We enjoy a lot of variety in our computer setups coverage, from the ultra-minimalist to the mega-maximalist. Today’s featured rig sports two pumped-up Mac Studios, two old Mac Pro “trash cans,” a gaming PC, dual displays and a tremendous array of audio gear.
It falls in the latter category, obviously (“mega”). The lengthy gear list below doesn’t even cover everything in the powerhouse workstation, but it covers all the key elements.
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
Powerhouse setup features 2 Mac Studios, 2 Mac Pros and a gaming PC
Software engineer, photographer and Redditor XTJ7 showcased the mega-powerful setup in a post entitled, “Slightly unusual Mac setup in a box.” The box refers to a modified set of server cabinets to the right of the desk that house the main gear.
We last posted about a much-earlier version of XT’s epic setup in April 2021: “Two trash can Macs form core of nerdy workstation built to last.” We said “nerdy” because XT calls himself a nerd in his unusually detailed descriptions of everything.
1 ‘trash can’ lives on, but it has a lot of help from new Mac Studios
Anyway, he still has the two trash-can Mac Pros from 2013 — with one now in use as a server and one unused and destined to go on sale — and the potent gaming PC. Back in 2021, he hoped to upgrade with one or more Mac mini “Pro” models. But they weren’t to be.
So instead, he has what Apple released instead — two Mac Studios, one M1 Ultra and one M1 Max. And his whole rig has changed in that he’s now using modified server cabinets to store his machines along with the Aten CS1944DP 4-port KVM switch connecting them plus his massive storage array.
Here’s a quick look at his computers’ specs:
Mac Studio 1 — M1 Ultra, 128GB RAM, 4TB SSD
Mac Studio 2 — M1 Max, 64GB RAM, 1TB SSD
Mac Pro — 6 Core, 64GB RAM, 2TB SSD
Gaming PC — 3700X, 32GB RAM, RTX 3090, 2TB SSD
Letting the man speak for himself
XT is a bit of an exception on social media in that he goes into depth about his gear with great clarity. So we thought we’d let him give you his overview of the setup, including how he uses it and some upcoming changes:
Basically I use the Mac Studios for work (one client requires me to work on their provided hardware, so that’s why I have two), the PC for gaming and the Mac Pro as a server. Everything gets backed up to a Synology NAS (a rather old DS1812+ with one SSD and 35 TB, but using RAID 6, so about 21 TB usable capacity. Uninterrupted power and fiber cable There is a 16 port L2+ managed gigabit switch in there as well as a 3KW UPS from APC, which protects my equipment as well as ensures not everything goes down if my toddler turns off the wall plug. I then have an “umbilical cord,” basically a cable-managed snake of several fiber cables, which go from the rack to the desk with enough extra length that I can pull out the entire rack while everything is running and work on it from all 4 sides. Very helpful, use it a lot. I have pretty much everything running fiber to the desk, 2x DP, HDMI, USB, Audio, Network … for the most part it works great, only USB via fiber is an absolute massive pain. I tried multiple different solutions and none works perfect. If you CAN get away with it, I would also suggest an active USB cable instead of fiber. But I digress. Dell displays and Mackie audio In terms of peripherals on the desk I use two Dell U3219Q 4K monitors on arms, two 10-inch Android tablets for my home surveillance as well as my custom control panel (that lets me control lights, switch between computers etc.), a Logitech C922 webcam, a Mackie Big Knob Studio+ audio interface connected to Logitech Z200 speakers (I already have matching Mackie MR624 speakers, but need the new desk first). Not on the photo is a Huion Kamvas 16 graphics tablet, that I only connect when I need to. I use Logitech for my mouse and keyboard as well, the MX Master 3 and the MX Mechanical (full sized) on a 900mm x 400mm mousepad. There is also a Fifine K669B microphopne on an Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP, as I usually prefer my Acoustic Research AR-H1 headphones over the Corsair Virtuoso [headphones]. A look ahead Upcoming changes include: getting rid of both Mac Pros and replace them with a proper server that will also eventually be able to replace the (aging) Synology NAS as well. I will also replace the desk with a custom wall-mounted, height-adjustable floating desk.
Shop these items now:
Computers:
Enclosure:
Displays and webcam:
Input devices:
Audio:
Networking and storage:
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, challenges and plans for new additions.
‘Mac setup in a box’ is a dual-Mac Studio powerhouse [Setups]
1 COMMENT
LEAVE A REPLY
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on ‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
Your blog has helped me become a more positive and mindful person I am grateful for the transformative effect your words have had on me