Some computer setups will make you green with envy, considering their gear’s quantity as well as quality. Take today’s featured setup, a delight for both gamers and podcasters.
It sports not just a new M1 MacBook, but also a powerful custom gaming PC. It boasts not just a solid 27-inch full HD display, but a monster 49-inch super-ultra-wide screen. And it relies on not just a good webcam, but a premium mirrorless digital camera.
And the list goes on, extending to audio and even a new mechanical keyboard. Read on.
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M1 MacBook Pro and homemade PC split duties on monster monitors
Redditor cjeffe10 (“CJ”) showcased the setup in a post entitled, “My finally complete MacBook Pro 14” and PC setup.”
CJ runs a 14-inch 2021 MacBook Pro with an M1 Pro chip, an 8‑core CPU and a 14‑core GPU, 32GB of integrated memory and a 1TB solid state drive (SSD) — in short, it’s a badass machine. He stopped short of getting the M1 Max chip, but it’s still a great laptop.
But that’s hardly the end of the computing power in this rig. He’s also got a custom PC tricked out for major gaming.
Check out these specs, if you’re curious about what goes into the belly of such a beast, aka the CoolerMaster NR 200P computer case used to hold the parts:
- Cooler Master 850 V850 SFX 850W power supply
- Kraken x53 liquid cooler
- 2 Noctua NF-F12 120mm fans
- Samsung 980 Pro 1TB SSD
- Corsair Vengeance LPX 2×32 DDR4 DRAM memory
- Gigabyte x570 I AUROS Pro Wifi
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600X desktop processor
- EVGA RTX 3090 Ulta Gaming graphics card
Killer gaming displays
The two displays here are notable gaming monitors. The one in landscape (horizontal) mode is a 49-inch super ultra-wide dual QHD curved Samsung. It’s a bit like having two 27-inch QHD displays side by side, with a 32:9 aspect ratio.
The 120Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync 2 technology for crisp HDR content helps reduce input latency and low framerate compensation. With HDR 1000 technology, it averages 600 nits of brightness but peaks at 1000.
Viewing Angle is 178° (H) / 178° (V); Brightness(typ) is 600; Aspect Ratio is 32:9
On top of the monstrous Samsung sits a Xiaomi monitor light bar not designed for such a curved top.
“I got it before BenQ made the wireless controller one. I have command strips stacked in the back because it won’t stay on the curved monitor naturally. It works well enough for me to not feel the need to replace it,” CJ said.
The display in portrait (vertical) mode is a 27-inch Acer XF270H Full HD monitor with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-SYNC compatibility. It sports a 144Hz refresh and a 1ms response time for game play.
The new Logitech MX Mechanical Mini keyboard
Logitech recently rolled out mechanical versions of its MX keyboards. CJ has the MX Mechanical Mini.
It features Tactile Quiet switches that deliver next-level feel and flow with less noise, though you could choose to have Clicky or Linear switches installed.
Low-profile backlit keys over low-profile switches also set this Mini apart from many mechanical boards. Each key press has less distance to travel up and down.
And you can expect plenty of customization options, like lighting effects, Logitech’s Flow software for use across devices and easy switching between operating systems. And if a mini isn’t for you, you can get the full-sized version.
Nice AV setup
We’d be remiss not to point out CJ’s powerful audio and video gear.
Edifier R1700BTs Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers provide sound in the room. Edifier has gained a good reputation for affordable quality sound over the past couple of decades.
A Shure MV7 USB microphone — a top choice among podcasters and a variety of professionals — sits on an Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP.
And if trying to top the well-regarded Shure mic, a Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera (not pictured) is in the mix, often mounted on an Elgato Master Mount. The roughly $750 camera can take 11 stills per second, but it shoots 1080p video, too.
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Computers and dock:
- 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook (8-core CPU, 14-core GPU, 32GB RAM)
- Custom PC (specs above)
- CalDigit USB-C Soho Dock
Displays and accessories:
- 27-inch Acer XF270H Full HD Gaming Monitor
- 49-inch Samsung CRG9 Curved Gaming Monitor
- AVLT Single 13-43-inch Monitor Arm
- Xiaomi Mi Computer Monitor Light Bar
Input devices:
Audio:
- Edifier R1700BTs Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
- Shure MV7 USB microphone
- Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP
- Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
- Elgato Master Mount
Furniture and accessories:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to info+setups@cultofmac.com. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches or challenges.
