Top products from r/AskBattlestations

• Screens:
  Your laptop appears to have a M5970 /w VGA, HDMI and DisplayPort and Eyefinity support.
  I'd recommend x2 of these IPS screens: Dell u2410. These screens have very good picture quality and their connections fits your laptop prefectly. They are pricy, but IPS provides the best picture quality.
  
  You may also check 2412 and the 2312, however they do not have HDMI.
  
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• Keyboard:
  Mechanical /w Cherry MX blue, or MX Brown if you prefer more silent keys (video comparing sound levels).
  
  Check out brands like DAS, Filco, Leopold, Ducky, wasdkeyboards.com
  
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• To connect your PS3 to a monitor you have two options: use connect laptop to monitor using DisplayPort cable and PS3 to monitor with HDMI OR purchase a HDMI switch. Then, connect HDMI cable from your laptop plus the HDMI from your PS3 into the switch and connect the switch to the screen. You want a active switchr /w it's own power supply. You can also get HDMI switches with remote control. With the switch I linked, adding a TV above your station would not be an issue at all.
  
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• For monitor mounts you got two basic options: wall mount or a desk mount/arm. I can't speak for the wall mount, but I have three of those desk mounts and very happy with the purchase. You have to decide which mount fit you best. They both have their advantages.
  
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  For your laptop you got countless options. Here's my suggestions:
  
  
• Although this does not hide the laptop in any way, I think a laptop stand like this one looks pretty awesome. An advantage with this setup is that you can tie the cables to the mount's arm and thus always be available. You will always know where the cables are, that they are long enough and you can plug them in to your PC even when sitting.
  
  
• If you have a keyboard tray but don't use it, the tray would be an ideal place to hide the laptop. It'd be completely hidden and have almost the same cable management benefits of the mount.
  
  
• Laptop stand. Just to mention it. Cables everywhere, possibly limited moveability due to cable length, terrible cable management.
  
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  Unfortunately I can't help you with iPad or chair, but I would advice against a glass desk. You will have a harder time with cable management and you will always be able to see your cables. If you get a desk such as the Galant series from Ikea, you get more options for cable management (such as trays and cable holes).

I use this one, very satisfied and moves pretty easily but only on the x axis. It does have tilt but from experience you have to pre adjust and lock it in via a provided hex key And as well as pre adjust height.

Here’s some pics of it in use. (27” monitor)


Some Do’s and dont’s?
If you have a cheaper desk, like mine (linnmon 47” wide), avoid having a lot of weight in the center to prevent your desk from morphing. I had to change mine from it being mounted in the center to about 1/4 deep into the desk to help prevent morphing. I noticed the weight is much more concentrated when mounted and not spread out as evenly as it was when it was on the desk.

Make sure you have enough cable slack so you can comfortably move your monitor if you plan on doing so.

And make sure that you tighten everything that needs to be tight. All the parts of the arm assembled correctly and your monitor mounted correctly.

BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY
Schedule a day for it. You don’t wanna rush it, cable manage right so it looks nice. It’s worth. If you want it angled and properly eye level or at a specific height or something, having another person help you really does make things easier.

Well you can hypothetically get better sound out of a desktop mic but they also usually have a much bigger sound floor and are often omnidirectional, so they tend to pick up way more background noise and tend to be difficult to make work well for VOIP

Big draws for desktop mics though is that you can reap the benefits if you do a lot of media creation (ex if you sit forward to record your voice for a youtube video or something, desktop mic quality will smash a headset), and that a desktop mic allows you to get whatever you want for headphones.

Headsets are usually much easier to manage the sound floor on and direct so they only pick up your voice and not the rest of your room. But the headphone part is usually not very good quality.

This is why the mod mic is so popular, as it allows you to keep the advantages of a headset mic while still buying whatever high-quality headphones you want

Some people don't like desktop mics because of the space it takes on their desk, some people feel like headset mics get in their face all the time.

Truth be told though I think if you spend money on quality parts either are a reasonable solution.

I would strongly advise against cheap gaming headsets though, they are terrible.

However, I've had no issues buying a cheap clip-on mic and sticking it on the cable of a high quality set of heaphones. That last option is kinda the best of both worlds IMO (much like the mod mic except the mic costs like 1/10th the price)

I have a PC connected to my living room TV for occasional web browsing and streaming - personally, I find TVs to be not great at being monitors. It's something about the screen size and the distance from the viewer and refresh rates/color/etc being optimized to display motion & not text, etc. That said, I'm sure the best TVs make excellent monitors. Plus, 4K TVs with HDR are pretty cheap now.

For desktop use, if you're ok with HD, I've always had good luck with Asus VS series monitors. Big glossy bezels but I stopped noticing it after a while, and 2ms response time. If budget allows, get 4 - you kind of have 4K, with huge bezels.

I think HDR is a premium feature on monitors - the cheapest one seems to be this Dell but they get up there in price like this Samsung or this Asus ROG

Good luck!

They are a bit more expensive, but ErgoTech makes some amazingly solid mounts. great cable management, adjustable in just about every way, and can be free standing. This one seems to fit your bill for about $180 on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Ergotech-Triple-Horizontal-Monitor-100-D16-B03/dp/B001NPEC5A/

I recommended these Mount it! brand monitor arms in another thread here the other day. I found them from seeing it in someones battlestation pictures and with his recommendation to someone I purchased a double and single arm for my triple 27" setup.

Pros:
Fantastic value,
very solid construction,
no sagging,
light padding on the part that gets clamped to the desk(so no desk scratches),
All that sweet sweet desk space freed up

Cons:
It takes some time and an allen key to get each individual joint to move in fluid manner with respect to your preference in being able to pull/push and rearrange them at will.

As for the TV I don't know what the mounting pattern is on your TV nor the weight. Those are two things you should check out before you order the mounts

On the subject of headsets, DON'T GET ONE. A pair of headphones labeled as a "gaming headset" is going to be horrendously overpriced for the quality. My suggestion would be to take a gander at this list, taken from the sidebar or r/headphones, and choose something you like in your price range. Then add a cheap desk or clip-on microphone, and bam! better quality for your money. :)


Personally, I have the Superlux HD668b and the zalman mic I linked above. They're hooked in to a Creative X-Fi sound card, but TBH that's only because my cousin gave it to me for free when he upgraded. The onboard sound of any motherboard should be sufficient, and you have what looks like a high-end mobo, so you should be doubly ok.

Quite nicely.

If the mount is anything like my old mount was, I had to use thin steel cables to hold it up on the ends. It sucked but worked.

http://www.tufnut.com/category.aspx?id=30

I don't really know how to describe how I did it. I'll try lol.

I hooked a steel cable to the end of one arm, and up to the top post of the middle of the mount. This was the mount. http://www.amazon.com/Tyke-Supply-Dual-Monitor-Stand/dp/B002R9HQLI/ref=pd_sim_pc_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=012CRCFVZPMV0FBS8VF6

Sticking out of the top post I had a bolt that the steel cable wrapped around to raise, or lower it. I was using pretty old and heavy Dell 2405 monitors so the sag was about an inch.

Deluxe Clampe Triple Monitor Stand, or Deluxe Free Standing Monitor Stand, both around $100 with $25 in shipping. I own the free standing model, it's great.

Throwing [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052AWGLE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) in the mix to consider. I would imagine they are very similar, but I use the one here with two of this monitor and it is fantastic. I'm not sure if the one you linked has the cable management through the post, with an exit hole right above desk level. If so, they are basically the same. If not, I suggest the Mount-It one as it is fantastic. If you have any questions or want some pics, just let me know.

I am 5'10" so I don't usually have this issue, but I know what you mean. I'd like to have as much clearance as possible, but was thinking those thin drawers would be nice for the random little things that would inevitably make their home somewhere on or around my desk. Why'd you go with a pair of the single-arm mounts instead of the dual arm? It seems like a decent cost savings to just get the dual-arm. I could also try to do everything else right with my current table before swapping it out for a "better" desk.

VIVO Dual-Arm

Some desks that i've seen people recommend and/or use is the IKEA Bekant

As for holding your monitors, you might want to consider a [monitor stand] (http://www.amazon.com/Monitor-Mount-Stand-Adjustable-Screens/dp/B009S750LA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426876322&sr=8-1&keywords=vivo+monitor+stand) so that you have more space on your desk.

Best of luck in your build.

Ok So what you want is some self-adhesive zip tie mounts - something like this

https://www.amazon.com/Install-Bay-CTM34-Adhesive-Backed/dp/B001JT5S7Q/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1474553181&sr=8-3&keywords=zip+tie+mounts

and then zip tie the power strip down. you probably don't want to put self adhesive strips directly on the power strip because heat could loosen the adhesive and let it fall down.

also

https://www.amazon.com/VELCRO-Brand-ONE-WRAP-Management-Self-Gripping/dp/B001E1Y5O6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1474553348&sr=8-2&keywords=velcro+straps

these things are a godsend for cable management


edit: also looking at your picture, your desk has that built in cable management bar, you may be able to just get some long zip cords or use those velcro straps to attach it directly to that bar. those zip tie mounts may just be a little too weak (probably not..but maybe) and that would be a more sturdy solution

Do you have any experience with the Gerton when it comes to desk-mounted monitor arms (or just how sturdy it is in general)? I currently have a 3-monitor mount but the base of it is huge so I figured I would get a desk-mount system for when I buy a new desk yet I am unsure if the desk can support it. It is one of the reasons I am so hesitant to go with the Linnmom/Karlby.

(Something like this: https://smile.amazon.com/Mount-MI-753-Computer-Monitors-Compatible/dp/B00BDT072S?sa-no-redirect=1)

The top is really wide thankfully, so I think it's good there https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Single-Monitor-Display-Mounting/dp/B00MIBN16O. I think I might add a leg if the sag gets worse though. Thanks!

Zalman Clip on Mic if you haven't got a headset or anything.

I've got a good pair of music headphones that I use this with, and it's the best thing I can think of for $10.

I used this to mount a 27" ASUS PB278Q and 24" VE247H. I've also used the 27" without a mount with the 24" mounted above it with good results. Quite adjustable and affordable. It didn't move or slip in the time I had it (I switched desks so no longer use it). 34" is same vertical length as 27" so it should work great.

http://www.amazon.com/VIVO-Monitor-Stacked-Vertical-STAND-V002T/dp/B00DGTP57A

> 13-27" at 22lbs per

Honestly your better bet will be getting one solid mount meant for the size of the ultra wide, then one with more motion for your accessory monitor

I just bought this monitor mount that supports 27" monitors. Its being shipped and I should get it next week. However, my monitors are only 25" so I think I'll have some more freedom than you would, but I think it should still work.

The VESA-to-VESA mount distance is 35". A 27" monitor generally is about 23.6" wide. Assuming your monitors are the same model (and therefore have the VESA mount in the same location), the closest distance you could get them would be the width of said monitor (about 23.6" as a guestimate).

With a 35" spacing and all of the joints on 180° swivels, this mount should be totally fine for you to get the 20° angle you want for your monitors.

I have one main rule that I like to stick by: anything that isn't necessary to see get it out of sight. What I mean by this is hide cables, move things off of your desk, possibly get a stand for your mac, and I also like using monitor arms like these:
https://www.amazon.com/VIVO-Monitor-Adjustable-Articulating-STAND-V001/dp/B00B21TLQU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1481067641&sr=8-3&keywords=single+monitor+arm

I've got 2 of these. The stock mount doesn't adjust height, but you could buy another mount to go with it. I've been very happy with this monitor

I have a similar setup with a 34inch Ultrawide on bottom and a 27inch above with this mount

https://www.amazon.com/VIVO-Computer-Monitor-Vertical-STAND-V002R/dp/B01CUW5HDU?ref_=w_bl_hsx_s_pc_web_11693193011

I thought it would be weird looking up to the top screen or like people say it would cause "neck strain" but I find it very useful. Especially with an ultrawide. Side by side would take up so much width on your desk.

I have something similar to that, and while it works, it causes the center of my desk to flex. I had to get rid of it.

You may be able to find something cheaper. that seems a bit overpriced.

heres what i had. http://www.amazon.com/Triple-LCD-Monitor-Stand-Monitors/dp/B0023ED22Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346890313&sr=8-1&keywords=triple+lcd+monitor+stand

dual LCD version if you insist on this type of clamp mount.
http://www.amazon.com/Dual-Monitor-Stand-clamp-monitors/dp/B002R9HQLI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1346890313&sr=8-6&keywords=triple+lcd+monitor+stand

I think something like this may be better.

http://www.amazon.com/Deluxe-Triple-Monitor-Standing-Supports/dp/B006JG9RQ2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1346890313&sr=8-3&keywords=triple+lcd+monitor+stand

I have had all three of those desks actually for different purposes. You must go with the ikea one and maybe consider having chair legs on every corner.

I can tell you if you buy an Origami you will regret it. The footspace under neath is too high up, it will feel like sitting in a first graders desk. It is really lightweight, easy to move, and good value though.

I'd be worried about the Coavas because the wood looks really thin.

What I did was bought your traditional pick your own parts Ikea desk. Put a leg on every corner. I used amazon basics monitor arm and put it on the corner of the desk. I'm not sure I trust putting it in the direct center. If you have multiple heavy monitors you may consider getting multiple monitor arms to balance the weight.

In the picture you showed it looks like an ikea desk. You can tell the monitor arm is not designed well as all the weight seems to really be centered and towards the front of the desk. The base is also really small which makes a small pressure point. So look for a monitor arm with a larger base.

These guys are strong, slim, and have the little hole to make loopies.

Major fan.

Something like this would work: IOGEAR 2 Computer 4-Port USB 2.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch, GUS402 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BD8I2OY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Vb0kzbT01Z6E5

And then just have each computer on different inputs on your monitors.

What makes you think that the triple mount solutions you see aren't sturdy? I've used multiple types, and have not had any problems when installed correctly. All the types have ways of locking and tightening things in place, even the Articulating Arms, which is what I use. Unless you a really knocking into your monitors, it shouldn't be an issue.

https://www.amazon.com/VIVO-Monitor-Adjustable-Articulating-STAND-V003M/dp/B01A02QFV0

https://www.amazon.com/Deluxe-Monitor-Desktop-Supports-002-0019/dp/B006JG7G2E


As for the TV Mount.. does it have to be attached to the desk? Why not wall mount? Also, really need to know specs on the TV like size and weight in order to look for options.

I use 3 ASUS VN247H-P displays with an Ergo tech triple monitor stand shown here. I love my setup.

I use this in my dorm for a 29" and a 24" and it's worked great for me so far :)

I used this for several months, the sound qualities great when it's positioned correctly.

It depends on how you want to orient the screens (Side by Side, One over the other, one portrait one landscape)

Where are the VESA mount holes on the rear of the monitors? I have the 21:9 29" Crossover monitor and the VESA holes are off centered, making it difficult to find a capable mount. If the VESA holes are centered, than it will be easy. Because of the width of your monitors, a normal Dual Monitor arm system probably won't
work.

Again, depending on the configuration you want, you will probably need two of these type of mounts.

I use this one here. Super inexpensive, Have had it for over a year and never had a single issue

WHOA WHOA WHOA. Calm your balls.

Here.

Requires some DIY, but you can get results like mine.

IOGEAR 2 Computer 4-Port USB 2.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch, GUS402 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BD8I2OY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Kbv3Cb94RGW5M

I had the same problem and this is a solution. You are able to use the same mouse and keyboard for both - you will have to switch inputs on monitor(s) though. For me it works perfect and doesn’t break the bank.

I’ve been using this switch for 2 years now.

I got this one on my IKEA desk with two 24" monitors and it's been perfect for me.

http://i.imgur.com/PvvQ5CQ.jpg

When you say arms, I assume you mean the kind which clip to your desk.

How about individual wall mounted arms? These are usually pretty cheap ($10 - $25 each) and if you mount them properly they don't sag at all.

Here's one for $12:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003O1UYHG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1494052047&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=wall+mount+for+monitor&dpPl=1&dpID=41mSjibmRPL&ref=plSrch

I just bought this I can let you know how it goes for my two monitors on thursday :) I can't wait.

I would get the Asus monitor, except from here. I can vouch for it, because I own it. It has some very good color reproduction.

that makes total sense. I just want to bring one of the monitors in front of the other sometimes and centered. Do you think something like this would work?

Those look nice and decent price.

The cheapest triple I ever found was this one: http://www.amazon.ca/Mount--Articulating-Computer-Monitors-MI-753/dp/B00BDT072S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453227709&sr=8-1&keywords=triple+monitor+stand

Velcro strips. I've gone though 3 packs between my PC and entertainment center.

Hey op, I do this with my work laptop and personal desktop. Basically my setup consists of a USB switch (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BD8I2OY/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1482790698&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=usb+kvm+switch+2+port&dpPl=1&dpID=31F-KcWzc7L&ref=plSrch) for my keyboard and mouse with are both wireless. For my monitors I have multiple ports on them and switch the input on them. I didn't go the switch route on them because I have 3 monitors with just the middle one being shared. The other two are dedicated to each machine and I just switch the middle input when needed. Did it this way so I can still play/see the other machine and switch the middle wen needed.

There is a USB/monitor switch that I debated on for around the same price as the one I linked but I think it's only two monitors.

I have the exact mount that you linked with two different monitors, as long as they are roughly the same size it will work but it won't be perfect.

I have a buddy that uses two of these for his dual monitors instead as he claims that it allows him to balance to different monitors better however getting two single monitor mounts usually costs a little more.

I bought 2 of these and use them in my room. The adhesive backing is worthless, but if you can figure out a better way to attach it, there probably isn't a better answer.

http://www.amazon.com/SUPERNIGHT%C2%AE-Waterproof-Flexible-300leds-Changing/dp/B00ASHQQKI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1427177633&sr=8-2&keywords=LED+strip+lighting

Well, there is always [This] (http://www.amazon.com/Metro-Vacuum-ED500-500-Watt-Electric/dp/B001J4ZOAW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348591978&sr=8-1&keywords=computer+duster)...

Yeah, here's one with a stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005C2A3VW

And here's one that clamps to your desk https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CUW5HDU

No idea about the quality of those things, reviews seem alright though.

http://www.amazon.com/Mount-It-Articulating-Computer-Monitors-MI-753/dp/B00BDT072S/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1418597953&sr=8-5&keywords=triple+monitor+stand


Thats the one I have. I have 3 23" acer monitors on it and it works great.

The setup and adjustments are a bit of a pain, but it was way cheaper than any other option i could find.

If I'm on a budget again when I buy another, I wont hesitate to purchase again. If I have more $$ to spend, I might look elsewhere.

i had a u3415w on the amazon basics monitor arm and it was very sturdy

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-Single-Monitor-Display-Mounting/dp/B00MIBN16O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1521125237&sr=8-3&keywords=monitor+mount+amazon+basics

I use this one and it's great. I've had no problems with it.

Would 2 of these get the job done?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0155LJATK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

VIVO Dual LCD Monitor Desk Mount Stand Heavy Duty Stacked, Holds Vertical 2 Screens up to 32" (STAND-V002T) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00DGTP57A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_oM.3DbA8MD4M0


This is from Amazon.ca as I'm in canada.

I didn't actually thought of having the 144 hz monitor over the ultrawide. Would this desk mount be high enough to have the 144 Hz over the ultrawide?
https://www.amazon.ca/VIVO-Single-Monitor-Adjustable-STAND-V001T/dp/B0155LJATK

~$23 for 16 feet

https://www.amazon.com/VELCRO-Brand-Black-2-Inch-91140/dp/B001E1Y5O6

you can use VELCRO for cable management: Here

About the mount, I'm currently using flexispot monitor arm

Get dust filters for your case and buy an electric duster.

http://www.amazon.com/Metro-Vacuum-ED500-500-Watt-Electric/dp/B001J4ZOAW

Check out my recent battlestations post here - http://imgur.com/a/Xm7IM#0

This is the http://www.amazon.com/Ergotech-Triple-Horizontal-Monitor-100-D16-B03/dp/B001NPEC5A/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410050846&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=erogotech+triple+monitor

I would do something like this. Then I would buy this and take it off the pole and put it on the the first link.

More expensive, but lets you do any color http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040FJ27S/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040FJ27S/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A325274ZEF9XYZ

If your monitor has standard VESA monitor mount screw holes in the back you will have a whole universe of alternate stands to pick from.

What is a VESA mount?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_Display_Mounting_Interface

Some suggestions:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005C29QN8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FPCQyb8A9EJED

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MIBN16O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_BQCQybE7RETW7

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052ATODM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vRCQyb0EF3WCH

Here

I think this is the solution to your problems.

I have the same desk and have used this for about 6 months, no issues so far

VIVO Dual LCD LED Monitor Desk... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009S750LA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I know some people that use these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ASHQQKI/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Personally I can't get them since I have to order from the .co.uk version of amazon and these lights aren't for sale there :(

I am working on a battle station right now that has a different but similar problem. My solution? Buy these one are monitor mounts. I am going to throw the tub away and just put the arm on my own piping. Then you have two poles, but I haven't seen a monitor mount that would hold both of those side by side

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B21TLQU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have one of these from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006JG7G2E/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Fits my three ASUS PG278QR monitors with no problem.