI PCs are right for individual users' specific needs.

PCWorld anticipates Nvidia's N1X launch at Computex, featuring an Arm-based APU with 20 CPU cores and Blackwell graphics that could match RTX 5060 laptop performance. The article highlights growing concerns about PC hardware affordability, with examples like Steam Deck price increases suggesting higher costs may become the norm. This trend matters for consumers as powerful new hardware from Nvidia, AMD, and Intel may deliver impressive performance but potentially at premium prices that limit accessibility. The PC industry is once again on the brink of a pivotal moment in history--or so appears to be the case, given the rumors about Computex next week. In particular, the internet anticipates the launch of Nvidia's N1X, an Arm-based APU expected to marry ferocious CPU performance with equally knockout GPU chops.

PCWorld explores the chaotic transformation of PC building over the past year, driven by AI boom impacts and unexpected industry shifts. Key developments include AMD gaining 46% server CPU market share, expensive DDR5 memory launches, and surprising alliances between Intel and Nvidia.

PCWorld reports a significant decline in PC hardware sales, with major motherboard vendors like Asus and ASRock experiencing drops up to 37% in sales projections. Despite current market challenges, future innovations like PCIe 8.0 specification and AMD's FSR 4 support for older graphics cards suggest continued technological advancement. The analysis questions whether declining sales indicate long-term reduced interest in PC building or temporary market conditions affecting the industry.