The Machine
I owned a computer animation company in my previous career. BOXX Technologies was the premier builder of those machines at the time and still is today. I have some that have been running for over 20 years and they’re still going strong. Sometimes a spinning drive fails or the power supply goes, but otherwise they’re built solid.
This current desktop I’ve had for four or five years now. It’s been running flawlessly with no problems. Really impressed with it. Love it. Was running Windows 10 for the longest time and have now found the error of my ways and moved to a much more superior OS… LINUX!
| Component | Spec |
|---|---|
| Chassis | BOXX Technologies APEXX A3 |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — 16 cores / 32 threads, boost to 5.1 GHz |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 — 10 GB VRAM |
| RAM | 64 GB |
| Storage | 1.8 TB NVMe (LUKS encrypted) |
| OS | Fedora 43 Sway Atomic |
I started on Linux Mint when I first switched over. Now I’m running Fedora Atomic with Sway and I love it. I like the tiling — no overlapping windows everywhere. Flipping through desktops to get what I need just works. Right now I’m running Atomic with waybar up top that has been highly customized to my liking.
Monitors
Monitors: two 24-inch HPs on the left and right that came from the animation company. Center is a 32-inch Dell that I love for what I do. The one below is my extra portable monitor I normally take with the laptop when I’m out. Right now it’s just set up for email and keeping an eye on other stuff.
| Position | Monitor | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Center | Dell | 32" |
| Left | HP | 24" |
| Right | HP | 24" |
| Below center | VisionOwl Portable Monitor | 18.5" |
With Sway I can have specific apps open on specific monitors at login. New apps launch to their assigned monitor too. Everything stays where I want it. That was important to me. Took a while to get right, but I’ll go through the config later.
Keyboard
IQUNIX Magi96 — Full 100-key low profile wireless mechanical keyboard. Hot-swappable, RGB backlit, full aluminum body. VIA customizable, tri-mode (Bluetooth/2.4G/USB-C), Mac/Windows/Linux compatible.
I never thought I’d be a keyboard snob, but I tried someone’s nice keyboard and fell in love with this one. It’s super silky smooth, sounds cool, and very tactile. I don’t use the lights or any of the fancy stuff, just the basic functions. Pairs great with Sway since I’m trying to stay off the mouse as much as possible. Love it. Highly recommend it!
Mouse
Logitech MX Master 3
The mouse is great. On Fedora Atomic I mapped a couple buttons that work really well. Thumb scroll up and down controls volume. Thumb down cycles through windows on the current desktop. Super nice. It’s a great mouse.
Audio
Jabra SPEAK 410 — USB speakerphone
The Jabra speaker and mic works great for Zoom and Google meetings. Way better than fighting echoes from the computer speakers. Not pro audio — wouldn’t record YouTube videos or podcasts with it — but perfect for day-to-day calls.
Camera
Sony a6700 with Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 lens
Camera is a Sony A6700. Plug and play over USB-C — streams and records, no fiddling. Works awesome, high quality. Lighting plays nice with it. Real professional setup for meetings. Highly recommend it.
Desk
Desk Mat: Nekmit Leather Desk Blotter Pad — 34 x 17 inches, flat, non-slip, waterproof, black
I really like the leather desk mat. Easy to clean — just wipes off. My old one collected dog hair and crumbs like crazy. This one’s way better.
USB Peripherals
Coming soon.