Buying guide for Best gaming desks
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Written by laura
Updated July 2023
The most intense, cutting-edge video games aren’t on any console, they’re on PCs, and millions of gamers around the world are playing them with their PC gaming rigs at home. However, a good PC gaming setup takes a lot more than a computer. Most gamers will tell you that you also need a gaming monitor, a gaming chair, and last but not least, a gaming desk.
Gaming desks are the same as standing desks, but they come with a few gamer-focused amenities that can make PC gaming a lot more fun, such as built-in storage for controllers and convenient cupholders. While it might not sound like a lot, for hardcore gamers, the right gaming desk makes all the difference, and it can certainly help keep you and your gaming gear organized.
Whether you’re new to PC gaming and building your first PC gaming rig, or you’re a veteran gamer looking to see what the latest gaming desks are like, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know to find your next gaming desk, and a few recommendations to help you decide.
Key considerations
The right gaming desk will have a lot to do with the room you game in and the experience you want to have. Narrow your focus while you’re shopping by answering these three questions first.
Where will you put your gaming PC in relation to your desk?
Some gaming desks have built-in storage for a desktop PC, but many don’t, and in those cases, you’ll need to figure out where to put your PC so it’s close enough to connect peripherals but still has enough room for proper airflow. If you want a gaming desk that will store your computer, stick to models with built-in storage solutions. If you prefer to put your computer on a nearby table or the floor, keep that in mind when you’re shopping.
What things do you plan to put on your gaming desk?
In order to buy the right gaming desk, you’re going to need to make sure it’s got room for all of your stuff, and that starts with making a list of all the things you keep on your desk now: phone charger, speakers, mouse, and anything else you can think of. Then consider where you want it all to go on your new gaming desk. If you want to keep a cleaner gaming area, consider buying a gaming desk with built-in storage.
How big is your gaming chair?
A PC gaming rig isn’t really complete without a gaming chair, so you can sit comfortably no matter how intense your games are. Gaming chairs can get pretty big and bulky, so if you’ve got one already, measure it and make sure your new gaming desk can accommodate it. If you don’t have a gaming chair but plan on buying one, coordinate the purchase with buying your gaming desk to make sure they’ll both work in your gaming room.
For your safety
If you have young kids, consider fastening your gaming desk to the wall so it doesn’t accidentally fall over. These desks can have a lot of heavy equipment on them, so it’s especially important to make sure you take all appropriate safety precautions.
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Gaming desk features
So what really separates gaming desks from regular desks? Well, you can certainly use any desk you want for your PC gaming, but if you buy a desk that’s built for the purpose, you can get some truly useful gamer-focused perks. Here are our favorite features on gaming desks that separate the better models from the pack.
Accessory storage
Being an avid PC gamer means owning a lot of accessories and peripherals, and some gaming desks include built-in organization solutions. For example, good sound is key to gaming, but computer speakers can take up a lot of real estate on a desk, so many gaming desks include attached speaker stands. Similarly, some gaming desks include headphone racks under the tabletop so you can keep yours stored out of sight. If you’ve got a lot of gaming gear and you like things nice and tidy, look for a gaming desk with built-in storage for accessories.
Multi-monitor support
Serious PC gamers typically use multi-monitor setups so they can have a wider field of view in their favorite games. The best gaming desks take this into account and either include stands for multiple monitors or mounting arms that can place each monitor side by side. If you game with multiple monitors – and let’s be real: it’s more fun that way – look for a gaming desk that’s designed to give you space for all of them.
Premium materials
Most office furniture is made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a veneer finish, but many gaming desks use better building materials like glass, steel, and in some cases, real wood. If you’re tired of basic-looking furniture, or want to match your existing upscale décor, look at gaming desks made from premium materials.
Gaming desk prices
Inexpensive
Most basic gaming desks cost between $80 and $100. Gaming desks in this range are made of MDF, will give you enough room for a single monitor, and typically don’t have PC storage, so if you buy one, you’ll need to set your computer next to it, which may be problematic in some setups. If you need a gaming desk for a small space like a college dorm, you can find a decent option in this price range. If you’re looking for a longer-term solution, you’ll need to spend a little more.
Mid-range
If you set your budget between $100 and $200, you’ll be able to find an ideal gaming desk. Desks in this price range include features for gamers like racks for games or a rolling stand for your PC. More expensive models are typically made of steel and glass, which are great for adding a touch of class to your gaming rig. If you’re looking for a gaming desk that caters to the gaming lifestyle and will last several years, this is the price range to watch.
Expensive
Gaming desks that cost more than $200 are generally not worth it. If you see a gaming desk that costs more than $200, it’s overpriced, so definitely limit your search to more affordable models.
Tips
Measure your room before you shop so you know which desks will fit. Once you’ve opened the packaging, making returns gets a lot more difficult, so check (and recheck) to be certain you have enough room for the models you’re looking at. Don’t settle for “close enough” measurements. Make sure you know exactly how much room you have.
Use hook-and-loop ties to manage cables and keep your gaming setup looking pristine. Velcro ties (or hook-and-loop ties from other brands) are a modern miracle: they’re cheap, they’re strong, they’re reusable, and you can buy them in packs of 100. Use them to keep your cabling out of the way, and you can build a battle station that’s easy on the eyes.
- Use a handheld vacuum to periodically clean dust off your gaming gear. When it comes to PCs, dust is your enemy: it can get anywhere from your keyboard to inside your computer. Spend a few minutes every few weeks busting all of the dust around your gaming PC so you can be confident all of your hardware is performing at its best.
FAQ
Q. How much room for ventilation does my gaming PC need?
A. In general, as much as you can give it. Ventilation is key for getting rid of the heat generated by your PC’s CPU, and when you’re gaming, it can get pretty hot. If you leave a PC in cramped quarters or in an area with restricted airflow, your computer won’t be able to cool off as quickly and performance will suffer. There are plenty of creative ways to set up a PC with a gaming desk so that it gets maximum airflow, and a lot of it depends on which way the exhaust fans are pointing. Before you buy a gaming desk, make sure that it will work to keep your computer ventilated.
Q. Is it difficult to put together a gaming desk?
A. No, but you’ll need a few hours to do it. It’ll go faster if you own a drill, and faster still if you get help from a friend. Count on the process being a little more complicated than assembling your average bookshelf from IKEA.
Q. Are gaming desks heavy?
A. It depends. The weight of a gaming desk is all about what it’s made of, so if you buy one made of steel and glass, it’ll be a lot heavier than others made of veneer. Lighter gaming desks weigh closer to 50 pounds, whereas some of the heaviest models weigh as much as 175 pounds. As you’re comparing gaming desks, don’t forget that weight can be a good thing: you want one that’s sturdy and not easily jostled.
