Building a PC is just the beginning of a truly great PC setup. You also need to focus on the other parts that make up your entire setup – your desk, monitor, peripherals, and lighting. Without improving these aspects, even a killer gaming PC can feel boring in an incoherent setup. Fortunately, it's easy to get this right. While you'll have to invest some time and money, it will be worth it in the end.
A beautiful setup can increase your productivity simply because it is more inviting and enhances your experience whenever you sit down and spend time in it. This list is not about the functional upgrades you can make to your setup, but rather the most visually appealing and eye-catching ones that can give it a proper facelift.
5 A PC case with modern aesthetics
Changing the look of your PC can be worthwhile
I know that replacing cases can be daunting if you've already assembled your PC. You'll have to take the whole thing apart and rebuild it from scratch with the new case. However, if your existing case isn't doing your setup any favors, it's worth the effort. If you've settled on a case with an outdated design that looks like every other case on the market and looks like it belongs in an office, I'm sorry to tell you that it's probably time to give it away.
By upgrading to a beautiful case, your PC can finally become the centerpiece of your setup, as it was always intended to be.
Today, there are more options than ever for modern PC cases with clean aesthetics. Not only do they excel in terms of cooling performance, spacious interiors and functional features, but they also fit easily into your interior design. Think of the Fractal Design North with its wooden front panel, the Asus ProArt PA602 with its understated design or the compact Teenage Engineering Computer-1 with its bold color scheme.
There is no shortage of design options when it comes to modern cases; you just need to pick one and explore the options. The community around mini-ITX cases is growing quickly, so you can also try a compact PC if you are willing to make some compromises. Upgrading to a beautiful case can finally make your PC the centerpiece of your setup, as it was always intended to be.
4 An ultrawide monitor
Your display should displayed
Your monitor is the only component through which you experience your PC. While sound is important, the visual experience is the overwhelming part of the PC experience, so if your setup still has a modest monitor, it's a far cry from what it could be. A regular 27-inch or 32-inch screen might look great on your desk, but it's nothing compared to a massive ultrawide screen, whether curved or flat.
Your monitor no longer plays second fiddle to your PC, but becomes an important device in its own right and the highlight of your impressive PC setup.
By switching to a 34-, 45-, or 49-inch ultrawide monitor, you can transform your humble PC setup into a battle station—an immersive space where you experience both work and play in a whole new light. Your monitor will no longer play second fiddle to your PC, but will become a major player in its own right and the highlight of your impressive PC setup. The functional benefits of the extra screen real estate will also benefit you in productivity as well as gaming workloads.
3 A stunning wireless keyboard
You have to type with style
Aside from the monitor, the keyboard has the biggest visual impact of all the peripherals in your setup. If you take a look at your desk, your keyboard is unique in both the space it takes up and the prominence it holds on your desk. It's not surprising, then, to focus on a keyboard that makes a visual statement and matches the standards of your PC and display.
The world of mechanical keyboards, and more recently Hall Effect keyboards, can be overwhelming at first, but you can find your favorite design once you start exploring.
Whatever keyboard layout you prefer, you should choose one with a striking design that won't clash with the rest of your decor. For example, a keyboard with matcha green keycaps will feel odd in an all-black or wood-colored decor. The world of mechanical keyboards, and more recently Hall effect keyboards, can be overwhelming at first, but you can find your favorite design once you start exploring.
Compared to wired models, I prefer wireless models because they avoid tangled cables and are much more maneuverable. They also add to the clean aesthetic of your PC setup. Also, the concerns about latency and battery life with wireless keyboards have largely been addressed these days.
2 Subtle, diffuse lighting
Don’t ignore the power of lighting
Once you've set up your PC and peripherals, you might think you've reached PC setup nirvana. But think again, because without the right ambient lighting, your setup might not impress you, especially after hours. You've probably seen countless PC setups online that utilize diffused lighting from behind the monitor or around the desk, adding another visual layer to the setup.
It envelops your entire room and makes it a part of the decor, enhancing the beauty of your interior even more.
Incorporating LED strips, light bars, floor lamps and more into your setup can extend its visual impact far beyond the confines of your desk. It wraps around your entire space and makes it part of the setup, enhancing the beauty of your desk area even further. You can also consider light panels that can be attached to your walls or ceiling if you want to take it a step further. Personally, I prefer diffused light over wall panels, but you can experiment and find your mood.
1 A large desk that matches your interior
Without a great desk, nothing runs smoothly
All the effort you put into finding a great PC case, monitor, and keyboard will be for nothing without a spacious desk. Your desk may blend seamlessly into your setup, but it's the unsung hero that makes everything else shine. Without enough depth, your monitor will border your keyboard and mouse. And without enough length, you'll struggle to keep all your accessories close at hand without creating a lot of clutter.
Whether you choose an all-white desk, a matte black model, a smooth wood model, or something else, it needs to be large enough to accommodate all the pieces of your setup.
Speaking of accessories, a large desk pad is essential for comfort and convenience. A small desk will limit your desk pad choices. Whether you choose an all-white desk, a matte black model, a smooth wood model, or something else, it needs to be large enough to accommodate all the components of your setup. Plus, the best desks have cable management features, extra legroom, and even USB charging ports.
A spacious desk is the key to working without clutter and will significantly increase your productivity as you won't waste time cramming everything into a limited space. A large desk will also easily accommodate your headphone stand, wireless charger, artificial plants, figurines and any other favorite item.
Your PC setup should look good
When setting up a PC, it's not just about performance and functionality. If you spend a large portion of your day at your desk, it should also look good so you can enjoy it to the fullest. It doesn't matter if you consider every single thing on this list, the important thing is to keep your setup in mind when building a new PC or upgrading it.
What works for one may not work for another, so there are definitely no rules here. However, if you use this list as inspiration, you can start improving your PC setup and take it to the next level. After all, every PC setup deserves to look its best and become an extension of the user.