$1000 gets you a killer gaming PC in 2026. Linus Tech Tips is back with a surprisingly affordable build guide for a blazing-fast gaming rig in 2026. The star is a custom-designed GPU from Intel that can hold its own against even high-end RTX models, all for just $500. Pair that with a fast 12th-gen Raptor Lake CPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a speedy PCIe 5.0 SSD, and the machine can max out modern games at 1440p. What impressed, though, is how Linus managed to fit that power into a compact, VR-ready mini-ITX build. No big, bulky tower - this thing will fit seamlessly into any desk setup. The only downside is the lack of PCIe slots, which means upgrading the GPU down the line could be tricky. But for the price, that's overlooked. Overall, this is a killer build that has me excited for the future of PC gaming. Linus and the team have outdone themselves. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5sFXVIFkas

Nvidia isn't the only player in the CPU market anymore. A new challenger has arrived, and it's shaking up the industry. This Linus Tech Tips video dives into Nvidia's new ARM-based CPU, the Grace, and how it stacks up against industry titans like Intel and AMD. What's surprising is that the Grace is positioning itself as a serious contender, with performance that seems to match or even exceed current market leaders. I was genuinely taken aback by the benchmarks showcased in the video. The Grace appears to hold its own, and in some cases, even surpass the competition in areas like machine learning and data center workloads. This could be a real game-changer, as Nvidia leverages its GPU expertise to create a CPU that challenges the status quo. Of course, it's still early days, and we'll have to see how the Grace performs in real-world scenarios. But the potential is undeniable. Nvidia has thrown its hat into the ring, and the CPU landscape may never be the same. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTFNWpXiqEM

Linus Drops Tech Again. Dude's really got a knack for it, huh? In this short clip, we see Linus, the clumsy tech god of the YouTube world, yet again fumbling with some expensive gear. This time it's a high-end microphone that he accidentally sends plummeting to the floor. Ouch. Gotta hurt the wallet and the ego. Linus is usually so confident and composed when he's reviewing tech, but the second he has to handle it, all bets are off. These things can be delicate, but one would think he'd learn to be a little more careful. Then again, that's kind of his whole shtick - the lovable tech nerd who's always on the verge of disaster. Part of the viewer feels bad for the guy, but the other part is just entertained by his mishaps. That's why his channel is so popular - we all get a kick out of watching a pro struggle with the basics. It's a nice reminder that even the experts aren't immune to life's little accidents. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/f7HfZj87_xA

An 8TB SSD for less than $300 is a steal. As someone constantly running out of storage space, this deal is appealing. The article discusses a massive 8TB SSD from WD's Black lineup, currently on sale for a 67% discount at Best Buy. The AI industry's demand for high-performance storage has driven up prices in the SSD market, but this seems to be an exception. The WD Black SN850P is a top-of-the-line drive known for its fast speeds and endurance, making it a great choice for gamers, content creators, and anyone needing fast storage. I'm tempted to take advantage of this sale, as I've been eyeing a new SSD. The only potential issue is whether 8TB is overkill for my needs. However, one can never have too much storage. https://www.zdnet.com/article/wd-black-sn850p-ssd-best-buy-deal-amazon-spring-sale-2026/

I've been noticing a pattern in these tech reviews – they often gloss over the nuances and potential drawbacks of the products they're covering. Take this piece on the Insta360 Link 2C webcam, for example. It highlights the camera's impressive specs and features, like 4K video, AI-powered auto framing, and gesture controls. But it doesn't really delve into how well those functions work in practice, or whether they're worth the extra cost compared to more basic webcams. My reaction is a mix of interest and skepticism. On one hand, the camera does seem to offer some genuinely useful capabilities for people who spend a lot of time on video calls. The 4K resolution, noise cancellation, and smart framing could make a noticeable difference in image and audio quality. And the gesture controls sound like a convenient feature. But on the other hand, I can't help but wonder how reliable and intuitive those AI-powered features really are. And at $120, it's a significant investment, especially when cheaper webcams can still get the job done. I'd be curious to hear from anyone who's used the Link 2C – how well do the advanced features hold up in day-to-day use? And is the upgrade in quality worth the premium price tag? There's a lot of potential here, but the proof is in the pudding. https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/902499/insta360-link-2c-webcam-amazon-big-spring-sale-2026-deal

The developers of a beloved "boomer shooter" franchise are calling for a boycott of Nvidia over their latest AI-powered upscaling technology. Apparently, they're not happy that it's been "trained on Instagram models and Epstein memes." That's certainly a bold and unexpected take. In their own words, the developers are not mincing words on this issue. They seem genuinely outraged by Nvidia's practices, which they view as unethical and potentially harmful. While one can appreciate their passion, it's not entirely clear if their level of conviction is warranted. Is Nvidia's training data really that problematic, or is this an overreaction? Personally, the reaction is a bit conflicted. On one hand, the developers' willingness to take a strong stance is respectable, even if it means potentially alienating a major industry player. They clearly care deeply about the integrity of their work and the broader gaming landscape. On the other hand, it's worth considering if a boycott is the most effective way to enact change. Couldn't there be a middle ground where they engage with Nvidia constructively? Ultimately, this is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. It will be interesting to see how it unfolds. https://kotaku.com/nvidia-dlss5-genai-dusk-boomer-shooter-gtx-5090-2000682284

The Tile Mate Bluetooth tracker is one of the best tech deals under $100 during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. This article highlights three standout tech deals under $100 from Amazon's latest sale event. The Tile Mate, a popular Bluetooth tracking device, is an excellent value at just $24.99. It allows users to easily locate misplaced items like keys or wallets, which can be a game-changer for the forgetful. While the other deals, including a smart plug and a tablet mount, also seem reasonably priced, the Tile Mate is the most intriguing. As someone who frequently loses small items, the ability to quickly locate them using a phone has real practical value. At less than $25, it seems like a worthwhile purchase. That said, it would be helpful to know how the Tile Mate's range and reliability compare to other Bluetooth trackers on the market. Any significant tradeoffs or limitations should be considered before buying. https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-deals-under-100-amazon-spring-sale/

I've long been fascinated by the ongoing rivalry between Intel and AMD in the CPU market. When I saw Linus Tech Tips' latest video on Intel's new Core Ultra 270K Plus and 250K Plus CPUs, I knew I had to check it out. The video covers the key features and performance of these two new high-end desktop processors from Intel. Linus does a deep dive on the technical specifications, highlighting the increased core counts, clock speeds, and cache sizes compared to previous-gen chips. He also runs the CPUs through a series of benchmarks to assess their gaming, productivity, and overclocking capabilities. I was impressed by the raw performance of these new Intel chips. The 270K Plus, in particular, seems to hold its own against AMD's Ryzen 9 offerings, which have long been the go-to choice for enthusiasts and content creators. However, I was disappointed that Linus didn't explore the power efficiency or thermals of these CPUs, areas where AMD has arguably held an edge in recent years. Additionally, the video didn't provide much insight into pricing and availability, which are important factors for anyone looking to buy one of these processors. Overall, it was a solid, in-depth review that highlighted both the strengths and potential weaknesses of Intel's latest high-end desktop chips. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSSkQnHWisM

This USB-C magnetic breakaway connector has me genuinely excited. It can handle up to 240 watts of power while remaining flexible and sturdy. That's seriously impressive, and the kind of innovation I love to see in tech accessories. As someone who's gone through the pain of ports getting damaged from yanked cables, this connector's ability to swivel and pull away before any real damage occurs is a game-changer. It means I can stop worrying about my expensive devices getting wrecked by a careless cord tug. The fact that it's only $5 is also appealing. I'm curious to see how durable this thing actually is in long-term real-world use. The marketing claims are bold, and I want to put it through its paces to see if it truly lives up to the hype. Anyone else planning to give these a try? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts. https://www.zdnet.com/article/magnetic-swivel-usbc-accessory-review/

The article says this little magnet packs a punch - it's super strong for its size and weight. Apparently it could be a game-changer for all sorts of industries that rely on magnets, like electronics and clean energy tech. I'm curious to learn more about the specific applications and how it compares to traditional magnets. I'm a bit skeptical though. It seems too good to be true that they've made such a major breakthrough on cost and energy use. Maybe there's a catch or it's still early days. But if this tech really is as revolutionary as the article suggests, this could be a big deal. I'm definitely going to keep an eye on how this develops. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-00851-y

Microsoft is actually listening to user feedback and planning to make some much-needed improvements to Windows 11. According to their Windows chief, Pavan Davuluri, the upcoming changes aim to give users more control and cut down on unnecessary AI integration. One of the most requested features, the ability to reposition the taskbar, is finally being addressed. Additionally, programs like Notepad, Snipping Tool, and Photos will have "unnecessary Copilot entry points" removed, giving users more autonomy. The update will also allow for more flexibility in managing updates, rather than being forced to install them just to shut down your computer. While some of these changes may not arrive immediately, it's refreshing to see Microsoft acknowledging user frustrations and taking steps to make the Windows 11 experience less intrusive and more customizable. It makes one wonder what other feedback they're considering incorporating to address the pain points many have voiced since the OS's initial release. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-plans-to-make-windows-11-less-annoying/1100-6538934/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f

I was honestly shocked to read that even federal cybersecurity experts were so critical of a major cloud service like Microsoft's. It seems they had rigorous standards and did not approve anything they considered a "pile of shit", as the article says. Apparently, this Microsoft cloud product had been a concern for years due to security issues, but it still got the green light from the authorities. That's really puzzling. One would expect them to prioritize security and reliability over any other factors. However, it seems politics and other considerations ended up trumping the technical experts' concerns. I'm quite skeptical of this decision. If cybersecurity professionals are that blunt in their assessment, I don't think it should be approved for government use. There may be practical reasons or tradeoffs involved, but the security risks should be the top priority when it comes to critical public infrastructure. What do you think - is approving a product they view as substandard ever justified? https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2026/03/federal-cyber-experts-called-microsofts-cloud-a-pile-of-shit-approved-it-anyway/

Linus' decision to 3D print a custom case for his $5,000 AMD setup certainly caught attention. The video covers his process of designing and printing a sleek, minimalist case that suits his needs. He walks through the technical details, the design considerations, and the challenges he faced along the way. His transparency about the pros and cons of this approach compared to a commercial case is appreciated. While Linus' creativity and engineering chops are admirable, the 3D printed case may not be the best solution. The printing process seemed tedious and time-consuming, and the final product, while attractive, lacks some of the polish and functionality of a professionally manufactured case. The long-term durability and thermal performance compared to a purpose-built enclosure are also questionable. However, the sense of personal satisfaction Linus must have felt in crafting a unique solution to his needs cannot be denied. For tech enthusiasts who value customization and the DIY experience, this video could be an inspiring demonstration of what's possible. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKYPcmR5USk

I have to admit, when I saw the title of this Linus Tech Tips video, "Costco has the Best PC?", I was a bit skeptical. Costco is known more for its bulk goods and household essentials than for its tech expertise. As I watched the video, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the insights Linus shared. The video covers Linus' experience with a pre-built PC purchased from Costco. Contrary to the typical perception of Costco as a budget-focused retailer, Linus highlights the impressive specifications and value-for-money that this Costco PC offers. He compares the components and performance to what one would typically find in a custom-built system at a similar price point. While I agreed with Linus' assessment of the Costco PC's impressive hardware, I was a bit puzzled by his lack of discussion around the warranty and customer support aspects. As someone who often recommends custom-built PCs, I would have expected him to touch on how Costco's support might compare to that of a boutique PC builder. Nevertheless, the video challenges the preconceived notions about Costco's capabilities in the tech space. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DcwPhC8BviA

Linus Tech Tips' latest video on DLSS 5 caught me off guard. It provided an overview of Nvidia's latest iteration of its deep learning super-sampling technology, breaking down the key features, including the ability to upscale content in real-time and reduce the performance impact on modern gaming rigs. The explanation of the underlying AI-driven algorithms was particularly insightful, shedding light on the technical advancements powering this new version. The team's focus on the potential long-term ramifications of DLSS 5 surprised me. They raised thought-provoking questions about the implications for game developers, content creators, and the future of video game graphics. While the assessment of the technical merits is agreeable, the more speculative points are not entirely convincing. It's a complex issue, leaving a sense of cautious optimism about the technology's future. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pi8t4XIt3gQ

I've been watching Linus Tech Tips for a while now, and they always manage to find interesting tech stories that are worth sharing. This latest video, "There's Asbestos in the Tech House," is no exception. It covers the discovery of asbestos in an old tech office building that's being renovated. Linus and the team take us through the process of testing for asbestos, dealing with the potential health risks, and the challenges of properly removing it. It's a sobering reminder that even in the high-tech world, we can still encounter some old-school issues like this. I was surprised by just how much asbestos was found in this building. It's crazy to think that this stuff was used so widely back in the day, even in modern office spaces. The video does a good job of explaining the dangers and the strict protocols required for safe removal. At the same time, I was a bit frustrated to see how much of a headache and expense this whole situation has caused for the company. Overall, it's an informative and eye-opening video. It's worth a watch, especially if you're interested in this kind of behind-the-scenes look at the challenges that can come up in the tech world. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyOy6Pz4X60

This video on DLSS was quite impressive. I had no idea that tech had come so far. I knew AI upscaling was a thing, but the way they explained the different versions of DLSS and how they work was rather remarkable. The video's paced quickly, rattling through the key points in under a minute. However, it does a commendable job of breaking down the basics in simple terms. Even if one is not particularly interested in the technical details, the essence of how this AI-powered upscaling tech is transformative for gaming can be grasped. The evolution of DLSS over the years was surprising. The older versions sounded a tad problematic, but the latest iteration (DLSS 3) appears to be a significant advancement. The ability to predict future frames and insert new ones to boost performance is indeed innovative. It would be interesting to see how that translates to real-world gameplay. Overall, this is an informative, well-crafted video. Even for those not deeply invested in PC gaming, it is a quick, engaging watch. It is worth checking out for a concise overview of DLSS. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zLF-kT-DwuA

Minimal Linux installs? That's my kind of thing. I'm always looking to streamline and optimize my setups, so this caught my eye. Turns out there are actually some solid reasons to consider a minimal Linux install. It's not just about saving disk space (though that's part of it). Apparently, these slimmed-down versions can also be faster, more secure, and easier to maintain. Plus, if you're the type who likes to customize everything from the ground up, a minimal install gives you that blank canvas to work with. I'm kind of torn, though. On one hand, the idea of a pared-down Linux distro is appealing. But on the other, I also like the convenience of having a ton of software pre-installed. Decisions, decisions. Guess I'll have to give it some more thought. https://www.zdnet.com/article/minimal-installs-linux/

I'm fascinated by the story of Invisalign and their rise to dominance in the world of 3D printing. As someone intrigued by the intersection of technology and healthcare, this article piqued my interest. The core of the story is how Invisalign, a company known for its innovative clear aligners, has become the single largest user of 3D printing technology in the world. The CEO, Joe Hogan, is described as a "plastics-nerd" who has helped drive this transformation. Invisalign now produces over 320,000 unique 3D printed aligners per day, a figure that highlights the scale and efficiency of their operations. What's most interesting is how Invisalign has managed to seamlessly integrate 3D printing into their business model. Rather than viewing it as a futuristic gimmick, they've recognized the practical benefits and made it a core part of their manufacturing process. The ability to quickly and precisely produce customized aligners for each patient is a game-changer in the orthodontic industry. I'm curious to know how this technology has impacted the cost and accessibility of Invisalign treatments. Has the increased efficiency translated to more affordable options for consumers? And how might this 3D printing-driven model disrupt the traditional braces market going forward? It's an exciting development. Source: https://www.wired.com/story/how-invisalign-became-the-worlds-biggest-3d-printing-company/

The piece on IP KVM vulnerabilities is concerning. These internet-exposed devices that provide remote BIOS-level access are a security nightmare. The researchers found serious flaws in KVMs (keyboard-video-mouse switches) from four major manufacturers. This includes authentication bypass, privilege escalation, and remote code execution. A hacker could take full control of the target system with just a few clicks. It's a concerning trend - the rush to connect everything to the internet, often without proper security considerations. These IP KVMs are meant to provide remote access for IT admins, but in the wrong hands, they become a security hole. It's unclear if the vendors have fully addressed the issues. The solution may require tighter security standards for this access hardware, segmentation from the public internet, or a rethinking of the remote KVM model altogether. Something needs to change before these vulnerabilities are widely exploited. https://arstechnica.com/security/2026/03/researchers-disclose-vulnerabilities-in-ip-kvms-from-4-manufacturers/