Now is not the right time to shop for PC hardware. Due to the huge demand for memory, storage and GPUs, it is mostly impossible for the average consumer to buy a set of RAM, SSD or graphics card. This is the best get the most out of your existing hardware while The crisis caused by artificial intelligence extends to 2028. There’s no guarantee prices will return to pre-2026 levels, but at least you won’t have to pay through the nose for a new component. In the meantime, this can be a great opportunity to focus on other parts of your setup. If you’ve been neglecting your desktop, headset, or other accessories for years while you dream about a new GPU, you can invest in meaningful and practical upgrades to liven up your all-in-one battle station and home office.
Desktop cable management
Cables outside your computer are just as important
Let’s start with the basics. Cable management is one of the most overlooked aspects of any PC setup, and I’m not even talking about the inside of your computer. The jungle of cables behind and under your desk has probably grown since you first assembled your computer. The number of cables running from your computer to the monitor, along with the cables to the UPS or wall outlets, is always more than you might imagine. In the picture above you can see the mess of cables I have behind my desk. I understand that just thinking about sorting out the mess of cables under your desk can feel daunting, but it has its advantages.
First, no matter how stylish your computer and desk top looks, a messy mess behind the desk is enough to ruin the aesthetics of the entire setup. Manage all power, audio, video and peripheral cables in your setup can instantly upgrade your appearance. Achieving a zero-cable desk aesthetic is difficult, but you can at least tidy up the most easily collected cables and stuff them into a cable management tray. You can also use cable ties and your monitor stand to route cables through a channel to make it easier to manage them. Tackling your electrical strip under or around the table will also help make the setup look cleaner. Another benefit of avoiding cables lying on the ground is protection from pets and children. If you have some furry friends or babies crawling around on the floor, an accidental pull can have disastrous consequences. It’s good to be prepared. This process will take some time, but it is a one-time exercise and will pay off in the future.
A larger table to accommodate everything
The installation must breathe
Over the years, your setup has probably expanded in size. you would upgraded to a larger screena bigger case, more peripherals, some accessories and a bigger desktop. However, despite all the changes, your desktop probably stayed the same, too small for your advanced setup. I had used a 4ft x 2ft table for a long time before switching to a larger one and it was triggering. 34″ ultra wide monitor. My old desk finally felt too cramped and I had no choice but to upgrade. I could have invested in a monitor arm instead, but I wanted to continue using my monitor stand.
A large table is not just a functional upgrade to fit everything nicely. It is also a visual improvement that allows you to install the necessary natural space; otherwise, all the components feel stuffed together. Having enough free space on your desk not only gives you the freedom to work freely, but also makes your setup more enjoyable. It makes you feel more attractive when you get ready for a new work day. You don’t often get a table. The one you upgrade may last 5-10 years depending on the quality and your usage. So if you’re using a desk that looks too compact for your existing setup, it’s worth considering an upgrade.
Monitor arm for more flexibility
Don’t be limited by your monitor stand
I haven’t bought a monitor arm yet, but it might be what you need for your setup. If your screen doesn’t have enough ergonomic features such as height, tilt and rotate functions, at an affordable price A monitor arm is one of the best upgrades you can invest in. Since you can adjust the height of your monitor based on your eye level, these features will add a ton of flexibility to your setup. Rotating the screen will allow you to use it as one vertical monitorsave space on your desk and enjoy coding and messaging in portrait orientation.
If you have a dual or triple monitor setup, you’ll probably need a monitor arm as soon as possible to manage all the screen real estate on a compact desk. A triple monitor arm will allow you, for example, to use two of your displays side-by-side and one vertically, giving you the best of both worlds. Monitor arms are very useful for increasing your desk space without buying a new desk. Most monitor stands have a huge and unwieldy physical footprint that reduces space for your keyboard, mouse, and accessories. By getting rid of the monitor stand, you can push your screen up against the wall with one foot, which is the boon of a smaller desk.
High quality webcam for better video calls
Your home office deserves this upgrade
These days, smartphone and laptop cameras have become good enough for video calling. However, if you’re like me and like to take business calls while using your computer, then a high-quality webcam is a must. An alternative is to place your phone, iPad, or laptop on your desk and constantly switch between the camera and the monitor while talking during a call. This is not the most ideal setup. A webcam attached to the top of your monitor Instantly gets rid of distractions allowing you to look directly at your monitor while interacting on a call. If you don’t want to compromise on image quality, a 2K resolution webcam is essential. Your webcam will also perform microphone duties, so you don’t have to deal with an extra headset. A webcam is probably one of the last things holding back your PC setup from being truly versatile.
9/10
- Resolution
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3840×2160 (4K)
- Wide Angle Lens
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79.4° FOV
- Contact
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USB 3.0 Type-C
The Obsbot Tiny 2 Lite is an affordable version of the best webcam on the market and provides almost as good image quality for a fraction of the cost.
Better headphones
Decent audio and microphone quality are hygiene factors
You probably already have a computer headset that you can use during gaming sessions and business calls. I don’t know about you, but my wireless headphones have never worked like they should. During Discord calls, I either struggle with the microphone or the discomfort of wearing headphones for hours on end. By now I should have upgraded to something else, but the use of the headset has decreased to the point that I may delay the purchase a little longer. If, on the other hand, you’ve experienced a subpar headphone experience with your setup, it may be time to bite the bullet and get a new one.
Before buying a gaming headsetremember to prioritize comfort, sound quality and microphone quality over features like design and RGB. If you’re interested in wireless models, battery life and latency also become key parameters. Wired headphones will let you bypass many of the quirks of Windows audio at the cost of some convenience. A good headset is the difference between a satisfying gaming session and a frustrating one. You don’t want to explain to your friends why your microphone isn’t working in the middle of a tense match. The same goes for the call you are working on mutes and mutes it can ruin an otherwise perfect conversation.
- Microphone
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Removable unidirectional with 32 KHz sampling frequency
- Compatibility
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All major operating systems
- What’s Included
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Razer Hyperspeed Switch, USB-A to USB-C Cable, USB-A Extender, Boom Microphone
- Brand
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Razer
- Surround Sound
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THX surround sound
- Noise cancellation
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Improved passive noise isolation
The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) brings many improvements over the original version, making it an excellent gaming headset. The mic is better than ever and so is the overall connectivity and battery life. The headset even has FPS profiles.
Complete your PC setup while you wait for hardware prices to drop
No one really knows when RAM, SSDs, and GPUs will become affordable again. While you’re waiting, it’s a good time to evaluate other parts of your setup. Deciding where to spend all the money you save on computer upgrades will allow you to fix overlooked aspects of your setup. This can include a headset, webcam, monitor arm, and desktop, each of which greatly affects how you use the setup. Most of these improvements don’t even cost much, so stop putting them off and get started.
