Farewell to AnandTech: A Chapter Concludes

It’s with a heavy heart that I reach out to you with this post. Today marks the end of an era, as AnandTech concludes its incredible 27-year journey of diving deep into the ever-evolving world of computing hardware.

From the moment we kicked off with an AMD processor review nearly three decades ago, it’s a bit poetic that our final piece also focuses on an AMD processor. It feels like a beautiful full circle, a tribute to our passion for scrutinizing the chips that have defined the tech landscape.

Reflecting over the past quarter-century, the changes we’ve witnessed are nothing short of astounding. Back in 1997, concepts like the “GPU” were just entering the scene, and computing technology was vastly different from today’s landscape. We’ve moved from chunky desktops and portable laptops to pocket-sized devices that outshine the fastest machines of yesteryear.

The publishing world has seen its fair share of transformations too. Although AnandTech was neither the first nor the last of its kind, we thrived against the odds. Our success stemmed from strategic efforts, relentless work, and the unwavering support of our community and colleagues.

However, all things have their season, and the market for written tech journalism has shifted permanently. Now, it’s time for AnandTech to bow out, making space for new voices in tech journalism.

Leading AnandTech has been an immense honor over my 19-year tenure, particularly as editor-in-chief for the past ten years. While the notion that I am overseeing its final moments fills me with some regret, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved—be it heralding legendary products, crafting timeless technology primers, or seeing emerging talents take root in this vast industry.

Our legacy of over 21,500 articles will not disappear into the ether. Thanks to Future PLC, our body of work will remain accessible for years ahead. They’ll continue to host and maintain the site, ensuring that the knowledge we’ve shared can still be accessed, referenced, and learned from.

The AnandTech Forums have been a vibrant community since 1999, and that’s not changing. Future’s community team will continue to support this space for tech enthusiasts worldwide to discuss and dissect the latest developments.

For those still in need of their tech news fix, Tom’s Hardware, another distinguished Future brand, remains a constant in the field. Even some familiar AnandTech contributors are now part of their team, ensuring quality insight continues.

Reflecting on AnandTech’s rich history, I owe a deep gratitude to everyone who’s been part of this journey. To our incredible editors, both past and present, who poured their expertise into every word. These individuals have gone on to achieve remarkable feats in various sectors, and it was a privilege to work alongside them.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our founder, Anand Lal Shimpi, who set the standards and inspired us all. His retirement a decade ago hasn’t dimmed the lasting impact of his leadership and vision.

I’m also grateful to the hardware and software companies that collaborated with us, offering insights and allowing us to learn from some of the brightest minds in the field. The opportunity to understand complex technologies alongside industry giants has been invaluable.

A nod of appreciation as well to our publishers, Future PLC and Purch. Their support allowed us to uphold our editorial integrity, doing things the AnandTech way, right until the end.

Ultimately, a website owes much of its success to its readers. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or found us recently, your engagement and support kept us motivated and accountable. Our goal was always to offer transparency and detail, and it’s thanks to you that we could.

As the web continues to evolve, often leaning towards sensationalism, the need for in-depth, honest journalism remains critical. To all tech journalists, current and aspiring, I urge you to prioritize quality content. Stay true to in-depth reporting, because informed readers deserve nothing less.

Signing off for the final time, it’s been a privilege to be part of AnandTech’s legacy. While our chapter closes, my own journey in the realm of technology continues. I’ll still be around on Twitter/X, and I’m excited about my next steps in this field.

To everyone who has supported AnandTech through the years—thank you. Your encouragement, critiques, and shared passion for technology have meant everything.

With gratitude,
Ryan Smith