Gordon Mah Ung, the respected executive editor at PCWorld and a giant in tech journalism, passed away over the weekend at 58 after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. His passing has left a profound impact on his family—his wife, two children, sister, and mother—as well as on the tech community, where he was admired for his expertise, humor, and dedication.
A Career Built on Passion and Precision
Gordon’s path into journalism began at San Francisco State University, where he developed his craft. Initially a police reporter at the Contra Costa Times in the late ’90s, he soon pivoted to technology. In 1997, he joined Computerworld, a sister publication to PCWorld, before moving on to Maximum PC (formerly boot magazine) in 1998. There, he established himself as a leading voice in the tech industry, especially in hardware coverage.
Jon Phillips, editorial director at PCWorld, captured Gordon’s essence perfectly:
“With over 25 years in the tech world, Gordon’s reporting, personality, and commitment to journalism left a lasting impact. He will be profoundly missed by colleagues, industry insiders, and tech enthusiasts alike.”
A Voice That Defined Tech Enthusiasm
At Maximum PC, Gordon became renowned for his distinct voice—a mix of in-depth technical knowledge and biting humor. His weekly “Rant of the Week” podcast segments became legendary, known for their intense passion, sharp wit, and occasional theatrics. His ability to balance frustration and entertainment kept audiences on the edge of their seats, always wondering if he was genuinely angry or just playing up the drama.
Gordon was also a key figure in the Dream Machine project, where he spearheaded the creation of the ultimate high-performance PC, showcasing his encyclopedic knowledge of every component—from CPUs and GPUs to storage systems and cooling technology. His expertise earned him the respect of major tech companies, including Intel, AMD, and Nvidia.
An Advocate for Consumers
Beyond his technical prowess, Gordon was a fierce advocate for consumers. As the anonymous “Watchdog” columnist at Maximum PC, he tackled complaints about subpar products and unscrupulous companies. His investigative reporting brought real solutions to frustrated readers, blending tech expertise with journalistic integrity.
Leadership and Innovation at PCWorld
In 2014, Gordon reluctantly took on the role of editor-in-chief at Maximum PC before joining PCWorld later that year as executive editor. His impact at PCWorld was immediate, with in-depth CPU reviews that set the standard for technical journalism. His reputation for no-nonsense reporting gained him the trust of both readers and industry professionals.
Gordon’s flair for theatrics wasn’t limited to the written word; it translated seamlessly into video content. His role in creating The Full Nerd video podcast in 2016 was a game-changer. The podcast allowed Gordon to showcase his knowledge and personality in an engaging format, creating a community of tech enthusiasts who tuned in for lively debates and discussions.
Lasting Influence on Tech Journalism
Gordon’s influence extended beyond traditional journalism, shaping the future of tech content creation. His passionate yet analytical approach to tech reporting inspired countless creators on platforms like YouTube, where his unapologetically nerdy style set a new standard for engaging and informative content.
Even in his final days, Gordon continued to film segments for The Full Nerd, displaying his unwavering commitment to his craft. His dedication to tech journalism never faltered, and his presence will be sorely missed in the industry.
A Friend and Mentor to Many
Jon Phillips fondly recalled Gordon’s wit and personality, sharing stories of their time working together:
“He was the master of debate—constantly pushing us to think harder, argue better, and laugh louder. Gordon could be the office curmudgeon, but he was also the life of the party, keeping us all entertained with his sly humor.”
