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 Mastodon @trzomb@mastodon.online to ask questions or share opinions.
Latest articles by Ben Wilson
The most affordable Wi-Fi 6E router is now even cheaper — for a limited time
By Ben Wilson published
DEAL TP-Link offered the first affordable Wi-Fi 6E router with the Archer AXE75, and now it's even cheaper for a limited-time sale.
Xbox has serious cloud competition from NVIDIA's recent GeForce Now upgrades
By Ben Wilson published
Fight! Xbox Cloud Gaming was always my choice for lag-free streams, but NVIDIA's SuperPOD servers bring RTX 4080 GPUs to challenge my subscription to Microsoft.
Best CPU cooler for AMD Ryzen 9 7950X in 2023
By Ben Wilson published
7950X The Ryzen 9 7950X offers incredible gaming performance offset by high power draw causing raised temperatures, so we've found the best CPU cooler to match.
Surprise Xbox hit Hi-Fi Rush breaks into Steam's top 10 chart
By Ben Wilson published
What a rush! Hi-Fi Rush leaps onto Xbox and PC after a surprise Developer_Direct announcement, with healthy sales during its first 24 hours on Steam.
Microsoft Teams is down: Outages take out Office, Azure, Xbox, and more (Update)
By Ben Wilson published
Office 364? Microsoft 365 services are impacted by server issues this morning, including Teams, Office, and even Xbox Live, as Azure servers suffered outages.
Why is a mid-range underdog part of my dream desktop PC build for 2023?
By Ben Wilson published
Picking parts Cutting-edge PC components make for a thrilling custom computer, but my next build is more grounded in reality, with a third-party underdog taking the helm.
Best Xbox steering wheels 2023: console and PC-compatible options
By Ben Wilson published
Xbox racing The best Xbox racing wheels for Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S offer tremendous versatility. Throw in PC cross-compatibility, and you're off to the races.
NVIDIA upgrading GeForce Now in 2023 — RTX 4080 GPUs launch with SuperPOD servers
By Ben Wilson last updated
Cloud gaming NVIDIA is upgrading its cloud-gaming GeForce Now service with RTX 4080 GPUs for faster response times and higher-quality visuals.
Persona 3 and 4 arrive on Xbox Game Pass, mobile touch controls in tow
By Ben Wilson published
Face yourself Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden are now on Xbox with remastered visuals and gameplay tweaks, including dynamic touch controls for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Roccat Syn Max Air wireless headset review: An affordable charging dock for gamers
By Ben Wilson published
Review The Syn Max Air offers an affordable wireless charging dock to tackle a unique PC gaming category. Can Roccat deliver luxury comfort with high-quality audio?
Historical decline of desktop PC shipments affects Dell, Lenovo, and more
By Ben Wilson published
PC crash Management consulting company Gartner reports a historic decline in desktop PC shipments in 2022 for various vendors, expected to continue until 2024.
Still running Windows 7? Time to upgrade your vulnerable machine
By Ben Wilson published
RIP Microsoft has ended support for updates to Windows 7, including the Extended Security Upgrade (ESU) program. Time to upgrade your outdated operating system.
Cooler Master plans an open-source MasterPlus+ update to support third-party APIs
By Ben Wilson published
Open-source Cooler Master plans to update its MasterPlus+ software suite with open-source API integration, offering diagnostics and control for third-party components.
Microsoft VALL-E shows a future of AI-powered speech that's fantastic and terrifying
By Ben Wilson published
VALL-E Microsoft has me excited AND nervous as it unveils VALL-E, its AI-powered voice synthesis requiring only 3-second recordings to generate new speech.
CES 2023 presents an exciting future for gaming laptops
By Ben Wilson published
18" gaming 18" gaming laptops shown at CES with 16:10 panels combat the trend of ultra-slim models and avoid gimmicks that
Lenovo reveals Legion desktops with next-generation hardware at CES
By Ben Wilson published
CES Lenovo unveils updated Legion desktop gaming PCs at CES with Intel 13th Gen and AMD Ryzen 7000 CPUs alongside simple overclocking and fan control tools.
Refreshed Lenovo Yoga laptops unveiled at CES — with one skipping North America
By Ben Wilson published
CES Lenovo unveils updated Yoga laptops at CES, with three refreshed models planned for North America while one remains absent with no specifications or details.
HP unveils upgraded OMEN desktops and laptops with integrated GeForce Now
By Ben Wilson published
CES HP showcases updates to its OMEN gaming PCs and laptops at CES 2023 in Las Vegas, including support for new 13th Gen Intel CPUs and cutting-edge liquid cooling.
Cooler Master reveals pre-built PCs resembling shoes and sharks at CES (no, seriously)
By Ben Wilson published
CES Cooler Master unveils its first pre-built desktop PCs at CES 2023 in Las Vegas, split into three distinct design line-ups, including sneakers and sharks.
Everything you need to know to build your own NAS
By Ben Wilson published
NAS Running out of storage on your PC or laptop is the worst. Building your own network-attached storage (NAS) can help make sure you never have to experience that misery.
Best Steam Deck accessories 2023
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.
13th Gen Intel Core mobile CPUs announced at CES
By Ben Wilson published
CES Intel unveils the world's first 24-core processor for a laptop alongside 31 other brand-new 13th Gen mobile CPUs.
Intel launches new entry-level Core i3 N-series mobile CPUs
By Ben Wilson published
CES Intel expands its entry-level CPU category with the all-new N-Series, including Core i3 performance options, for all-day efficiency in the classroom and beyond.
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