What a yr 2022 has been for {hardware}. After a pandemic-induced drought, the skies lastly rained unbelievable launches upon parched lovers. Whether or not a holdout for a brand new processor or graphics card, or an keen fan of moveable PC gaming, your endurance was richly rewarded.
So for solely reverse causes than 2021, selecting our high picks for the annual The Full Nerd awards was as soon as once more tough going. The dialogue between Gordon Ung, Brad Chacos, Alaina Yee, Keith May, and Adam Patrick Murray acquired downright heated about our favorites of this yr. By the point the group settled on the eight winners for 2022, everybody was downright drained. And perhaps just a little unhappy.
Wish to know what set off the fireworks? Proceed studying for a recap of the outcomes, together with the arguments that set Gordon and particularly Brad off. (Sorry, boss.) For the complete dialogue, try the video embedded under. Additionally, needless to say these picks are merely the favorites as nominated and voted on in dwell fight debate by the members of our Full Nerd podcast, which focuses on deeply geeky enthusiast-level tech. You should definitely try our separate roundup of the most effective PC {hardware} and software program of 2022 for PCWorld’s wider checklist of champions, in addition to our roundup of the most effective work-from-home tech of 2022.
Greatest CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Each Intel and AMD launched heavy hitters this yr, with Thirteenth-generation Raptor Lake and Ryzen 7000 blowing previous their predecessors on benchmark charts. With how a lot uncooked energy they provide, you’d suppose that the highest canine Core i9-13900K would have been a shoo-in for this choose. Gordon, our resident CPU reviewer, actually did.
Sadly for Gordon, democracy prevailed. The remainder of the crew a lot most popular the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, AMD’s excellent bookend to the AM4 period. Given the 5800X3D’s present avenue costs, the bulk felt this chip provides glorious efficiency within the areas most individuals care about—gaming and streaming—whereas additionally showcasing AMD’s spectacular new V-Cache tech. It additionally didn’t damage that this ultra-powerful CPU can slip into your current motherboard as a reasonably simple and low-cost improve.
One massive factor that got here out of this dialogue: Every individual defining what makes a product a favourite of the yr, quite than the most effective (a shift in theme for these 2022 Nerdies). This turns into very related within the subsequent matter, GPUs.
Greatest GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090
Poor Brad. On the one hand, 2022 noticed the launch of latest graphics playing cards, saving him from yet one more yr of putting up with a win for built-in graphics as our GPU choose. Nevertheless, alternatively, he had to spend so much of effort for almost all to agree on the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 as the favourite.
Regardless of clear proof of the 4090’s futuristically quick efficiency, Adam and Keith countered laborious with Intel’s new Arc graphics playing cards as their favourite of the yr—regardless of the A770 and A750 exhibiting as much as the desk with points (like drivers). The pair defended Intel passionately, touting the trouble (and the eye paid to the mid-range) as worthy of favourite standing. Maybe not finest, however favourite.
Let’s simply say the dialog acquired downright emotional quick, lasting almost twice so long as the CPU dialogue and reaching an intense fever level earlier than Adam and Keith lastly cracked. (At Alaina’s instigation.) In the long run, the GeForce RTX 4090’s face-melting velocity and unlocking of all-new gaming experiences—no-compromises ray tracing and 120Hz+ 4K gaming, together with the introduction of AI-powered DLSS Body Era—earned this brutal graphics card a hard-won crown. It’s a beast for content material creation, too.
Greatest case: Fractal Design North
Like 2021, a ton of nice new instances got here obtainable in 2022—and in any respect sizes. Whether or not you wished one thing small and modular just like the Phanteks Evolv Shift XT, a tidy case that helps optical drives just like the Fractal Design Pop Mini Air, or a reasonably but meaty field just like the Lian Li Lancool III, everybody acquired one thing novel and new.
However none had been as recent because the Fractal Design North, a mid-tower airflow case with typical proportions however an authentic tackle a slatted entrance panel. Somewhat than plastic or metallic, Fractal used wooden, together with your selection of stain colours. It’ll mix in with most of at the moment’s present house decor, too, given how in style mid-century trendy is true now. The Fractal Design North additionally provides glorious airflow, cooling efficiency, and buildability. That’s a phrase, proper?
Our solely grievance? There’s not a smaller mini-ITX model obtainable. But. (Ahem.)
Greatest PC accent: Valve Steam Deck
Equipment are outlined as objects that add worth or utility, or improve the looks of the first merchandise. Which implies you’ll be able to rely a whole lot of issues that aren’t simply keyboards, mice, headphones, and the like. For instance: The Steam Deck. Truly, not only for instance, on condition that we picked it as our favourite PC accent.
Sure, it’s a pc unto itself. However for the way it’s utilized in the actual world—as a complement quite than substitute for a gaming rig—it’s extra an adjunct than an impartial gadget, permitting you to proceed your video games away out of your desk (or your property all collectively). Adam and Keith couldn’t cease talking enthusiastically about their Steam Decks, and even these of us with out one plan to finally rectify that. Valve truly managed to make a conveyable gaming handheld a actuality, and Linux gaming a actuality, all for below $400. Bravo.
Greatest laptop computer: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
Selecting a laptop computer (very like a pc case) typically boils right down to your wants and private style. Which makes choosing a consensus favourite troublesome.
However Asus’s enhancements to its Zephyrus G14 (plus a hefty help from AMD’s glorious Ryzen 6900HS and Radeon RX 6800S) helped the corporate win this class twice with the identical mannequin. (Nicely, technically, the 2020 and 2022 fashions.) It’s quick, {powerful}, light-weight, and even sports activities a futuristic mini-LED show on its exterior for exhibiting notifications, battery life information, music visualizations, and extra. At $2,500, this model of the ROG Zephyrus G14 isn’t low cost, however you get lots on this 3.8-lb pocket book. And it’s a enjoyable machine. Severely, take a look at that AniME Matrix show on its lid!
Greatest merch: Paul’s {Hardware} 8-bit PC gear
Paul’s {Hardware}
Sponsored by: The Full Nerd Outrage Pony T-Shirt
Today, you should purchase loads of unbelievable merchandise that not solely assist your favourite creators, however pay homage to your pursuits in simply the precise methods, too. It’s not all t-shirts and mugs, both: Take for instance the ratcheting screwdriver from the Linus Tech Suggestions retailer or GamersNexus’ perennially in style mod mat.
However for this yr, nostalgia received our hearts (and our greenbacks). Over on the shop for Paul’s {Hardware}, you will discover majestic 8-bit renditions of PCs and PC elements. T-shirt, hoodie, or mug—it doesn’t matter which model you select. We simply love the way it merges our trendy lives with the acquainted issues of our youth.
Greatest innovation: Valve Steam Deck
Editor’s notice: A earlier model of this text listed 3D V-Cache because the winner of this class. This was a mistake and never the unintentional reveal of an alternate timeline the place Brad and Alaina’s favourite acquired its due. We remorse the error.
For unlocking the shackles on PC gaming and making it potential to play your big Steam backlog anyplace, the Steam Deck received our Greatest Accent award this yr. However its sheer existence can also be of notice: Because the fruits of a decade of labor, it lastly gave life to the dream of taking part in video games on a console-sized PC that remained a PC. If you wish to play video games exterior your Steam library, you’ll be able to.
Furthermore, powering that accomplishment is a tremendous technological trick—seamless integration of Proton, the software program layer that permits Steam Deck homeowners to play Home windows video games on Linux. And amazingly, Valve priced the entire package deal in the identical vary as an precise console. Whether or not the Steam Deck in the end boosts Linux gaming throughout the board stays to be seen, however for merely being right here on this earth, the Steam Deck nabbed the bulk vote and cinched a win.
Worst development: Pricing
Brad Chacos/IDG
We imply pricing on new {hardware} launched in 2022, however actually, it’s the price of all the things in 2022. MSRPs maintain rising.
Not like 2021, when costs ballooned because of mining, scalping, logistics woes, and basic shortages on items all of us wished, this yr we needed to abdomen greater checklist costs for brand new launches. In fact, not all {hardware} bloated in value and dropped in worth, however GPUs just like the $1,200 RTX 4080 and the approaching $899 Radeon RX 7900 XT positive really feel overpriced relative to their specs. AMD’s Ryzen 7000 processors already acquired heavy criticism for his or her perceived excessive value. Are we entitled to quick {hardware} at loss-leader costs? No. However it feels just like the madness won’t ever finish.