If you're anything like me, you enjoy seeing how other gamers have set up their pad. Whether they're using a television and console, projector, desk and PC, how they have their home theater set up, if they're gaming on headphones (and if so, what kind?), the combination of consumer electronics is seemingly endless.

In the second Gamespot Cribs we are invited to visit the humble domain of one of our volunteer moderators, GabuEx.

Primary Workstation

GabuEx resides in a modest 700 square foot one-bedroom apartment. He unabashedly prefers function over form, with a minimalist all-IKEA setup and white walls. Then again, if it's good enough for professional architects, why not our Moderator of Distinction?

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The spartan interior only highlights the technology strewn throughout the apartment. The bulk of his time is spent at the desk in the corner. The desk would send an obsessive compulsive into cardiac arrest and confound Interpol in an investigation, but GabuEx is at home in the clutter. "I've given up attempting to clean it up, because every time I do it just gets instantly messy again." It's not all high technology, though. GabuEx is a cat-lover, and that passion is displayed throughout his apartment. He keeps pictures of one former feline tenant over his desk alongside a poster awarded by Gamespot for being named Moderator of the Month.

His sole computer, a Alienware M17x laptop, is a sexy powerhouse. GabuEx loves the combination of power and portability. "I don't actually own a desktop computer, mostly on account of the fact that I can afford a laptop that can do everything a desktop could do." The laptop is connected to a Linksys WRT150N Wireless-N router, which in turn is connected to a Motorola SB5101SURFboard cable modem. He enjoys the convenience of a Logitech G35 headset whenever he is doing something requiring voice command, particularly since it removes any concern about the position of the microphone. GabuEx also keeps both a Nintendo DS and a 3DS handy next to his laptop because hey, what else are you going to do while waiting for Gamespot Live streams to buffer? And yes, that's an original DS, "I never saw the point in upgrading to a DS Lite or DSi since the phat DS worked perfectly well - so I didn't.".

To be sure, GabuEx keeps his desk messy, but not dirty. GabuEx surrounds himself in games, both online and off, as evidenced by an unfinished Rubik's Cube variant ("No, I've never solved it. Not even close."), spare camera battery, SD card, and notepad and paper for taking notes while gaming. Read those notes carefully and you might find that Warp Whistle you wanted.

Tonight's lasagna, or the secret path through The Lost Woods?

Console Gaming Epicenter: XBox360, Wii, PS2

The gigantic 36" x 24" bald eagle picture that decorates the wall was taken by GabuEx at the Seattle Zoo. It overlooks a comprehensive gaming hardware portfolio. All of the consoles feed into a 32" Sony Bravia KDL-32M4000, whose piano gloss black finish matches the minimalist theme of the apartment. "A bit on the small side as far as HDTVs go, but I never really felt like I needed a bigger one." All of the controllers sit on top of the desk, making it easy to pick up any game across any console on-the-fly. You'll find here Wiimotes, a Wii CIassic controller, a Gamecube controller, a Controller Pro, an Xbox 360 controller, and two PS2 controllers. His most recently played games sit close at hand, though his larger gaming library is only a few feet away on shelving to the left of the entertainment center.

Of particular note is the USB TV Box. GabuEx uses the box to record segments for his Unsung Greats of Gaming series. The box allows him to record from the A/V output of his consoles to his computer. The only thing that might truly appear out of place among the impressive hardware is one cheap-looking DVD player. "I bought (it) literally to see one single DVD, which was Arashi no Yoru Ni, or Stormy Night. It was TOTALLY WORTH IT."

Peripheral Lover

Most every bit of clutter has a purpose. The exposed USB cables from his consoles are at the ready should GabuEx have the desire to hook up his drums and Mic for some Rock Band. No need to find the cables when they're at the ready, after all. He's also got a Cobalt Flux Dance Pad, last used with DDR Extreme 2. He loves high-quality rhythm game peripherals, "I have an Ion drum kit for regular/pro drums, a full-size Fender Strat for regular guitar, and a smaller Fender Mustang for pro guitar. I also intend to get the Squier Strat for pro guitar, but I haven't gotten around to it yet."

What we've learned about GabuEx

• GabuEx loves cats
• He is a multiplatform guru
• He plays guitar
• He loves rhythm games
• He is a programmer
• He is a total geek: And proud of it
• He enjoys Anime
• He is certainly not OCD!

My personal thanks to GabuEx for putting himself out there to make this article come together. I hope I'm not alone when I say that your pad is geektastic!

I hope you've enjoyed reading about GabuEx's gaming systems, how they are set up, and why. Following are some additional images, including gaming libraries, for additional context.

For detailed images of the titles on the above shelves, click the following links: Top Shelf, Second Shelf, Third Shelf, Bottom Shelf

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