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
Best small gaming PCs 2023: Mini, compact, and SFF
By Ben Wilson last updated
SFF gaming Finding a pre-built compact gaming PC can be tricky, especially when looking for high-quality parts. We've found the best mini PCs with small form factors to get you started.
Syntech 6-in-1 docking station review: An ultra-budget Steam Deck dock with unusual quirks
By Ben Wilson published
Review Some Steam Deck features are locked unless you own a docking station, but Valve's official dock has a steep price tag, so Syntech made a cost-saving solution.
Ethernet backhaul or wireless: Which should you choose for your mesh router?
By Ben Wilson last updated
Backhaul? You can choose between Ethernet backhaul or wireless for your mesh network, but which is the best and why?
Best color laser printer under $300 in 2023: Longer lasting ink for less
By Ben Wilson last updated
Budget printers The best color laser printer offers high-quality, rapid prints for documents or photos — low cost per page, durability, and budget-friendly options under $300.
Possibly the best ASUS ROG Ally carrying case is already up for pre-order
By Ben Wilson published
Slick Ally We've had first-hand experience with this brand, which continues to prove they're one of the safest bets to keep your valuable consoles safe and sound.
Shady business allegations embroil ASUS at the worst possible time (UPDATE)
By Ben Wilson last updated
Nexus of outrage Issues with ASUS motherboards refuse to subside, and recent coverage from content creators adds fuel to the AMD Ryzen fire.
How to install Windows on Steam Deck: Dual booting Windows 11 and SteamOS
By Ben Wilson last updated
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.
Can the ROG Ally survive a full day of gaming on its battery?
By Ben Wilson published
🪫 Not enough juice? The ROG Ally is officially here, impressing in every category except the one that counts: battery life. Could this affect my temptation to abandon the Steam Deck?
Microsoft to assist novice app builders with yet another AI tool powered by Azure
By Ben Wilson published
Code for all Microsoft just signed an undisclosed sum for a deal with an AI-focused startup to bring collaborative app development to its Azure suite.
dbrand already offering ROG Ally accessories — with an intriguing release date
By Ben Wilson published
dbrand 🤝 Ally dbrand has opened pre-orders for protective accessories explicitly designed to fit the ASUS ROG Ally perfectly, with an eyebrow-raising release date.
High-speed RAM still voids your CPU warranty (but only if you tell them)
By Ben Wilson published
🔥 Spicy memory Enabling XMP or EXPO profiles can void your CPU warranty, but there's a simple way around it and get your money back on any melted processors.
Save up to $1000 on Alienware high-end gaming laptops and protect your wallet from any probing
By Ben Wilson published
👽 Dealware Alienware laptops pack premium hardware into some of the slickest gaming laptops around, and they're offering one of their best with a massive $1,000 discount.
Best Steam Deck screen protectors 2023: Scratch-free gaming on the go
By Ben Wilson last updated
Scratch-free Keep your Steam Deck's beautiful 7-inch screen free of scuffs and scratches with the best screen protector.
Best SFX PSU 2023: Compact power supplies for your small form factor PC
By Ben Wilson last updated
Power supplies Building a compact PC can be tricky, considering the size of some modern components. Luckily, the best SFX power supplies are perfect for SFF builds, and I've found them all.
How to change Proton version on Steam Deck: Improving per-game performance
By Ben Wilson last updated
Proton tweaks Switching the Proton version on Steam Deck can help certain games run smoother and squash other common bugs on the handheld.
Best Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers 2023: Solving wireless dead spots
By Ben Wilson last updated
Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers are the perfect solution to wireless dead spots at home, backed up with modern networking luxuries for fast and reliable Internet access.
How to format SD cards on Steam Deck: Unlock extra space with external storage
By Ben Wilson last updated
SD cards Preparing a new micro SD card for your Steam Deck only takes a few simple steps, allowing you to install even more games.
AMD challenges Apple and Intel with AI-powered Ryzen 7040U mobile CPUs
By Ben Wilson published
Ryzen 7040U AMD's new 7040U series CPUs boast across-the-board improvements in benchmarks against mobile CPUs from Intel and Apple.
ASUS ROG Ally price leaks: Can it beat Steam Deck on performance value?
By Ben Wilson published
💦 Leaky Ally ASUS is set to rival Valve for the portable gaming crown with the ROG Ally, a beefed-up PC handheld that could be priced dangerously close to its competitor.
How the ASUS ROG Ally's Windows OS could give it an edge over the Steam Deck
By Ben Wilson published
🔑 Key to victory ASUS is turning heads with its upcoming ROG Ally: a powerful yet mysterious handheld console to rival Valve's Steam Deck — with a subtle key to victory.
Review: Thrustmaster T818 wheelbase makes direct-drive sim racing affordable — with a catch
By Ben Wilson published
Review Sim racing peaked with the introduction of direct-drive feedback, and Thrustmaster is finally offering its take on the high-end tech with the T818.
Edge might be sending every URL you visit to Bing's API by mistake: Microsoft responds
By Ben Wilson published
Bad Bing A simple switch in Edge's settings can disable this seemingly malfunctioned feature of sending too much info to Bing.
Simplify Windows optimization with Wintoys: Streamlined bloatware removal and quick system tweaks
By Ben Wilson published
Tune-up 🤖 Wintoys is a collection of straightforward and powerful tweaks designed to supercharge your Windows machine free of charge.
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