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
AMD enters the race to the 'TOPS' with new NPUs for Ryzen AI laptops and desktops
By Ben Wilson published
AMD AI PCs AMD Ryzen PRO 8000/8040 Series processors bring Ryzen AI NPUs to desktops and mobile workstations for business.
A new universal chat app combines Telegram, WhatsApp, and more, leaving me nostalgic for Trillian and MSN Messenger
By Ben Wilson published
Remember pagers? Beeper is available now for Windows desktops, Android smartphones, and more, combining up to 14 chat services via a secure, decentralized network.
ASUS Zenbook Duo (2024) UX8406 review: Perfecting the dual-screen touch experience with 120Hz OLED
By Ben Wilson published
Review Refining the Zenbook Duo for 2024, the UX8406 is a near-perfect example of how ASUS can create stellar laptops for Windows.
I still use a Windows XP app from 2003 to clean up my hard drive and I'll never stop
By Ben Wilson published
It's free space No matter how many tools and settings Microsoft adds to Windows 11, I'll always fall back on WinDirStat when I'm running low on storage.
Time's running out — the best gaming CPU I've EVER tested is on sale and nothing comes close to beating this performance
By Ben Wilson published
Deal Since its release, I've called the Ryzen 7 7800X3D "my highest-recommended CPU for gaming," and that never changed. With $80 off, it's even better.
ASUS' answer to the Steam Deck drops to $399 with specs crushing Valve's cheapest model — making it the best value handheld
By Ben Wilson published
Deal With 512GB of solid-state storage and a gorgeous 120Hz screen, the Ryzen Z1 ROG Ally is temporarily $200 off with a discount from ASUS at Best Buy.
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck HOTAS review: My new favorite stick for Microsoft Flight Simulator
By Ben Wilson published
Review Turtle Beach offers an unparalleled experience that's better than anything I've tried to date, and it's about to become even better with a soon-to-release software update.
Best Intel LGA 1700 motherboards 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
Z690 We found the best Z690 chipset boards with the LGA 1700 Intel socket.
Former AMD boss brands NVIDIA "the GPU cartel": Rumors of delayed shipments and supply control listed as strongarm tactics
By Ben Wilson published
Rival tactics Former AMD Radeon exec Scott Herkelmen hints that NVIDIA may delay shipments to if it suspects customers are simultaneously dealing with its rivals.
The best Wi-Fi 6 mesh router I've ever tested is discounted to an all-time low, and it STILL powers my home network two years later
By Ben Wilson published
Deal TP-Link's discounted Deco X55 Wi-Fi 6 mesh triple pack is still my favorite wireless networking solution since I tested it in 2022, and it still provides a reliable connection to my home office.
Crucial's latest PRO Series DDR5 desktop memory is geared towards overclocking, just like most of the other RAM brands
By Ben Wilson published
DDR5 The all-new DDR5-6000 desktop UDIMM memory from Crucial includes a sleek design and a target audience of overclocking enthusiasts, but is it enough to satisfy tinkerers?
Best Steam Deck accessories in 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
Steam Deck The best Steam Deck accessories will enhance your portable console and allow you to use it as a fully-fledged PC. Grab these essentials for Valve's handheld.
Best webcam in 2024 for streaming and Microsoft Teams or Zoom meetings
By Ben Wilson published
Updated We’ve tested and compared dozens of webcams to find the best for streamers, Zoom meetings, and more.
ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A Gaming WiFi motherboard review: A solid mid-range pick for Ryzen 7000/8000
By Ben Wilson published
Review Fitting into the mid-range, this B650-A board from ASUS offers conveniences without inflating the price too much — but is it right for your next AM5 build?
HYTE Y70 Touch review: A 4K 60Hz screen built into an extravagant PC case let down by bloated software
By Ben Wilson published
Review Geared towards aesthetics, this fish tank of a PC case gains another piece of flair.
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.
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.
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.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.