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
Best gaming laptops for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
MSFS Whether portable flight sims or skinny desktop replacements, here's what you need.
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G vs. Ryzen 7 8700G: Which should you buy?
By Ben Wilson published
8000G🥊 AMD's latest 8000G Series processors offer PC gaming without a dedicated graphics card, but which Ryzen is better for your budget?
AMD launches brand new processors with premium integrated graphics: Ryzen 8000G Series desktop CPUs are available now
By Ben Wilson published
8000G day AMD's latest desktop CPUs are out now, and these Ryzen 8000G processors feature revolutionary integrated graphics and AI-centric NPUs. Here's what you need to know.
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G review: Skip that graphics card for now, this CPU is the new meta for budget PC gaming
By Ben Wilson published
Review Breaking the stigma of weak integrated graphics, the Ryzen 7 8700G is a revolutionary desktop processor perfect for a budget-conscious custom gaming PC.
AMD Ryzen 5 8600G review: The ultimate CPU for a budget-friendly custom gaming desktop is here
By Ben Wilson published
Review Bypassing expensive graphics cards, the Ryzen 5 8600G allows budget enthusiasts to build a capable desktop PC without sacrificing the latest AAA titles.
Best gaming chairs in 2024
By Ben Wilson published
Updated I've picked the best gaming chairs for you, your kids, or your significant other with various styles and features to fit your budget in 2024.
AMD's new Radeon 7600 XT graphics card on sale NOW with Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF) support for extra PC gaming FPS
By Ben Wilson published
7600 XT ❤ AFMF A bump in specifications from the standard Radeon RX 7600 brings the 7600 XT up to double VRAM and includes support for AFMF to boost framerates.
Best PCs for sim racing 2024: Pre-built desktops for Forza, iRacing, Assetto Corsa, and more
By Ben Wilson, Zachary Boddy last updated
PC Racing The best gaming PC for sim racing will offer a more personalized experience than a console. Grab a ready-made computer and hit the racetrack.
Best cases for Steam Deck 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
Protection Valve's Steam Deck ships with an official carrying case, but nothing lasts forever. We've rounded up the best Steam Deck case replacements to keep your console safe.
Acer Swift Edge 16 laptop review: This ultralight OLED challenger is almost perfect for traveling workers
By Ben Wilson published
Review A refined option in the ultralight laptop category, the Swift Edge 16 boasts a striking OLED display but walks a delicate line between a travel-friendly design and modest battery life.
Best CPU coolers for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X in 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
Updated The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is one of my favorite AMD CPUs, and I've researched the best cooler to match. Here are my top picks to fit your budget.
Where to buy NVIDIA RTX 4070 Super graphics cards: B&H Photo, Best Buy, and more retailers with the latest stock
By Ben Wilson published
4070 Super The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super is a cutting-edge graphics card ready for launch, taking on its AMD Radeon rivals and expanding the RTX 40-Series GPUs.
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus (Gen 4) review: A clever twisting hinge reveals a color E Ink screen that solves no real issues
By Ben Wilson published
Review This twisting screen combines OLED and E Ink in an example of 'just because you can, doesn't mean you should' as a CES experiment fails to prove genuinely useful.
Intel's 14th Gen Core mobile processors for laptops gain Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 5 to offset mostly lackluster spec bumps
By Ben Wilson published
14th Gen Modest gains for the Core i9-14900HX in a slight step up over the 13th Gen.
"Who needs a 57-inch curved MiniLED gaming monitor?" asks Acer, with 240Hz OLED alternatives in tow for CES 2024
By Ben Wilson published
Too big? Acer previews four curved Predator gaming monitors designed for hardcore gamers ahead of CES 2024, including the gigantic 57-inch MiniLED Z57 set for release in Q2 2024.
My aversion to 3D glasses is over: Acer's new stereoscopic laptop and monitor transform 2D content in real-time
By Ben Wilson published
No 3D glasses Acer debuts new SpatialLabs tech in two devices: an Aspire 3D 15 laptop aimed at 3D creators and a Predator SpatialLabs View 27 monitor for gamers, offering glasses-free real-time 3D experiences.
Portable PC gaming handhelds are secretly my most anticipated tech innovation for 2024, and MSI makes the competition fierce
By Ben Wilson published
The Claw The leaked MSI Claw features Intel hardware, ready to tackle the giants of Valve's Steam Deck and ASUS' ROG Ally.
Best motherboard for AMD Ryzen 7 5800X in 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
Updated AMD's Ryzen 7 5800X fits the B550 and X570 chipset just like its 5600X sibling, but which motherboard is the best for this multi-core CPU?
My next PC webcam NEEDS Microsoft's answer to Face ID — Here's why (and why we need more companies to make them)
By Ben Wilson published
Say hello My 13-year-old webcam finally bit the dust, and I need a new one, but my tastes are more refined than they were in 2017. Here's why I'm hooked on Windows Hello.
HP Envy Move review: The most adorable all-in-one desktop I've ever used — this SHOULD be your next family PC
By Ben Wilson published
Review HP offers a unique solution for families needing a shared computer with the Envy Move, which solves problems that most laptops can't, and it's a triumph.
7 last-minute stocking stuffers I JUST bought for my tech-loving family and gamer friends (because I'm bad at Xmas shopping)
By Ben Wilson published
Quick gifts My teenage relatives and video game-loving friends eagerly await holiday gifts, so here's everything I picked at the last moment with buzzer-beating orders.
Windows 11 Pro is finally cheap enough that you don't have to steal it in this limited-time deal
By Ben Wilson published
Deal In a rare display of generosity, you can buy Windows 11 Pro for only $39.99 from a legitimate Microsoft Partner with no danger of deactivations or other issues with dubious codes.
GTA 6 trailer analysis: Vice City expands to Leonida State with a female protagonist and teases unprecedented levels of detail
By Ben Wilson published
GTA 6 The first trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI was released early due to Internet leaks and confirmed its location as Vice City, but some details are more subtle and outright hidden.
What to expect in the GTA 6 trailer: Vice City, Florida, and beyond, as the next Grand Theft Auto is unveiled tomorrow
By Ben Wilson published
GTA 6 Grand Theft Auto 6 will soon be unveiled to the world with its first official trailer, but what can excited gamers realistically expect to see? Here are my theories as a fan of the series.
Forget Steam Deck OLED — ASUS ROG Ally is $399!! (It is even cheaper than on Cyber Monday and it crushes the competition)
By Ben Wilson last updated
🎁Deal ASUS ROG Ally is a powerhouse portable PC gaming handheld and the perfect holiday gaming gift, enjoying a discount that puts Cyber Monday to shame.