Maximum PC (1-year)

If you're the sort of person who builds his own machine or is thinking of doing so, Maximum PC will likely prove itself useful to you. Likewise for those planning to do their own hardware upgrades. And if you're like me and just like to stay aware of and knowledgeable about current products and technologies then this is still an excellent and informative read.

To be fair, there are a few features that may be displeasing to some readers. The writing is occasionally glib with a tendency towards sophomoric humor. There's also a fair amount of focus on gaming, particularly 3D gaming technology. And the overriding theme of much of the magazine is maximizing the speed, power, and coolness of your machine. To me these aren't negative qualities, but this may not be of interest to some users.

All in all this is still my favorite magazine and the one I most look forward to receiving each month. I have no plans to end my subscription.


Awesome magazine!   January 7, 2002
D. Hunter
41 out of 44 found this review helpful

Okay, if you're a hardware power-junkie, this is your mag. Max PC rips on those who disappoint (should have seen the slamming report on K-mart's "Blue-light special" PC awhile back) and give out the coveted Kick-a** award to only those deserving few. It covers specialized PC modifications (Specialty paint jobs, lights, windows, panels, conversions, etc), hardware issues, love/hate issues with new PCs and products on the market and so much more!

This magazine is also a lot more easy-going on a language level than a lot of other PC magazines. They don't say things "We believe this to be an inferior product". They say "This thing sucks!". It makes it a little easier to read than the standard, overly serious PC-mag.

Also, once a year, the folks at Max PC put together the ultimate PC of the year. This is a PC builder's midnight fantasy full of the latest (most expensive) hardware. Then they give you a run-down on it's scores.

I've recommended this mag to everyone I know who is even slightly interested in computers.

They've also saved me much headaches (and a lot of cash) from their "Watchdog" column, which monitors a vendor's customer service, and/or financial problems with refunds/ returns or patches.

I'd say get signed up, this mag is worth the cash!


Almost "Maximum" PC...   November 30, 2001
22 out of 26 found this review helpful

I subscribe to this magazine. I really like it, too. But, once you get into specialized hardware, Maximum PC seems pretty "behind". For instance, they gush and slobber over Plextor CD-RWs, yet Lite-On CD-RWs have MORE capabilities (i.e. they can burn the correct EFM encoding on CD-Rs like Plextor BUT they can also burn 99 minute 850 MB CDs which Plextor can't) and Lite-On costs about HALF as much! But, Lite-On doesn't advertise in Maximum PC like Maximum's Plextor benefactors. Also, Asus Tek has been making a GeForce3 video card with video capture capabilities for several months now...seems more "Maximum" than the plain old "gaming" video cards they cream over (literally perfect 10 ratings). I don't recall seeing Asus Tek ads in their magazine....hmmmm. Let's face it, they provide "Maximum" exposure for their advertisers, not the hoped for "Maximum PC" OBJECTIVE hardware reviews in general. Maximum PC is a great medium for beginning your research...perhaps a more apt title would be "Medium PC."


The absolute best for those on (or near) the cutting edge!   December 20, 2002
Walter Reade (Appleton, WI United States)
14 out of 17 found this review helpful

This is a must-own magazine for anyone who (1) likes to be on the upper end of computing power, (2) frequently upgrades components, or (3) wants to keep abreast of latest computing technology.

While you WILL learn from reading this magazine, it gives enough substance without going over-the-top geeky technical. The format is exceptional - perfectly sized articles and plenty of vignettes for the most likely short-attention-span audience it writes to.

Maximum PC contains great tips, editorials, watch-outs, tutorials, and equipment reviews. Don't worry about not getting the disk. After buying a few newsstand issues with the disk, I decided that the magazine content was more valuable than the few demos or utilities you may get on the disk.

My only complaint: It is too bad that they use a rather in-your-face style with "kick-a**" reviews, frequent talk of downloading porn, and other crudeness. This does nothing to enhance the magazine, and only detracts.


A Real Surprise!   November 7, 2003
Bruce B. Hancock (Sacramento, CA USA)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

MaximumPC wasn't my choice. It was sent to me uninvited to complete a subscription I had for a magazine that went defunct. On top of that, I have only a passing interest in PC's; I am certainly not a technician, nor am I an avid gamer. To complete the disconnect, I am 59 years old. With that background, you might be surprised to learn that I look forward to receiving each issue. So was I.
It's hard to put a finger on what makes this magazine so appealing to someone like me. First I like the style. Other reviewrs have described it as edgy, but I think of it as fun and accessible. I have ever read any other PC book or magazine that I would describe as anything even close to fun, but this one definately is. Secondly, it has fascinating hardware articles that are incredibly clear and understandable. I have learned more about video cards, memory types, and processors than I ever thought I would want to learn, all while being entertained. I have to admit that the article on building your own super PC made me want to do just that, although I would opt for the budget version, which they also included in the article. Finally, the software reviews are first class, honest, and hardhitting. They are written by avid, unabashed gamers, and they are not shy about calling a toad a toad. I have used their reviews to buy christmas and birthday gifts and have never been disappointed.
This magazine is one of those rare combinations of information and entertainment. I read it cover to cover each month, usually smiling most of the way. Needless to say, I renewed my subscription.