Maximum PC – December 2020

December 2020: A Pivotal Month for PC Hardware

The December 2020 issue of Maximum PC arrives at a genuinely interesting crossroads. Nvidia’s Ampere cards are here, AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture is finally ready to compete at the high end, and the new console generation is about to change what a living-room gaming PC needs to do. This issue captures that moment with the mix of deep technical analysis, hands-on testing, and practical building advice that Maximum PC readers expect.

Nvidia Ampere and AMD RDNA 2 Under the Microscope ⚙️

At the centre of the issue is Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 3080 Founders Edition. The magazine puts the card through its paces and then steps back to dissect the Ampere architecture itself, explaining what the new design means for performance, power, and the broader GPU market. AMD’s answer is also on the table: the Radeon RX 6900 XT, RX 6800 XT, and the Navi 21 and Navi 22 chips behind them. The coverage weighs raw specifications against real-world expectations, giving readers a clear view of the 2020 graphics-card battle.

Build a Console-Killing Living Room PC 🎮

Consoles may be flooding the market, but Maximum PC makes the case for a custom living-room machine. The issue walks through the components and decisions involved in building a next-gen console-killing PC, from the case and cooling to the graphics card and storage. It also looks at streaming alternatives, so readers can weigh a dedicated build against cloud and local streaming options.

Ubuntu, CPU Design, and the Wider PC World 💻

Beyond graphics, the issue spends time with Ubuntu, offering a look at the latest version of the popular Linux distribution. There is also a feature on CPU design and what goes into building a modern desktop processor, plus the usual quick-start news covering Big Navi, Nvidia’s move away from SLI, Rocket Lake versus Zen 3, and more.

Reviews, Columns, and the Maximum PC Mix

As always, the issue is rounded out with reviews, columns, and shorter items. The Asus ROG Maximus XII Extreme, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and other hardware and software appear alongside regular voices and the editorial perspective of Zak Storey. It is a full issue for readers who follow PC hardware closely and want both the big picture and the details.

Who Will Get the Most from This Issue

This issue suits PC enthusiasts, system builders, hardware upgraders, and anyone tracking the 2020 GPU race. If you are planning a new build, curious about Ampere and RDNA 2, or simply enjoy informed commentary on the direction of PC technology, the December 2020 issue offers a useful snapshot of a fast-moving period.

Inside the December 2020 Issue

• Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Founders Edition review
• Nvidia Ampere architecture deep dive
• AMD RDNA 2 and the Radeon RX 6900 XT / RX 6800 XT
• Living-room gaming PC build guide
• Ubuntu overview
• CPU design feature
• Reviews, columns, and quick-start news