2022 saw the launch of numerous new tech products, and what an exciting year it was. So, before we close the year, here are the nine best bits of new PC hardware that launched in 2022.
1. Best CPU: 13th-Gen Intel Core Processors
CPUs are the beating heart of every computer, and every year, Intel and AMD try to one-up each other to deliver a more powerful chip. And while AMD Ryzen 5000-Series beat the 11th-Gen Intel Core processors in terms of power, Intel quickly rebounded with the astounding performance levels of the 12th-Gen Intel Core chips launched in late 2021.
For 2022, Intel built upon its initial success with the 13th-Gen Intel Core CPU. These Raptor Lake chips bring unprecedented power and combine it with efficiency, especially with its hybrid P-core and E-core architecture.
Nevertheless, AMD isn’t far behind, with its Ryzen 7000-Series chip which offers near 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 the consumers.
2. Best GPU: AMD Radeon 7900 XTX
Although NVIDIA launched the most powerful consumer GPU of 2022, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 came at a great price—not just in monetary terms but also in power requirements. The 4090 had a $1,599 launch price, making it out of reach for most gamers, and it also had a massive 450-watt TDP (but can draw a frankly bonkers 600w!).
But just two months later, AMD released the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX. Although it’s not as powerful as NVIDIA’s top offering, it’s only slightly less so. But despite that, it’s massively more affordable with a $999 launch price, and it only required 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-Gen and 13th-Gen Intel Core processors, allowing you to 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 features all the latest bells and whistles, allowing you to build a computer today and make it compatible with technologies coming out in the next five years or so.
If money is no object and you have ample 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 display that will fully immerse you with its size.
The monitor also features a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, making it perfect for gaming. And if you no longer have space for external speakers, the monitor itself features four speakers and two subwoofers, letting you get lost in your game.
For most people, a keyboard is simply a tool to interact with their PC. But for some, a mechanical keyboard is a piece of art, with many enthusiasts going for the perfect tactile feeling and sound with every keypress.
But if you’re new to the world of mechanical keyboards and want something premium but customizable. Or, if you want something solid, reliable, and will last you many years, then you should go for the Keychron Q5.
This mechanical keyboard is made from machined aluminum with double-gasket switches, giving you the best feeling and aural 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 on 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 Hyperspeed wireless mouse with Gen 3 optical switches, ensuring you’ll have an advantage over your competitors.
And with fully-programmable buttons, plus Razer HyperScroll, you can ensure that your mouse will adjust to your gaming style, and not the other way around.
While the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless isn’t for audiophiles, it offers a great listening experience, whether playing games, jamming out to music, or watching a movie. And best of all, this wireless device has a massive battery, allowing it to last 300 hours of listening time on a single charge.
And despite its massive earcups, it’s comfortable to put on, with memory foam and leatherette material, ensuring that you won’t get tired from the long hours you have this on.
The pandemic truly transformed the world, with remote work gaining more popularity 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 features AI tracking and intelligent modes. Having this on your computer ensures you’re always in frame, even if you like moving around during presentations.
It has an extensive feature list, like portrait mode, overhead mode, gesture recognition, and privacy mode, ensuring that the webcam isn’t recording anything you don’t want to be seen by others.
Of course, you should also invest in a good microphone alongside a good webcam, especially if you’re hosting meetings, presentations, and other online events. After all, audio is one-half of the experience, so having excellent sound quality is paramount.
This compact shotgun microphone captures high-quality audio and features advanced connectivity features, like 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-have in your setup.
The Best PC Hardware of 2022
In 2022, we saw the world slowly recover from the pandemic. And while there were still some shortages, like the PS5, the many new devices released this year alleviated that. In fact, we’ve seen some hardware prices fall, like 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’ll have a PC that’ll keep you satisfied throughout 2023.
