a thing or two about a thing or twomaximumpc.com MAY 2020 MAXIMUM PC 9
editorial
EDITORIAL
Editor: Zak Storey
Hardware Lead: Bo Moore
Hardware Staff Writer: Joanna Nelius
Staff Writer: Christian Guyton
Contributing Writers: Alex Blake, Alex Campbell, Alex Cox,
Ian Evenden, Phil Iwaniuk, John Knight, Jeremy Laird,
Chris Lloyd, Nick Peers, Jarred Walton
Copy Editor: Katharine Davies
Editor Emeritus: Andrew Sanchez
ART
Art Editor: Fraser McDermott
Photography: Neil Godwin, Olly Curtis, Phil Barker
Cover Photo Credits: Elementary, Future plc
BUSINESS
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East Coast Account Director: Victoria Sanders,
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East Coast Account Director: Melissa Planty,
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East Coast Account Director: Elizabeth Fleischman,
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West Coast Account Director: Austin Park,
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West Coast Account Director: Jack McAuliffe,
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Director, Client Services: Tracy Lam, [email protected]
PRODUCTION
Head of Production: Mark Constance
Production Manager: Vivienne Calvert
Project Manager: Clare Scott
Production Assistant: Emily Wood
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Zak
Storey
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 Maximum PC 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 Maximum PC 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 nex t liquid-
cooled monster. We’ve also compiled a
list of some of the best free software
out there to boost your working-from-
home 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.IN A TIME
OF WAR
Zak Storey is Maximum PC’s editor and long-
time 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.