Another KVM setup

My “adult LEGO” projects continue; this time I’m adding hookups to my desk in my office for a modern (Apple Silicon) laptop, KVM-shared with my existing workstation (a heavily optioned and upgraded Late 2012 Mac mini). I’m trying to do this kinda on the inexpensive, while still going with quality gear. Here goes.

Mac mini

  • USB to KVM (below)
  • Mini DP to KVM
  • USB to APC BE600M1 UPS
  • Ethernet to GS305 (below) 

Laptop

  • USB-C to CableMatters Mulitport Adapter (below)

CableMatters USB-C Multiport Adapter ($33 less a coupon)

 KVM ($51 less a 25% coupon)

NetGear switch ($14 on sale)

  • DC 5V positive pin 5.5x2.5 mm power supply connection: I got a tiny bit creative with this and went with this Universal USB / DC adapter, to avoid having to hang the Netgear’s bundled wall wart anywhere. Many devices can supply 5V 0.7A (3.5 W), though most computer-integrated ports not customized for charging will probably top out at  .5A (500 mA), 2.5W. In this case it’s hooked up to one of the (4) USB ports (which all share 4.8A total) on my APC Desk Mount Power Station PE6U4. Works great!
  • Ethernet to Mac mini
  • Ethernet to Laptop (Multiport Adapter)

Excluding the Schiit (which I already had), the whole setup is about $150. Only thing I really need to add is a laptop arm or stand that can put it at the same eye level as the Dell, but that’s optional.

 



2.6 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7 (3720QM), 16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 RAM, 1 TB Crucial SATA SSD (CT1000MX500SSD1))

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