Hexus.net and Bit-Tech.net Bid Farewell, Former Staff Tease New Online Venture

[VSG]

Today was a sad day for the ever-shrinking world of PC and tech media, with two UK-based websites ceasing active operations as of November 1, 2021. Hexus.net, more commonly referred to simply as Hexus by its readers and fans alike, was started by David Ross in 1998. It grew in popularity enough to be the flag bearer for David's The Media Team group, which included under its umbrella entities including "PC-Max.de, Foodie Paradise Cranble, and cult-classic Sick Chirpse" as he puts it himself. Clearly things were going well at a point, with one of my favorite modding-centric website, Bit-Tech.net, added to the portfolio. While Hexus remained an international force in our field, Bit-Tech arguably had more passionate a reader base that made PC DIY builds what it is today. There were sponsored build competitions and mods that gave the likes of Overclock.net, at least in its heyday, a running for its money. Between the two, TechPowerUp editors made friends with some of the most talented people to step into this industry, including davido_labido who was our peripheral editor before he left for Bit-Tech, and eventually Alphacool. There were many press events, media dinners, and even frustrating product launches shared and attended together that will always be cherished!

Both Hexus and Bit-Tech announced today that the websites as we know it will cease to exist, with no more new activity coming from the editorial team under those banners. It's no doubt led to speculation galore about whether this was a financial move, but it is not our place to speculate. What matters more is knowing that, at least for the foreseeable future, the online assets of both websites will remain available. This includes YouTube channels and forums for all to see, as well as the home page for those wishing to not lose on the published news and reviews alike. TechPowerUp takes solace in knowing that some of the now-former staff have already teased a new website in the making—one that is supposed to be launching imminently to take advantage of traffic inbound with Intel's Alder Lake launch. This does confirm that it was not a shock or surprise to anyone, and that it is not the end for content from some of them at least. We hope that everyone inevitable lands on their feet, and would like to take this time to welcome Hexus and Bit-Tech members who feel wanting for more discussions and content.

Update Nov 3rd: Former staff, Tarinder and Parm have launched a new website called Club386 (https://club386.com), which borrows naming from the famous Intel 386 architecture of the 80s. With the launch of Intel Alder Lake scheduled for tomorrow, Club386 has a review incoming to use that traffic and kickstart its journey as a hopefully successful independent tech media.


View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[MIRTAZAPINE]

This is so sad. It feels like the memories of the 2000s slowly disappearing . These are the sites I first went to learn about PC diy. At least the site and forums would be up right?

 

[ViperXTR]

Same, ive learned so many things about PC stuff from them as well

 

[Rowsol]

I've never heard of either of them.

 

[outpt]

been visiting their website for years. to bad

 

[sillyconjunkie]

Hexus and Bit-Tech will be back. Same with overclockers.com. In the future Anandtech, Kitguru, Guru3d.net and others will return to their normal, non-advertising roots..

But not [H]ardOCP. Later Kyle. Same with Tom's..advertising site from day one and the model for others. Techpowerup?

Most used to be great sites for unbiased reviews and semi-saucy forums. Then media/advertising/corporate giants stepped in with big pockets and a lot of arguments formed.

Good riddance..Welcome home.

 

[davido_labido]

As with TechPowerUp, I saw bit-tech as a home. Even though I am no longer a regular visiter to forums (which I intend to change as I much prefer them!) I do check the websites often, usually outside of my working requirements. It's such a shame that the sites will no longer be around.

Now, just make sure TPU stays around. I need to make sure I have at least one site that ticks my boxes

 

[sillyconjunkie]

Now, just make sure TPU stays around. I need to make sure I have at least one site that ticks my boxes

Case in point. Expect more responses like this as we transition away from advertising-centric sites to more unbiased ones.

For those younger members who don't understand, Techpowerup.com is primarily an AMD/Nvidia advertising site.

..and already under new unbiased management. Expect unbiased changes.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Saw that coming. Surprised it didn't happen sooner. Why? Both sites were struggling to stay relevant in a world dominated by streaming video. Not to mention the site format for each was messy and very dated. There's something to be said about function before fashion, but when you're lacking both and lacking a sense of direct as well, it's only a matter of time before the end comes. Honestly, I'm shocked Tom's Hardware is still around. Until recently that site is an ugly-as-poo, pathetic mess.

Hexus and Bit-Tech will be back. Same with overclockers.com.

No, they won't. Time and the march of progress waits for no one.

In the future Anandtech, Kitguru, Guru3d.net and others will return to their normal, non-advertising roots..

Wishful thinking.

So when did the two(Hexus & BitTech) merge?

 

[sepheronx]

Case in point. Expect more responses like this as we transition away from advertising-centric sites to more unbiased ones.

For those younger members who don't understand, Techpowerup.com is primarily an AMD/Nvidia advertising site.

..and already under new unbiased management. Expect unbiased changes.

What?

I have been dealing with computers as an enthusiast since the late 90's. I would say with all my experience, TPU has been the least biased. Yeah, maybe the press release posts are nothing but adverts, but that is how they make money to stay afloat. Their testing methodology is still the best.

Youtubers on the other hand are abysmal for most part. There are good tubers around, but on average they are just giant advert videos.

 

[sillyconjunkie]

No, they won't. Time and the march of progress waits for no one.

Wishful thinking.

So when did the two(Hexus & BitTech) merge?

Processor progress waits for no one.. GPU progress waits for no one.. FAB progress waits for no one.. Ethical design advancement waits for no one..

Logical thinking.

They didn't. They're just "old" and reputable.

Youtubers on the other hand are abysmal for most part. There are good tubers around, but on average they are just giant advert videos.

Reverse psychology. TPU and Tom's are full of "hidden" youtubers.

Relying on adverts for operating revenue vs. the entire site as one big advert..(for company x + y operating revenue).

 

[W1zzard]

For those younger members who don't understand, Techpowerup.com is primarily an AMD/Nvidia advertising site.

..and already under new unbiased management. Expect unbiased changes.

lol first time i hear of this, what makes you think that?

press release posts are nothing but adverts, but that is how they make money to stay afloat

press releases are posted for free

 

[ir_cow]

Unbiased and opinion reviews are different then paid content.

Remember this. Lots of tech sites are strictly pay for a good review. It is just how it is. Anyone who reads content here regularly will know this isn't a issue at TPU.

The amount of times I reviewed something that clearly has flaws, only to find a perfect score from someone else makes me question the legitimacy of some sites. It's okay to have a opinion and be bias. I welcome those who have a different view as it broadens my own. But being paid for a good review is not okay. We as a community have so little left of legitment tech sites.

 

[sepheronx]

lol first time i hear of this, what makes you think that?


press releases are posted for free

Good to know.

 

[VSG]

Case in point. Expect more responses like this as we transition away from advertising-centric sites to more unbiased ones.

For those younger members who don't understand, Techpowerup.com is primarily an AMD/Nvidia advertising site.

..and already under new unbiased management. Expect unbiased changes.

I'll have some of what you are having, must be nice and dreamy.

 

[lexluthermiester]

I'll have some of what you are having, must be nice and dreamy.

Say no to drugs!!

 

[Chrispy_]

When TechReport ended its decline (started when Scott Wasson was given a job offer too good to refuse by AMD) I came to TPU - mainly because I'd already been reading the site for years, but also because TPU is more than just news/forums - it has useful things that will hopefully ensure its survival:

• GPU-Z is one of the most popular utilities out there, almost everyone dealing with graphics card tuning uses it and MSI afterburner.
• TPU is also the #1 English-speaking GPU BIOS repository on the net. I don't think GPU BIOS flashing is going away any time soon.
• It also has tier-1 contributors such as Aris, chief engineer at Cybenetics and 1usmus of Ryzen DRAM calculator fame. Even if they aren't exclusive to TPU it's great to see them so directly involved with the site.

I'm sure there are many more reasons that TPU will survive longer than its struggling peers but as a stark reminder to you all that even big sites can fall - please check you have whitelisted TPU on your adblocker. Ad revenue isn't much but across thousands of daily readers it surely helps as the media industry shifts to YouTube.

 

[ppn]

Lately I was hoping to win some competition over there, a video card at least.
As for the ads it probably only matters if you click on the ad and get redirected, and buy something in the end.
(not using any blockers at all)

 

[Baum]

this website was one of the bigger repository for RX580 video bios flash to rx590 i do remember :-/

sad to see them go

 

[TheoneandonlyMrK]

Case in point. Expect more responses like this as we transition away from advertising-centric sites to more unbiased ones.

For those younger members who don't understand, Techpowerup.com is primarily an AMD/Nvidia advertising site.

..and already under new unbiased management. Expect unbiased changes.

For younger members who don't understand.

Anyone can post an opinion in a forum, it could get deleted but sometimes even total rubbish, sticks around.

 

[mechtech]

Rather unfortunate. Reminds me of when TechReport started its downward slide.

hopefully all the employees have other work lined up.

Tech sites and good data are getting rarer by the year. I hope the ones remaining can fill the voids and get additional users and have enough income to carry on for such a great resource for everyone.

 

[dirtyferret]

very sad, two very good sites. Our list of professional review sites grows ever more thin

lol first time i hear of this, what makes you think that?

c'mon wasn't that you in the Ferrari with the custom W1zzard license plate I saw the other day?

 

[W1zzard]

c'mon wasn't that you in the Ferrari with the custom W1zzard license plate I saw the other day?

car = biggest waste of money, i barely drive 2000 km a year, so no

 

[dirtyferret]

car = biggest waste of money, i barely drive 2000 km a year, so no

I forgot your motto so no need for a fast car

 

[arduum]

OMG!!!!!!....