Farewell to AnandTech: Closing a Chapter

It’s with a heavy heart that I write what is undoubtedly my toughest post here at AnandTech. After an incredible 27-year journey exploring the vast and exciting world of computing hardware, today marks the final chapter for AnandTech as we know it.

This remarkable journey, which began with a review of an AMD processor and closes with the same, feels almost poetic. It’s a fitting tribute to our commitment over the decades to covering the processors that are at the heart of the computing evolution.

The last quarter-century has been transformative. In 1997, for instance, the term “GPU” hadn’t even been coined by NVIDIA. We’ve been privileged observers of the hardware landscape as it morphed from the bulky desktop computers we once knew to today’s pocket-sized powerhouses, where even the most affordable option outpaces the top-notch PCs of the late ’90s.

Publishing has also evolved dramatically over these years. While AnandTech wasn’t the pioneer of hardware enthusiast sites, it certainly thrived, even as many contemporaries did not. Our survival and success are owed to relentless effort, savvy investments in talent and products, and the unwavering support of friends, colleagues, and our cherished readers.

Yet, all things have a shelf life, and the environment for written tech journalism has changed irreversibly. So, we’ve concluded it’s time for AnandTech to bow out gracefully, paving the way for new waves of tech journalists to rise.

The privilege of writing for AnandTech over the past 19 years—and leading it as editor-in-chief for the last ten—has been immense. Even though I can’t help but feel a tinge of regret in being at the helm when we turn this final page, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. Our 21,500 articles are a testament to our passion, whether it was championing legendary products or providing educational content that stands the test of time. While there’s always more that could be done, what we’ve built is a solid foundation.

There’s solace in knowing that AnandTech’s legacy will live on. Our publisher, Future PLC, will keep the site and our extensive catalog of articles accessible indefinitely. Even though no new content will be added, what we’ve produced will continue to inform and be referenced for many years.

In addition, the AnandTech Forums will remain active, maintained by the Future community team and our devoted moderators. With conversation threads dating back to 1999, the forums have a rich history almost as illustrious as the publication itself. They’ll continue to be a space for discussion on the latest tech happenings.

For those who need their fix of technical writing, Tom’s Hardware, our esteemed rival turned future brand, will keep you covered. You might even spot some familiar faces contributing their expertise there as Tom’s continues the tradition of offering insightful tech news.

Looking back over AnandTech’s accomplishments, I owe immense gratitude to many individuals, groups, and companies. Our editors, in particular, have been the backbone of AnandTech, bringing an enviable passion and expertise that shaped the high-caliber, investigative articles we’ve become known for. They are many and varied, and each has gone on to exceptional achievements in fields like hardware and software development, business consulting, and even space exploration.

A special nod goes to our last group of editors who’ve tirelessly worked right up to the end. Gavin Bonshor, Ganesh TS, E. Fylladitakis, and Anton Shilov have repeatedly gone above and beyond to deliver top-tier articles.

Of course, Anand Lal Shimpi, who launched this site from his bedroom 27 years ago, deserves utmost thanks. Though he’s stepped away from tech journalism, the high standards he set continue to echo across the industry to this day.

Collaborations with countless hardware and software companies have also been pivotal. They’ve not only provided us with review samples and support but also given us incredible insights into the complex chips they develop. While we haven’t always seen eye-to-eye, sharing innovations behind new technologies has enriched both consumers and companies.

Thanks are also due to our publisher, Future PLC, and its predecessor Purch. We’ve been fortunate to have had the freedom to forge our own path and remain committed to quality journalism without succumbing to commercial pressures—an experience not every outlet can claim.

I can’t overstate the importance of our readers. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or just discovered us recently, each piece has been crafted for you, to open eyes to the advancements in tech and keep you informed with honest reviews.

A site lives and breathes through its readers, and you’ve ensured our success. Your engagement, sharing, and holding us accountable have been a cornerstone of our influence. Thank you for being part of this journey with us over the past 27 years.

Finally, as I wrap up, a word on the issue that’s defined much of our mission: pushing back against the “Cable TV-ification” of the web. Both Anand and I have been staunch opponents of sensationalism and superficial reporting. Our goal has always been to inform and educate with quality analysis. Although we won’t be around to continue that role, the need for well-researched reporting is greater now than ever as superficial content prospers in today’s media climate.

To fellow current and future tech journalists, I urge you to remain true to high-quality reporting. It might not always be the flashy path, but it is imperative in countering the noise of sensationalism.

So, signing off for this final time, my heart is full reflecting on the past 19 years. While I’m saddened at the closure of this chapter, the legacy we’ve built at AnandTech fills me with pride. It has truly been a dream career, and I look forward to continuing my journey in the world of technology.

To everyone—supporters, critics, readers, collaborators, tech enthusiasts—thank you for your engagement and support over the years. We couldn’t have achieved what we did without each of you.

Thank you,
Ryan Smith