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
Best SD cards for Steam Deck 2024
By Ben Wilson last updated
Updated The Steam Deck has at least 64GB of storage space, but you can expand it further with one of the best SD cards for even more awesome games and apps.
How to check CPU temperatures on Windows 11: Fast and free methods
By Ben Wilson published
CPU temp If your computer feels sluggish, checking the CPU temperature is one of the best ways to diagnose potential throttling issues. Here's how to check CPU temps on Windows 11.
Show ChatGPT what you see: Voice and image features are live (for a price)
By Ben Wilson published
AI eyes OpenAI adds image recognition and a new vocal engine to streamline the interaction between human users and ChatGPT, but it's not free.
Intel reveals Thunderbolt 5 as the next-generation USB-C solution with tremendous improvements
By Ben Wilson published
⚡5 The fastest connection standard is about to get even better, with Intel revealing a roadmap for Thunderbolt 5 leading into 2024, supporting more devices than ever.
Microsoft removing third-party printer drivers from Windows Update benefits everyone
By Ben Wilson published
PC load letter? With a first-party Microsoft IPP Class Driver, printers will function on modern versions of Windows without extra software.
Razer Blade 14 (2023) Mercury Edition review: Luxury laptop gaming with the usual downsides
By Ben Wilson published
Review Razer updates the ultra-compact variant of its powerhouse gaming laptop line with the Blade 14 Mercury Edition, a silver spin-off of the 14-inch beauty with expected cons.
I used AI to expand these iconic Windows wallpapers — and the results are surprisingly less cursed than I expected
By Ben Wilson published
Ultrawide Bliss Generative AI can expand the edges of my most beloved Windows XP wallpapers with a shockingly low amount of hallucinated horrors beyond our comprehension.
Alienware 27-inch 360Hz monitor review: Pushing the competitive gaming limits of 1080p
By Ben Wilson published
Review A 360Hz monitor will specifically appeal to an incredibly niche faction of gamers, and Alienware is honest about its target audience with this 27-inch offering.
Lenovo Slim Pro 9i laptop review: Close to absolute perfection for creators
By Ben Wilson published
Review Undoubtedly known for dull business hardware, the Slim Pro 9i 14-inch and 16-inch laptops prove Lenovo understands the needs of creators with these almost-flawless portable offerings.
Razer's latest partnership is equal parts obvious and ridiculous (and it's a limited edition)
By Ben Wilson published
It's real Gillette partners with Razer for a limited edition shaving razor themed after both brands, but it won't be around forever.
Tips for Grammarly on Windows 11: The best plugins and extensions to use right now
By Ben Wilson published
Grammarly tips Grammarly enhances Windows 11 writing with spell checks, grammar suggestions, and an AI assistant. Extend it to your most commonly used apps with these tips for students, grads, and all.
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini (Gen 8) review: Tempting me away from desktops with versatile benefits
By Ben Wilson published
Review Between a full-blown desktop PC and a portable laptop, you'll find tiny computers like the 8th Gen refresh of Lenovo's IdeaCentre Mini, and it's a tempting option.
Here's why Grammarly is the perfect app for students heading back to school (graduates, too)
By Ben Wilson published
Student skills Grammarly is perfect for helping you write your thesis, even without the Premium subscription (but I'll try to convince you to subscribe)
AMD supports 10K displays with brand new Radeon PRO workstation GPUs
By Ben Wilson published
Radeon PRO AMD's Radeon PRO workstation GPUs usually carry an impossibly lofty price tag, but its latest W7500 and W7600 cards target more of a mid-range professional market.
Alienware's Aurora R16 gaming PCs drop the ugly designs and gain hotter hardware
By Ben Wilson published
R16 Alienware's new Aurora R16 gaming desktop is 40% smaller than its predecessor and comes with options for cutting-edge components without the hassle of building it yourself.
ASUS to mass-produce desktop GPUs without power cables (but there's a catch)
By Ben Wilson published
NO PWR It looks like ASUS is working on some RTX 40-series GPUs without traditional PCIe power cables, so what's the catch?
How to delete your Twitter account (and everything you ever Tweeted)
By Ben Wilson published
X-Twitter Are you looking to deactivate your Twitter profile or delete the Tweets within? Here's how to purge all your posts from X, the Twitter replacement.
Lenovo Legion Slim 7i (Gen 8) gaming laptop review: Slick hardware outperforms baffling design choices
By Ben Wilson published
Review Lenovo further explores gaming by refreshing its Legion Slim 7i gaming laptop, packing powerful components underneath unusual chassis features.
Wi-Fi 7: Everything you need to know about the next era of wireless networking
By Ben Wilson published
Wi-Fi 7 The next generation of networking is here, and Wi-Fi 7 is as confusing as each version before it. I review networking hardware for a living, so let me explain what IEEE 802.11be really means.
Li-Fi vs Wi-Fi: Could this bleeding-edge tech make your next router as fast as light?
By Ben Wilson published
Li-Fi Li-Fi tech could propel wireless networking to unprecedented speeds as fast as light, thanks to a new standard set by the IEEE.
The best Prime Day 2023 gaming laptop discounts still up for grabs
By Ben Wilson last updated
Gaming laptops Gaming laptops offer AAA gaming wherever you are, but there are too many to choose from. Our Prime Day roundup lists the best deals worth your time.
The best Prime Day Wi-Fi router deals 2023: Last chance to save on wireless networking
By Ben Wilson last updated
Prime Day Wi-Fi routers feature some of the strangest jargon in tech, but I'm here to explain which discounted routers are worth buying on Amazon Prime Day and what they can do.
The 7 best Steam Deck accessories to buy before Prime Day ends
By Ben Wilson published
Decked out Prime Day is nearly over, but my favorite Steam Deck accessories are still up for grabs at a discount if you're fast.
7 Prime Day deals I can't live without: PC and gaming favorites from my desk
By Ben Wilson published
On my desk Everyone says they know the best deals, but my top picks are still on my desk. Grab my favorites at a discount.
Valve just proved the Steam Deck is still unchallenged by its rivals — here's why
By Ben Wilson published
Still the best Valve's Steam Deck has rivals chasing its popularity, but a recent rare discount to its price proved there's nothing to worry about for the current portable PC champion.
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