Ben Wilson
Ben is the editor for everything in our tech channel at Windows Central, including desktop PCs, the components inside, and practically any accessory. Since most of this hardware tends to be compatible with Xbox, he also keeps an Xbox Series S close by for testing headsets, external storage, and anything with enough versatility to cover all the bases. A lifelong gamer since his first console, the SEGA Mega Drive, he has an affinity for taking things to pieces to see how they work.
Pursuing a recent career in technology journalism follows over a decade of experience in electronics retail and tech support roles, offering repairs and recommendations to consumers. A personal hobby in custom PC building built a strong desire to follow the latest cutting-edge hardware in a never-ending search to find the parts genuinely worth buying. Always on the hunt for the best value for money, he's fueled by a steady diet of caffeinated drinks and coffee-flavored food.
Forever a Windows XP fan, he's keeping up with the latest releases from Microsoft but dabbles in Linux to experiment with the inner workings of Valve's Steam Deck handheld. He'll look out for your best interests if you're considering tinkering with hardware upgrades and want the best bang for your buck. Find him on BlueSky @benwilson.net to ask questions or share opinions.
Latest articles by Ben Wilson
I finally tried Windows 11 on ARM after four years of unfairly dismissing Qualcomm's misunderstood platform (and I'm obsessed)
By Ben Wilson published
All-in on ARM A bargain find on a second-hand Microsoft Surface Pro X has completely changed how I feel about Windows on ARM, realizing my app compatibility fears were utterly wrong.
PWAs are awesome on Arm — here's why I'm ditching native Windows apps for lightweight alternatives with extra RAM
By Ben Wilson published
PWA FTW Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are a lightweight, web-based alternative to native desktop apps that offer rapid installs and removal on Windows 11, and I love them.
PSA: It doesn't matter if your computer runs on ARM, all of your apps will work on Windows 11
By Ben Wilson published
Armed for x86-64 Windows devices running on Arm processors from Qualcomm and Microsoft can run x86 and x64 apps in Windows 11 with a clever trick that means your productivity isn't negatively affected.
Lenovo's latest budget gaming laptop isn't able to beat the value of a cheaper alternative within its own brand
By Ben Wilson published
Review With Intel Arc A530M graphics, Lenovo's affordable LOQ range expands the ultra-budget gaming laptop category with the LOQ 15IAX9I, but is it worth it over an in-house portable alternative?
AMD enters the race to the 'TOPS' with new NPUs for Ryzen AI laptops and desktops
By Ben Wilson published
AMD AI PCs AMD Ryzen PRO 8000/8040 Series processors bring Ryzen AI NPUs to desktops and mobile workstations for business.
A new universal chat app combines Telegram, WhatsApp, and more, leaving me nostalgic for Trillian and MSN Messenger
By Ben Wilson published
Remember pagers? Beeper is available now for Windows desktops, Android smartphones, and more, combining up to 14 chat services via a secure, decentralized network.
What games we're playing on gaming handhelds this April: Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go
By Rebecca Spear, Ben Wilson published
Roundup Here are all the games that have dominated the lives of Windows Central's team this month, from Steam Deck gems to ASUS ROG Ally blockbusters.
ASUS Zenbook Duo (2024) UX8406 review: Perfecting the dual-screen touch experience with 120Hz OLED
By Ben Wilson published
Review Refining the Zenbook Duo for 2024, the UX8406 is a near-perfect example of how ASUS can create stellar laptops for Windows.
I still use a Windows XP app from 2003 to clean up my hard drive and I'll never stop
By Ben Wilson published
It's free space No matter how many tools and settings Microsoft adds to Windows 11, I'll always fall back on WinDirStat when I'm running low on storage.
Time's running out — the best gaming CPU I've EVER tested is on sale and nothing comes close to beating this performance
By Ben Wilson published
Deal Since its release, I've called the Ryzen 7 7800X3D "my highest-recommended CPU for gaming," and that never changed. With $80 off, it's even better.
ASUS' answer to the Steam Deck drops to $399 with specs crushing Valve's cheapest model — making it the best value handheld
By Ben Wilson published
Deal With 512GB of solid-state storage and a gorgeous 120Hz screen, the Ryzen Z1 ROG Ally is temporarily $200 off with a discount from ASUS at Best Buy.
Best joysticks and HOTAS flight sticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator in 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
Updated Introducing a joystick to your Microsoft Flight Simulator experience further adds to the realism, and we’ve rounded up the best you can buy in one place.
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck HOTAS review: My new favorite stick for Microsoft Flight Simulator
By Ben Wilson published
Review Turtle Beach offers an unparalleled experience that's better than anything I've tried to date, and it's about to become even better with a soon-to-release software update.
Best CPU for NVIDIA RTX 3060 in 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
Updated Pair a suitable processor with NVIDIA's affordable 30-Series graphics card with my best CPU for 3060 picks.
Best motherboard for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X in 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
Updated AMD's Ryzen 5 5600X is arguably the most affordable mid-range, 8-core processor, but which is the best motherboard to match? Here are my picks.
Best Intel LGA 1700 motherboards 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
Z690 We found the best Z690 chipset boards with the LGA 1700 Intel socket.
Former AMD boss brands NVIDIA "the GPU cartel": Rumors of delayed shipments and supply control listed as strongarm tactics
By Ben Wilson published
Rival tactics Former AMD Radeon exec Scott Herkelmen hints that NVIDIA may delay shipments to if it suspects customers are simultaneously dealing with its rivals.
Best VR headset for Microsoft Flight Simulator in 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
VR Experience the best VR for Microsoft Flight Simulator with one of these headset options and take to the digital skies with unparalleled realism.
Crucial Pro Memory: Overclocking Edition DDR5 RAM review — Hitting the Ryzen sweet spot with no frills
By Ben Wilson published
Review Crucial expands its DDR5 desktop memory range with kits targeting gamers and enthusiasts looking to hit the 6000MT/s sweet spot, but is it worth it?
The best Wi-Fi 6 mesh router I've ever tested is discounted to an all-time low, and it STILL powers my home network two years later
By Ben Wilson published
Deal TP-Link's discounted Deco X55 Wi-Fi 6 mesh triple pack is still my favorite wireless networking solution since I tested it in 2022, and it still provides a reliable connection to my home office.
Crucial's latest PRO Series DDR5 desktop memory is geared towards overclocking, just like most of the other RAM brands
By Ben Wilson published
DDR5 The all-new DDR5-6000 desktop UDIMM memory from Crucial includes a sleek design and a target audience of overclocking enthusiasts, but is it enough to satisfy tinkerers?
Best Steam Deck accessories 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
Steam Deck The best Steam Deck accessories will enhance your portable console and allow you to use it as a fully-fledged PC. Grab these essentials for Valve's handheld.
Best webcam in 2024 for streaming and Microsoft Teams or Zoom meetings
By Ben Wilson published
Updated We’ve tested and compared dozens of webcams to find the best for streamers, Zoom meetings, and more.