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
![Intel Core i7-13700K](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BcD2RStqfirXsigVAPp89Z-320-80.jpg)
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 Ryzen 9000](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/G5HVxukLGcwa7ZqP7CPism-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Lenovo Yoga 7 touchpad.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5shWxrkwwA3GUyFvkiJUib-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Upgrading RAM in a laptop](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SA4WdqGtDoiUpHdV7n4yKX-320-80.jpg)
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](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/umCCMes7RJYsKE2mrCUSuK-320-80.jpg)
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.
![ASUS TUF GAMING X670E Plus WiFi](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nsWBbyrUXJ7rasaV5NUT2V-320-80.jpg)
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.
![ASUS TUF GAMING X670E Plus WiFi](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/o9oQrwHFEmJH9uVxpninUV-320-80.jpg)
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 XPS 13 9345](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gEcApsfxGsMN5NjiCWHWsR-320-80.jpg)
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-UR11 review](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/capgWftgTe9WUKeV6QpemC-320-80.jpg)
Can Acer's $500 Core i5 desktop PC be any good? I was surprised at what I found.
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.
![Intel 13th and 14th Gen instability issues](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/h6vuTukAiE6iBS9tsxeSKP-320-80.jpg)
"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.
![ASUS Adol 14 Air](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JMMrzirTVftjTm7knvv5ff-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Intel Core i7-14700K](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iNEztQ5iPLdNPYtk9tFJ54-320-80.jpg)
Best CPU for NVIDIA RTX 4070 in 2024
By Cale Hunt last updated
Updated Let your NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 realize its full potential with the perfect CPU.
![Header image with Z790 motherboards for the 14900K](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BCmnKzc2RhXkRHNHNVXTNk-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Image of the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra laptop.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Nbs9F8KhzSvNyUb428YyxN-320-80.jpg)
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.
![AMD Ryzen 5 7600X](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CMTmFbLkVffVyhiDYP6wtm-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Surface Pro X 2020](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PQJxPUYWcc9AgduWSZWkzZ-320-80.jpg)
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 CPU melting down](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6yUbdmYEJr5WahtSyRbCBT-320-80.jpg)
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.
![ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xxvx6kUAh5txJJpdJULREh-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Maingear ML-17 (2024)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wibR4YqHgHSP26yXVqosbH-320-80.jpg)
Maingear's refreshed ML-17 gaming laptop aims to take on the mighty Razer Blade 18
By Cale Hunt published
🔥💻👀 It's nines across the board thanks to a 14th Gen Core i9-14900HX CPU and an RTX 4090 Laptop GPU.
![MSI MPG Z690 Carbon Wi-Fi](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6XSfd8zNAoRYAkenKLrHX5-320-80.jpg)
Best motherboards for Intel Core i9-12900K in 2024
By Cale Hunt last updated
Updated Pair this powerful processor with the perfect motherboard.
![Acer Swift Edge 16 (SFE16-44)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WtPvVagnoVBXKecNMeCYwJ-320-80.jpg)
Acer Swift Edge 16 (SFE16-44) review: All eyes on the OLED screen
By Cale Hunt published
Review An OLED display of this quality for around $1,200 is tempting no matter what, but the rest of this laptop can't keep up.
![Intel Core i7-13700K](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BcD2RStqfirXsigVAPp89Z-320-80.jpg)
Best motherboard for Intel Core i7-13700K 2024
By Cale Hunt last updated
Updated Find a home for the best PC gaming CPU.
![Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 in photos](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9s6UuNf8reKBBpERGZuP3e-320-80.jpg)
Don't let back-to-school shopping sneak up on you — the best Surface PC for students is down to $600
By Cale Hunt published
Deals Summer will be over before you know it, and you don't want to get caught paying full price for a new laptop as you head back to school.