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
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.
Best joysticks and HOTAS flight sticks for Microsoft Flight Simulator in 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
Updated Introducing a joystick to your Microsoft Flight Simulator experience further adds to the realism, and we’ve rounded up the best you can buy in one place.
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 CPU for NVIDIA RTX 3060 in 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
Updated Pair a suitable processor with NVIDIA's affordable 30-Series graphics card with my best CPU for 3060 picks.
Best motherboard for AMD Ryzen 5 5600X in 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
Updated AMD's Ryzen 5 5600X is arguably the most affordable mid-range, 8-core processor, but which is the best motherboard to match? Here are my picks.
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.
Best VR headset for Microsoft Flight Simulator in 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
VR Experience the best VR for Microsoft Flight Simulator with one of these headset options and take to the digital skies with unparalleled realism.
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 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.
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.
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.