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Close to the Metal
Close to the Metal is a podcast from Digital Trends that focuses on the geekier side of life. It tackles the topics PC enthusiasts argue over in language everyone can understand. Please subscribe, share, and send your questions to podcast@digitaltrends.com. We broadcast the show live on YouTube every Tuesday at 1pm EST/10am PST.
Close to the Metal Ep. 12: Should you give the gift of VR for the holidays?
Virtual reality isn't cheap, but that might make it the perfect gift for your favorite geek -- or not. So, should you buy, or wait until 2017?
Close to the Metal Episode 54: ‘Destiny 2’ on PC, VR headsets, and IFA news
On this week's Close to the Metal we discuss Destiny 2's release, and the latest laptop designs from IFA 2017.
Close to the Metal Episode 53: Windows Mixed Reality isn’t so mixed
On this week's Close to the Metal we'll take a deeper look at Windows Mixed Reality.
Close to the Metal Ep. 52: AMD’s return to form with Vega and Ryzen
AMD's return to greatness has been marked by steady growth, and Threadripper and Vega are the crowning achievement of that climb.
CTTM Ep. 51: We talk back-to-school PCs at 10 a.m. Pacific/1 p.m. Eastern
It's time to start thinking about your back to school PC. Our podcast lets you know what to look for, and our top recommendations.
Close to the Metal Ep. 50: We talk Threadripper and Vega at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT
AMD has finally announced availability for its new Threadripper processors and Vega video cards. Should you prepare to upgrade?
Close to the Metal Ep. 49: Build your own gaming desktop, or let someone else do it?
On this week's Close to the Metal, we're breaking down the pros and cons to building your own gaming desktop, or buying one.
Close to the Metal Ep. 47: The Surface Laptop is in the building
On this week's Close to the Metal, we'll talk about why anyone would want to buy the Surface Laptop, and see what's up with Windows 10 S.
Close to the Metal Ep. 46: A PC perspective on E3 2017
Before E3 2017 disappears into the rear view mirror, we'll break down our favorite games, biggest gripes, and even talk about the Xbox One X.
Close to the Metal Ep. 45: Computex 2017 reignites the fight between AMD and Intel
Computex 2017 is a big deal for PC hardware, and this year sees the renewal of an old conflict - AMD vs. Intel.
Close to the Metal Ep. 44: New 2-in-1s breach the surface, but are any winners?
New 2-in-1s are rolling out, including the long-awaited update to Microsoft's Surface Pro. Are any of these products ready for the spotlight?
Close to the Metal Ep. 43: If you build it, will they come?
On this week's Close to the Metal we take a look back at Build and decide whether anything coming out of it is worth holding your breath for.
Close to the Metal Ep. 42: Batten the hatches, your system is under siege
This week, we're talking recent turbulence in the cyber security landscape, and what you can do to protect yourself from bad actors.
Close to the Metal Ep. 41: Everything Microsoft, and our first reader poll
Microsoft continues to swell into new areas, with Windows 10 for Students and a new mid-range Surface Laptop. Is it a bold new direction?
Close to the Metal Ep. 40: The Optane Difference
Intel's Optane Memory will start arriving in systems this week, so on Close to the Metal, we'll let you know who it's a good fit for.
Close to the Metal Ep. 39: The RX 570 Live Review
Join us on this week's Close to the Metal as we breakdown performance and price on the new AMD Radeon RX 570.
Close to the Metal Ep. 38: The Ryzen Roundup
The Ryzen 5 chips offer an interesting performance proposition that’s impossible to ignore. We’ll talk over the whole series thus far and let you know where the best chips lie.
Close to the Metal Ep. 37: Does the Windows 10 Creators Update live up to its name?
Ready or not, the Windows 10 Creators Update is rolling out to systems. On this week's Close to the Metal, we'll dig in and assess the damage.
Close to the Metal Ep. 36: Optane Memory has arrived, but who is it really for?
Intel Optane Memory is right around the corner, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions surrounding its release.
Close to the Metal ep 31: Steam is changing the game for indie developers
Steam is ditching Greenlight in favor of a more direct-to-consumer approach. How will that change affect developers?
Close to the Metal Ep. 30: For Honor will kick your gaming PC's butt
This week on Close to the Metal, we'll ask why PC games are so much harder to run, and see if Microsoft has a potential solution.
Close to the Metal Ep 28: The tricky art of building a gaming laptop
Even the most appealing gaming laptops aren't immune to challenges, and one slip-up could mean the difference between gaming heaven and hell.
Close to the Metal Ep. 24: What can you do about a bad console-to-PC port?
The PC is by far the most powerful platform for modern gaming, but its technical greatness is often held back by poor console-to-PC ports.