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

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.

I Went Hands On With MSI’s New Cubi NUC AI Mini-PCs, With Details on a Copilot+ PC Model
By Ben Wilson published
Mini PCs MSI is contributing to the well-known NUC brand of mini PCs with two Intel-powered options under the Cubi NUC AI range, but one is Copilot+ PC-certified.

The best flight sticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator
By Ben Wilson last updated
Gaming Introducing a joystick to your Microsoft Flight Simulator experience further adds to the realism, and I've rounded up the best you can buy.

Microsoft blocked a LibreOffice developer account for a week
By Ben Wilson published
Microsoft Mike Kaganski bypassed blocked support channels after his Microsoft account was disabled, and his first tickets were ignored.

The best CPU cooler for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X desktop processors
By Ben Wilson last updated
Components Pairing AMD's Ryzen 7 5800X 8-core desktop processor with the right CPU cooler will keep your temperatures under control and save you from excessive fan noise.

Goodbye, Windows 10: I watched the dream die, from Xbox One to Lumia
By Ben Wilson published
Windows 10 Windows 10 celebrates its 10-year anniversary and simultaneously prepares for its death, but Microsoft's ambitions of a unified platform still echo across my office.

Best motherboard for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
By Ben Wilson last updated
Components Find the best AM4 motherboard to match the Ryzen 5 5600X, AMD's perfect mid-range CPU pick.

MSI's Claw 8 AI+ could beat Steam Deck's rivals — but not in this state
By Ben Wilson published
Handhelds MSI could dominate the gaming handheld scene with its Claw 8 AI+ and Intel's Core Ultra chips if it weren't so expensive, and it might be too late to backtrack.
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.



