by In 2022, a number of new technology products were launched, and what an exciting year it was. So before we wrap up the year, here are the nine best pieces of new PC hardware that launched in 2022.
1. Best CPU: 13th generation Intel Core processors
CPUs are the beating heart of every computer, and every year Intel and AMD try to improve on each other to deliver a more powerful chip. And while the AMD Ryzen 5000 series beat the 11th Gen Intel Core processors in terms of power, Intel quickly bounced back with the astounding performance levels of the 12th Gen Intel Core chips launched in late 2021.
For 2022, Intel built on its initial success with the 13th generation Intel Core CPU. These Raptor Lake chips provide unprecedented power and combine it with efficiency, especially with its hybrid P-core and E-core architecture.
AMD isn’t far behind though, with its Ryzen 7000 series chip offering almost comparable performance, especially with the introduction of the new AM5 socket. 2022 is a year where Intel and AMD are neck and neck in performance, offering healthy competition that benefits consumers.
2. Best GPU: AMD Radeon 7900 XTX
Although NVIDIA launched the most powerful consumer GPU in 2022, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 came at a fantastic price – not only in monetary terms, but also in power requirements. The 4090 had a launch price of $1599, putting it out of reach for most gamers, and it also had a massive 450-watt TDP (but can honestly pull 600w!).
But just two months later, AMD released the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX. While it’s not as powerful as NVIDIA’s top offering, it’s just a little smaller. But despite that, it’s much more affordable with a launch price of $999, and it only claimed a 355-watt TDP.
So if you’re looking for a great GPU that won’t squeeze your wallet dry, then the AMD 7900 XTX is your best bet.
3. Best motherboard: Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Xtreme
If you’re looking for the best motherboard in 2022, look no further than the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Xtreme. This motherboard supports both 12th generation and 13th generation Intel Core processors, so you can enjoy Intel’s most powerful chips.
At the same time, it supports DDR5, PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E, USB 3.2 and Intel Thunderbolt 4. This motherboard has all the latest bells and whistles, so you can build a computer today and make it compatible with technologies coming out in the future of the next five years or so.
If money is no object and you have plenty of desk space, the Samsung Odyssey Ark will deliver the best display experience for your gaming PC. It’s a 55-inch 1000R curved Mini LED QLED screen that will completely immerse you with its size.
The screen also has a refresh rate of 165 Hz and a response time of 1 ms, making it perfect for gaming. And if you no longer have room for external speakers, the screen itself has four speakers and two subwoofers, allowing you to get lost in the game.
For most people, a keyboard is simply a tool for interacting with the PC. But for some, a mechanical keyboard is a work of art, with many enthusiasts going for the perfect tactile feel and sound with every keystroke.
But if you are new to the world of mechanical keyboards and want something premium but customizable. Or, if you want something solid, reliable and will last for many years, you should go for the Keychron Q5.
This mechanical keyboard is made of machined aluminum with double gasket switches, giving you the best feel and sound response with every letter you type. And since it’s hot-swappable and comes with open-source firmware, it’s also a great way to get started in the mechanical keyboard hobby.
6. Best mouse: Razer Basilisk V3 Pro
The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro is the latest iteration of Razer’s popular Basilisk gaming mouse. It’s a wireless Hyperspeed mouse with Gen 3 optical switches, ensuring you have an edge over your competition.
And with fully programmable buttons, plus Razer HyperScroll, you can make sure the mouse adapts to your gaming style, not the other way around.
Although the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless is not for audiophiles, it offers a great listening experience, whether you are playing games, playing music or watching a movie. And best of all, this wireless device has a massive battery, allowing it to last for 300 hours of listening time on a single charge.
And despite the massive earcups, it’s comfortable to the touch, with memory foam and leather material ensuring you won’t get tired from the long hours you wear it.
The pandemic truly transformed the world, with remote working becoming more popular than ever before. And with remote work comes the need for video conferencing and a particularly good webcam.
So Insta360 came up with the Insta360 Link – a 4K webcam mounted on a gimbal that has AI tracking and intelligent modes. Having this on your computer ensures you’re always in the frame, even if you like to move around during presentations.
It has an extensive feature list, such as portrait mode, overhead mode, motion detection and privacy mode, which ensure that the webcam does not record anything you do not want to be seen by others.
Of course, you should also invest in a good microphone alongside a good webcam, especially if you host meetings, presentations and other online events. After all, sound is half the experience, so it’s important to have excellent sound quality.
This compact shotgun microphone captures high-quality audio and has advanced connectivity features, such as a USB-C output, ensuring you can use it with your laptop or smartphone. So if you’re looking to build a great streaming or live video kit, the RØDE VideoMic Go II is a must in your setup.
The best PC hardware of 2022
In 2022, we saw that the world was slowly recovering from the pandemic. And while there were still some shortcomings, like the PS5, the many new devices released this year alleviated that. In fact, we have seen some hardware prices drop, such as GPUs, due to abundant supply in the market.
So if you’re looking to build a new computer for the coming year, these 2022 releases will deliver excellent performance, ensuring you have a PC that will keep you happy throughout 2023.
