Ben is a Senior Editor at Windows Central, covering everything related to technology hardware and software. He regularly goes hands-on with the latest Windows laptops, components inside custom gaming desktops, and any accessory compatible with PC and Xbox. His lifelong obsession with dismantling gadgets to see how they work led him to pursue a career in tech-centric journalism after a decade of experience in electronics retail and tech support.
Forever a Windows XP fan who cut his teeth by helping his family transition from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95 with a stack of floppy disks and paper manuals, he's dedicated to Microsoft's operating system and everything remotely compatible. If he isn't covering AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm processors or dabbling in Valve's Linux-based Steam Deck handheld, he's probably playing Euro Truck Simulator 2 for some low-speed (but realistic) thrills.
Latest articles by Ben Wilson

Everything you need to know about Intel Panther Lake, AKA Intel Core Ultra (Series 3)
By Zachary Boddy last updated
Computing Intel Panther Lake is right around the corner. Here's everything we know so far about the next-gen computer chips known as Intel Core Ultra (Series 3).

Here are the best pre-built gaming PCs for sim racing in 2025
By Zachary Boddy last updated
PC Gaming The best pre-built gaming PCs for sim racing will offer a more personalized experience than a console. Grab a ready-made computer and hit the racetrack.

These pre-built PCs are ideal for playing Flight Simulator
By Ben Wilson, Cale Hunt last updated
PC Flight Simulator is the premier title for anyone who loves to fly, and having the right PC for the job can make all the difference. Here are my favorites.

Exploring Sandisk’s officially licensed SSDs for Xbox Ally X
By Ben Wilson published
Handhelds Sandisk announces internal and external storage expansion with guaranteed compatibility, but long-term pricing and availability will factor into their appeal.

The Xbox Ally X is a bargain, actually — cheaper than most gaming PCs
By Ben Wilson published
Handhelds The Xbox Ally X is a promising collab between ASUS ROG and Microsoft, priced at a surprisingly reasonable £799.99 in the UK. Here's why I'll ditch my Steam Deck for this premium handheld.

Who needs a full tower when these mini PCs are so good?
By Rebecca Spear, Cale Hunt last updated
PC Mini PCs are an excellent alternative to full-size desktop PCs, eliminating empty space inside a tower while also keeping the price way down. Here are the best we've tested so far at Windows Central.

Follow Windows Central as a source on Google News and stay up to date
By Ben Wilson published
News Integrating Windows Central into your Google News feed prioritizes our coverage of Windows, Xbox, and other Microsoft stories amidst the clutter of today.

MSI's Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is a Copilot+ mini PC best suited to enterprise
By Ben Wilson published
Mini PCs MSI's Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is a business-focused mini PC with Copilot+ certification that packs Intel's Lunar Lake processors and focuses its appeal on businesses.

MSI's Claw 8 AI+ is the best handheld that you still can't buy
By Ben Wilson published
Handhelds Handheld gaming keeps expanding, and MSI's Claw 8 AI+ emerged as a powerful contender. Unfortunately, stock shortages and inflated prices leave me frustrated.

ASUS built its own ROG handheld dock — but what's with that price?
By Ben Wilson published
Review ASUS ROG's sturdy design sensibilities contrast with a shockingly high price, leaving the Bulwark Dock to undoubtedly struggle against affordable alternatives.

How to pair your RTX 3070 with the perfect CPU
By Cale Hunt last updated
Hardware NVIDIA's RTX 3070 is still a fantastic GPU in 2025, but you'll want to pair it with a great processor to take your build to the next level. Here are the CPUs I like.

You don't have to spend a lot to get a quality desktop computer
By Cale Hunt last updated
PC Desktop computers aren't known for being cheap, but there are affordable options that pack a punch. My top picks will help you find your next budget PC.

The best CPU coolers I've ever used can be narrowed down to two picks
By Ben Wilson last updated
Components CPU coolers are a necessity in custom-built desktop rigs, but choosing between the endless list of options is ultimately tedious. Here are my two favorites.

The best motherboards for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X in 2025
By Ben Wilson last updated
Desktops Still a great gaming processor, AMD's Ryzen 7 5800X works best with my top-rated motherboards.

The best racing wheels for PC and Xbox in 2025
By Ben Wilson last updated
Gaming I've tested more steering wheels with Xbox and PC compatibility than I can count, and I'm ranking the best of them all.

Perplexity's $5 fix for an AI content crisis promises to be more ethical for publishers
By Cale Hunt published
AI Publishers must opt in to Perplexity's $5 'Comet Plus' model to get paid. Can it save online journalism from AI-generated summaries that drain revenue?

I tested the new Razer Blade 18 to see how hot this gaming laptop really gets
By Ben Wilson published
Laptops NVIDIA's RTX 5090 GPU meets vapor chamber cooling in this Razer Blade 18 sample that I'm testing in 2025. It's still tornado loud, but can it handle the heat alongside its high-end Intel CPU?

Razer Blade 18 (2025) review: because your desk wasn’t afraid enough
By Ben Wilson published
Review Razer refreshes its phenomenal Blade 18 gaming desktop, still marketed as a desktop replacement due to its sheer power and all-encompassing size. It's a beast.

Legion Go S now just $499.99: The Steam Deck alternative you need
By Ben Wilson published
Deal Lenovo's Legion Go S, a Windows-based handheld alternative to the Steam Deck, has dropped to a far more sensible $499.99 for a limited time, revitalizing its appeal.

Can REMATCH survive much longer without crossplay?
By Ben Wilson published
Gaming Are cosmetic microtransactions sidelining the potential of this fun multiplayer football title? REMATCH is losing its players, and crucial features are still absent.

With Battlefield 6 beta over, here’s where players are flocking next
By Ben Wilson published
Gaming As the highly anticipated Battlefield 6 Open Beta gained over 40,000 players, a resurgence of excitement for modern warfare has led to players flocking to other titles.

Take off with Honeycomb’s latest joystick innovations for MSFS 2024
By Ben Wilson published
Gaming Honeycomb Aeronautical's new 'Lite' range offers a path to flight sim "graduation" alongside an all-new flight stick and a prototype joypad that could change the game.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is Gettings a Paid Jurassic World Add-On
By Ben Wilson published
Gaming Jurassic World Archipelago from Orbx Studios is a licensed add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 due to launch on PC and arrive later on Xbox, but it won't be free.
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.