Cale Hunt
Cale Hunt brings to Windows Central more than eight years of experience writing about laptops, PCs, accessories, games, and beyond. If it runs Windows or in some way complements the hardware, there’s a good chance he knows about it, has written about it, or is already busy testing it.
Cale has published hundreds of reviews on Windows Central, and he has a clear understanding of what separates worthwhile products from those that are best avoided.
This allows him to efficiently curate buying guides and product advice, giving readers a no-nonsense look at the options that will best suit their needs.
When he isn’t in his office writing, tinkering with tech, or gaming, Cale enjoys playing acoustic guitar (he’s a sucker for Bluegrass music), reading novels, tending the garden, and providing his two cats some much-needed attention.
Latest articles by Cale Hunt
Do you need to buy all of Office or is Word enough?
By Cale Hunt published
A few words... Microsoft lets you buy standalone core Office apps like Word, but it's clear that the Microsoft 365 subscription service is the company's first priority. Here's what you need to know.
"The world's most powerful CPU" is AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X, and it's now available to buy alongside its 9900X sibling
By Cale Hunt published
More Zen 5 CPUs A week after the launch of the Ryzen 5 and 7 chips comes AMD's high-performance Zen 5 hardware.
The ultimate used laptop buying guide: 11 tips to help you land the perfect PC
By Cale Hunt last updated
Save some 💵💵💵 Save some money with a used laptop that's as good as new.
Easily one of the best 2024 Windows laptops — the X1 Carbon — is a staggering 48% off
By Cale Hunt published
Student deal The X1 Carbon (Gen 12) is usually a tough sell due to its price, but the $1,257 Back to School discount makes it a lot easier.
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X vs. Ryzen 7 7800X3D: A bigger number isn't always better, especially for PC gaming
By Cale Hunt published
MAD about AMD Why you might not need the latest Zen 5 chip from AMD.
G.Skill stuns with new "ultra low-latency" overclocking memory spec for PC gamers
By Cale Hunt published
New RAM New DDR5-6400 memory for high-performance PCs is coming later this month.
The first motherboard BIOS updates arrive to help clean up Intel's CPU mess
By Cale Hunt published
Fingers crossed The fix for degrading Intel Core desktop chips is in ... at least for some motherboards.
AMD's "new mid-range champion" Ryzen 7 9700X and its Ryzen 5 9600X sibling are now available to buy
By Cale Hunt published
It's time for Zen 5 The first of AMD's new Ryzen 9000 processors are headed into PC builds and upgrades.
What are Microsoft Precision touchpads?
By Cale Hunt last updated
Next best thing Ever wonder why we make such a big deal about Microsoft's Precision touchpad drivers? Turns out, they're important when it comes to an optimal laptop experience.
Best upgradeable laptop 2024
By Cale Hunt last updated
Updated Desktop PCs are often easily upgradeable, prolonging useful life and extracting more value from your purchase. But what about laptops? Here are our favorites.
HP OmniBook X vs. OmniBook Ultra: Snapdragon X or Ryzen AI 300 in your AI PC?
By Cale Hunt published
Snapdragon vs AMD HP rebranded its PCs earlier this year, and its OmniBook lineup offers a premium experience for regular users. Let's look at the differences between these laptops to help you make the right decision.
Best motherboard for AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
By Cale Hunt published
Prepare for Zen 5 AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X is a high-performance Zen 5 processor that demands a quality motherboard to help realize its full potential. I've collected the best boards using the X670E chipset right here.
Best motherboard for AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
By Cale Hunt published
🖥️Zen 5 Don't miss out on optimal Zen 5 performance with the wrong motherboard.
Dell's best AI PC with all-day battery life scores exclusive discounts and extras for students headed back to school
By Cale Hunt published
Students take note Students can save an extra 10% on the discounted XPS 13 (9345) Copilot+ PC.
Acer Aspire TC-1775 review: The budget pre-built desktop PC to beat
By Cale Hunt published
Review Acer's Aspire TC-1775 has been refreshed with Intel's latest 14th Gen chip, and it remains the affordable full-size desktop PC to beat.
"We stand behind our products," says Intel as it extends 13th and 14th Gen CPU warranties and a class action lawsuit investigation begins
By Cale Hunt published
Too little too late? Intel's reputation is in the dirt as it attempts to regain some goodwill with its customers.
China gets a scented laptop, and all I have is some tape and an air freshener
By Cale Hunt published
The ASUS Adol 14 Air laptop includes an interesting collaboration with fashion designer Anna Sui.
Best motherboards for the Intel Core i9-14900K in 2024
By Cale Hunt last updated
Updated Pair your flagship Intel CPU with the right motherboard to maximize performance.
Best Core i9 laptops 2024
By Cale Hunt last updated
Updated Intel's Core i9 and Core Ultra 9 CPUs are among the industry's most powerful processors, and the laptops that feature them are phenomenal. These are our favorites that we've tested and reviewed.
Best CPU for NVIDIA RTX 4060 in 2024
By Cale Hunt last updated
Updated Upgrading or building a new PC with an NVIDIA RTX 4060 as the GPU? Our list of top processors to pair with the RTX 4060 can help ensure you land the right chip for your system.
Before you drop $450 on the new Surface Pro Flex, check out the best deal I've ever seen on this keyboard and stylus bundle
By Cale Hunt published
⌨️🖋️🤑 Best Buy's clearance sale knocks $167 off the Pro Signature keyboard and pen bundle.
Intel's 13th and 14th Gen CPU instability damage is irreversible, and it can happen to way more chips than we thought
By Cale Hunt published
Not good No recall is planned, but a preventative fix for unaffected CPUs is expected in the coming weeks.
Best motherboards for AMD Ryzen 9 5900X in 2024
By Cale Hunt last updated
Updated The right motherboard for your Ryzen 9 can make all the difference.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.