Farewell to AnandTech: The Journey Concludes

With a heavy heart, I must share the toughest piece I’ve ever had to write for AnandTech. Today marks the end of an era, as we bid farewell to our publication after 27 adventurous years exploring the evolving landscape of computing hardware.

Our journey, which began with an AMD processor review, fittingly concludes on the same note. It’s been a poetic cycle, reflecting our dedication to covering the essential chips that are the heartbeat of the computing realm for nearly three decades.

Over the past 25 years, a multitude of changes have swept through the tech industry. Back in 1997, NVIDIA hadn’t even coined “GPU.” We’ve witnessed a transformation from bulky desktops and hefty laptops—better labeled as portable desktops—to pocket-sized computers where a basic phone now outperforms the most powerful PCs of 1997.

And it’s not just technology that’s evolved. The publishing world has undergone significant shifts too. While AnandTech wasn’t the pioneer of hardware enthusiast sites, we persevered when many didn’t. This was thanks to a blend of hard work, strategic investments, and unwavering support from our peers and readers.

Despite our success, nothing lasts indefinitely, and the landscape for written tech journalism isn’t what it once was. It’s time for AnandTech to step aside and let the new wave of tech writers shape the future.

I consider it a privilege to have spent 19 years writing for AnandTech, serving as editor-in-chief for a decade. Though I’m saddened to be the last leader of this incredible team, I’m proud of our achievements. From praising iconic products to creating timeless technology primers, we’ve made an impact. There were still dreams yet to fulfill, but with 21,500 articles, we’ve made a significant mark.

Though we won’t be publishing new content, I’m pleased to inform you that Future PLC will keep the AnandTech site and its extensive archive accessible for a while yet. Our content will be there as a resource, hopefully remaining relevant for years to come.

Additionally, the AnandTech Forums, managed by Future’s community team and our diligent moderators, will stay active. These forums, with discussions dating back to 1999, offer a space for tech enthusiasts to continue engaging in meaningful dialogues about the latest in technology.

For those craving more technical insights, our rival turned sibling brand, Tom’s Hardware, will carry the torch, with some familiar AnandTech faces contributing their expertise.

As I look back on our legacy, I owe thanks to countless individuals and organizations. First, all the editors who poured heart and soul into AnandTech, crafting the deep-dive articles we’re known for. These talented folks have gone on to achieve success in diverse fields, and I’m grateful to have worked alongside them.

A special salute to our final crop of editors—Gavin Bonshor, Ganesh TS, E. Fylladitakis, and Anton Shilov—who have persisted under tight deadlines, traveling globally to capture the pulse of technology.

And of course, none of this happens without Anand Lal Shimpi, who started AnandTech from his bedroom. Although he retired from tech journalism a decade ago, his high standards and teachings continue to echo within our work. Without Anand, there simply wouldn’t be AnandTech.

Our gratitude extends to the countless hardware and software companies that offered us invaluable access to brilliant engineers. Engaging with these minds and learning from them has been an unparalleled experience, despite our occasional differences in perspective.

I also thank our publishers, Future PLC, and Purch before them, for allowing us to operate with creative freedom. That latitude meant we could maintain our unique style and stay true to what AnandTech represents, even if it meant straying from trends.

Most importantly, thank you to our readers. Whether you joined us in 1997 or found us more recently, we wrote everything with you in mind. Your engagement kept us accountable and striving for excellence.

Looking ahead, I encourage all current and aspiring tech journalists to stand firm against the “Cable TV-ification” of the internet. Stick to meaningful, in-depth reporting, as the world desperately needs counterpoints to shallow sensationalism.

As I sign off for the last time, I cherish the years with AnandTech, one of the most impactful tech sites ever. While our chapter closes, the experiences and support from our outstanding industry partners and readers have made this journey extraordinary.

Personally, this has been a dream role, and though I transition from being editor-in-chief, my passion for technology remains. I’ll still engage on platforms like Twitter/X as I embrace new opportunities.

To everyone who followed us, whether fans, critics, or curious minds wanting to learn more about their favorite tech, thank you for your steadfast support. We couldn’t have done any of this without you.

With heartfelt thanks,

Ryan Smith