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 will power the "world's first Copilot+ PCs designed for enterprise" with Ryzen AI PRO 300 processors using 55 TOPS NPUs
By Ben Wilson published
AI PRO Expanding its successful Ryzen AI 300 mobile processors, AMD offers extra AI-powered security to enterprise customers with 55 TOPS NPUs and the world's first Copilot+ PCs in the market.
Intel Core Ultra 200S desktop AI processors promise "groundbreaking power efficiency" as Arrow Lake targets creative PC gamers
By Ben Wilson published
Arrow Lake-S Intel unveils its new range of Core Ultra 200S desktop processors, translating everything it achieved with AI PCs to Arrow Lake S and HX.
I review gaming laptops for a living, and Dell's 16-inch RTX 4070 beast is my top pick — it just hit a new low after Prime Day
By Ben Wilson last updated
RTX 4070 With a high-end Intel CPU and RTX 4070 GPU, Dell's G16 (7630) is back to its record-low price and offers incredible performance-per-dollar value for gamers on the move.
I never wasted my money on Valve's official Steam Deck dock, and neither should you — I went with a cheaper (and superior) option
By Ben Wilson published
Dock it JSAUX offers exactly the same functionality as Valve's official Steam Deck Docking station at a much lower cost, and now it's even cheaper.
You can get an Xbox controller, Fire TV Stick 4K, and a month of Game Pass Ultimate bundle together for nearly half the price with this amazing deal
By Ben Wilson, Rebecca Spear published
Xbox🤝Amazon Grab a Fire TV Stick 4K, an official Xbox controller, and a month of Game Pass Ultimate for almost half price and unlock 400+ Xbox Cloud Gaming titles before this deal expires.
Amazon Big Deal Days — What you need to know about October Prime Day
By Ben Wilson, Cale Hunt last updated
Big Deal Days Amazon has more Prime Day-style deals this October. Here's what we know about Big Deal Days.
Best gaming laptops for Microsoft Flight Simulator in 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
Updated Whether portable flight sims or skinny desktop replacements, here's what you need.
Best PC and Xbox racing wheels in 2024 for everything from Forza Horizon to Euro Truck Simulator 2
By Ben Wilson last updated
Updated The best racing wheels for Xbox offer tremendous versatility. Throw in PC cross-compatibility, and you're off to the races.
Best HOTAS joysticks and yokes 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.
AMD's all-new X870 and X870E motherboards launch: Where to buy the best match for Ryzen 9000 CPUs
By Ben Wilson published
Next-gen AM5 All-new motherboards designed for AMD's X870 and X870E chipset features have finally launched for Ryzen 9000 desktop processors. Here are the cheapest boards available on launch day.
China is "the first to train a single generative AI model across multiple data centers" with an innovative mix of "non-sanctioned" GPUs forced by US import blocks on AI tech
By Ben Wilson published
AI breakthrough Chinese AI data centers are splitting their generative AI workloads across multiple data centers, potentially solving the issue of power limits and working around US-based blocks.
AMD unlocks over 60% Ryzen CPU power boosts for two of my top-rated desktop processors with a new TDP firmware update
By Ben Wilson published
TDP boost AMD Ryzen 600 Series motherboards can push the TDP of its 9600X and 9700X desktop processors by over 60%, but it comes with an important trade-off.
ASUS Zenbook S 14 proves Intel's latest Core Ultra Series 2 chip, aka 'Lunar Lake,' can hold its own against Qualcomm
By Ben Wilson published
Not yet ratedHands-on Going hands-on with ASUS' all-new Zenbook S 14 is a double-whammy of Intel's breakthrough Core Ultra Series 2 processor performance benefits and a compact revision of a gorgeous laptop range.
Kensington SD5000T5 EQ Thunderbolt 5 Triple 4K Docking Station hands-on: Sensible future-proofing or trivial tech?
By Ben Wilson published
Hands-on Kensington's SD5000T5 EQ Thunderbolt 5 Triple 4K Docking Station opens up even more connectivity with an all-new Thunderbolt 5 USB-C cable, even if your new laptop likely doesn't support it.
ASUS ProArt PZ13 review: The first 2-in-1 Copilot+ PC to challenge Microsoft's Surface Pro 11
By Ben Wilson published
Review ASUS' new Snapdragon X Plus-powered 2-in-1 is a cost-saving OLED Surface Pro 11 variant for artists packing a free kickstand keyboard case.
Best pre-built gaming PCs for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
By Ben Wilson, Cale Hunt last updated
Updated Skip the PC build process and take to the skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator with my picks of pre-built desktops that my team has tested and reviewed.
Adobe delivers a Windows UI performance bump alongside simplified color correction and a divisive AI audio tool in its latest beta
By Rebecca Spear, Ben Wilson published
Adobe on Windows During IBC 2024, Adobe announced several impressive updates for its Premiere Pro and After Effects programs.
Acer Predator BiFrost Radeon RX 7600 OC review: Its first AMD GPU still offers competition for 1080p 'Ultra' gaming
By Ben Wilson published
Review Acer's Predator BiFrost Radeon RX 7600 OC offers excellent performance for 1080p gaming, but 8GB of VRAM will limit its lifespan.
Celebrating 29 years of Windows 95 — How Microsoft's operating system evolved since the iconic Start menu was introduced
By Ben Wilson published
Win95 is 29 Join me in reminiscing how Windows 95 introduced the iconic Start menu and taskbar, which had a lasting impact on modern computing and remain a core part of Windows 11.
Our favorite Start menu replacement finally supports Windows 11 on ARM and runs on my Surface Pro, fixing Microsoft's failures
By Ben Wilson published
A better Start Stardock developers have unveiled Start11 v2, designed to replace the stock Start menu on Windows 11. Finally, it now offers native support for ARM64 for Windows on Arm devices.
My top 13 back-to-school tech deals compile affordable laptops and accessories to make your academic life easier than ever
By Ben Wilson published
Back to school Get ready to head back to school with my top picks of the best tech deals in categorized lists with quick links, and keep coming back for updated discounts!
Windows 11 runs better than ever on a Steam Deck OLED, but it still doesn't matter
By Ben Wilson published
WinDeck update Valve has released new Windows 11 drivers for its Steam Deck OLED variant to improve OS performance if you're one of the few running a WinDeck.
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X and 9950X review: Team Red built the world's most powerful CPU and sent Intel back to school
By Ben Wilson published
Review The Ryzen 9 9950X is all-powerful if you can keep it cool, while the 9900X is cheaper and competes with Intel's Core i9-14900K. Whichever is right for you depends entirely on your software suite.
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X review: Cheaper and more efficient than ever, Zen 5 tempts with an entry-level gaming CPU
By Ben Wilson published
Review AMD's Ryzen 5 9600X offers affordable gaming, excelling in single-core performance and power efficiency. However, minimal multi-core bumps won't benefit users with recent CPUs.
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X review: While Intel suffers setbacks, Team Red takes the mid-range gaming CPU crown
By Ben Wilson published
Review AMD's Ryzen 7 9700X desktop CPU offers improved performance at a lower price and power draw compared to previous chips and rivals at Intel, making it a solid mid-range option.
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