A monitor arm is a great accessory you can add to your PC desk setup from additional workspace to increase ergonomics, there are lots of positives associated with them.
When it comes to ergonomics, it can make a significant difference whether it is your computer work desk or gaming station.
A computer monitor arm can be very beneficial for a productive work environment, they maximize your workspace and keep you away from physical issues.
Hence, that’s a good reason to invest in a computer monitor arm.
But, when there are numerous desk monitor mounts available from different brands, choosing the perfect one could be quite confusing if you don’t know how what factors to consider.
In this article, I will be covering a few of the important key factors which if you keep in mind, you’ll be better able to pick the best monitor arm you need for your setup.
- 10 Things You Should Know About Computer Monitor Arms
- 1. Is a Monitor Arm Worth It?
- 2. What Are the Main Types of Monitor Arms?
- 3. Do Monitor Arms Save Space?
- 4. How Thick Should a Tabletop be for a Monitor Arm?
- 5. How Much Weight Can Monitor Arms Hold?
- 6. Can You Use a Monitor Arm on a Glass Desk?
- 7. How Do I Protect My Desk from the Monitor Mount?
- 8. Do Monitor Arms Fit/Work for All Monitors?
- 9. How Do I Know if My Monitor is VESA Compatible?
- 10. How Do I Choose a Monitor Arm?
- Conclusion
10 Things You Should Know About Computer Monitor Arms
1. Is a Monitor Arm Worth It?
A computer monitor arm is a piece of hardware that helps you adjust your computer monitor. It can be attached to the desk and to the back of your computer.
A monitor arm helps you adjust the viewing angle, height, and depth of the computer monitor so that you can work comfortably without having to adjust too many different things on your desk.
It is very useful to hold the monitor in place so that it doesn’t move around too much and you can sit in a more ergonomic position when you’re working.
So, when the monitor is set up correctly, you will do less work and have less fatigue working at the desk.
This is how it makes sure that you can prevent future expenses from neck, spine, back, and shoulder pain or soreness.
Moreover, there are several types of monitor arms out there for different setup needs, but it helps you be more comfortable when working in any work environment.
2. What Are the Main Types of Monitor Arms?
For any typical computer monitor, you can find these 10 types of monitor arms in the market:
- Wall Mounted – This type of computer monitor arm mounts onto a wall and efficiently maximizes the space in a limited workspace.
- Gas or Spring Arm – These types of monitor arms are easily adjustable but more expensive and can’t hold heavier monitors.
- Mechanical Spring – These types of monitor arms last longer, operate more easily than spring arms, and are also less expensive.
- Clamp Mounted – This type of computer monitor arm fastens to the edge of a desk via C-clamp.
- Grommet Mounted – This type of computer monitor arm is attached to the edge of the desk through a hole and screwed underneath.
- Post Mount – This monitor arm is attached to a desk from a single column via a grommet mounting system and allows you to set the monitor at your preferred height.
- Stacked Mount – This monitor mount type is similar to the post mount but the monitors are organized one on top of the other.
- Rail Mount – This monitor arm is used especially when multiple computer monitors need to be organized in single or multiple rail options.
- Laptop Arm – This type of arm is designed to support a laptop device.
- Mixed-use Arm – This type of computer monitor arm uses dual arms with one arm holding the monitor and the other arm holding a laptop.
3. Do Monitor Arms Save Space?
The main purpose behind designing the monitor arm is to maximize the workspace by enabling you to have the best sitting posture.
No matter if it is a regular work desk, home office desk, or gaming station, monitor arms let you adjust the monitor(s) according to your setup needs.
And as we know the computer monitor is the major element that consumes the most space on the desk, by mounting them into the arm, you get some extra needed space.
Not only this, but the monitor arm also helps you achieve ergonomics and make sure you face less eye, neck, and shoulder fatigue.
4. How Thick Should a Tabletop be for a Monitor Arm?
The maximum thickness of the typical tabletop for a monitor arm should be either up to 3.93-inches for C-clamp mounting or 3.74-inches for Grommet mounting.
The thickness of the tabletop isn’t really all that important, but when it’s sitting on top of the monitor arm or on the monitor wall, it can be a big deal.
You want to make sure that the tabletop is stable and won’t tip from side to side.
The thickness of the tabletop affects the amount of space between the monitor arm and the desk, so you should always be sure to check the thickness of the tabletop.
5. How Much Weight Can Monitor Arms Hold?
It’s important to know how much weight you can put on your monitor arms. This will help you determine whether you need to invest in a stronger arm or a heavier arm.
Since the modern computer monitors are becoming sleeker and lighter, then a computer monitor arm can be configured to hold weight from 4 pounds (2kgs) to 25 pounds (11kgs).
But it may be more depending on the weight of the computer monitor and the type of arm.
So, when you’re purchasing a computer arm, first, be sure about your monitor’s weight and then look at the minimum weight holding capacity of the monitor arm.
Do a cross-reference and pick the right monitor arm that is capable enough to hold your monitor(s) weight or even more.
6. Can You Use a Monitor Arm on a Glass Desk?
A monitor arm can be attached to a glass desk if the glass surface is thick and strong enough to hold the weight of the monitor arm and monitor.
But of course, there are some precautions to be taken care of while using the monitor arm on the glass desk.
The glass may break because when you fasten the monitor arm on the glass edge, the base of the monitor arm puts some amount of pressure on a single point.
And as we know, if the glass is exposed to non-uniform stress, either it can crack or even shatter.
But, you can limit the risk by reinforcing a wooden block between the glass and clamp of the monitor arm.
7. How Do I Protect My Desk from the Monitor Mount?
If you’re using a monitor arm on your wooden computer desk and the monitor arm has a C-clamp mounting, it may damage your wooden computer desk.
The clamp of the monitor arm could stress the surface of the tabletop and damage by leaving scratches and dents.
The simplest and easiest hack to overcome this problem and extend the desk lifespan is by reinforcing a plate (a wooden block) between the desk and clamp.
This wooden block will spread the pressure of the weight evenly over a larger surface area of the desk and reduce the damage.
8. Do Monitor Arms Fit/Work for All Monitors?
Whether the monitor arm supports a computer monitor depends entirely on whether the monitor is VESA compliant.
The VESA standard defines four mounting holes that are built into the back of a computer monitor to be used to attach the monitor arms.
Since not every computer monitor is made to comply with the VESA standard, this is one of the biggest problems that most people face.
Therefore, if a computer monitor has a VESA standard four-hole attachment interface, it means that the monitor arm is supported the monitor.
9. How Do I Know if My Monitor is VESA Compatible?
The simplest way to determine whether your computer monitor is VESA compliant is by finding the four-hole attachment interface back into the monitor.
In some cases, you may find difficulty finding the four-hole because the monitor is attached to an existing stand.
If that is the case, you will have to remove the monitor stand and look for those VESA standard four holes.
The VESA standard is divided into three categories that vary depending on the size (dimensions) of the computer monitor.
On most computer monitors, the VESA standard can be found in the square hole pattern of 75x75mm or 100×100 mm.
10. How Do I Choose a Monitor Arm?
Consider these 7 key points into account and you will be able to pick the right computer monitor arm for your desk setup:
- First of all, verify your computer monitor is compliant with VESA standards. Peek at the back of the monitor and make sure there is a four-hole attachment interface.
- Consider the weight of your computer monitor and then find the monitor arm that is capable of holding the weight of your monitor.
- Determine the depth of your computer desk and the size of the monitor so that you know how long your monitor arms will need to be.
- Determine the number of computer monitors you’re going to use in your setup. If you’re using a dual monitor, you’ll need a dual monitor mount.
- Be sure of where you will attach the monitor arm, whether it is on the edge of the desk or onto the wall.
- Be sure about the fastening type (C-clamp or Grommet mount) of the monitor arm. It depends on the type of desk you have in your setup.
- Are you also going to use a laptop on the mount? If so, you’ll need a mixed-use computer arm.
In case you’re in a hurry, here is our top 3 recommended monitor arm’s that you can buy right now online.
- Fits 13″ To 27″ Screens – Dual monitor mount…
- Articulation & Height Adjustment – Adjustable arm…
- Heavy Duty C-Clamp – Mounts to the back of your…
- Integrated Cable Management – Keep your power and…
- Easy Installation – Mounting your monitors is a…
- UNIVERSAL: Fits Most 17” – 30” Monitor with the…
- FULLY ADJUSTABLE: The durable gas spring system…
- FULL MOTION MOUNT: A Wide range of movements, The…
- ERGONOMICS: Improve your overall well being by…
- EASY INSTALLATION: Comes with detailed instruction…
- Increase Comfort & Productivity – This dual…
- Install In 10 Min or Less – The 1-piece gas spring…
- Optimize Your View and Workstation – The stand…
- Hold Your Monitor Stably – The solid construction…
- Fit Your Monitors – Widely fit two 17″ to 27″ flat…
Conclusion
Now that I have coved answers to the most common questions that come to people’s minds during buying the monitor arms.
I hope you’re now better able to pick the right computer monitor for your computer desk setup.
If so, make sure to share it on social media. And let me know if you have any suggestions or queries about this article.
I would be glad to hear from you about your feedback.
Reference: VESA-standard.com
