Gabe Newell's PC

Gabe's work machine is custom built by Bear Computer.

Processor: AMD FX-57 overclocked to 3.417 GHz @ 1.4 V

Graphics: SLI NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GTX (stock speeds)

Motherboard: Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe

Case: Vapochill LS (typically CPU is -40 C)

Memory: 2 GB Mushkin DDR550

Network: On-board NVIDIA gigabit NIC

Audio: On-board NVIDIA audio

Speakers: Steel Sound 5H headphones with pull-out microphone

Monitor: Apple Cinema HD

Mouse: Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 4.0 with Steelpad S&S mouse pad

Relevant FAQ&A

1. What do you think of the Apple Cinema HD Display?
   I've been using Apple Cinema Displays for several years now with both NVIDIA and ATI display adapters, starting with the original 22" Cinema Display. I was tempted for a while by the Samsung 24" display, but it wasn't a big enough step forward and had problems running at its native resolution with DVI inputs. The 30" version is great, and I would recommend it as a significant improvement over the 22" or 23" versions. It works fine for games or movies. I run 2560 by 1600 for my desktop and for games that support that resolution (e.g. Source games, WoW, ...). I made a half-hearted attempt to get two Apple Cinema HD Displays working simultaneously, but the connectors interfered with each other. Most of the machines at Valve have the Dell 24" LCD monitor, and a number of people have those set up in dual monitor configurations.
2. Do you get playable framerates at 2560 by 1600?
   I get 150 to 170 FPS out of the Counter-Strike: Source VST depending upon what set of tweaks I'm running that day. That's with vsynch disabled, 16X aniso, and 6X AA.
3. Can I get a tour of Valve/Will you autograph something for me?
   Yes and yes. In either case, send e-mail to Kathy Gehrig and CC: me.
4. How long is Aftermath Episode 1?
   We're aiming for around five hours. The last time I played through it took me six hours, so your mileage may vary.

Gabe Newell's FAQ