About me

Me sitting in a cafe and leaning on my fist and smiling to my wife - casual-ben
A. Pahl (2021)
A. Pahl 2021

Hi, nice meeting you, my name is Ben. I’m from northern Germany and am mainly a backend software developer. In my private time i’m into gaming, watching Netflix or reading Manga / Light Novels.

I like playing RPG, Strategy and Roguelikes, but sometimes I’m stumbling into other genre.

Since I’m not a full time streamer, I’m currently working as a Software Developer with Java/PHP mainly for Microservices.

If you want to know more, meet me while streaming on Twitch or join my Social Media Channels:

My Setup

Here is a brief introduction to my setup, and why I have chosen these components for my setup:

(The links are affiliate links, where i do earn a small commision)

PC-Hardware

CPU

At the heart of my setup, lies AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 3,8 GHz, an extreme workhorse with 8 cores and 16 threads. This CPU is based on Zen 3 architecture. Though it is still based on the same 7nm process as its predecessor, the Core Die design has been changed in this processor.

The latency between cores has been drastically reduced on this CPU where each core has access to 32MB of L3 cache. This is arguably the most meaningful upgrade on a gaming CPU in recent years. This 3.8 GHz CPU goes up to 4.7 GHz when boosted to give a solid gaming performance. So no more stuttering while gaming 😉

Cooler

To keep the CPU temperature at an optimum level, my choice of the cooler was Gigabyte Aorus Liquid Cooler 280. The most unique feature of this cooler is the customizable LCD on the CPU pump block. Yeah this one has RGB! But I did turn it off…

Memory

I took 4 sticks of Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro schwarz, DDR4-3600, CL18 – 32 GB. Though the CAS Latency figure is pretty average on this memory, the heat spreader is only 44mm tall that allows great clearance for the cooler. Enough memory to keep chrome, recording and gaming in check.

Graphics Card

The polygonal design on the shroud of Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming OC 24G card makes it more agile-looking. It is built on the Ampere architecture and manufactured on Samsung 8nm. With 82 2nd Gen RT Cores and 328 3rd Gen Tensor Cores, this card operates at a boost clock of 1695 MHz. The 24 GB GDDR6X memory is good enough for 4K gaming at 60 FPS. I did replace the heat pads on this card through a YouTube tutorial. Was a little sketchy and i was afraid as hell, but now its running way cooler and without so much noise. Good for longevity and mining.

Storage

My choice as primary storage is nothing other than the fastest Gen 4.0 SSD from Samsung. This Samsung 980 PRO Series NVMe 1 TB drive replaces 2-bit MLC flash with the all-new 3-bit TLC flash. With this change, the sequential read/write speed goes up to 7 Gbps. With a robust PCIe Gen 4.0 NVMe controller inside, this SSD ensures efficient and responsive performance especially for gamers like me. Its one of the best I could get as a boot and main drive.

As the secondary storage, I took a Western Digital Red 6TB. Though its spin speed is lower than most usual desktop-class hard disk drives, it consumes less power and produces less heat. Good solution for storing big data like video recordings. Afterwards I’ll take backups externally.

Case

Lian Li LANCOOL 215 Midi-Tower case houses all my PC components. The mesh design of this popular case ensures maximum airflow to the components to keep the temperature in the optimum range. The case supports a 280mm radiator that supports my liquid cooler. Though two big 200mm fans at the front aren’t as quiet as they should be, the case is moderately good for my setup. It was pretty good to work in and with enough space for cable management

Monitor

AOC AGON AG352UCG6 88,9 cm (35 Zoll) Curved Monitor impressed me with its 21:9 aspect ratio and 1800R radius. As a gamer, a dual monitor setup would create awkward bezels in the middle, limiting my viewing angles. This more-than-subtly-curved monitor serves the purpose of a dual monitor system. The rear inlaid LED strips in the silver wings add an accent to the design. That was a big snatch for me 😀 I first bought it for 700 EUR, but then I’ve seen a refurbished one for 350 EUR, so I returned the original and kept the other one! nice! What a snatch! For a single monitor streaming setup its really good!

Peripherals

I am rocking a Logitech K120 Cable Keyboard and a VicTsing Ergonomic Silent Mouse rechargable as peripherals. Logitech K120 is a descent wired keyboard that has a spill-resistant design and that is sometimes really important ;). The mouse is a cheaper alternative to elite ergonomic mouses. It keeps my wrist in a more natural position to avoid pain building up in my wrists. I spend a lot of time in from of the PC, so an ergonomic mouse and comfortable keyboard are a must. The mouse still needs an upgrade later to a good logitech one, but for now its enough.

WLAN

Lemorele Wlan Adapter 1200 Mbit/s WLAN Bluetooth Stick connects my PC to the internet through a 2.4G/5G dual-band network. It ensures a strong and high-speed connection for my seamless streaming. Archer T3U provides MU-MIMO, so I get a lag-free Wi-Fi experience. Sadly I do have to work/game on Wi-Fi… until we move to a new flat. Then I’ll go back to cable.

Streaming Accessories

Alongside my PC components, these accessories are also crucial to keep my streaming quality up to the mark.

Microphone

Elgato Wave:3 is a microphone with a simple interface and solid build especially for streamers like me. It easily gets linked with the streaming setup. Though it has only one recording pattern, it records in a heart shape around the microphone. This condenser microphone is more sensitive than a dynamic microphone and the quality of the recording is impressive. Its one of the best! It did upgrade my stream so much, that a can’t go back to the Tonor TC30. It also has great software and a headphone jack! If you want to stream, invest in a good microphone. Its worth the money!

Microphone Arm

To avoid structure-borne noise via the Microphone Arm, I use Elgatov Shock Absorber. The reinforced elastic suspension reduces vibration. It is custom-built for Wave: 3 microphone which is also the reason for choosing this arm.

Webcam

Nulaxy C900 Webcam FHD 1080P helps me stream videos at 1080P. The advanced video processing technology of the camera captures crisp images. It also has echo-canceling technology. With a wide 92 degrees viewing angle, 360 degrees rotating head, and adjustable clip, this serves me quite well. It has a little bit much of a fish lens, but its still great for the price.

Software

Streamlabs is the all-in-one live streaming software I currently use for streaming my gameplay and connecting with my audience. This feature-packed streaming software allows me to stream to Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook in seconds. I can also customize alerts on the live stream to easily recognize my supporters.

Other Accessories

The whole setup is placed on the SANODESK Basic Line electric standing desk that has tons of features. The height of the desk can easily be controlled via the touchscreen. With the anti-collision feature, it immediately stops moving when collides with any obstacle.

The height of the desk is adjustable from 71cm to 121cm. The frame width can also be customized for more desk space if necessary. With memory control buttons, I can easily set four favorite heights. Its great to change your posture and keep your neck healthy while working or playing.

CSL – XXL Mousepad Gaming Titanwolf 900×400 mm gives a clean look to my whole setup. The pad is 900x400mm to be underneath both the mouse and the keyboard. So enough space for everything.

Sodastream with glas bottles elevates the water I drink from a biological necessity to a bubbly treat. This helps me make some of the fizziest sparkling water that I drink to stay hydrated.