Farewell Journey: Bidding Goodbye to AnandTech

It’s with a heavy heart that I’m here to share some of the toughest news I’ve ever had to write at AnandTech. After an incredible journey spanning over 27 years in the vibrant realm of computing hardware, today marks our last day of publication.

As we’ve traveled this road—a journey bookended by reviewing AMD processors—it feels strangely poetic. This marks an end of an era, a testament to our decades-long love for delving into the chips powering the heartbeat of the tech world.

The landscape of technology has transformed dramatically over the past quarter of a century. Back in 1997, NVIDIA hadn’t even coined the term “GPU.” We’ve witnessed the evolution from bulky desktops to sleek pocket devices, where today’s modest budget phone far outstrips the mightiest PC from back then.

The world of publishing has seen its own upheavals. AnandTech wasn’t the first enthusiast site, nor would it be the last. Yet, we thrived where many didn’t—all thanks to relentless dedication, smart investments, and the unwavering support of our community and readers.

But, as they say, nothing lasts forever. The market for written tech journalism isn’t what it used to be and likely never will be again. It’s time for AnandTech to pass the torch to the upcoming generation of tech voices ready to make their mark.

Serving as the editor-in-chief of AnandTech for the past decade—and contributing for 19 years—has been a privilege of a lifetime. Sure, there’s a twinge of sadness in closing this chapter, but immense pride dominates. From spotlighting legendary products to crafting timeless primers and heralding emerging stars, we’ve achieved a lot. With over 21,500 articles as our legacy, it’s been a thrilling ride.

The silver lining is that AnandTech’s archive isn’t disappearing any time soon. Our publisher, Future PLC, will keep the site and its extensive catalog accessible. The articles we’ve produced over the years remain a valuable resource. While fresh content will cease, the wealth of knowledge within our archives is here to stay.

Our forums also carry on, managed by Future’s community team and our devoted moderators. They remain a vibrant space for tech conversations and connections, preserving the spirit of AnandTech long after we’ve published our final article.

For those craving ongoing technical insights, our stalwart rival and fellow Future brand, Tom’s Hardware, continues in fine form. Some familiar AnandTech faces have joined their ranks, ensuring that top-notch tech coverage persists.

Reflecting on AnandTech’s 27-year legacy, it’s time for heartfelt thanks to the countless individuals, groups, and brands who’ve been part of this journey.

First, a huge thank you to all the editors who’ve poured their expertise and passion into the site. They’ve been the cornerstone, crafting the deep-dive articles AnandTech is celebrated for. These rockstar individuals have gone on to make waves across various fields, from hardware development to rocket science.

A special mention for our final cadre of editors: Gavin Bonshor, Ganesh TS, E. Fylladitakis, and Anton Shilov. They’ve shown unwavering dedication, even when faced with demanding deadlines and distant assignments.

None of this would’ve been possible without Anand Lal Shimpi, who started it all 27 years ago from his bedroom. Though he stepped away from active tech journalism a decade ago, Anand’s high standards and philosophy continue to echo through AnandTech’s ethos. His marks on tech media are indelible.

Our gratitude extends to the hardware and software companies we’ve collaborated with over the years. Through them, we’ve had front-row seats to astonishing engineering feats. While we didn’t always see eye to eye, the shared advances in technology have benefited consumers and industries alike.

I also appreciate our publishers, Future PLC and Purch before them. They’ve granted us the creative freedom to pursue the AnandTech vision, allowing us to take risks and resist fleeting trends. We’ve enjoyed editorial independence until the very end—a rare privilege in today’s media landscape.

Lastly, to our readers—our biggest supporters. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or stumbled upon us recently, our work was always for you. Your engagement and feedback have pushed us to improve continually. Without you, our voices would’ve merely echoed in the vastness of the web.

As I wrap up, a nod to a mission close to my heart: resisting the Cable TV-ification of the web. Anand and I have always championed quality over sensationalism, a principle rooted firmly in our mission statement. While we’re stepping back, the need for in-depth, quality reporting is more critical than ever amidst the current media climate.

To the current and future tech journalists: Stay true to your craft and audiences. Deep, insightful journalism may not always be glamorous, but authenticity and depth are more crucial than ever in today’s sensationalism-fueled world.

As I sign off, know it’s been an honor to contribute to one of the most influential tech sites ever. While it’s bittersweet to say farewell, there’s a sense of fulfillment in what we’ve achieved, powered by our allies in the industry and our dedicated readers.

On a personal note, being part of AnandTech has been a dream come true. Though I’m moving on as editor-in-chief, my involvement with tech is far from over. I’ll still be around on social media, and we’ll see where my path leads next.

To everyone who’s been part of AnandTech’s story—fans, competitors, engineers, and everyone curious about technology—thank you for being along for the ride. We couldn’t have done it without you.

-Thanks,
Ryan Smith