Computer desk recommendations for gaming.

[Tim]

Good evening everyone,

I will be moving next month, and I would like to get a new computer desk that will look nice in my new place. I'd like to get your thoughts on good computer desk designed with gamers (on a budget) in mind. A quick google search is highly underwhelming.

The only things I have in mind are the following:

Black, maybe glass/black combinations.
Less than $250. (this isn't set in stone, but it would be great to stay in that range)

Hit me with what you've got, and as with any recommendation type thread, links and/or pictures are highly appreciated!

 

[WhipperSnapper]

I just use two six foot long folding plastic tables. It makes moving so much easier and offers a lot of desk space.

 

[Tim]

Thank you, but not exactly what I have in mind. I need something that will look like it belongs in a 1 bedroom apartment, and not in a garage. No offense intended.

 

[Chapbass]

How many monitors do you need to support? Keyboard tray?

 

[Tim]

How many monitors do you need to support? Keyboard tray?

Excellent question, didn't think to put that in my OP.

Just one 25" lcd monitor. I have a keyboard tray now, but do not use it because it will not comfortably fit my keyboard (logitech g15) and mousepad/mouse (the bigger of the two ratzpads, and logitech g9x). I definately prefer my mouse and keyboard to be at the same level.

 

[Anomaly1964]

I have a great frosted glass and stainless desk from IKEA...

...really like it.

 

[Northern Lawn]

I just use two six foot long folding plastic tables. It makes moving so much easier and offers a lot of desk space.

I have some of those as well but they're not great for computers, I'm on one right now and in the middle there is a bump, my keyboard is unbalanced. I just broke my old dinner table which I was using for the computer but I'm going to switch to a single piece banquet table from staples. They are a bit more expensive but completly flat.

 

[Tim]

I have a great frosted glass and stainless desk from IKEA...

...really like it.

Is it still made? I just went to the Ikea website, and didn't see anything similar to what you just described.

 

[Craig234]

Good question. I've looked and not found anything quite right easily. One criterion you didn't mention is 'very sturdy so it has no movement with a mouse being moved'.

I finally went to World Market and found a desk that was pretty much just right for $100. I didn't buy it right away and went back and found it was a temporary item.

I've considered there might be a market for a furniture maker to make a good one.

Fry's has a decent selection you might check.

 

[Tim]

Fry's has a decent selection you might check.

No Fry's in these here parts, Sir.

Edit: Were you the one that I played BF3 with last night on the anandtech server? If so, tank unlocks FTW.

 

[oogabooga]

My Ikea Jerker has been great, not in stores anymore but can still find them on craigslist.

If I had to replace my desk, well I'd get a used jerker (hrmm, never knew that about myself I guess).

Baring that I might go with an Ikea Galant: they come in black (not glass though) and have lots of space. It's pretty basic desk - a top and legs but pretty decent quality materials (like the jerker) not the greatest but not totally low end either. There are various addons you can attach if so inclines but I generally prefer not to have drawers cause I just clutter them up.

 

[Craig234]

No Fry's in these here parts, Sir.

Edit: Were you the one that I played BF3 with last night on the anandtech server? If so, tank unlocks FTW.

No, I've been in World of Tanks, coincidentally.

 

[Corporate Thug]

My Ikea Jerker has been great, not in stores anymore but can still find them on craigslist.

If I had to replace my desk, well I'd get a used jerker (hrmm, never knew that about myself I guess).

Baring that I might go with an Ikea Galant: they come in black (not glass though) and have lots of space. It's pretty basic desk - a top and legs but pretty decent quality materials (like the jerker) not the greatest but not totally low end either. There are various addons you can attach if so inclines but I generally prefer not to have drawers cause I just clutter them up.

i have a jerker in my house, my parent's house, and getting one for the office.

 

[paperfist]

I have a great frosted glass and stainless desk from IKEA...

...really like it.

Ha the thread title got me to thinking that it would be cool to have a frosted glass top that was back lit.

 

[Coydog]

Damn, wish they still made the jerker.

 

[Craig234]

Turns out someone in my area is giving away a jerker for free.

 

[zinfamous]

flat surface. space to move.

that is all that is required.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

I have some of those as well but they're not great for computers, I'm on one right now and in the middle there is a bump, my keyboard is unbalanced. I just broke my old dinner table which I was using for the computer but I'm going to switch to a single piece banquet table from staples. They are a bit more expensive but completly flat.

Yeah, that can be a problem with them. I keep a towel under the keyboard.

 

[skace]

I bought a nice desk from Jordan's Furniture. It is not one of those gimmicky 'computer' desks with the flimsy back pieces, slideout keyboard arm things, or weird L Shaped devices to hang your PC, just a very nicely finished wooden surface with black spherical legs. It came in pieces, so I could buy more and hinge them together if I wanted to turn my L shape into a U shape or something.

The only other thing I bought was a big roll of velcro for cable management to make it look nice.

I've had this desk many years now and I'd swear by it, go get a nice one from a real furniture store.

 

[Tim]

I bought a nice desk from Jordan's Furniture. It is not one of those gimmicky 'computer' desks with the flimsy back pieces, slideout keyboard arm things, or weird L Shaped devices to hang your PC, just a very nicely finished wooden surface with black spherical legs. It came in pieces, so I could buy more and hinge them together if I wanted to turn my L shape into a U shape or something.

The only other thing I bought was a big roll of velcro for cable management to make it look nice.

I've had this desk many years now and I'd swear by it, go get a nice one from a real furniture store.

Meh.

 

[JamesV]

Do you have any unfinished wood furniture stores around you, or even Amish areas?

I've had no luck finding something nice from the regular places like Office Max, but I've seen quite a few nice desks from places like I mentioned above. But, they generally are around twice (or more) what you want to pay (and twice what I want to pay, and you have to finish them).

Worth a look at least, if only to see many different styles in one place and get a feel for them.

 

[Mandres]

Desks are like any other piece of furniture. You want something that fits your specific dimensions, and something with the highest quality you can afford.

I will never recommend spending $200 on a particleboard screw-together desk like you find at the office furniture stores. This is something that should be a lifetime heirloom. You should plan to buy a well-made, comfortable desk once and keep it forever.

Check out local antique stores first if you're on a budget. Don't look for gimmicks like glass, monitor stands or cable-management clips. Look for quality materials: solid wood or plywood, steel, leather, etc. and solid construction (dovetail joinery on drawers, mortised frame members, etc.). Find something with some character that you'll take care of and appreciate over time.

Whatever you do don't buy anything without sitting at it first and making sure it's a comfortable height, width and depth. Keyboard trays can be retrofitted to older designs to make them more computer-friendly.

 

[Tim]

Desks are like any other piece of furniture. You want something that fits your specific dimensions, and something with the highest quality you can afford.

I will never recommend spending $200 on a particleboard screw-together desk like you find at the office furniture stores. This is something that should be a lifetime heirloom. You should plan to buy a well-made, comfortable desk once and keep it forever.

Check out local antique stores first if you're on a budget. Don't look for gimmicks like glass, monitor stands or cable-management clips. Look for quality materials: solid wood or plywood, steel, leather, etc. and solid construction (dovetail joinery on drawers, mortised frame members, etc.). Find something with some character that you'll take care of and appreciate over time.

Whatever you do don't buy anything without sitting at it first and making sure it's a comfortable height, width and depth. Keyboard trays can be retrofitted to older designs to make them more computer-friendly.

I understand what you're saying, and they're all valid points for the most part, it's just that what you're recommending isn't what I'm looking for.

Give me glass, give me black, give me gaming amenities, and give it too me good and cheap

 

[terry107]

Try this thread.

 

[skace]

I understand what you're saying, and they're all valid points for the most part, it's just that what you're recommending isn't what I'm looking for.

Give me glass, give me black, give me gaming amenities, and give it too me good and cheap

Oh so that's why you said meh. Well, you are being significantly short sighted, but it sounds like you are pretty aware of your stubbornness. Good luck.