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
![MSI RTX 3060 Ventus 2X graphics card and MSI motherboard boxes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UbqGEpKMn3EYA34fJSpvSa-320-80.jpg)
Recommended game specs are a joke — PC devs need to temper expectations
By Ben Wilson published
RTX 4090 or bust My latest personal PC upgrades still don't stand a chance of running my most anticipated titles with smooth framerates, so what's the big deal with poor optimization recently?
![DaVinci Resolve at Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3NHSHKMdi2rmrKnkHD5LQi-320-80.jpg)
DaVinci Resolve on ARM: Qualcomm delivers Hollywood’s most popular editing app
By Ben Wilson published
DaVinci on ARM DaVinci Resolve, one of the most popular video editing apps, is coming to more ARM-supported devices, including future Windows laptops, as confirmed by an announcement at Snapdragon Summit 2023.
![Steam Deck selecting Preview channel for updates](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8nYPz2JNpUD4qibdw2R385-320-80.jpg)
Undervolting Steam Decks will soon be possible for everyone, but why bother?
By Ben Wilson published
⚡Undervolt Valve adds SteamOS 3.5.1 to its Preview branch for Steam Deck owners, sneaking undervolting controls into the BIOS while removing others. Is it worth it?
![Windows Central Amazon Prime Big Deal Days live blog](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rM6Tt7sL5oWUf5fDog56nb-320-80.jpg)
LIVE: Amazon Prime Day in October — 99 Xbox and PC handpicked deals to grab before they're gone
By Ben Wilson last updated
Live blog We're finding the hottest discounts on Windows and Xbox during Amazon's two-day Big Deal Days event and beyond, skipping the scams and price-inflated fakes.
![Windows Central deals on Xbox accessories under $75 for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SMbo6aUMqrA4RwfbgGuYYa-320-80.jpg)
Here are the best Xbox accessories under $75 still available now Amazon Prime Days are over
By Ben Wilson last updated
Under $75 There were plenty of deals to be had on Xbox accessories for Amazon's Prime Day 2, also known as Big Deal Days, but we've done another sweep of the deals and this is whats available TODAY.
![AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 USB capture card](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HsXeraqWkyRYokVbtH3qLo-320-80.jpg)
AVerMedia's latest HDMI 2.1 capture card offers 4K60 live Xbox Series X feeds to streamers
By Ben Wilson published
Streaming AVerMedia takes on Elgato with HDMI 2.1 support on its new Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 capture card using USB-C connectivity.
![Windows Central deals on Xbox accessories for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5hvWAwF4X3jin6ueFXXmdY-320-80.jpg)
Prime Day may be over but these deals under $100 for Xbox are still going strong
By Ben Wilson last updated
Under $100 Official Amazon Prime Day may be over, but there are still bargains to be had on Xbox accessories under $100. We've checked a bunch of retailers to find the best deals STILL live today.
![Windows Central deals on gaming laptops for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9sw8hPSVn6Ny9jiiP9VBpN-320-80.jpg)
October Prime Day ends but these discounted gaming laptops are still up for grabs
By Ben Wilson last updated
Gaming laptops I've found the best gaming laptop deals during Amazon's two-day Prime Big Deal Days sale event, cutting out the scams and price-inflated time wasters.
![Windows Central deals on pre-built gaming desktops for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/THzA5N73E2BaoSkEDc3ggg-320-80.jpg)
The best pre-built gaming desktop savings to grab after October Prime Day
By Ben Wilson last updated
Gaming desktops Here are the best pre-built gaming desktop PC discounts during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale event, without inflated discounts and no-name fakes.
![Amazon Prime Big Deal Days savings on PC parts](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zvdw6N4FqzgApvgxbXwR6M-320-80.jpg)
Everything you need to build a custom gaming PC is on sale: Here's what I'd buy
By Ben Wilson published
Deals It's Prime Day season again, driving down the overblown prices of custom PC gaming components, but understanding compatibility is tricky, so I've taken the liberty of selecting everything you need.
![Amazon Prime Big Deal Days promotional image](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LsN3kHJ8HawUVCg24cGRDR-320-80.jpg)
Amazon Big Deal Days — What you need to know about Prime Day 2
By Ben Wilson last updated
Big Deal Days Amazon has more Prime Day-style deals this October. Here's what we know about Big Deal Days.
![Xbox Series X themed Halloween costume generated by AI](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aQTXz5WC4nmokNUSFXqcqd-320-80.jpg)
I asked DALL-E 3 AI to generate my Halloween costume with Bing Chat and it's appropriately cursed
By Ben Wilson published
Spooky DALL-E Bing Chat AI generates better images than ever thanks to its upgrade to DALL-E 3, so I asked it for some Halloween party inspiration.
![ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/i4EKCLH8kWsmg9NdBgggxR-320-80.jpg)
Best budget B550 motherboards 2023
By Ben Wilson last updated
B550 We found the best budget B550 chipset motherboards to pair with AMD Ryzen processors in your next PC build.
![Samsung EVO Select 256GB microSD card with a Steam Deck](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RYFCGzjf9UyBDV8pqBzEVS-320-80.jpg)
Best SD cards for Steam Deck 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
Updated The Steam Deck has at least 64GB of storage space, but you can expand it further with one of the best SD cards for even more awesome games and apps.
![CPU cooler with NZXT temperature display](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3NPQiM9R3t56yygWoHRwFM-320-80.jpg)
How to check CPU temperatures on Windows 11: Fast and free methods
By Ben Wilson published
CPU temp If your computer feels sluggish, checking the CPU temperature is one of the best ways to diagnose potential throttling issues. Here's how to check CPU temps on Windows 11.
![ChatGPT logo in front of eyes on screens](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Y98mU5AD8NMG9kxQVYZJab-320-80.jpg)
Show ChatGPT what you see: Voice and image features are live (for a price)
By Ben Wilson published
AI eyes OpenAI adds image recognition and a new vocal engine to streamline the interaction between human users and ChatGPT, but it's not free.
![Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX ATX](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/im9CrtxpXAQhKjR57SNfaj-320-80.jpg)
Best motherboards for AMD Ryzen 9 7950X in 2023
By Ben Wilson last updated
7950X The Ryzen 9 7950X is a monstrous CPU that needs a specific socket and plenty of power, so I've rounded up the best AM5 motherboards with features for your budget.
![Intel Thunderbolt 5 promotion](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ogpNFh8EMK32PJrKBzEhRg-320-80.jpg)
Intel reveals Thunderbolt 5 as the next-generation USB-C solution with tremendous improvements
By Ben Wilson published
⚡5 The fastest connection standard is about to get even better, with Intel revealing a roadmap for Thunderbolt 5 leading into 2024, supporting more devices than ever.
![Printer in a grassy field, generated by Adobe and Bing Chat](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RyCsoWcoinpaQykVc3gcKT-320-80.jpg)
Microsoft removing third-party printer drivers from Windows Update benefits everyone
By Ben Wilson published
PC load letter? With a first-party Microsoft IPP Class Driver, printers will function on modern versions of Windows without extra software.
![Razer Blade 14 Mercury Edition](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/y6fVcWVuUJfRCNWuA5oouR-320-80.jpg)
Razer Blade 14 (2023) Mercury Edition review: Luxury laptop gaming with the usual downsides
By Ben Wilson published
Review Razer updates the ultra-compact variant of its powerhouse gaming laptop line with the Blade 14 Mercury Edition, a silver spin-off of the 14-inch beauty with expected cons.
![Google Pixel 7 Pro phone with Windows XP Bliss wallpaper expanded vertically](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bNizLqmgt5RpMPW4dqvFYD-320-80.jpg)
I used AI to expand these iconic Windows wallpapers — and the results are surprisingly less cursed than I expected
By Ben Wilson published
Ultrawide Bliss Generative AI can expand the edges of my most beloved Windows XP wallpapers with a shockingly low amount of hallucinated horrors beyond our comprehension.
![Alienware AW2724HF](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tV7S2Ti4VEYxoyiUc2VT37-320-80.jpg)
Alienware 27-inch 360Hz monitor review: Pushing the competitive gaming limits of 1080p
By Ben Wilson published
Review A 360Hz monitor will specifically appeal to an incredibly niche faction of gamers, and Alienware is honest about its target audience with this 27-inch offering.
![Lenovo Slim Pro 9i 14-inch laptop](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HTAqNdwZFdJqmQw8ffBMBP-320-80.jpg)
Lenovo Slim Pro 9i laptop review: Close to absolute perfection for creators
By Ben Wilson published
Review Undoubtedly known for dull business hardware, the Slim Pro 9i 14-inch and 16-inch laptops prove Lenovo understands the needs of creators with these almost-flawless portable offerings.
![GilletteLabs Razer Limited Edition promotional listing](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rkKPQDgWf95QStk9TJhANV-320-80.jpg)
Razer's latest partnership is equal parts obvious and ridiculous (and it's a limited edition)
By Ben Wilson published
It's real Gillette partners with Razer for a limited edition shaving razor themed after both brands, but it won't be around forever.
![Grammarly for Windows 11](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nGTyRzEMFkAkLXwS7G5ny9-320-80.jpg)
Tips for Grammarly on Windows 11: The best plugins and extensions to use right now
By Ben Wilson published
Grammarly tips Grammarly enhances Windows 11 writing with spell checks, grammar suggestions, and an AI assistant. Extend it to your most commonly used apps with these tips for students, grads, and all.