Linus Tech Tips, one of the most popular tech channels, often sparks lively debates on PC building topics. Recently, the group’s writers weighed in on some of Linus Sebastian’s bold opinions—referred to as his “hot takes”—to see where they agree or differ on issues like RAM requirements, pre-built versus custom PCs, cooling solutions, audio setups, upgrade strategies, ray tracing, and the ethics around ad blockers. Here’s an overview of their perspectives to help you navigate these common PC questions in 2025.
Memory and Storage: How Much Is Enough?
Linus argues that for gaming in 2025, 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage is sufficient for most users. He suggests that heavier workloads like video or photo editing warrant more memory, but 16 GB should handle a typical gaming library comfortably.
However, other writers push back a bit. Some point out that with Windows 11 and additional background tasks like media servers running, 16 GB might be on the low side. They advocate for 32 GB of RAM to future-proof systems and handle multitasking better, especially on DDR5 platforms, while acknowledging that 16 GB remains acceptable on budget DDR4 builds. Storage needs can vary based on internet speed and data caps, with those facing slower downloads or limited bandwidth needing more local space.
Pre-built vs Custom: What’s Best for Most People?
Linus and his team generally agree that pre-built PCs can be the better option for most users, citing the complexity of modern optimization steps like enabling resizable BAR, BIOS tweaks, and driver setup that can frustrate newcomers. Pre-builts often come better optimized out of the box, meaning users get a smoother experience without the guesswork.
That said, some writers acknowledge the appeal of custom builds for enthusiasts and those who want fine-grained control, but also recognize the intimidation factor and time investment can drive many to simply buy pre-built systems.
Cooling Choices: Air Coolers or AIO Liquid Cooling?
The consensus leans strongly in favor of air coolers for most users, primarily due to their reliability and longevity. Air coolers like those from Noctua maintain performance and can be supported for many years with updated mounting kits, whereas all-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers risk pump failure and coolant evaporation over time. Although AIOs have become more affordable and less failure-prone, air cooling remains the safe, cost-effective choice for long-term use.
Audio Setup: Headsets vs Surround Speakers
When debating audio setups, the writers agree that a good gaming headset is generally more practical than a surround speaker system, especially for shared living spaces. While Linus has nostalgic attachments to his surround setups, headsets offer personal, immersive sound, convenience, and integrated microphones suited to typical gamer needs without disturbing others. Still, they note that budget and living situation play big roles in the decision.
Upgrade Strategy: Big One-Time Builds vs Incremental Upgrades
Opinions split here. Some writers recommend spreading out investments over time with incremental upgrades, which can optimize spending and adapt to market changes. Others argue that investing in a high-end system upfront offers superior performance and stability for several years, especially at the higher budget range. Ultimately, they agree that context matters—budget size, gaming needs, and willingness to gamble on future tech influence the best choice.
Ray Tracing: Is It Worth the Performance Cost?
Most agree with Linus’s skeptical stance on ray tracing in 2025. They point out that ray tracing often reduces frames per second significantly without delivering enough visual improvement to justify the hit. While some games like Metro Exodus have impressive implementations, for many titles and settings, traditional rasterization still looks better or more efficient. Some writers express frustration at Nvidia’s marketing tactics, which promoted a technology that’s not true path tracing in many cases, leading to mixed results and ongoing performance challenges.
Ad Block and Piracy: Is Using Ad Blockers Equivalent to Piracy?
This topic sparks a nuanced debate. Linus’s team is divided but leans toward acknowledging that, by definition, ad blocking can be considered a form of piracy since it deprives creators and platforms of revenue generated through ads. However, many see it as a “service issue” rather than outright theft, given the intrusive, sometimes harmful nature of online ads. They also admit to using ad blockers themselves, recognizing the trade-offs between supporting creators and maintaining a safe, user-friendly browsing experience.
Conclusion
The Linus Tech Tips writers bring diverse, thoughtful opinions to the table on many PC-related debates. While there is agreement on several matters—such as preferring air coolers, acknowledging the complexity of custom builds for novices, or the limited benefits of ray tracing—others depend on individual use cases and preferences. Their candid discussions highlight that tech advice often requires context and personal priorities. For consumers, the best approach is continuous research, considering multiple expert viewpoints and staying updated with technology trends.
In essence, Linus’s hot takes serve as informative starting points, but the collective insights from the team offer a richer, more nuanced perspective, making the PC building journey in 2025 both exciting and approachable.
