Welcome to The Full Nerd newsletter—your weekly dose of hardware talk from the enthusiasts at PCWorld. Missed the latest topics on our YouTube show or burning news from across the web? You’re in the right place.
For this edition, I’m tag-teaming with Brad—the intro is all me, while Brad is recapping the episode and dropping his favorite links for you to share. Hope you enjoy the collab! ~Alaina
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Is Windows 10’s death this week important? I think so. But I might be a minority.
For many folks, the hullabaloo this week about Windows 10’s demise feels overblown—after all, as Brad pointed out a couple of weeks ago, Microsoft is offering different ways to extend security updates. The hardware apocalypse we all anticipated won’t happen for another year.
I still believe it matters for a couple of reasons.
Security on Windows 10 will still be an issue, for starters. Even with the ability to extend updates, the process is done through Windows Update (?!), rather than a more visible part of the operating system. Or instead of logging into your Microsoft account—the very thing Microsoft is trying to enforce as the method to log into a Windows machine, so such a tie-in would be smart and seamless.
I expect some users won’t bother with extending their security updates. Or they’ll quit partway through the process after becoming confused. (I almost did, to be honest.)
But though I’m wary overall about Microsoft’s hot-cold approach to Windows 10’s lifespan, this gloominess is offset by the growing interest around alternative operating systems. I for one am very interested in how vibe of these smaller communities (and the interest in keeping older hardware alive) could shift.
I’ve complained about a certain type of Linux user before. I did so freely then and I stand by that opinion now. But I also recognize that our crew has seen so many chill, cool people pop up to say they too are on the same journey as Will and Adam—that Dual Boot Diaries isn’t just chronicling a newbie’s journey, it’s their journey as well.
IDG
We’ve also had seasoned Linux veterans join our Discord server who collaborate in discussions and help individuals best optimize for their use case—and we have an ever-growing group of new Discord members coming from this slice of the Linux userbase. It’s amazing to be part of.
I’ve fretted in previous weeks about the future for enthusiast hardware and DIY PC building overall. (Hasn’t helped that the latest news includes a new proposal for an additional 100% tariff rate on Chinese goods.) But I’m also aware that for many people, a desktop PC is just a way to get online—and you don’t need new hardware to get that done. Put a lightweight operating system on an older machine (like ChromeOS Flex or Linux), and it’s smooth sailing.
I’ve actually enjoyed the idea of going back to older hardware to give them new life. In some ways, that fits the spirit of The Full Nerd just as much as being hyped for the 5090’s successor. How can you do as much possible with what you’ve got?
Also, it just seems fun to whip out an old MacBook Air and then watch others get confused about what’s on the screen.
In this episode of The Full Nerd
Hey, it’s Brad tagging in! Windows 11 works pretty OK once you get it set up right, just saying.
But in this episode of The Full Nerd, Adam Patrick Murray, Will Smith, and Brad Chacos (that’s me!) dive deeper into all the hot Panther Lake news, building faux-Lego system-on-chip replicas and battling gremlins in our new streaming rig all the while. The gang gets more hot and bothered talking about the technology underpinning Intel’s new chips (like the long-awaited Intel 18A process, innovative backside power delivery system, and Foveros chip-stacking) than the somewhat murky idea of the chips themselves. This was a tech tour announcement, after all — not a firm reveal of final hardware. And the tech is looking good.
Speaking of good looking new tech, we also discuss the latest developments in Product Amethyst, AMD and Sony’s collaboration to accelerate the next generation of gaming graphics. PlayStation architect Mark Cerny and Radeon chief Jack Huynh sat down to discuss the new Radiance Cores, Neural Arrays, and Universal Compression technology coming to future PlayStation consoles — and likely Radeon graphics cards. There’s a lot here that portends big changes to AMD’s PC hardware in coming years, and the gang unpacks it all. (Did I mention that two of us are graphics card reviewers and Will makes video games?)
Willis Lai / Foundry
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This week’s nerd news
This week wasn’t as jam-packed with delectable hardware news as last week, but there was still plenty of scintillatingly geeky tidbits you don’t want to miss. Like sexting with robots! This place goes to hell when Alaina isn’t around, sorry.
Copilot Actions will unleash autonomous AI agents on Windows 11. Sounds terrifying awesome, nothing could go wrong here. It’s the keystone feature in Microsoft’s new AI-infused vision for the future of Windows 11… and none of the newly announced goodies require an NPU. If every Windows 11 PC is an AI PC, what does that mean for Copilot+?
Edifier
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… cute lil gaming PC? Sike! It’s a rad new Edifier speaker that looks like a cute lil gaming PC.
Are we benchmarking graphics wrong? Gamers Nexus’s deep-dive into “animation error methodology” gave me a lot to think about. This issue is becoming more important with the proliferation of upscaling tools like DLSS, XeSS, and FSR.
Apple’s M5 chip is here. You’ll find it inside the MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro VR headset to start.
Windows 10 is gone. Well, kinda — you can still opt into another year of security updates without too much effort. You’re exasperating, Microsoft. If you’re sticking with Windows 10, here’s how to do it safely.
I wish I was playing Battlefield 6 instead of working right now. Alas. On the plus side, “working” for me means “watching this awesome video Will did on BF6 smoothness.” Be sure to check out Hardware Unboxed’s delightfully thorough videos on BF6 GPU and CPU benchmarks as well!
Michael Crider/Foundry
Asus nailed the ROG Xbox Ally’s hardware. Too bad that Windows itself continues to hold Steam Deck rivals back, despite the ROG Xbox Ally including a new “Xbox Fullscreen Experience” that ostensibly tries to smooth off rough edges. Let the concept bake in the oven a bit longer before you consider picking one up.
A NUC with high-end AMD Radeon chip inside?! Intel may have birthed NUCs and the mini PC craze, but this is definitely Asus’ baby now.
Sam Altman says ChatGPT will sext with adults later this year. Cool. Cool cool cool. Once again, sounds terrifying awesome, nothing can go wrong here. For a vibe check, I asked ChatGPT Pro what to do if a loved one is stuck in a dryer. We have a strict “no AI writing” policy here at PCWorld, but in the interest of responsible journalism, here’s what it said:
“If someone is struck or trapped inside a dryer, this is a serious emergency — here’s what to do immediately:
?? 1. Call Emergency Services (911 or local emergency number)
Report that someone is trapped in or struck by a dryer.
Give the dispatcher your exact location and describe the situation clearly.
Stay on the phone and follow their instructions.
? 2. Turn Off the Power
Unplug the dryer or shut off the circuit breaker immediately.
Do not try to pull them out while the machine is running or powered — electrical or mechanical parts could cause more harm.
?? 3. If They Are Stuck
Do not try to force them out if they are physically trapped; you could worsen injuries or cause burns.
Keep them calm and still.
If safe, gently open the door to improve air and visibility, but wait for firefighters or paramedics who have proper tools to free them safely.
?? 4. If They Are Injured
Check for breathing and pulse.
If unresponsive and not breathing, start CPR if you are trained.
Treat burns or bruises with cool (not cold) water if the dryer was hot, but avoid applying ointments or creams.
?? 5. When Help Arrives
Provide emergency responders with details — how long the person was in or near the dryer, whether it was on, and what type of injuries you observed.
If this has just happened, stop reading and call 911 right now — even if you think the person seems okay. Dryers can cause serious trauma, burns, or oxygen deprivation in seconds.”
Sorry to be a bummer, future StepGPTbros. Catch you all next week—just in time for the perfect holiday. Who doesn’t love buying candy half-off after Halloween ends?
~Alaina & Brad
This newsletter is dedicated to the memory of Gordon Mah Ung, founder and host of The Full Nerd, and executive editor of hardware at PCWorld.
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