Cable management is the difference between a gaming setup that looks professional and one that looks like a fire hazard. It is also the most neglected part of PC building. Here is exactly what to buy, at every budget, to make your desk look like it belongs in a showroom.
The Three Levels of Cable Management
| Level | Solution | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Adhesive cable clips + velcro ties | 10 pounds | Single monitor, basic setup |
| Standard | Under-desk cable tray + raceway | 25-40 pounds | Dual monitor, standard desk |
| Premium | Secretlab Magnus cable tray | Included with Magnus Pro | Ultrawide, multiple peripherals |
Basic: 10 Pounds, 30 Minutes
Buy a pack of adhesive cable clips and a roll of velcro ties. Route every cable along the underside of the desk in straight lines. Bundle cables that run to the same destination. The result is not invisible — but it is tidy, and it costs 10 pounds.
Standard: 40 Pounds, Professional-Looking
Add an under-desk cable tray — a metal basket that screws into the underside of the desk. All power strips, excess cable length, and power bricks go inside the tray. A cable raceway — a plastic channel with a snap-on cover — runs vertically from the desk to the floor, hiding the single visible cable drop. This is the setup most gaming desks should have.
Smart Power: The Hidden Upgrade
A smart power strip with individually switched outlets (like the TP-Link Kasa HS300 at 45 pounds) adds two things: individual control of each device from your phone, and energy monitoring that tells you exactly how much your setup costs to run. Combined with a cable tray, you have a clean desk and a smart desk.
Verdict
Spend 40 pounds on a cable tray and raceway. Your desk will look better than 90 percent of gaming setups on the internet. Add a smart power strip if you want individual outlet control and energy tracking.