
Ben Wilson
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

This 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD is finally on sale for Prime Day
By Ben Wilson published
Deal The WD_BLACK SN8100 PCIe Gen 5 NVMe solid-state drive offers 2TB of storage with read speeds up to 14,200MB/s, and it's a beast. Now it's a reasonable price, too.

I’ve used this Alienware monitor for 2 years — now it's a bargain before Prime Day
By Ben Wilson published
Deal Alienware's 27-inch AW2723DF gaming monitor strikes a balance with a 1440p resolution and a refresh rate of up to 240Hz. I've never needed anything more.

The best Ryzen 9 7950X cooler only costs about $35
By Ben Wilson, Cale Hunt last updated
Hardware The Ryzen 9 7950X offers incredible gaming performance offset by high power draw causing raised temperatures, so I've found the best CPU cooler to match.

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.

Get the best CPU for your NVIDIA RTX 3060 gaming PC
By Cale Hunt last updated
Hardware Pair a suitable processor with NVIDIA's affordable 30-Series graphics card.

The best gaming laptops in 2025 will change the way you play
By Cale Hunt last updated
Laptops With one of the best gaming laptops in your hands, you can forget about needing a bulky desktop rig. From budget options to elite picks, here are our favorites.

Microsoft's "2.3x faster than Windows 10" claim is a stretch
By Ben Wilson published
Windows 11 Microsoft markets performance boosts on Windows 11 PCs over counterparts from several previous generations running Windows 10, but some comparisons aren't fair.

Deus Ex director celebrates 25 years of the iconic game, and so should you
By Ben Wilson published
PC Gaming Ex-Ion Storm game Director Warren Spector has celebrated the 25th anniversary of Deus Ex with a touching video message, and I can't help but play it again.

Xbox Adaptive Joystick review: Microsoft's affordable accessibility
By Ben Wilson published
Review The Xbox Adaptive Joystick is a $30 game-changer, with only minor downsides that I can happily forgive, considering the significant difference it makes.

Microsoft's AI agent in Settings makes adjusting your PC easier than ever
By Ben Wilson last updated
Windows 11 Microsoft continually updates Windows 11 through a series of beta channels before a general release. Here's everything announced from Monday, June 16, 2025.

REMATCH is Rocket League without cars, and plagued with launch bugs
By Ben Wilson published
Gaming Microtransaction prices, game crashes, and server lag are hot issues plaguing players during the first of a three-day advanced access period.

Check out the best laptops for Microsoft Flight Simulator
By Cale Hunt, Ben Wilson last updated
Laptops Take to the virtual skies wherever you are with a gaming laptop capable of efficiently running Microsoft Flight Simulator without issue.

Need a laptop for video meetings? These are the best we've tested.
By Cale Hunt last updated
Laptops If you're in need of a great PC to use for video conferencing and Zoom meetings, these top-rated laptops we reviewed won't disappoint.

Don't let glare interfere; these top laptops all have bright screens
By Cale Hunt last updated
Laptops These high-scoring laptops have some of the brightest screens on the market.

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.

Everything I know about Intel Nova Lake, Core Ultra Series 4
By Ben Wilson published
Components Intel Core Ultra 400 desktop and mobile processors are rumored to arrive with their Nova Lake codename, and here's what I know.

Windows 11 news and updates for June 2025
By Ben Wilson last updated
LIVE Windows 11 is constantly updating as Microsoft tweaks its operating system and the first-party apps installed by default, so I'm tracking the latest news happening in June 2025.

MSI Claw audio bugs are now fixed, thanks to Intel's Arc GPU driver
By Ben Wilson published
PC Gaming Intel's latest Arc graphics driver, version 32.0.101.6877, fixes "audio glitches" on compatible Core Ultra Series 2 gaming handhelds.

Lenovo's Yoga 7i 16-inch 2-in-1 laptop drops the ball on its headline feature
By Ben Wilson published
Review The 16-inch Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 (16ILL10) falls short on its most attractive feature, but there are redeeming qualities hidden within this laptop.

Intel Arc is ready for Elden Ring Nightreign with this GPU driver
By Ben Wilson published
PC Gaming Intel's latest Arc "Game On" graphics driver, version 32.0.101.6795, supports Elden Ring Nightreign, Dune: Awakening, and F1 25 ahead of their launches on PC.

Memorial Day Weekend deals on my favorite Windows and Xbox tech
By Ben Wilson last updated
Deals I'm tracking the hottest Memorial Day sale discounts on Windows PCs and Xbox gaming accessories, highlighting deals on our favorite tech.

Intel Arc GPUs are ready for DOOM: The Dark Ages Premium Edition
By Ben Wilson published
PC Gaming Intel's latest Arc "Game On" GPU driver 32.0.101.6793 supports DOOM: The Dark Ages Premium Edition ahead of its full release on PC.

WD_BLACK SN8100 PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD review: Doubling my Gen 4 read speeds
By Ben Wilson published
Review SanDisk's WD_BLACK SN8100 PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 2280 "game drive" SSD delivers double the read speeds of my Gen 4 favorite, but comes with a trade-off.
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