Articles by Avram Piltch, Managing Editor: Special Projects

Avram's been in love with PCs since he played original Castle Wolfenstein on an Apple II+. Before joining Tom's Hardware, for 10 years, he served as Online Editorial Director for sister sites Tom's Guide and Laptop Mag, where he programmed the CMS and many of the benchmarks. When he's not editing, writing or stumbling around trade show halls, you'll find him building Arduino robots with his son and watching every single superhero show on the CW.

Articles by: Avram Piltch

Best PC builds for gaming 2026: From $800 budget rigs to $4,000+ dream machines

By Joe Shields last updated 11 May 26

We’ve picked out the perfect parts for your next PC build, whether you’re spending $800 or $4,000 on components. We have recommendations for budget, midrange, high-end, and extreme systems.

How to get Windows 11 for free (or less than $15) — Get the latest Microsoft OS for less than the price of Windows 10's ESU

By Avram Piltch last updated 22 December 25

Need an OS for your PC build? Microsoft charges a whopping $139 for Windows 11 Home. Here's how to get Windows free or at least cheap.

USB 3.2 and 3.1 Explained: What's Gen 1, Gen 2 and Gen 2x2?

By Avram Piltch last updated 10 November 25

Confused about all the USB 3.x standards? We explain the differences between USB 3, 3.1 and 3.2.

Best USB Hubs: Powered, Portable and Type-C

By Avram Piltch, Matt Safford last updated 23 October 25

Whether it's a tiny portable hub or a desktop unit with extra power, you need a USB hub to make the most of your computer. We've tested dozens of models to find the best.

How to Install and Log In to Windows 11 Without a Microsoft Account

By Avram Piltch last updated 30 September 25

By default, Windows 11 requires you to have or create an account.

How to Bypass Windows 11's TPM, CPU and RAM Requirements

By Avram Piltch, Les Pounder last updated 30 September 25

Use simple utilities to install or upgrade Windows 11 on any PC, regardless of its TPM status or hardware.

How to Download YouTube Videos to PC for Free (in Up to 4K)

By Avram Piltch last updated 30 September 25

Use simple, open-source tools to get an MP4 or MP3 file from YouTube.

Best microSD Cards for Raspberry Pi 2025

By Avram Piltch last updated 4 August 25

We tested ten different microSD cards on three different Pi models to help you find the fastest one for your Raspberry Pi.

Our favorite gaming monitor, the 32-inch Dell S3222DGM is on an epic sale for just $263

By Avram Piltch published 8 July 25

This 2K display has amazing contrast and a 165 Hz refresh rate.

I configured a 1080p-capable gaming PC for just $400 — here's how you can build your own

By Avram Piltch published 16 June 25

With the right set of parts, you too can build an inexpensive gaming rig that gets the job done.

Would you buy this? $44 PC promises "powerful performance" and "striking visuals"

By Avram Piltch published 5 June 25

The Wo-We Mini PC is amazingly cheap, but there are some trade-offs.

Google is killing the web with AI Overviews – I made an extension to block them

By Avram Piltch published 3 June 25

Find out how to get rid of AI overviews and other unwanted parts of search.

Memorial Day Tech Deals Live: Best savings this holiday weekend

By Avram Piltch last updated 26 May 25

From gaming laptops to monitors and SSD upgrades, these are the top sales.

This $79 tablet deal solved an embarrassing personal problem for me

By Avram Piltch published 26 May 25

By purchasing this tablet, I was able to get my phone back.

4TB SSDs now as low as $0.05 per GB, Samsung at $0.06 per GB

By Avram Piltch last updated 26 May 25

Now is a good time to get a 4TB SSD.

Grab an RTX 5090-Powered Alienware Desktop for $600 Off

By Avram Piltch published 24 May 25

This Area-51 desktop comes fully loaded with top-of-the-line components.

Computex 2025 Live: Final day wrap-up from Taipei

By Avram Piltch, Matt Safford, Stephen Warwick, Andrew E. Freedman, Paul Alcorn last updated 23 May 25

We're on the ground at Asia's biggest tech show, sharing all the cool stuff we find.

Best of Computex 2025: More hardware than hype

By Avram Piltch, Matt Safford, Andrew E. Freedman, Brandon Hill, Paul Alcorn published 23 May 25

From blazing-fast SSDs to retro cases, these are the 16 best products introduced at this year’s show.

Watch Nvidia's Computex 2025 keynote right here

By Avram Piltch published 19 May 25

Keep an eye on the live stream below to see what Jensen Huang announces.

My week with Linux: I'm dumping Windows for Ubuntu to see how it goes

By Avram Piltch last updated 16 May 25

Here's what it's like to live with Linux as my desktop OS.

HP Omen Max 16 review: Hefty, premium

By Avram Piltch published 7 May 25

There’s a lot to like about the HP Omen Max 16, but it will weigh heavily on your back and your wallet.

Windows 11 won't let you shut down? Change this setting right away!

By Avram Piltch published 3 May 25

One or more apps can put a hold on Windows shutdown.

Tom’s Hardware Innovation Awards 2025: Surprise and Delight

By Avram Piltch published 29 April 25

These are the most innovative products of the last year.

Microsoft, get your Game Pass out of my face! I'm turning off your notifications. Here’s how

By Avram Piltch published 21 April 25

Microsoft keeps hawking Game Pass and distracting me in the process.

WD launches HDD recycling process that reclaims rare earth elements, cuts out China

By Avram Piltch published 18 April 25

Western Digital claims it’s saved 47,000 pounds of hard drives from becoming e-waste, creating a system that could help both the planet and U.S. businesses that need to depend less on China.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
View Archive

Other versions of this page are available with specific content for the following regions: