How Las Vegas Killed Our Brand New Editing PC - CES 2024 Finale
**Behind the Scenes at CES 2024: A Journey with Paul**
CES 2024 coverage is brought to you by Cooler Master, Kioxia, Asus, and Gigabyte. As we reflect on the week that has passed, it feels like a blur—filled with meetings, new technologies, and reconnecting with old faces. The excitement of CES is palpable, but as the week draws to a close, there’s a bittersweet feeling in the air.
### Arrival in Vegas
The journey to CES 2024 began with packing up the truck and hitting the road. After a 3-hour and 15-minute drive, we arrived in Las Vegas. The decision to drive instead of fly was deliberate; it allowed us to bring more gear, including our editing equipment. While flying might have been faster, driving gave us the flexibility to transport everything we needed for the trip.
Upon arrival at the hotel, we were greeted by luxurious rooms with a view of Treasure Island and the Las Vegas skyline. The eighth-floor suite provided ample space for setting up workstations and relaxation. Despite the convenience of flying—only about 40-45 minutes from home—the drive was worthwhile for the extra gear and the experience it offered.
### Setting Up at the Hotel
Unloading the truck took three trips, with each load showcasing the extensive equipment we brought along. This included Joe’s computer, a beastly system equipped with an RTX 3080, multiple monitors, including an Asus ProArt 32-inch 4K monitor and a Cooler Master 4K micro LED. The setup was almost complete, but one hurdle stood in our way: our main editing system wasn’t powering on.
### Technical Challenges
As we began setting up, disaster struck. Joe’s $10,000 computer—a high-end build with an impressive setup—refused to power on. Despite troubleshooting, including bypassing extra components and attempting to jumpstart the system, there was no response. The frustration was palpable, but Paul joked about using a backup system for editing, noting that “$10,000 PC is not working I told you so.”
The team theorized possible issues: an electrostatic discharge, a faulty motherboard, or a failing power supply. Given the case’s glass side panels, which lack full metal protection, static discharge was a likely culprit. Though we were forced to rely on backups for editing, the experience highlighted the importance of having contingency plans.
### Mid-Week Activities
Midweek found us deep into video production. Joe was diligently editing in the corner of the room, while Paul juggled multiple video shoots. Despite the chaos, there were lighter moments, including a midday snack of beef jerky and trail mix for one team member and a birthday celebration for another.
Joe’s birthday was marked with a cake delivered to his hotel room—a sweet gesture that brightened an otherwise hectic day. The week-long event tested our social stamina, as Paul humorously noted: “I’m not all that social. I’m kind of introverted. So it's nice to come to these events, get lots of FaceTime, but then I go and hide in my garage and make videos for the next five months.”
### Reflections on CES
By the end of the week, our focus shifted to the Las Vegas Convention Center—the heart of CES. While many might associate CES solely with this massive venue, PC hardware manufacturers are actually less represented here compared to events like Computex. The team spent most of their time at the Venetian Expo Center, where tech companies showcase their latest innovations.
Nonetheless, a visit to the convention center was essential. The visually stunning displays and brand installations drew attendees in, even if they weren’t necessarily focused on PC hardware. It’s a reminder that CES is as much about the experience as it is about the technology.
### Conclusion
As Paul wrapped up his coverage, he reflected on the journey—both literal and metaphorical. Despite the technical challenges, the camaraderie, and the whirlwind of activities,CES 2024 was a success. The team expressed gratitude to their sponsors (Cooler Master, Kioxia, Asus, and Gigabyte), Joe for his birthday milestone, and the fans who supported their work throughout the week.
Looking ahead, Paul hinted at upcoming content, including coverage of new CPU launches. He urged viewers to subscribe, check out his merchandise store, and stay tuned for more tech videos in the near future.
And so, as the lights dimmed on CES 2024, we bid farewell with a collective “Bye CES!”—already looking forward to what next year will bring.