6 PC predictions for 2022: Intel GPUs, mesh cases, and Threadripper

NZXT H710i Cyberpunk Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central

2021 wasn't a particularly enjoyable twelvemonth for the PC community. The shortage of fries continues to hamper any attempts to purchase a GPU. Thankfully, things are improving elsewhere, but it's still a painful experience for PC gamers looking to upwards their game. I'm looking ahead at 2022 and have compiled a listing of predictions of what I believe volition take place in the coming yr.

Mesh on all the cases

Fractal Design Meshify C Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central

Forepart panels with either solid metal/plastic or tempered glass became a popular choice for PC cases, but with more powerful internals PC instance makers are looking at ways to increase airflow and improve thermal performance. Mesh is one way to achieve both by replacing those solid front panels with i that allows fans to actually depict in cool air.

Only looking at what NZXT did with the H510 with the NZXT H510 Flow, yous can bet we expect to see many more mesh cases hit the market in 2022.

Supply problems keep

We're already seeing some improvements for some components, including motherboards and processors. Amazon, Newegg, and other retailers accept stock available at MSRP or less, which makes it possible to build a new PC or upgrade an older one without spending more than than you should.

Information technology's expected for GPUs and the remainder of the industry to recover through 2022, but I feel equally though nosotros'll go on to run across chip shortages and supply issues into 2023.

Yet more NVIDIA GPUs

ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 3070 Ti Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Key

NVIDIA has been launching numerous products throughout 2022, ignoring supply chain bug. In that location have been some of the best graphics cards released past NVIDIA like the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti and the mighty GeForce RTX 3090. The cards (particularly lower-cease options) offer excellent value if you tin can locate 1 at MSRP.

And some GPUs from Intel

Arc is the codename for Intel's upcoming range of dedicated GPUs. Going up against AMD and NVIDIA, Intel is no longer content with being limited to onboard graphics on its processors and wants to launch new dedicated GPUs for gaming and productivity. Details are still lite now, but yous can expect to see a few launches in 2022.

I expect MSRP to reflect the new competition from Intel, especially in the low to mid-range of cards. I'm unsure how Intel plans to become near launching its GPU. We could run into most of its cards included in prebuilt PCs to help combat scalpers and cryptocurrency miners. We've already seen a bump in prebuilt desktops for 2022, with even ourselves recommending them for obtaining a GPU.

AMD Threadripper meets Zen 3

AMD Ryzen 5 2600 AMD's mighty Threadripper CPUs volition follow Ryzen and run across Zen 3. Source: Windows Central

I believe AMD will match Threadripper with Zen 3. The current line-up of Threadripper CPUs is still on Zen 2 with the flagship 3990X. Whether these processors will exist office of a 5000 or 6000 series volition be seen, but they're definitely on the manner. With how far Intel came with the 12th Gen launch, it's going to be heady to see what both companies can come up up with for consumers, enthusiasts, and enterprises.

Still no Star Citizen ... all the same

This prediction isn't strictly related to PC hardware, simply I've been post-obit Star Denizen since it first came to light in 2022 and still eagerly wait the release. I covered the massively multiplayer space simulation game in my PC gaming predictions for 2022 and it non only missed that yr but also a few roadmap deadlines.

Chris Roberts'southward multi-one thousand thousand (or is it billion at this signal?) dollar Star Denizen project is even so underway. It'due south playable but we're still a long manner off before the game is actually released. And by game, I hateful both Star Citizen and Squadron 42. I all the same take hope we'll somewhen see the game finished as originally promised ... just not in 2022.

What do you predict?

Y'all've read what I believe will happen in 2022, but what do yous recall will accept place? Agree with some of my predictions? Have some whacky ones of your ain? Sound off in the comments!

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