180 polys

Does anyone know how they actually managed to test the "optimal" limit for polys? I mean, 180 is a good flow, but why 180, and not 190?

doesnt it depend on your system how much it can handle without slowing down? and btw. 180 polys for what? weapon models, player models, maps?

I think 180 polys is what makes the maximum optimal framerate per view. 190 would hit a wall or something, since it would give the user a "drastic" framerate drop (which we probably won't notice with a modern comp anyway).