You know that big bulky computer tower you’ve just bought? Or perhaps it’s has been sitting there for a while. They’re not the easiest of things to manoeuvre and it can be quite irritating when you are trying to consider where you should put it.
Well, did you know where you put your desktop PC might actually have an impact on its experience and overall lifespan? It might sound ridiculous, but there are quite a few reasons that you should potentially consider buying a computer tower stand.
We’ve provided an overview of some of the reasons a PC stand might be beneficial, whether you should just put it on the table, what to look for in a computer stand and finally what our top choices are. You can quickly navigate to the section that answers your query using the below table of contents:
- Why is a PC tower stand beneficial?
- PC Tower stand vs table
- What to look for in a computer tower stand
- What type of computer tower stand do I need?
- Our best computer tower stand choices
Why is a PC tower stand beneficial?
We’ll start by saying that a PC tower isn’t essential for every setup, there are a few key reasons you might want to consider a tower, and here they are:
- Your tower is on carpet: If your PC tower is sat on your carpet then it could be seriously restricting airflow around the computer case. A lot of computer cases are designed so that the airflow comes partially through the bottom of the case, and if you are blocking this your PC may overheat. A stand will elevate your PC slightly meaning air can get in underneath.
- You want to be able to move your tower around: Typically tower PCs aren’t meant to be moved, but there are a few people out there who may find it beneficial to be able to easily move the tower around, and a lot of PC stands have wheels attached making this easy.
- Clean & tidy: Another reason a computer tower stand might be beneficial is just to keep things tidy.
- Grip & security: A lot of PC tower stands fit around the computer snug and grip, the extra structure around the tower means that it’s less likely to fall over and get damaged.
PC Tower stand vs table
There isn’t really a one answer fits all for this, it depends on your personal preference. If you’re strapped for desk space then a stand may be more beneficial. It can also help you better organize your tabletop and again, won’t cause any issue with ventilation.
That being said, if you have space on your table or computer desk, and there’s no restriction to airflow by placing your tower on the desk then there may be little benefit to a stand.
What to look for in a computer tower stand
Great – so you’ve hopefully decided whether or not you actually need a table stand, but what should you look for in the stand that you buy? Here are a few of the things that you should consider:
Durability
This is going to support that expensive computer you’ve got, you need to ensure that it is durable and high quality enough to do so and last the test of time. Towers can be quite heavy, so you need to ensure that you check what weight the stand can withstand, you want to ensure it is far higher than the weight of your PC tower.
Design
This is personal preference really, but the design might come into it. Some designs are small and slick, but usually, they aren’t as supportive, so if you want to go for something that is a little more secure you’ll also want it to wrap around the sides, but they don’t look as good.
Functionality
What do you want from the PC Tower stand? There are a few that are static, and won’t move, but you also have the option of having a stand with wheels for added flexibility and the ability to move the tower with ease.
Tower Size
This is something that you should take into consideration – the size of your PC tower. Some larger towers might not fit in the smaller PC stands, so you want to ensure that you check what size it is capable of holding. If you are unsure, there are several options which we’ll highlight that offer flexible widths.
What type of computer tower stand do I need?
This would depend on where you are planning on housing the tower. If you are looking on having it on top of a desk or table then you’ll want to look for a stand with static legs, however, if you have your tower on a carpet you might want to choose one with wheels so it’s easier to move about.
You don’t want to be choosing a tower stand with wheels to put on your desk, it’ll just go all over the place! Also, it might be worth noting that if you have tiled floor, you might want a more static stand as well.
Our best computer tower stand choices
Now the section you’ve all been waiting for, our top computer stands choices. We’ve done a lot of research into the best options that you have available for a variety of different types and sizes of towers, as well as situations. We’ve decided on splitting our choices into two sections, the ones which are perfect for carpet and under desks, and ones that are better suited to being on your computer desk or table.
Computer Tower Stands For Carpet & Under Desk
If you want your tower to sit on the floor or on a carpet then we’ve picked out three of the best options you have available below, providing a description of each product and some of the main features.
Mobile Desktop Tower Computer Floor Stand Rolling Caster Wheels
Product Description
This is a rolling PC stand with castor wheels by Syba, it’s cheap, and does the job. It’s adjustable to work with most tower PCs as long as they are within the width of 6 to 10 inches.
This adjustable PC stand will raise your PC far enough off the ground to increase air-flow allowing for your computer to run at a cooler temperate and prevent any overheating damage. The stand itself also featured antiskid grips which means the tower keeps in place firmly and securely, ensuring that the PC doesn’t fall out or tip over.
The maximum weight that this stand can hold is 66lbs, and if your tower is over that, well you should be worried!
Main Features
- Adjustable width from 6 to 10 inches
- Rolling wheels
- Made of durable plastic that can withstand 66lbs
- Antiskid grips to secure the tower
- All for below $15
Liitrton Mobile CPU Stand Adjustable Computer Tower Stand
Product Description
This handy little computer stand looks discrete and does a fantastic job at making your tower more convient and easier to move. It has four caster wheels which can easily rotate 360 degrees. It locks to the tower with the steel pipes to keep the unit still.
The stand itself is adjustable in width which can range between 17inches and 22.4 inches so it can easily house most towers, even the larger ones. It’s built with quality in mind as well and can withstand a large weight with its high-grade steel design and ABS materials, again ensuring the safety of your tower.
The surface also has a non-slip texture which firmly grips the computer to prevent it falling and ultimately getting damaged. Of course, this tower also helps with ventilation, raising it by enough from the ground to improve the dissipation of heat around the bottom of the computer tower.
Main Features
- 360 degree wheel movement
- Locks the tower in place with steel pipes
- Adjustable width between 17 – 22.4 inches
- High load capacity
- Textured in a non-slip design to ensure your computers safety
TechOrbits Computer Tower Stand
Product Description
This PC stand offers a bit of a different option to the two we have mentioned above, which you can clearly see in the design. Like the others it has four caster wheels allowing it to move freely and perfect for those who don’t want a fixed tower PC, but what is different about this one is it has two sides that lock the computer in securely – which allows increased stability.
The stand is also flexible in terms of what width tower it can hold, which allows it to fit 4.7″ to 8.2″ comfortably – which is more than suitable for a mini case, midi tower and even large computer case. It’s also built to last as well, made of durable steel and a heavy-duty frame which can withstand a weight of up to 22lbs, which again should be more than enough for all tower PCs.
Ventilation also isn’t an issue as it lifts the computer off the flow and has airflow holes in the bottom allowing the heat to dissipate easily.
TechOrbits also have a lot of confidence in the product offering a lifetime warranty – with a commitment to repair or replace any parts that may be defective.
Main Features
- Different and secure design
- Can withstand weight of up to 22lbs
- It can hold computer case widths of between 4.7″ to 8.2″
- Made of durable steel
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Computer Tower Stands For Desk Tops
For those of you that want to house their tower on their table or computer desk we’ve picked out a few suitable options that are more sturdy and don’t have wheels, so they won’t be rolling around your desk and potentially falling off! Here are our choices:
WALI Monitor Stand Riser for Computer
Product Description
This stand is meant for both monitors and computers, and it’s simplistic in design with 4 durable metal legs which are suitable for your tower PC.
It can support a maximum weight of 44lbs and has anti-skid rubber pads which prevent your desk or table from getting any damage and more importantly your computer from falling over. The metal shelf itself is 14.6 x 9.3″ (w) so it should be more than large enough to fit your desktop PC.
The shelf can adjust in height and has 3 settings, a 3.9″ one, 4.7″ one and 5.5″ so you can easily fit some papers or notebooks underneath and still have enough airflow for your PC. Speaking of ventilation, the shelf has small holes to prevent overheating.
Finally, it doesn’t look too bad either, with a slick modern design, and it also comes with 10-year protection.
Main Features
- Well built and can withstand 44lbs
- 14.6 x 9.3″
- The shelf is height adjustable, so you should be able to fit things underneath and still have good ventilation
- Holes in the shelf to help ventilation
- Cheap option, below $14 & an Amazon Choice product currently
Stand Riser with Vented Metal for Computer
Product Description
This stand actually isn’t designed for your desktop, however as it can withstand 44lbs it still makes a good PC tower stand for an extremely reasonable price (currently the cheapest in our list) and we think it looks the part!
This stand is made of coated steel and has perforated holes in the bottom to keep your computer cool and leave the airflow unrestricted. It’s a stable and solid piece with a 14″ steel plate and non-slip legs that will keep your tower stable and not damage your desk or table.
The size is 14.5×9.2×3.8 which is LxWxH and it raises your tower by about 3.8″, so you could likely also get a few items underneath the PC without restricting airflow and causing overheating, so it can add additional storage space.
It’s an extremely easy to assemble the device, simply connect the two legs and you’re good to go.
Main Features
- Withstands up to 44lbs
- The cheapest option of all our picks
- Has perforated holes for improved ventilation
- 14″ steel plate legs that are non-slip
- Easy assembly just two pieces
Hippo & Frog Metal Desk Monitor Stand Riser
Product Description
Despite the rather trendy Hippo & Frog brand name, this product is rather simple, and it does the job. Again, just like the other options you’ll have no issues housing your tower PC on this device as it can withstand 44lbs.
It has three separate height levels so you can easily adjust how high you want your tower, in case you want to put anything underneath, and you can simply use the button on the legs to lift the platform, although we would advise doing this without the tower on top of course.
It’s built to prevent overheating with the mesh holes on the shelf which allow airflow to the bottom of your computer. Again, like the other products, it’s made to be strong and stable with powder-coated steel, simple yet effective!
Main Features
- 44lb load capacity
- Three seperate height levels which adjust via a button
- Holes on the shelf platform for ventilation
- Modern design for space saving and more storage
FAQs
Can PC towers be on carpet? ›
Your PC will be just at home sitting on a flat floor as it would on a flat desk. Before placing your PC on the floor, be sure to think about airflow. Avoid placing your tower PC on thick carpet. If the carpet is a problem, consider putting it on a platform or stand on the carpet.
What do you put under carpet on your computer? ›Polypheme. Bad idea, carpets build up static electricity, which will damage your hardware. Get some wooden blocks or something to elevate it off the carpet, even old books should work.
Can you put a computer tower on the floor? ›If you have your PC on a hard floor, then chances that floor will gather dust, and that dust will find its way into your computer. We should state that dust will penetrate your computer no matter where you put it, but on the floor, there is a higher chance of your desktop PC sucking in more dust than ever.
How far off the ground should my PC be? ›The case feet sink into carpet so you loose out on the airflow. If you clean the dust out regularly, I'd recommend more than once a year) it should be fine. Distance doest matter too much. It needs to be enough for air to pass under your case unobstructed.
What material should a computer never be placed on? ›| Front | Back |
|---|---|
| A customer wants to control several computers with a single set of input devices. What solution should you provide for them? | KVM |
| Which of the following would best be used for high-end graphics cards? | PCIe |
| Which of the following materials should a computer never be placed on? | Carpet |
No. Doing so will most likely serve to suffocate your PC's intake (especially the PSU's intake FAN at the bottom), exhaust, or both.
Where should I put my computer tower? ›Computer. Off. Floor. - YouTube
How can I hide my computer tower? ›Decorating Ideas to Hide a Computer Tower in a Home Office - YouTube
Where is the best place to put your PC? ›You need to move it away from that window especially if your case has a side fan because it will suck radiator into the case , making your component's even warmer. You should have enough room under the desk to place the pc their without the risk of kicking it.
How often should you dust your PC? ›How often should I clean my PC? To maintain a healthy system, we recommend a light dusting at least every three to six months, or more often if you have pets or live in an especially dusty environment.
Should I put my PC on the floor? ›
Blocking intake or exhaust will mean your computer runs hotter, and therefore, with less efficiency. Even if you don't have carpet, you want to keep your computer away from dust as much as possible, and your floor has a ton of dust.
How far should my PC be from the wall? ›Well most power supplies point out the rear of the computer, allow 4-6 inches of space.
What are the things to be remembered before using the computer in closing it? ›Some of the most common ones include icons for Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point) and an icon for your Internet browser, (e.g., Internet Explorer). Remember, these icons are just quick ways to open these programs.
Is it bad to move a desktop computer? ›The desktop computer should never, under any circumstances, be on while moving. Next, as you disconnect all cables and cords, be sure to secure them with a twist-tie and place them in a labeled plastic baggie.
Can I put my computer on my desk? ›You are absolutely fine.
How do you set up a computer tower? ›Computer Basics: Setting Up a Desktop Computer - YouTube
Is it OK to put my laptop on a cardboard box? ›Safe, most likely but probably not a good idea if you are running CPU intensive tasks that may cause it to run very hot. Cardboard is made of layers with air-gaps, so it is a good insulator which is the opposite you want for dissipating heat. There are purposely built stands to lift a laptop up.
Where should I hide my laptop? ›The cabinets in your bathroom and linen closet are probably another place burglars will skip over. Try stashing your laptop under the bathroom sink (in an airtight bag, you know, just in case).
How can I hide my monitor screen? ›On Windows PCs, the shortcut is "Windows Key" + D. On a Mac running OS X, just press the F11 key.
Where do you put your PC tower Reddit? ›- Better ventilation than under desk or in cabinet.
- Doesn't suck in as much floor crud than if freestanding on floor.
- Be proud of your rigs.
- The one with a window shows its window toward my work area.
- Easy maintenance, should parts need to be swapped or monitored, or cables changed.
How can I store my computer? ›
A PC is particularly easy to ship. Pack it into a cardboard box a little bit bigger than it with enough Styrofoam or other packing material to immobilize it completely, and it should be fine. With the components taken out, use anti-static bags that came with your parts or look for ESD safe material.
How do I clean out my computer? ›- Perform a disk cleanup. ...
- Use a specialized cleanup app. ...
- Delete huge files to free up space on your hard drive. ...
- Uninstall applications you don't need. ...
- Use CHKDSK to test your hard drive's integrity and health. ...
- Use cloud or external storage if you're running out of local space.
No, just no. Don't do that. Go get some compressed air like a civilized person. Every other possible thing aside, the broad expanse of air that comes out of a hair dryer compared to a can of compressed air is just going to move stuff around a bit more than a fan would.
What is best way to dust? ›When dusting a room or an object, always start at the top and work your way down so you won't have dust resettle on a freshly cleaned area. Dust first, then vacuum a room to capture all that has fallen to the floor. Close windows and turn off fans while dusting to prevent the particles from scattering.
What is the best program to cleanup my computer? ›- Avast Cleanup. ...
- AVG TuneUp. ...
- CCleaner. ...
- CleanMyPC. ...
- IObit Advanced SystemCare. ...
- Iolo System Mechanic. ...
- Windows Storage Sense. ...
- Why do I really need cleaning software for my PC?
Of course! Just be prepared of the extra dust you will get in the case and make sure your bottom intakes are filtered.
Can I put my PC on tile floor? ›So I wanna know, can I leave my PC on tile flooring, even when the PSU is at the bottom of the case? Absolutely, yes.
How heavy is a PC? ›Desktop PC without GPU can weigh from 10 pounds to 30 pounds (4.5 kg – 13.6 kg) but that depends on what other components you have. On average that number is around 19 pounds (8.6 kilograms). In the table below, you can see examples of PCs that don't have a GPU and still weigh 30 pounds (13.6kg).
How much does it cost to leave computer on 24 7? ›200 watts multiplied by 24 hours divided by 1000 multiplied by 365 days in the year equals 1752 kilowatt-hours (kWh). In the US, the average cost of electricity per kWh is around 13.31 cents, so 1752 multiplied by 13.31 comes to a cost of around $233 dollars to keep your computer powered on 24/7 for an entire year.
Can dust destroy a PC? ›Dust can block filters and prevent air from flowing through the computer and causing it to overheat. Dust also acts as an insulator which can add to the heat build up. Dust can also cause a short in circuit boards and integrated circuits causing computers to crash and in some cases- even catch fire!
How much airflow does a PC need? ›
For most mid-tower cases, you will preferably want around two or three fans on the intake on the front side of your PC and one exhaust fan. If you have a larger full tower case, three intake fans at the front and one at the rear exhaust would be a good starting point.
Where should I put my computer tower? ›Computer. Off. Floor. - YouTube
Is it okay to put PC on carpet Reddit? ›Of course! Just be prepared of the extra dust you will get in the case and make sure your bottom intakes are filtered.
Is it OK to put a computer tower on its side? ›However, both traditional computer hard drives and SSD that are installed correctly work in any orientation and having them on their side does not hinder their operation. In conclusion, you can position a desktop computer vertically or lay a tower on its side as long as you take the above considerations into mind.
Is it OK to put my laptop on a cardboard box? ›Safe, most likely but probably not a good idea if you are running CPU intensive tasks that may cause it to run very hot. Cardboard is made of layers with air-gaps, so it is a good insulator which is the opposite you want for dissipating heat. There are purposely built stands to lift a laptop up.
How can I hide my computer tower? ›Decorating Ideas to Hide a Computer Tower in a Home Office - YouTube
How far should my PC be from the wall? ›Well most power supplies point out the rear of the computer, allow 4-6 inches of space.
How often should you clean your PC? ›How often should I clean my PC? To maintain a healthy system, we recommend a light dusting at least every three to six months, or more often if you have pets or live in an especially dusty environment.
Can you put a monitor on top of a PC? ›You can place your computer monitor on top of the computer if you need to raise it up to meet this height requirement, or you could manipulate your chair up and down accordingly. With a monitor that is larger than 20 inches (50.8 cm), consider positioning your monitor 3 inches (7.6 cm) above eye level.
Can I lay my gaming PC down? ›You can as there are no fans on the sides but it isn't designed to be positioned that way. One side has glass or possibly hard plastic and the other is metal casing. While it doesn't have a disc drive it may wear on the hard drive being operated in that position. So to answer the question, yes.. you can.
Can CPU be kept horizontal? ›
Yes it can. Actually it can be placed in any configuration that your case supports. Most cases are vertical or horizontal. Some more exotic cases even mount the motherboard and cpu at angles.
Should my PC be on the floor? ›Blocking intake or exhaust will mean your computer runs hotter, and therefore, with less efficiency. Even if you don't have carpet, you want to keep your computer away from dust as much as possible, and your floor has a ton of dust.
Should you keep the box your TV came in? ›The only valid reason to keep tech boxes is if you frequently upgrade your devices and sell your used items. In that case, keeping the original packaging will probably increase their value. Television boxes are also likely to be stashed away for safekeeping but never used again.
Should you keep the boxes that electronics come in? ›Keep the packaging for regularly upgraded tech like digital cameras, laptops, and smartphones. This insures when you upgrade, the resale value of your old device will earn the highest bid. We usually do not break down or fold these packaging flat, but instead store them inside a larger box.