Need suggestions on PC arrangement

[Bradster]

Not working with much room here. This is my living room. I'd like to keep this as nice looking as possible. I ordered everything for the 5 box setup. Now just trying to figure out where to put it all. (Pc under my desk is empty, just a foot prop)

Front View
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u171/bradster__/frontview-1.jpg


Side View
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u171/bradster__/sideview.jpg

[Xzin]

Can you not just line them all up under your desk? 5 in a row?

[Bradster]

Can you not just line them all up under your desk? 5 in a row?

I wish. I could if I moved the monitors next to each other, but that's as close as I can put the monitors before the displays start going nuts from each other.

I was thinking maybe putting the PCs in the VCR area. I ordered a ton of longer cords, but i'm going to need to extend the monitor cord to make it work (eekk $$)

[mufar]

I guess a larger desk is not much of a possibility?
if so, considered using a corner (L shape) desk?

[Xzin]

LCDs don't suffer from magnetic effects so you can place them together. Even if you spread the monitors apart - why can't you line the computers up on a row under your desk?

[wougoose]

I use a similar desk as the one you are using. I'm holding off on posting my setup until I make my monitor mounts. I use 2 stacked vertically on the left of my main monitor, and 2 stacked vertically on the right of my main monitor. My main monitor is centered in the middle of all 4. When I get my mounts done I will post pics, but for now it is ghetto rigged similar to Ellay's monitor setup.

I would suggest switching to LCD's if you can afford it. I picked up 4 17" brand new LCD's for $120 each.

As for the boxes, these utility desks make plenty of room underneath to store the boxes under.

-goose

[Bradster]

why can't you line the computers up on a row under your desk?

After I get everything setup and things go well, I'm going to purchase the monitors. That will take up most of the desk space (monitors) so just thinking ahead the PCs are best placed someone else from the start.

I might just make something and place all the pcs under the desk. Only thing about that is the heat that will be under there will be awful. That's what got me thinking about putting them where the VCR is, it's a bit more open and my legs won't have to fry.

[Bradster]

I use a similar desk as the one you are using. I'm holding off on posting my setup until I make my monitor mounts. I use 2 stacked vertically on the left of my main monitor, and 2 stacked vertically on the right of my main monitor. My main monitor is centered in the middle of all 4. When I get my mounts done I will post pics, but for now it is ghetto rigged similar to Ellay's monitor setup.

I would suggest switching to LCD's if you can afford it. I picked up 4 17" brand new LCD's for $120 each.

As for the boxes, these utility desks make plenty of room underneath to store the boxes under.

-goose


I'd like to see those pics, that sounds like the ticket for monitor placement! I was thinking about getting 2 monitor btackets for each side of the monitor only across not vertical. I read someones post (I forget who). That just got a quad monitor mount, and it's hard to see the top monitors. I'd really like to go that route. Let me know how it pans out for you.

Under the desk, I agree there is room. Bit worried on the heat coming out of there cooking me =)

L shapoe desk I'd love to have but I'd have to move the end table, and if I did that I think at that point my wife would put her foot down :lol:

[wougoose]

Well I decided I'd take a pic for you. This isn't the final setup, as all monitors will be mounted instead of using boxes as shown. Sorry for the pic being crappy, took it with my phone :)

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p310/wougoose/5boxGoose.jpg

[Bradster]

Well I decided I'd take a pic for you. This isn't the final setup, as all monitors will be mounted instead of using boxes as shown. Sorry for the pic being crappy, took it with my phone :)

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p310/wougoose/5boxGoose.jpg

Man that's a SWEET setup. I'm going to have to do that for sure.

I received my Mutiplexer, KVM, and Mice so far. Got a request signature thing left of my door today, I think for all the cords I ordered to hook everything up. As of today my PC order was processed. Now just waiting on them to build and ship. Man I can't wait.

So let me ask ya, any suggestions on a place to buy monitors? I've seen them as love as $145 (Viewsonic) Seen a couple out there (noname brands) for $115 but they didnt have have the screws in the back for the monitor bracket.

[Xzin]

I like newegg.com - arrives quick and the prices are decent - not the lowest but its easier.

Gooses setup now looks almost exactly like mine looked before, only I had more happy hackings and mice, and a 6th (and 2 more on the wings) monitor. I redid my entire setup for the push to 70, but I speak from experience that Goose has a solid base to 5 box on. Had I not have expanded to 10 boxing, I could have made the push to 70 very well on that setup, plus maybe the X-keys pro that goose and I have over the desktop.

I also had a pull out. drop down tray for the main KB and mouse. More ergonomic.

As long as the monitor is VESA compliant (75 or 100mm) then it will fit the Ergotrons. You need to remove the stand on it though (4 screws). 99% of all monitors are VESA though.

[Bradster]

I like newegg.com - arrives quick and the prices are decent - not the lowest but its easier.

Gooses setup now looks almost exactly like mine looked before, only I had more happy hackings and mice, and a 6th (and 2 more on the wings) monitor. I redid my entire setup for the push to 70, but I speak from experience that Goose has a solid base to 5 box on. Had I not have expanded to 10 boxing, I could have made the push to 70 very well on that setup, plus maybe the X-keys pro that goose and I have over the desktop.

I also had a pull out. drop down tray for the main KB and mouse. More ergonomic.

As long as the monitor is VESA compliant (75 or 100mm) then it will fit the Ergotrons. You need to remove the stand on it though (4 screws). 99% of all monitors are VESA though.

Thanks for the VESA warning. I was not aware of that. Speaking of newegg, thats where I ordered my Big viewsonic you see in the picture. Also where I ordered the mice for this project. They arrived the next day! The monitor when I bought it two years ago came 2 days after I placed the order. Thats fast!

[Bradster]

Well I couldn't help myself. I decided to go ahead and order the monitors and stands. Stand wise make sure you guys check ebay. Some great deals on Ergotron monitor mounts. Some going for as low as the $40 range.

[Shogun]

I think you could get an L shaped or corner desk in there to be honest, without moving the side-cabinet, also, doing so would allow for your gear to be on/under/around 1 desk, and therefore not cluttering up the living room, that's a win with the wife ^^

Then I'd go for something like this setup, or a variation on that theme with ur new monitor stands

http://www.dual-boxing.com/Images/Noc.jpg

[Bradster]

I think you could get an L shaped or corner desk in there to be honest, without moving the side-cabinet, also, doing so would allow for your gear to be on/under/around 1 desk, and therefore not cluttering up the living room, that's a win with the wife ^^

Then I'd go for something like this setup, or a variation on that theme with ur new monitor stands

http://www.dual-boxing.com/Images/Noc.jpg

I really do like that desk layout. I never gave much thought on the corner desk, but that just might work, and it would make wifey happy. Win Win 4tw? Now if only I had money left in the budget to get one hehe.

[Shogun]

Build one using the old desk as a start, get new legs from somewhere like Ikea (cheap) and a new top for the other side of the L, could probably do it for as little as $50 (guessing here, I live in the UK not US ;) )

edit: or ebay a desk, noticed they go cheap on ebay as they're hard to ship, but try and find one to collect and ur sorted, that or a local paper or something with 2nd hand desks?

[Bradster]

It's a work in progress, 7 hours setting up. This is what I have so far. Have everything here now, but the PC's. Be about 12 days until the PC's get here.

What do you guys think so far?

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u171/bradster__/inprogress.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u171/bradster__/inprogress2.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u171/bradster__/hellyeah.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u171/bradster__/mutiplexer.jpg

[kyo]

pretty cool... I got the same CRT monitor (the one with the flats arround) :p

[Shogun]

Coming along nicely :)

Only thing is soon you'll start to want to replace those CRT :/ After a while the quality of an LCD spoils you :P

[MrLonghair]

If someone needs a large desk with good depth I have to recommend the very simple $69.99 (used to be $50) Mikael from IKEA, http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10111489


Width: 55 1/8 "
Depth: 29 1/2 "
Height: 29 7/8 "
Max. load: 66 lbs

Just don't stack CRTs and computer chassis on it, I did and it only lasted me three and a half years. With the very limited space Bradster had to go with, I have to say he did a very nice job! :)

[Mannyman]

Nice work. I'd look into moving those cases under the desk, but that's just me.

[Bradster]

Thanks guys!

The computers were shipped this Monday. This Friday I should receive the 4 computers. That’s the last of the hardware I’m waiting on. I work 2nd shift so I won't get started on the project till mid afternoon (Most likely will have to drive to the pickup FedEx location). Hope to have all the machines imaged by the end of the night. Wow installed and patched.

Will Take a while to make the macros (I already have some typed out, just a matter of copy and paste). By Sunday I should be leveling if all goes well.

Think I may have to buy new VGA cords, I bought 4, thinking I was going to place the computers under my desk. Now that the PCS are going to be placed on the new desk, may not reach. I'll have to run to the CompUSA and over pay for longer ones ><. Meh oh well.

I could really use the X Keys Pro. Going to do without for right now, its something I want to upgrade too as soon as I can however.

Rolling on Mag to join the rest of the Mutibox crowd. I can provide 5 sigs for the guild carter =)

[Xzin]

I can provide all 10 :)

Don'y get ripped off on $20+ VGA cables - get some from monoprice.com and put the savings into an X-keys pro.

VGA extenders are M/F. Longer cords are M/M. VGA can be extended a ton, DVI, 15 - 20 feet max for single link.

[Steph]

Bradster, I have to ask: Why do you keep the CRT?

Even a cheap-o TFT should be nicer to look at, plus you are not being subjected to flickering (visible or not) and the dust particle bombardment on your eyes or glasses.

[Boxcarwilli]

I would suggest switching to LCD's if you can afford it. I picked up 4 17" brand new LCD's for $120 each.
-goose

Where from, the best Ive seen on NewEgg is 150 for 17", includes free shipping.

[Bradster]

Bradster, I have to ask: Why do you keep the CRT?

Even a cheap-o TFT should be nicer to look at, plus you are not being subjected to flickering (visible or not) and the dust particle bombardment on your eyes or glasses.

Fair enough =)

Well I had a old 21' that started going out me. Flat screens that didnt have ghosting problems with gaming cost way too much back then. My eye sight isnt great so I wanted a big screen. Prices on LCDS came down a lot in two years. So with price in mind I bought that 22-23'CRT about 2-3 years ago. Its a really nice one. Spent a ton on that thing. I love it's picture and its the best monitor i've ever had. I dont plan to part with it for a long time.

Far as the CRT on the side desk, that was free. If I get a free LCD, i'll be replacing it one day.

[Xzin]

People always say "LCDs have ghosting" and yes, to a VERY limited amount they do. But does it really matter? Even old models are not somethign you will likely ever notice. My first LCD purchase was a $700 17" model. With a 16ms delay. I wanted so much to get one with a smaller one, but they were far too expensive to justify. I never regreted it. To date, I have never noticed this. Even with faster models side by side. I personally consider response time a non factor. Pixel density, etc is another story.

[wougoose]

I would suggest switching to LCD's if you can afford it. I picked up 4 17" brand new LCD's for $120 each.
-goose

Where from, the best Ive seen on NewEgg is 150 for 17", includes free shipping.

I picked them up at a local circuit city. They had a sale for $140 with $20 mail in rebate. HannsG 17" widescreens with DVI. Luckily they had a rebate issue and the salesperson just gave them to me for $120 each :)

So, I guess I was lucky...just need to look around for those good deals. I was about to order some off newegg before I spotted the ad in the paper.

[Bradster]

People always say "LCDs have ghosting" and yes, to a VERY limited amount they do. But does it really matter? Even old models are not somethign you will likely ever notice. My first LCD purchase was a $700 17" model. With a 16ms delay. I wanted so much to get one with a smaller one, but they were far too expensive to justify. I never regreted it. To date, I have never noticed this. Even with faster models side by side. I personally consider response time a non factor. Pixel density, etc is another story.

I've not seen ghosting either. But have to remember this was a number years ago, LCD's were very new and very pricey. LCDs were not all that great yet.

I paid round $500 back then.

# Maximum resolution: 2048 X 1536 ( I think)
# Dot pitch: 0.21 mm (horizontal), 0.25 mm (diagonal)
Warranty 3 Years
Power Consumption 115 Watt (ouch)
Weight 59.54 lb.

Other CRT is some POS EV700 Gateway monitor (not a bad picture) Got it for free ^^ For most things my saying goes "If it's free, its for me!".