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
Haylou PurFree BC01 wireless bone conduction headphones review: Stylish sounds for safe exercise
By Ben Wilson published
Review Keep your wits about you when exercising outdoors with these open-ear headphones designed for comfort and safety, backed up with healthy battery life and some extras.
Thrustmaster TCA Captain Pack X Airbus Edition flight stick review: Take to the virtual skies
By Ben Wilson published
Review Take to the skies in Microsoft Flight Sim with 1:1 scale parts from the Airbus A320 in a beautifully accurate package from Thrustmaster, compatible with Xbox and PC.
Win a free Steam Deck from Valve during The Game Awards 2022 giveaway
By Ben Wilson last updated
Free Deck Valve is partnering with The Game Awards 2022 to giveaway its 512GB Steam Deck to multiple lucky entrants who register before the live show starts.
Steam Deck reservations in Asia finally have a confirmed shipping date
By Ben Wilson published
Steam Deck And the official docking station is coming, too!
The BEST Cyber Monday PC deals on components & desktop upgrades
By Ben Wilson, Jez Corden published
DEALS Cyber Monday is finally here, and we found the best savings on PC parts and components for upgrading your desktop. Grab a bargain before it's too late!
I wish these Cyber Monday 3D printer deals were live when I started
By Ben Wilson published
Cyber Monday 3D printing is a fun and rewarding hobby, and newcomers are welcome with these huge Cyber Monday savings on hardware and accessories.
Cyber Monday deals on webcams, capture cards, and more livestreaming essentials
By Ben Wilson published
Cyber Monday Want to share your epic gameplay moments as they happen? Grab these Cyber Monday deals on livestreaming hardware and get started!
Huge Newegg Black Friday CPU cooler deals: Save up to a whopping 36% on AIO and fans!
By Ben Wilson published
Deals Newegg Black Friday deals include various PC components, but these extra-special CPU coolers offer unmissable savings for your next PC build!
BEST deals on Black Friday gaming monitors
By Ben Wilson last updated
Deals Find your next PC gaming monitor with these huge Black Friday savings!
Grab free and discounted PC games with the week-long GOG Black Friday sale
By Ben Wilson published
GOG It's time for a Black Friday sale on PC games with the GOG storefront. With thousands of discounted classics, you can shop til you drop.
Best Steam Deck and PC games in Valve's Autumn Steam sale
By Ben Wilson published
Autumn Sale The Steam Autumn Sale 2022 is live alongside Black Friday mania, so here are the best games to nab while they're discounted!
Secretlab joins forces with Lucasfilm for Star Wars Imperial collection of gaming chairs
By Ben Wilson published
Dark side Teaming up with Lucasfilm, the Star Wars | Secretlab Imperial collection features two ergonomic gaming chairs with an aesthetic leaning toward the dark side.
WaterField Designs pouch for Steam Deck review: Subtle and stylish with space for essential extras
By Ben Wilson published
Review The official Steam Deck case is rugged, if on the chunky side. WaterField Designs offers a flexible pouch for quick travels, but is it worth the asking price?
Earthworks Audio Ethos XLR microphone review: Perfect broadcast audio for creators
By Ben Wilson published
Review Graduating from a USB microphone to XLR? The Ethos is an incredible condenser mic from Earthworks Audio, but newcomers will need some extra parts.
RODE reveals its next-gen NT-USB+ condenser microphone for creators
By Ben Wilson published
USB-C RØDE reinvigorates one of its USB microphones with a wealth of upgrades. The NT-USB+ combines high-end hardware and software for studio-grade audio and is available now.
Cooler Master CK720 mechanical keyboard review: Hot-swappable switches for everyone
By Ben Wilson published
REVIEW Cooler Master expands its keyboard range with the CK720 aimed at enthusiasts, but can this affordable option appeal to curious beginners looking to enter the scene?
Best motherboard for Intel Core i5-13600K 2023
By Ben Wilson published
13th Gen We rate the i5-13600k as the best mid-range CPU, but every processor needs a motherboard to call home. Here are the best choices to fit your budget.
How to pick a good Xbox headset on a budget
By Ben Wilson published
Smart budget Hundreds of Xbox headsets are advertised as the best around, but how do you cut through the jargon? Follow our tips to make the best choice on a budget.
11 tips and tricks for your Steam Deck
By Ben Wilson last updated
Steam Deck Bagged yourself a Steam Deck, or you're considering a purchase? Here's everything you need to unlock the full potential of Valve's portable PC.
Corsair Katar Elite wireless mouse review: Comfortable gaming with a compact construction
By Ben Wilson published
REVIEW This lightweight wireless mouse is designed for comfortable, fast-paced gaming. At 69g, it should be exactly as agile as Corsair claims, so let's see how it performs in testing.
Latest Cyberpunk 2077 patch supports AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.1 on Xbox Series X|S and PC
By Ben Wilson published
Upscale 2077 AMD's answer to NVIDIA's DLSS upscaling tech is now available on Cyberpunk 2077 for PC and next-gen consoles, with FSR 2.1 officially added to patch 1.61.
Roccat Vulcan II Max mechanical keyboard review: A staggering amount of RGB
By Ben Wilson published
Review Roccat declares there's no such thing as too much RGB and crams multi-colored switches into the Vulcan II Max, but does anyone have space for this gigantic keyboard?
Rode X XCM-50 USB condenser microphone review: Pro-level audio for live streams and gamers
By Ben Wilson published
REVIEW Rode X targets gamers looking to join the livestreaming craze with new hardware and software, starting with this gorgeous USB-powered condenser mic.
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Thank you for signing up to Windows Central. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.