Update - Since writing this article I have made several hardware upgrades, specifically my custom-built PC (November 2015) and MacBook Pro (November 2016). As a result, the article has been updated to reflect the changes.

Final Update - Please refer to the article “My Setup (Q3 2023)” for a summary of my latest setup.

Home Setup

At home, I switch between two devices. My daily driver is a 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display (Late 2016). It’s primarily used for productivity tasks, web development, and photo editing. The full specification can be found below:

  • 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display (Late 2016)
  • 2.9GHz Quad-Core Intel i7 (Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz)
  • 16GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 RAM
  • 512GB PCIe SSD
  • Intel HD Graphics 530 and AMD Radeon Pro 460 4GB GDDR5

Alongside the Mac, I have a custom-built PC. It has a decent specification (listed below) and is used for gaming (including VR), video editing, after effects and virtual labs.

  • Asus Maximus VIII Hero Alpha (Intel Z170)
  • Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz @ 4.6GHz
  • Noctua NH-D15 CPU Cooler
  • Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB DDR4 PC4-24000C15 (15-17-17-35)
  • Gigabyte GeForce GTX 980 4GB @ 1350MHz / 8000MHz
  • Samsung 950 Pro 512GB M.2 PCI-e NVMe SSD
  • EVGA SuperNova P2 1000W ‘80 Plus Platinum’ PSU
  • Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ATX Mid Tower Case
  • Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 Speakers

In total I have three displays, two 27-inch Dell 4K IPS monitors used for productivity and colour accurate work, as well as one 27-inch Dell 144Hz G-Sync monitor used for gaming. The exact model numbers are highlighted below:

  • 2x Dell P2715Q IPS 4K (3840x2160 / 60Hz / 6ms)
  • 1x Dell S2716DG TN G-Sync (2560x1440 / 144Hz / 1ms)

My workspace is kept fairly minimal, with all monitors mounted on third-party stands to help maximise desk space.

My Setup

The PC is hidden under the desk, with the case door exposed providing easy access to the components. As you can see, I primarily use the Apple Magic Keyboard and Trackpad, however, I also have the Logitech K811 keyboard and T630 mouse. These peripherals were selected as they include “Easy-Switch”, which makes it simple to toggle between multiple Bluetooth devices.

My Setup

A closer view of the two Dell P2715Q IPS 4K monitors. You will also notice the Oculus Rift, which is connected to the PC.

My Setup

The far end of the desk provides access to the Dell S2716DG G-Sync monitor, which can be pushed flush against the wall. You can also see the Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 Speakers, which are connected to the PC and Mac. The flat desk edge provides a clean surface for additional peripherals, such as my flight controller (Saitek X-55) and steering wheel (Logitech G29).

My Setup

Finally, a closer look at the PC and the hidden MacBook Pro dock, which also connects to the two Dell P2715Q IPS 4K monitors.

My Setup

The desk itself and matching pedestal is from Three Counties Office Furniture. They are both designed for corporate use, therefore are hard-wearing and include integrated cable management.

Although not pictured, I use a Herman Miller Setu chair, which includes the Kinematic Spine to control resistance and automatically support your weight as you recline.

Work Setup

At work, I exclusively use the 15-inch MacBook Pro. This is connected to two 27-inch Dell Ultrasharp U2715H IPS Monitors.

Office Setup

Similar to my home setup, the desk is very minimal, with the MacBook Pro docked beneath the table.

I also use a Herman Miller chair at work, however, due to the long hours, it is the more robust Mirra 2. This chair includes a phenomenal amount of adjustment, ensuring all-day comfort.

hardware apple mac pc my_setup minimal