IN A TIME OF WAR
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I’ve written this intro. In fact, I’d drafted my first version two days before I even started my job. I was, and still am, unbelievably excited to take on this role. Becoming editor of MaximumPC is a dream come true. This is home to me. I owe everything to this magazine and its community. To all of you. When I heard that Alan Dexter, my predecessor and all-time favorite boss, was leaving the publication, I knew I had to throw my hat in the ring. After all, having the chance to lead this brand into the next decade is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s funny how much the world can change in just 14 days.
Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the biggest catastrophes we have faced in the last 50 years. Its potential reach and impact is incalculable. Once the quarantines lift, and we can hug our families again, I’ve no doubt everything will look very different. Yet, as economies grind to a halt and purchasing power falls, companies are looking to mitigate the impact in any way they can. Our own publishing house is no different, and the lengths to which it has gone to help keep the majority of us employed here are admirable. Sadly, however, this beloved publication of ours hasn’t escaped the cutbacks.
You’ll notice that the mag itself is skinnier this issue. We’ve lost 12 pages. This was something thrust upon us in the last weeks of production. As an editor, working on his first issue, it’s not something you want to have to tell your readers, but sadly I have no choice. Let me assure you, this is only temporary, this is not the “new normal.” Once the crisis subsides, and it will subside, I will fight tooth and nail to get those 12 pages back, and more, because you deserve that. You’ve supported us throughout these many years, and I hope you’ll stick with us in these dark days, too. Community is more important than ever, It’s vital that we stick together and support each other in these times. I know it’s not the same as our old forums, but if you have any questions, or just need someone to talk to or game with, you can find myself and some of the other MaximumPC team here on Discord: https://bit.ly/MPCDiscord.
Anyway, enough of that! What’s in this issue? Well, first we’re taking a deep dive back into the world of liquid cooling, and we’ve also expanded our “Build It” section for this issue, and beyond, to give you all the tips and tricks you need to build your next liquidcooled monster. We’ve also compiled a list of some of the best free software out there to boost your working-fromhome productivity. Combine that with a bevy of kick-ass tutorials and reviews, and I really do hope you enjoy this issue.
Please do stay safe, stay healthy, and I look forward to hearing from all of you. Until next time.
ZakStoreyis Maximum PC’s editor and longtime staff member. He’ s been building PCs since he was 10, and is more than capable of butting heads with the biggest names in tech.