The best desk cable management seems like magic because it makes things disappear. Today’s M4 Mac mini setup with dual 4K displays shows that off beautifully, hiding most of the workstation’s gear underneath an elegant desk.
“That cable management is art,” said one appreciative commenter.
In this case, the user made the cable-management parts using a 3D printer. But you can achieve the same effect using a few inexpensive products that aren’t difficult to install.
Best desk cable management tricks hide in Mac mini setup
This mount allows you to save space by keeping a Mac mini under a desk or on a wall. Comes in black.
In a post titled “Custom M4 Mac mini setup,” Redditor popackard proves that the best cable management tricks remain hidden by design. Their spare and elegant M4 Mac mini setup with dual Dell 4K displays is situated around a beautiful acacia countertop resting on Ikea sawhorse desk legs. But there’s almost nothing on the actual desktop, beyond a dual-display bracketed mount, input devices and a charger.
“It may look minimal, but the space is quickly filled when I am in the middle of a project,” Popackard said about the conspicuously empty desk.
Well, the reason it’s mostly empty comes down to genius. Almost all of the setup’s action actually takes place under that glossy slab of acacia wood. Namely, the Mac mini, a backup hard drive, power supplies and all cables are managed via a “bracket and clip system” Popackard designed, 3D printed and installed, hiding most of their setup’s gear.
This power strip fastens to the underside of a desk, helping hide gear and cables. Includes switch, 12 outlets and 4 USB ports, plus surge protection and 6-foot extension cord.
Redditors showed their appreciation in comments:
- “OMG please come manage my cables!!!!”
- “Cable management is pro-grade work. Love it.”
- “Cable-management ASMR [Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, usually referring to a pleasurable, relaxing tingling sensation].”
- “That cable management is art.”
And Popackard offered his contact info to anyone interested in his designs.
Photo: [email protected]
Best desk cable management conjures invisibility
Use this iron storage rack to mount a Thunderbolt 4 or TB 3 dock under your desk, along with a power cable. Installation hardware included.
So how did Popackard do it? In a nutshell, they designed a bracket and clip system in FreeCAD and 3D printed all the pieces you see in the photograph above holding the devices and cables. They screwed (or stuck with adhesive) everything to the bottom of the acacia desktop. And they “added a little TPU button for turning the computer on.”
That might sound like some awfully intense DIY to many folks — especially the designing and 3D-printing aspects. But that doesn’t mean you can’t buy some similar equipment instead of making it, and fire up your hand drill or screwdriver to install it under your desk. Then your gear and cable clutter can be on the desk bottom instead of the desktop, too.
For the best desk cable management, try products like these:
- Under desk mount for Mac mini M4/M4 Pro
- Under desk power strip
- Under desk dock/hub mount
- Under desk cable management trays
- Adhesive cord organizers
Shop these items now:
With no drilling, you can use clamp this metal mesh tray under your desk to hold devices and cables.
Computer:
Displays and mount:
Input devices:
It's easy to install this self-adhesive cable organizer, which keeps cables straight and going where you want them. It also helps child- and pet-proof your setup.
Audio:
Furniture:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually work fine). Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
