Where is the best place for a PC? Above or below the desk?

If you are a desktop PC user, you may have wondered where to place your PC: under or over your desk. Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your personal preferences, needs and situation. I have personally tested both options and these are some of the factors I consider important when deciding where to put your PC.

PC on the desk

Putting your PC on the desk has some advantages, such as:

• Better airflow and cooling: Your PC will have more room to breathe and dissipate heat, which can improve its performance and lifespan.
• Less dust accumulation: Your PC will be less exposed to dust and dirt that can clog its fans and components, which can also affect its performance and lifespan.
• Easier access to ports and buttons: You will have more convenience and flexibility to plug in or unplug USB devices, turn on or off your PC, or adjust its settings.
• More visibility and appreciation of the PC: You will be able to see and admire your PC, especially if it has a nice design, RGB lighting, or a transparent side panel. Placing your PC on the desk is like having a miniature art exhibition right in the middle of your workspace. It’s the Picasso of computers, making everyone stop and stare in awe, while secretly wondering if you’ve found a way to turn pixels into gold!
• Protection from pets, kids, spills, etc.: Your PC will be safer from potential hazards that can damage it, such as curious pets, playful kids, spilled drinks, or kicked objects.

However, putting your PC on the desk also has some drawbacks, such as:

• Takes up desk space: Your PC will occupy some valuable space on your desk that you could use for other things, such as monitors, keyboards, mice, speakers, etc.
• Generates more noise: Your PC will be closer to your ears and you will hear more of its fan noise, which can be annoying or distracting.
• Exposes more cables: Your PC will have more visible cables that can look messy or tangled. You may need to use better cable management solutions to keep them organized and neat.
• Risk of knocking it over: Your PC will be more prone to accidents that can knock it over, such as bumping into it, dropping something on it, or tripping over its cables. This can cause physical damage or data loss.
• May look cluttered or messy: Your PC may not fit well with the aesthetics of your desk or room. It may look too bulky, flashy, or out of place.

PC under the desk

Putting your PC under the desk has some advantages, such as:

• Saves desk space: Your PC will free up some space on your desk that you can use for other things, such as monitors, keyboards, mice, speakers, etc.
• Reduces noise: Your PC will be farther from your ears and you will hear less of its fan noise, which can be more pleasant or relaxing.
• Hides cables: Your PC will have less visible cables that can look messy or tangled. You may not need to use cable management solutions to keep them organized and neat.
• Keeps it out of sight: Your PC will be less noticeable and distracting. You may prefer a minimalist or simple look for your desk or room.
• May look cleaner or simpler: Your PC may fit better with the aesthetics of your desk or room. It may look more sleek, elegant, or professional.

Putting your PC under the desk also has some drawbacks, such as:

• Worse airflow and cooling: Your PC will have less room to breathe and dissipate heat, which can reduce its performance and lifespan.
• More dust accumulation: Your PC will be more exposed to dust and dirt that can clog its fans and components, which can also affect its performance and lifespan.
• Harder access to ports and buttons: You will have less convenience and flexibility to plug in or unplug devices, turn on or off your PC, or adjust its settings. You may need to bend down or crawl under the desk to reach your PC.
• Less visibility and appreciation of the PC: You will not be able to see and admire your PC, especially if it has a nice design, RGB lighting, or a transparent side panel. You may also miss out on showing off your PC to your friends or visitors.
• Vulnerable to pets, kids, spills, etc.: Your PC will be less safe from potential hazards that can damage it, such as curious pets, playful kids, spilled drinks, or kicked objects.

Conclusion

There is no definitive answer to where you should place your PC: under or over your desk. Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your personal preferences, needs and situation. You should weigh the factors that matter most to you and decide what works best for you and your PC.️