The Hardware Unboxed Podcast
Steve and Tim from the YouTube channel Hardware Unboxed host a weekly podcast covering the latest PC hardware and gaming news. They share insights from their benchmarking experience and discuss topics like building PCs and playing PC games. The show occasionally features guests.
Episodes
The Radeon RX 9050 4GB is Absolutely Diabolical
Episode 109: AMD has done something unfathomable: they're releasing a brand new 4GB GPU in the year 2026. We talk about the new Radeon RX 9050 and why this graphics card seems like a giant turd, both the 8GB and 4GB variants.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:30 - AMD Radeon RX 9050 Discussion Begins40:24 - Why Not Just Re-Launch an Old GPU?48:12 - The Days of Good Cheap GPUs are Over1:09:02 - Updates From O
LG Screws Customers With Bloatware, and Nvidia Tones Down DLSS 5
Episode 108: LG has been very naughty, caught installing their bloatware application on to PCs without the consent of monitor buyers. Seems dodgy, so we talk about that. We also look over the latest DLSS 5 announcements from Nvidia's recent presentation.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:40 - LG Installs Bloatware on Monitor Buyers' PCs33:35 - Nvidia Shows More DLSS 5 Details56:20 - Updates From Our Boring L
Nvidia Hid Important GPU Info, and the 5800X3D is a Good Deal
Episode 107: We chat about some of the latest CPU releases, including the Ryzen 7 5800X3D 10th Anniversary Edition, and the Ryzen 7 7700X3D, which doesn't make a ton of sense when nobody is doing platform upgrades. Also, we thought it was quite amusing that Nvidia's hotspot GPU temperature has now been uncovered, so we discuss that whole situation.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro01:02 - The Ryzen 7 7700X3D h
Sony Kills Physical Games, Nvidia GPU Struggles & The Future of Gaming
Episode 106: We chat about Sony ending production of physical games in 2028, and the implications that has for game ownership. Plus we talk about the challenges Nvidia faces with improving GPU performance, and the future of gaming as a result.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:30 - Life Update02:35 - A chat about recent content06:00 - Playstation ending disc support32:06 - Has GPU performance really hit a ce
Valve Stuffed Up the Steam Machine
Episode 105: We give some additional thoughts on how bad the Steam Machine is, and yes, we think it is very bad. Then we chat briefly about the Ryzen 7 5800X3D being re-released.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:31 - Yeah we haven't changed our mind on the Steam Machine16:45 - Microsoft increased the price of the XBOX21:20 - Steam Machine is the new Verge PC28:28 - Pre Built as a HTPC34:33 - Playstation/XBO
"Joke of a Product" - The Radeon RX 9070 GRE Hasn't Impressed Us
Episode 104: Upon our return from Computex, we chat about the current graphics card market, including AMD's bizarre release of the Radeon RX 9070 GRE.CHAPTERS00:00 - Chat About the Radeon RX 9070 GRE22:42 - The Current State of GPU Sales50:08 - Updates From Our Boring LivesSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTAudio: https://shows.acast.com/the-hardware-unboxed-podcastVideo: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqT
Are We Wrong About Ray Tracing?
Episode 103: Some people got upset that we claimed Nvidia didn't deliver on their promised ray tracing future. So we discuss that, the RTX 20 series, how ray tracing was marketed, and whether we think it's lived up to the original hypeCHAPTERS00:00 - Chat About Ray Tracing 55:12 - Updates From Our Boring LivesSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTAudio: https://shows.acast.com/the-hardware-unboxed-podcastVideo:
No 9950X3D2 for Gamers Nexus and LTT... What's Going On?
Episode 102: We chat about the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition situation: the CPU itself and how it performs, AMD's decision not to provide review samples and more.CHAPTERS00:00 - Chat About 9950X3D21:04:20 - Updates From Our Boring LivesSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTAudio: https://shows.acast.com/the-hardware-unboxed-podcastVideo: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqT8Vb3jweH6_tj2SarErfwSUPPORT US DIRECTL
Everyone Hates DLSS 5, Here's Our Thoughts
Episode 101: What are our thoughts on Nvidia's DLSS 5 reveal? Time to chat about that, along with Crimson Desert, which we've been benchmarkingCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:31 - Our Initial Thoughts on DLSS 508:14 - DLSS 5's Artistic Changes27:36 - Possible Technical Challenges42:07 - The Reaction to DLSS 549:24 - Crimson Desert Impressions1:08:03 - Final ThoughtsSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTAudio: https://s
Memory Stops Working? You're Screwed
Episode 100: A brief chat on some news topics again, including Intel's announcement of Arrow Lake Refresh CPUs at attractive price points and FSR Diamond. Then we chat about a customer getting screwed over after his DDR5 memory diedCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro01:53 - New Intel Arrow Lake Refresh CPUs11:34 - AMD Announces FSR Diamond14:27 - DLSS 4.5 Dynamic Frame Gen Release15:59 - Umart, Corsair and Memo
Is Future Proofing No Longer Possible?
Episode 99: A brief chat on some news topics, like Nvidia's recent driver issues and the rumored RTX 5050 9GB, then into our main chat. Is it really no longer possible to future proof your PC? Or is this one of the better times for PC hardware longevity?CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:37 - The RTX 5050 9GB Rumors06:49 - New AMD Ryzen APUs for AM511:55 - Nvidia Driver Issues18:52 - Future Proofing Your GPU
Our Experiences with AI, Crazy Marketing Lies, Red Flags and The Bubble
Episode 98: Two goobers give their thoughts on AI. We've used it, the marketing claims don't match the capabilities at all. We chat about the financial investments so far, how that's likely going to be a big problem, and the overall status of the 'bubble'.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro10:56 - Our Experiences Using AI29:54 - The Insane Investment into AI38:33 - Are They Going to Run Out of Money?52:40 - The
The Problems with OLED, New 2026 Monitors, and Does 5K Gaming Make Sense? (feat. TFTCentral)
Episode 97: Simon from TFTCentral joins us after the wave of announcements at CES 2026 to chat about upcoming monitor technology, the current flaws with WOLED and QD-OLED panels, the types of screens we'd love to see, burn in, G-Sync Pulsar and moreTFTCENTRALCheck out Simon's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tftcentralCheck out Simon's website: https://tftcentral.co.uk/CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro02:43
Why Are LTT Employees Quitting?
Episode 96: Some employees have recently left LTT and their stories have been blowing up, so we thought it might be interesting to give our perspective on running a YouTube tech channel, whether Linus was being unfair and whether the ex-LTT guys made the right choice. Also, we chat about 9800X3D failures and Valve delaying the Steam Machine (and its price reveal)CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:42 - Our Th
The Inoffensive 9850X3D and GPU MSRPs Are Beyond Dead
Episode 95: The Ryzen 7 9850X3D has been released and at best all we can say about it is that it's inoffensive. Also, more reports have emerged that signal the end of GPUs at MSRP.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:26 - So The 9850X3D Has Been Released16:04 - More GPU Supply Information29:40 - Zotac Might Be In Trouble43:11 - Intel Launching Big Battlemage for Pros?49:09 - Updates From Our Boring LivesSOURCE
RTX 5070 Ti Killed Off: Did We Get It Wrong?
Episode 94: We released a report saying the RTX 5070 Ti is effectively being killed off, and that Asus put the product into end of life status. What happened there? We share the full storyCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:33 - AMD Officially Launches the 9850X3D05:53 - The RTX 5070 Ti is Effectively Dead, The Story So Far25:38 - It Was From Asus PR, Not a Random Rumor35:08 - Did We Cause Supply Issues?48:57
Nvidia to Drastically Cut GPU Supply!?
Episode 93: A rumor and news episode to round out 2025. We chat a bit more about 9850X3D expectations, the current and future state of Intel CPUs following some 225F testing, Nvidia cutting GPU supply, potential new GPUs and Steve kills some hardware.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro02:33 - More Thoughts on the 9850X3D06:13 - Where is Intel at With Their CPUs?24:42 - Nvidia Cutting GPU Supply?37:38 - AMD Laun
How The DRAM Crisis Will Affect Gaming GPUs (feat. Ed from Sapphire)
Episode 92: Edward Crisler from Radeon-exclusive AIB Sapphire joins the podcast to chat about the current GPU market. How will rising DRAM prices affect gaming GPUs? Can the GPU makers and AIBs absorb some of the increased cost? Also we talk about RDNA 4 and how successful it's been compared to previous generations, AMD's true market share, and of course, the Sapphire Puke box artCHAPTERS00:00 - I
Bad Signs for PC Gaming: DRAM for AI Kills Crucial
Episode 91: Troubling signs in the PC gaming space with DRAM prices continuing to skyrocket and the surprising death of Micron's Crucial brand. Also we chat about the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and Nvidia ending driver support for Pascal.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:31 - DRAM Demand for AI Kills Micron's Crucial Brand29:39 - AMD Confirms Ryzen 7 9850X3D41:08 - Nvidia Ends Pascal and Maxwell Driver Support45:20 -
Steam Machine: Did We Get it Wrong?
Episode 90: Some of you were upset we said the Steam Machine could be dead on arrival, so did we get it wrong? Steve also discusses recent RAM testing, and we look at gaming revenue for both Nvidia and AMD.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:28 - More thoughts on the Steam Machine?22:27 - People didn't understand some RAM testing40:50 - AMD vs Nvidia gaming revenue and sales share54:04 - Updates from our bori
Valve's Steam Machine: Dead on Arrival?
Episode 89: Valve has announced a new Steam Machine, which includes entry-level PC gaming hardware at an unknown price. We give our thoughts on whether this sounds any good and what prices would make sense. Steve also shares a motherboard story.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:40 - Initial Thoughts on Steam Machine14:42 - No Upgrade Path20:29 - Game Compatibility and Value35:35 - AMD Roadmaps39:43 - Steve
AMD Driver Screw Up: Hurt Confidence and Poor Decision Making
Episode 88: AMD does AMD things.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:22 - Microsoft Improves a Few Things04:15 - AMD's Disastrous Driver Fumble23:31 - What About Feature Support?46:03 - Reputational Damage vs Nvidia Drivers1:01:39 - How Big of a Mistake? Who to Blame?01:19:52 - Impact on Review Recommendations01:52:59 - Quick Boring Life StuffSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTAudio: https://shows.acast.com/the-hardware-
Intel CPUs Should Be $150
Episode 87: We revisit some discussion from last week as we've found more dodgy stuff Microsoft has done, before chatting about the current situation Intel is in with CPUs. They aren't anywhere near as competitive up against AMD now, as AMD were with Ryzen when Intel was dominant. (Note: This podcast was recorded before the recent AMD RDNA 2 driver decision, we'll discuss that in the future)CHAPTE
Everything We Hate About Windows
Episode 86: You all told us what you hated about Windows 11, and we fully agreed. So in this episode we go through all our grievances with the current state of Windows.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro06:21 - Unnecessary Microsoft accounts10:39 - Search is broken15:49 - Splash screens and ads20:52 - The right click context menu26:53 - Pre-installed bloatware33:21 - Windows updates hurting performance38:41 - T
Battlefield 6, Intel Nerfing 14900Ks, OC Features vs Grifters, Zen 6 on AM5 "Confirmed"
Episode 85: We chat about Battlefield 6 testing and explore the difficulties with testing one-click overclocking features in benchmarks, such as PBO and 200S Boost. We also discuss the latest Intel graphics announcements including Xe3 and XeSS 3, as well as motherboard vendors beginning to say Zen 6 will be supported on AM5SOURCEShttps://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/intels-xe3-graphics-
Sorry, But APUs Suck for Gaming PCs
Episode 84: Tim and Steve respond to their internet crimes of using DLSS while testing and saying APUs suck. Then we chat more about Intel fixing B580 CPU overhead in some games, AMD's FSR 4 INT8 version and Microsoft destroying the value of Game Pass.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:27 - Why we tested Borderlands 4 with DLSS enabled08:58 - APUs are not a good option for desktop gaming today29:26 - Intel f
Nvidia Intel Team Up: No Impact to PC Gaming?
Episode 83: Intel and Nvidia have formed a partnership, but because APUs are not that relevant to desktop PC gamers, we discuss whether this deal will actually impact gaming significantly. Also, we put Intel's Arc GPUs into our GPU rankings, and chat about some newsCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:33 - Intel and Nvidia APU team up, but gamers don't use APUs37:00 - We add Intel Arc GPUs to the rankings45:38
Borderlands 4 Poor Optimization, DLSS as a Crutch, Can it Be Fixed?
Episode 82: A quick update on the YouTube views situation, then into a Borderlands 4 discussion. What is the state of the game currently? What do we make of Randy Pitchford's comments? Is DLSS being used as a crutch instead of proper optimization? Can it be fixed?CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro01:05 - Update on the YouTube views situation17:17 - Initial thoughts on Borderlands 428:27 - The crutch of DLSS up
Our Views Are Also Down... Why?
Episode 81: We're back! Lots to discuss in this video, including YouTube weirdness, the future of AMD and Intel's CPU platforms, the good old CPU core debate, upcoming GPU rumors and more.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro03:13 - Our YouTube views are down, this is what the stats say31:14 - Zen 7 on AM5 and Intel's competing platform54:13 - How important is platform longevity?1:07:58 - Six core CPUs are still
Ranking All Current GPUs from Worst to Best (2025 Edition)
Episode 80: It's that time of the year! We're ranking all the current graphics card models from worst to best, based on vibes. Always a very challenging task that brings up a lot of discussion so you can enjoy hearing our thought process as we try to upset everyone by ranking the models they like down the bottom.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro02:03 - Quick Radeon RX 9060 Update08:40 - Let The Rankings Begin
The Biggest Issues With the GPU Market (feat. Daniel Owen)
Episode 79: We chat with Daniel Owen about all sorts of stuff affecting PC gaming right now. His thoughts on the worst parts of the GPU market, plus opinions on upscaling and frame generation (including Optiscaler and driver-based frame gen), game optimization and misleading marketing. We round it out with some listener questions submitted by Patreon members.DANIEL OWENCheck out Daniel's channel:
Are We Too Negative About PC Gaming GPUs?
Episode 78: Steve gives an update about B850 testing, Tim talks about a new phone that he's bought, and then we chat about whether we've been too negative about the current state of PC graphics cards.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:50 - Steve's B850 Testing Struggles16:44 - Tim Bought a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 727:41 - Are We Too Negative About PC GPUs?1:21:17 - Updates From Our Boring LivesSUBSCRIBE TO THE
Should AMD Make A $200 Graphics Card?
Episode 77: We chat about future plans for this GPU generation, including the latest RTX 50 Super series rumors, the latest benchmarks of the RX 9070 GRE, and the potential for a lower cost RX 9060 model from AMD. Also we give a few updates on the AMD FineWine situation from last week.EXTRA STUFFComputerBase AMD driver testing: https://www.computerbase.de/artikel/grafikkarten/nvidia-geforce-amd-ra
Lack of Love for Mainstream GPU Buyers, 9070 XT FineWine and the RTX 5050
Episode 76: This week we give an update on the RX 9070 XT FineWine situation after some people called out Steve's testing. Also we look further into the mainstream GPU market, where typically buyers have not received a lot of love lately.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro03:27 - AMD 9070 XT FineWine Situation27:01 - Further Thoughts on the RTX 505040:51 - Comparisons Between Mainstream GPUs Over the Years52:30
The Dodgy "RTX 5090" Laptop Situation (feat. Jarrod's Tech)
Episode 75: Jarrod from Jarrod's Tech joins us to talk about gaming laptops. We discuss the situation with horrible laptop GPU names, poor VRAM configurations, absurd pricing for higher tier models and whether gaming laptops actually make sense to begin with.JARROD'S TECHCheck out Jarrod's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jarrodstechCheck out Jarrod's website: https://gaminglaptop.deals/CHAPTERS0
The Future of QD-OLED Gaming Monitors & Cool Upcoming Products (feat. TFTCentral)
Episode 74: Simon from TFTCentral joins us at Computex to discuss everything we saw at the show, our favorite upcoming monitors, impressions from various products, the future of OLED monitors and more.TFTCENTRALCheck out the video Tim filmed with Simon on his channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1KDWb0tWcMCheck out Simon's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tftcentralCheck out Simon's website:
The RX 9060 XT Leaves Us With Mixed Opinions
Episode 73: Now that the AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT is released and we have reviewed both models, we give some further thoughts on the 16GB card, the 8GB card, the weirdness around the launch (samples, NDAs) and where AMD have gone wrongCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro03:50 - The RX 9060 XT 16GB is Decent14:11 - The RX 9060 XT 8GB is Problematic31:26 - RX 9060 XT 8GB vs RTX 5060 Ti 8GB40:50 - AMD Stuffs Up The Re
Good vs Bad: AMD's Radeon RX 9060 XT Launch
Episode 72: Live from Computex in Taipei, we discuss the latest in graphics cards, including how we managed to review the GeForce RTX 5060 from our hotel room, and what we think about the Radeon RX 9060 XT now that it's been officially announced.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro03:21 - We Reviewed the RTX 5060 in Taiwan19:54 - Thoughts on the 9060 XT Launch37:58 - OutroSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTAudio: https://s
Will AMD Make the RX 9060 XT Overpriced?
Episode 71: We chat about potential upcoming Intel Arc GPUs including the B770 and B580 24GB, discuss the RX 9060 XT and what AMD might do with pricing, and round out the chat with some discoveries about laptop GPUs.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro05:13 - Intel Arc B770, Is It Real?22:10 - New Arc B580 Configurations?26:18 - Lead-Up to the RX 9060 XT39:04 - Price Considerations and Concerns with 9060 XT1:04
Nvidia Buries RTX 5060 Reviews
Episode 70: Not content on just hiding the RTX 5060, Nvidia have decided to bury reviews through questionable timing and a lack of drivers. So we discuss that on today's podcast.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:38 - Nvidia Buries the RTX 5060 Even Deeper20:15 - But the Steam Survey!32:22 - Is The RX 9060 XT Even Worse?39:13 - 8GB is Holding PC Gaming Back58:52 - Updates From Our Boring LivesSUBSCRIBE TO TH
8GB GPUs Are Very Bad Now, Is The RX 9060 XT in Trouble?
Episode 69: The GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB is really bad, there are many problems with it (especially at the price), so is the upcoming AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT 8GB in trouble? We discuss all of that in today's episode, and yes, we're getting into VRAM yet again.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:33 - 8GB GPUs are Dead on Arrival13:54 - The Main Problem is the Name34:56 - Can it Use the Advertised Features?41:18 -
The RTX 5060 Ti is a Trap
Episode 68: Nvidia has just released the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti and the RTX 5060 is coming soon so we break all of that down in today's episode.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:31 - The Meeting with Nvidia10:26 - Why Does the 8GB Model Exist?25:40 - GPU VRAM vs Console VRAM History42:31 - The RTX 5060 Ti 8GB is a Trap54:45 - Ray Tracing Hot Takes1:04:13 - Did the 8GB Card Taint the 16GB Card?1:16:57 - AMD Has
Intel Arc B580 CPU Overhead Is NOT Fake: HUB vs PRO Hi-Tech
Episode 67: Being accused of faking benchmarks and some really poor testing has turned Steve into a rage monster this episode as we break down the Arc B580 CPU overhead situationCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:39 - The Arc B580 CPU Overhead Issue is Real14:15 - Lower End Parts Can Be CPU Limited21:31 - The Influx of Comments29:38 - The PRO Hi-Tech Video and Language Barrier37:30 - The Testing Was Bad45:39
Tariffs Raising GPU Prices, 4K CPU Testing and RX 9070 GRE
Episode 66: This week Steve decided to try comedy, tariffs were announced that will probably hurt the prices of PC gaming components, and we saw some GPU rumorsCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:36 - Steve Trolls People With 4K CPU Testing25:33 - Our Dumb Early Thoughts on Tariffs36:51 - RX 9070 GRE Rumor Chat44:23 - We're Going to Computex52:14 - Updates From Our Boring LivesSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTAudio: h
The Nvidia Propaganda Machine
Episode 65: Nvidia's marketing of late has been... misleading to say the least. This week we chat about a lot of the silly things the company has been saying around the GeForce 50 series launchCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro01:54 - Der8auer and the Nvidia Interview14:17 - Nvidia Propaganda23:53 - Demand Claims Are Misleading27:39 - Companies Don't Want to be Honest32:20 - This is Hurting the GeForce Brand39
GPU Pricing is Bad But Improving?
Episode 64: This week we're chatting about GPU pricing and supply, Intel missing a big opportunity with the B580, upcoming entry-level GPUs and how they should be positioned, and the Ryzen 9 9950X3DCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro02:43 - GPU Pricing Is All Sorts of Bad16:30 - Bye Bye RTX 5090 Supply29:22 - Intel Misses B580 Opportunity41:05 - Entry Level GPU Discussion1:06:34 - AMD Should Learn from RX 90701
The RX 9070 XT Has Impressed Us!
Episode 63: It's a mega podcast episode as we break down everything related to the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT, the Radeon RX 9070 and the GeForce RTX 5070CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro03:52 - Radeon RX 9070 XT Pricing and Availability31:37 - AMD Made the Right Call to Delay46:35 - The RTX 5070 is Crap and the RX 9070 Isn't Much Better1:02:03 - AMD Genuinely Listened to Feedback?1:35:34 - Updates From Our Boring
What Do We Make of Radeon RX 9070 XT Pricing?
Episode 62: AMD has officially revealed the Radeon RX 9070 XT and Radeon RX 9070 including pricing and first-party performance benchmarks. So what are our thoughts?CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:37 - Our Thoughts on RX 9070 XT Pricing and Strategy41:25 - AMD Asking For Our Opinion?51:35 - Our Thoughts on RX 9070 Pricing and Strategy1:17:08 - Some Cool Features HereSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTAudio: https://s
The RTX 5070 Ti Hasn't Impressed Us... AGAIN
Episode 61: This week we're talking about the RTX 5070 Ti and the ludicrous real world pricing we are seeing. Also, now that we have a current gen comparison, we're discussing the exact pricing AMD needs to achieve with the RX 9070 XT.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:48 - The RTX 5070 Ti and its Ludicrous Price39:16 - The Price the RX 9070 XT Needs to Be1:04:43 - Updates From Our Boring LivesSUBSCRIBE TO T
RTX 5090 Power Connectors Are Melting... Again
Episode 60: Nvidia has announced a release date for the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070, and AMD are about to announce RDNA 4. But the bigger story right now concerns, once again, the 12V-2x6 power connector used on GeForce 50 GPUs and its propensity to melt. CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro01:02 - Release Date Updates for Upcoming GPUs14:34 - Power Cables are Melting Again27:20 - Why Did Nvidia Change?40:07 - How
Why is RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 Supply So Bad?
Episode 59: Supply of the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 is basically non-existent. Why would Nvidia and AIBs do this, and who do we think is benefitting? That's what we explore in this week's podcast.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro02:02 - The Current Supply Situation with RTX 5090 and 508019:28 - Nvidia Controls the Market to Create FOMO35:28 - How Does Nvidia Make Money From Low Supply?41:44 - High Street Prices E
The RTX 5080 Hasn't Impressed Us Either
Episode 58: This week we discuss the RTX 5080 (and how underwhelming it is), more implications for the GPU market, some current thoughts on the Arc B580 and Steve's lukewarm take on Radeon's future.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:38 - Initial Thoughts on the RTX 508008:40 - The Configuration is Wrong15:25 - Nvidia's Strategy27:21 - Nvidia is Hurting Their Brand Now37:13 - RTX 40 Series vs RTX 50 Series45:
The GeForce 50 Series: Kinda Meh So Far
Episode 57: We're back for 2025 and ready to discuss the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090, the implications for the rest of the 50 series, Frame Generation and Nvidia's marketing, plus plenty more GPU stuffCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:41 - Initial Thoughts on the RTX 509021:11 - Nvidia Pulling the Intel CPU Strategy29:57 - Competition is the Answer37:07 - AMD Delayed Their GPUs to Respond45:51 - Real RTX 5090 P
Intel Delivers What AMD Couldn't: Great GPU Value
Episode 56: With the Intel Arc B580 now on shelves, we recap the launch and review. Was this a paper launch? Can Intel gain market share with this strategy? Should Intel cancel Arc GPUs? Does this spell trouble for AMD Radeon?CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:39 - Intel Arc B580 Launch Recap19:58 - It's Not a Paper Launch26:24 - This Launch Exposes Radeon's Blunders30:50 - The Plan to Build Market Share40:3
Intel Promises Battlemage GPU Game Fixes, Enough VRAM and Long Term Future (feat. Tom Petersen)
Episode 55: Intel's Tom Petersen joins the podcast to chat about Arc Battlemage! We discuss fixing and improving game compatibility, the importance of enough VRAM, hardware design decisions including the die size, the future of the Arc division, XeSS 2 frame generation and plenty more.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro02:12 - The Journey from Alchemist to Battlemage09:21 - Hardware Changes and Improving Game C
Ray Tracing: Has it Been A Success for PC Gaming?
Episode 54: YouTube turned us Spanish! Also, we do a full recap on the state of ray tracing for PC gaming right now, looking back to the original RTX 20 series GPUs to how things are going now. Has Nvidia simply used ray tracing to upsell you on a more expensive graphics card?CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:40 - YouTube Turned us Spanish13:50 - Ray Tracing, Where Does it Stand Right Now?34:20 - Ray Tracin
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Punishes Your CPU, GPU and VRAM
Episode 53: We've been testing games this week, including S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and Flight Simulator 2024, so we discuss how these games run on PC. Loading issues, punishing CPU requirements, VRAM issues and more.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro04:07 - Testing S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 214:51 - VRAM is An Issue Again34:18 - Floaty Controls and Frame Generation39:04 - Testing Flight Simulator 202446:51 - Updates From Our Bor
Someone Has Blown Up Their Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Episode 52: More discussion on Arrow Lake and Intel's promised updates, a preliminary look at the 9800X3D that has blown up on someone's AM5 motherboard, a chat about how social media is crap now and yes... more discussion of 4K CPU gaming benchmarks.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:31 - Intel Promises Arrow Lake Improvements21:51 - Social Media Sucks Now47:28 - Possible Installation Error Blows Up 9800X3D
AMD Wins With The Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Episode 51: After the impressive launch of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, we go into more detail on our thoughts on the CPU, its performance, and Intel's troubles in the CPU market as a result. We also chat about CPU reviews, misconceptions and how people should think about buying a CPU.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:49 - A Little Bit on the 9800X3D and Motherboards16:01 - Extended Thoughts on the Ryzen 7 9800X3D3
Intel Arrow Lake is Dead on Arrival (For Now)
Episode 50: Following on from the reviews of Intel Arrow Lake, we go into much more detail on the new CPUs, the review process and comparisons to Zen 5 reviewsCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:25 - Arrow Lake Deep Dive32:07 - The Difference Between Arrow Lake and Zen 5 Reviews1:09:45 - Updates From Our Boring LivesSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTAudio: https://shows.acast.com/the-hardware-unboxed-podcastVideo: http
MSI and AMD's Weird Relationship, X870 Testing, and Goodbye 5800X3D
Episode 49: We discuss X870 testing and motherboard quality, along with the 5800X3D being discontinued, and a bit of weirdness between MSI and AMD after MSI leaked 9800X3D performance numbersCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:43 - Updates from X870 Motherboard Testing20:11 - The Ryzen 7 5800X3D Has Been Retired31:00 - MSI Leaks 9800X3D Performance34:52 - MSI's Weird Relationship with AMD53:36 - Updates From
Intel Arrow Lake Initial Impressions: Pretty Meh
Episode 48: Intel has officially announced Arrow Lake, so Tim and Steve discuss their initial thoughts on what Intel has shown so far.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro01:19 - Initial Thoughts on Intel Arrow Lake16:54 - Arrow Lake is More Efficient28:06 - The Price is Disappointing42:25 - Arrow Lake vs Zen 5 Expectations47:40 - LGA1851 Platform54:44 - Updates From Our Boring LivesSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTAudio:
AMD Claims Zen 5 is Better Now, GPU Configurations Are Getting Worse
Episode 47: Along with the launch of X870 motherboards, AMD have claimed that several updates have improved Zen 5. We discuss that, as well as GPU pricing updates and how Nvidia's GPU configurations have gotten worse over the years.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro04:17 - AMD Claims Zen 5 is Improved Thanks to "Updates"31:20 - Intel Arrow Lake Launch Plans Confirmed35:36 - AMD RDNA3 GPUs are Getting Cheaper44
Ubisoft Crawls Back to Steam, Intel CPU Stability Update, 9800X3D Rumors
Episode 46: Ubisoft are headed back to Steam after forcing PC gamers to use their awful app for too long, Intel has provided another update on their Raptor Lake CPU stability issues and there's rumors of a Ryzen 7 9800X3D coming soon. We discuss all of that on today's podcast.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro02:07 - Ubisoft Are Returning to Steam18:51 - Intel Raptor Lake CPU Stability Update34:23 - Ryzen 7 98
Intel Arrow Lake: Power Concerns, Rumors, Leaked Specs, Our Expectations
Episode 45: We work through the latest Intel Arrow Lake rumors to give our thoughts on what has been suggested so far, and hopefully what the motherboard platform will look like.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:42 - God of War Ragnarok Testing05:47 - AMD AGESA Code Reduces Zen 5 Latency11:52 - Arrow Lake Rumors and Expectations41:47 - Updates From Our Boring LivesNEWS ARTICLEShttps://videocardz.com/newz/in
AMD Exits The High-End GPU Market, Will It Work?
Episode 44: AMD has officially shifted gears in the GPU market, exiting the high-end market to focus on the mid-range with RDNA4. Is this a strategy that will actually work? Plus we chat about the PlayStation 5 Pro reveal from a PC gaming perspective.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:36 - AMD Exits the High-End GPU Market25:40 - AMD Says They Want to Gain Market Share31:17 - AMD to Unify Their GPU Architect
Windows Ryzen Performance is Very, Very Messy
Episode 43: There are some performance issues in current builds of Windows that are driving Steve crazy, plus we discuss the latest news including the Ryzen 5 7600X3DCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:38 - Steve Goes Crazy Testing Windows31:12 - 105W Zen 5 Modes Comes to AMD BIOSes38:26 - The Ryzen 5 7600X3D46:41 - Updates From Our Boring LivesSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTAudio: https://shows.acast.com/the-hardwa
The Ongoing AMD Zen 5 Saga is Absurd
Episode 42: For some reason, AMD just keeps making weird statements about Zen 5 performance, so we're digging into them again this week's podcastCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro03:49 - What's The Point?10:01 - AMD's David McAfee Responds12:33 - The Zen 5 Windows "Optimization" Angle22:19 - AMD's Poor Testing39:02 - AMD Will Update Their Testing Methods47:55 - This All Feels a Bit Absurd57:39 - Zen 5 vs Intel
More Zen 5 Thoughts, Poor AMD Communication, Ryzen Windows Issues
Episode 41: Now that all the main Zen 5 processors (for now) have been released, we discuss more elements of the launch, including the weird Ryzen bug with Windows and AMD's communication issues at launchCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:38 - More Zen 5 Thoughts After the 9950X Review14:52 - Impacts on the AM5 Platform24:19 - What Role Did Leakers Play?36:39 - The Ryzen Windows "Bug"53:34 - AMD's Poor Launc
Zen 5 is a Huge Disappointment So Far
Episode 40: We discuss all the fallout from Zen 5 reviews, including claims of extremely good efficiency, pricing, power limits and moreCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro01:26 - Feedback on Zen 5 Reviews06:38 - Zen 5 Power Efficiency14:02 - Zen 5 Pricing Issues22:36 - Are Zen 5 CPUs Extremely Power Limited?31:27 - AMD's Launch Issues43:12 - AMD Needs to Make Moves Soon50:55 - How's Our Excitement for the CPU M
Intel Stability Issues Get Worse & AMD Delays Zen 5
Episode 39: It's been a big week for news, so Steve and Tim spend most of the episode discussing AMD's decision to delay Zen 5, and the latest updates from Intel surrounding their CPU stability issues.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro03:39 - AMD Delays Zen 518:32 - Updates and Discussion on Intel CPU Stability Issues1:01:15 - Updates From Our Boring LivesSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTAudio: https://shows.acast.com/
No Zen 5 Pricing (!?), Weird Performance Claims, Dodgy B840 Chipset
Episode 38: A lengthy discussion about all the latest Zen 5 information, including the lack of pricing, some weird performance claims, and new potentially misleading chipsets. Also we tackle some CPU rumors and chat about Star Wars.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:40 - Our Good Choice Not to Attend the Zen 5 Tech Day14:25 - No Zen 5 Pricing!?26:03 - The B840 Chipset Looks a Bit Dodgy36:59 - Bizarre Zen 5 P
Zen 5 Incoming, FSR 3.1 Testing and More Intel CPU Issues
Episode 37: A chat about the various projects we're working, everything from preparing for Zen 5, to testing FSR 3.1, more thoughts on the Intel CPU crashing saga and of course our various home projects.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:38 - Lead Up To Zen 5 Testing12:45 - Further Thoughts on FSR 3.1 Testing29:44 - Intel Power and Crashing Situation Is Still Ongoing53:53 - Intel Arc GPUs Actually Work Okay1
Learning About PCs & The Future of Hardware Unboxed (feat. Video Editor Balin)
Episode 36: Live from Taipei for Computex again, Tim chats with the third team member at Hardware Unboxed, Balin, about working on a YouTube channel, learning about the PC industry, and all the stuff we get up to outside of work.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:34 - Meet Balin, Hardware Unboxed Video Editor13:05 - Learning About the PC Industry23:06 - Meeting Other YouTubers33:04 - Where is Hardware Unboxe
"AI" Has Reached Embarrassing Joke Levels
Episode 35: Live from Taipei for Computex again, we discuss the insane amount of rubbish "AI" products shown at the show and how things are reaching overhyped levels. Also, our impressions of Nvidia G-Assist and other things at the show.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro01:31 - AI Is Reaching Insane Levels of Hype19:42 - Our Impressions Using Nvidia G-Assist28:21 - Other Stuff That Happened At ComputexSUBSCRIB
Zen 5, New Motherboards, CAMM2 Memory, RDNA4 Whispers - Computex Recap
Episode 34: Live from Taipei for Computex, we recap everything interesting we've seen at the show, from new AMD Zen 5 processors, to CAMM2 memory, to whispers of what RDNA 4 might bring.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro01:14 - Our Initial Thoughts on Zen 5 Announcement13:34 - Longer Platform Longevity for AM521:08 - More on Zen 524:18 - CAMM2 Memory is Incoming40:23 - Things Not Shown at Computex46:22 - Updat
Sony PlayStation is Wrong About PC Gamers
Episode 33: Ahead of Computex, we discuss Sony believing that PC gamers will want to switch to using a PlayStation for future games, potential tariffs impacting the PC component market, and of course a preview for what's to come in the next week of announcements.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro07:59 - Sony Wants PC Gamers Playing on PlayStation26:02 - Impending Tariffs on Motherboards and Graphics Cards?37:3
Asus Screws Up (Again) And The Industry Needs to Improve
Episode 32: We discuss the Gamers Nexus Asus warranty situation, giving our perspective as Australians with different consumer laws, plus give updates on the Intel power spec situation, and annoyances with Google DriveCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro05:42 - Tim Gets Frustrated By Google Drive13:32 - Asus Screws Up with Warranties Again43:10 - Current Intel Power Spec Situation1:06:52 - Updates From Our Borin
Intel Has a CPU Power Problem Yet Again
Episode 31: After testing the new Intel Baseline Power Profile on Asus and Gigabyte motherboards, we've come to the conclusion that once again, Intel has a power spec problem. Also, some hot takes on the EKWB situation following Gamers Nexus second video.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro02:14 - Further Thoughts on EKWB Situation20:02 - Intel's Power Spec Problem27:38 - Partners Can't Just Do Whatever They Wan
Intel Are "Clearly The Better Choice" for Gaming PCs... Apparently
Episode 30: We spend most of this episode discussing a really bad article that claims Intel CPUs are clearly better than AMD CPUs for gaming PCs, including plenty of UserBenchmark-level reasoning. It's a bit of a roast to be honest.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro00:27 - EKWB Update and a Few Rumors09:58 - Breaking Down A Terrible Article on Intel CPUs13:16 - AMD Has "Worse Stability" Than Intel25:56 - AMD's
