You’ve got to love a computer, gaming and TV setup with a big external display that’s so efficiently arranged it barely even takes up any desk space. Today’s featured MacBook Pro workstation manages the feat by mounting a big smart TV as a display on the wall, along with a pegboard for peripherals storage. But the MacBook setup with wall-mounted display took some pretty serious DIY skills, described below.
MacBook setup with wall-mounted display makes great use of space
This large QLED smart TV features 4K resolution, Dolby Atmos with object tracking, Motion Xcelerator, Real Depth Enhancer Pro and Alexa built-in (QN43QN90D, 2024 model).
- Big screen with vivid colors
- Dolby Atmos with Object Tracking Sound
- Fast 144Hz refresh rate for gaming
- Many new smart TVs are larger
Mechanical engineering student and Redditor Crazy-Neighborhood24 (“CN”) showcased the clever, space-saving MacBook setup in a post entitled, “New setup.” The workstation’s genius, with some small caveats related to ergonomics, is it’s economical use of space. CN accomplishes it by wall-mounting two critical items: a big smart TV used as a display and a pegboard to store peripherals like keyboards, game controllers and more.
“I recently built an amazing setup featuring a MacBook, a PC, a PS5 and an Apple TV, all connected to a Samsung QN90B 43-inch TV, which I’m using as a monitor,” CN said. “The QN90B’s vibrant 4K display with its exceptional brightness and color accuracy makes it the perfect centerpiece for my workstation and entertainment system. Whether I’m working on the MacBook, gaming on the PS5 or enjoying 4K content through Apple TV, this setup handles everything seamlessly. It’s the perfect blend of productivity and entertainment in one sleek configuration.”
When a commenter asked if it the setup was in a workplace because they were “getting cubicle vibes,” CN replied that it’s in his bedroom.
“I use this setup for studying,” they said. “I had to compromise between a workspace and an entertainment area to save costs. That’s why I chose a TV as my monitor, as I can use it like four 1080p monitors. Since I’m studying mechanical engineering, sometimes even the large screen is just barely enough in terms of space.”
Using an MDF panel to mount the big smart TV
Photo: [email protected]
CN said they mounted the big smart TV using an MDF back panel like the back panels in IKEA furniture. They cut out a square matching the shape of the TV wall mount and hung the MDF panel by fitting it into the gap between the wall and the TV mount. The mount’s small ledge where the TV typically hooks in let them wedge the MDF panel into the gap by placing a 16mm thick chipboard piece behind it for added support, they said.
On the right side, CN secured the MDF panel to the wall at the mounting points for a picture frame and a pinboard. Behind these screw points, they also placed 16mm thick chipboard pieces to ensure the distance between the wall and the MDF panel remains consistent all around, creating the appearance of a floating white MDF panel.
“All the cables are neatly routed behind the MDF panel,” they added.
Questions about ergonomics and ‘redundacy’ in the gear
“My only concern would be ergonomics as the monitor is supposed to be at eye level (if using it as a computer monitor),” said a commenter. “But I do understand the trade offs you were going for.”
“The monitor height was actually my biggest issue,” CN replied. “Nowadays, I arrange my windows so that the ones I use frequently are on the top, and the ones I only need for quick info are on the bottom. However, having the monitor a bit higher would have been better.”
“While it looks nice, I’m confused to the redundancy?” noted another commenter. “A Mac and a ps5 would do everything , yet you have [a PC] and an Apple TV. Dew yew but why spend the money?”
Here’s CN’s reply (and he also added that he’s had some of the gear for a long time, so its resale value is low):
The setup consists of a PC, a Mac, an Apple TV, and a PS5. I use the PC for sim racing, the PS5 for gaming with friends, and the MacBook for university since I can’t take my PC with me. I got the Apple TV to keep things separate, as I prefer not to mix work and leisure devices. Everything except the TV and PC was bought second-hand, saving me a lot of money. I got the TV with a 50% student discount from Samsung, and the materials for my setup cost only €30 from the hardware store where I work part-time. But if I were to rebuild it from scratch, I’d combine a few things like you said differently to save even more.
Govee RGB lighting and space-saving pegboard wall storage
“Tell us about the backlighting please?” asked a commenter. “What system did you buy? How does it work?”
“I use the Govee HDMI sync box, but it is the HDMI 2.0 version. Because of this, I have to use an HDMI splitter that splits the signal from my PS5 into one 4K 120Hz signal (which goes to my TV) and one 4K 60Hz signal (which goes to the sync box),” CN replied. “The LEDs are really good and extend the image to the edges of the TV with the lights, creating an impressive experience. Govee has now released an HDMI 2.1 version, which should make it much easier to use the PS5.”
“I’m seeing a lot of people using these pegboards,” noted a commenter. “What exactly is the benefit and appeal to them? Can’t decide if I want to get one for my setup or not.”
“It’s an easy way to organize your setup in a space-saving manner,” CN replied. “Another bonus is that everything is still easy to access.”
Shop these items now:
Photo: [email protected]
Computer, TV and gaming gear:
Display and RGB lighting:
- 43-inch Samsung QN90B QLED smart TV mounted on MDF panel
- Govee HDMI 2.1 Sync Box
Input device:
Wall storage:
Govee's AI Sync Box with RGBIC LED backlighting for TVs supports 8K@60Hz, 4K@144Hz, VRR and ALLM. It works with Matter and Alexa. Includes 75 LED lights.
- AI screen and lighting synchronization
- Brightness of 45O lumens
- Supports Matter standard and Dolby Atmos
- Not specific to HomeKit
- TV backlight requires external HDMI input source for color extraction
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually suffice). 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.
