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
No subtitles? No problem. Windows Live Captions could make gaming accessible to all
By Ben Wilson published
Subs for all Did you know you can activate live subtitles for any game on Windows 11? Live Captions make it possible.
RØDE unveils game-changing audio hardware for streamers at NAB 2023
By Ben Wilson published
Streamers rejoice RØDE is joining the National Association of Broadcasters in Las Vegas to unveil some fantastic audio hardware designed for streamers and content creators.
How to install Windows on Steam Deck: Dual booting Windows 11 and SteamOS
By Ben Wilson published
Win Deck Dual boot into Windows 11 from an SD card on your Steam Deck with my straightforward guide and play games otherwise unavailable on SteamOS.
Where to buy AMD's Ryzen 7 7800X3D gaming CPU in the US and UK (UPDATED)
By Ben Wilson published
7800X3D The new hotness in gaming CPUs, AMD's Ryzen 7 7800X3D, is available now if you can find it. Don't worry; we've already done the work for you.
Steam Deck shader cache files to shrink by 60% with a driver update
By Ben Wilson published
Deck space Valve is working on an upcoming solution to bloated shader cache files taking up too much space on your Steam Deck.
AMD’s new Radeon PRO W7000 GPUs promise exceptional performance and value for pro creators
By Ben Wilson published
RDNA 3 🔥 AMD's all-new Radeon PRO W7000 workstation GPUs pack powerful specs and cutting-edge tech for creative professionals.
Save $300 on Microsoft's Surface Pro 9: A beloved revision of the perfect 2-in-1
By Ben Wilson published
Pro savings Microsoft's iconic 2-in-1 has been refined to perfection, and now you can grab it in various configurations with a massive $300 saving.
Extra Xbox Elite Series 2 colors join Design Lab for expanded controller customization
By Ben Wilson published
Elite customs The Xbox Elite Series 2 is now available with extra color options in Design Lab, including ready-made templates inspired by popular Xbox games.
How to use PowerToys FancyZones on Windows 10
By Ben Wilson published
Fancy! Windows 10 doesn't have the same flexibility for snapping apps as Windows 11, but FancyZones solves the issue and offers extra customization.
No VR? No worries. Half-Life: Alyx is now playable with a mouse and keyboard
By Ben Wilson published
Look, no hands Experience Half-Life: Alyx from beginning to end without needing a VR headset with this free community-made modification.
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D review: A gaming powerhouse CPU with one weakness
By Ben Wilson published
Review AMD aims to dominate the desktop PC scene with the most powerful gaming CPU ever made, but is it worth the price when it lacks in another category?
Microsoft’s 48th birthday bash: A week of 80s nostalgia
By Ben Wilson published
Happy Birthday 🎉 Celebrating its 48th birthday, Microsoft announces a week-long party on social media, themed around the 1980s.
Naughty Dog neglects Steam Deck users as it struggles to fix The Last of Us PC disaster
By Ben Wilson published
Last for Deck The Last of Us Part I is now listed as unsupported for Steam Deck following a slew of disastrous bugs on desktop gaming PCs.
RODE introduces Wireless ME: Ultra-compact 2.4GHz mics compatible with Windows and mobile
By Ben Wilson published
RØDE 🎤 RØDE's Wireless ME system supports 2.4GHz transmissions up to 100m with intelligent GainAssist tech and broadcast-grade microphones.
Lenovo launches Legion Pro 7i, the first of its 2023 Legion laptop lineup
By Ben Wilson last updated
CES Lenovo unveiled updated Legion gaming machines at CES as the world's first 16" AI-tuned laptops with machine-learning software. The first of those PCs is now available.
How to play Minecraft on Steam Deck: Prism Launcher guide for Java v1.19
By Ben Wilson published
⛏ Deckcraft Run Minecraft Java on your Steam Deck with my straightforward step-by-step guide, using Prism Launcher to keep things simple.
NVIDIA RTX 4060 Ti and RTX 4050 data leak includes potential GPU launch dates
By Ben Wilson published
4050 & 4060 Ti A reliable leaker has spilled the beans on apparent launch dates for NVIDIA's entry-level 40-series GPUs, the RTX 4060 Ti and RTX 4050.
Dark Matter GT foldable racing wheel stand hands-on: A decent solution for a specific setup
By Ben Wilson published
Hands-on Monoprice aims to fill a sim racing niche between desk-clamped wheels and full-blown cockpit setups with a foldable solution in its Dark Matter subbrand.
Nintendo games are finally coming to Steam (sort of)
By Ben Wilson published
😲 Dolphin can accurately emulate GameCube and Wii games on modern platforms, and soon it'll be available on the official Steam store for PC and Steam Deck gamers.
Govee AI gaming sync box kit hands-on: The immersive lighting I always wanted them to make
By Ben Wilson published
Hands on The AI gaming sync box, or H6601 for its slightly shorter name, promises to give me everything I wanted in an HDMI pass-thru solution from Govee.
Razer Blade 18 review: Extreme portable gaming without compromising iconic aesthetics
By Ben Wilson published
Review It's time for another shot at 18" gaming laptops, and the Razer Blade 18 leads the pack with a prime example of how to do it right.
Save $150 on Samsung's curved 27" Odyssey 240Hz QHD monitor for ultra-immersive gaming
By Ben Wilson published
21% off The Odyssey G6 is a beautifully curved gaming monitor packed with high-end gaming specs, now available from Samsung with a massive discount.
Best motherboard for Intel Core i7-13700K 2023
By Ben Wilson published
Raptor Lake The 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700K is the best CPU for PC gaming, and you'll need an appropriate motherboard to match. We've found the best to match your budget.
Best Intel LGA 1700 motherboards 2023
By Ben Wilson published
Z690 We found the best Z690 chipset boards with the LGA 1700 Intel socket.
Dell's new Precision workstations and 2-in-1 Latitude laptops are powerful and eco-friendly
By Ben Wilson published
Eco Dell 🌎 Dell announces a massive expansion to its Latitude and Precision ranges of business-focused laptops and creative workstations running Windows 11, powered by Intel.
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