Gordon Mah Ung, executive editor at PCWorld and a pioneering voice in technology journalism, died this weekend following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 58.
Known for his uncompromising hardware reviews and distinctive personality, Ung spent over 25 years covering computer technology, with a particular expertise in processors and PC components. His work influenced generations of tech enthusiasts through both written articles and video content.
Ung began his journalism career as a police reporter for the Contra Costa Times before joining Computerworld in 1997. He later became a cornerstone of Maximum PC magazine, where he led hardware coverage for 16 years. His "Rant of the Week" podcast segments gained cult status among tech audiences for their mix of technical insight and trademark humor.
As Maximum PC's chief architect of the annual Dream Machine project, Ung built relationships with major companies like Intel, AMD, and Nvidia while pushing the boundaries of PC performance. His encyclopedic knowledge extended across all aspects of computer building, from processors to power supplies.
In 2014, Ung joined PCWorld as executive editor overseeing hardware coverage. There, he continued producing in-depth CPU reviews while expanding into video content. He became host of The Full Nerd podcast in 2016, where his passionate expertise and engaging personality drew a dedicated following.
Despite his illness, Ung remained active in tech journalism until weeks before his passing, continuing to appear on The Full Nerd and create content. His commitment to journalistic integrity, combined with an authentic enthusiasm for technology, set standards for hardware coverage that influenced the entire tech media landscape.
Ung is survived by his wife, two children, older sister, and mother. His family has established a fundraiser to help cover medical expenses.