Computer desk cable management on the cheap

Step 5 Lay the cable

For the sake of simplicity I decided to run the power cables first before any data cables. As you'll also see, I've zip-tied a 6 outlet strip to the shelf. My 10 year old Belkin PowerAuthority II that sits on my desk is for the equipment that is protected. The strip is for the non-essential components like my AA battery charger, mouse charger, router/cable gateway, speakers and stuff that I want "always on". As you can see I ran the power, coiled them up and zip-tied them to the shelf along with the AC adapters. I made sure to not tie them too tight so that I can slide them up and down on the wire to make room for additional cable if needed. However, make them tight enough so they don't slide down. Then run the data - usb, vga, dvi, etc...Make sure to allow enough slack in your lines so that you can pull out the PC without straining the cords. Basically everything that needed to be plugged in was attached to the wire shelf and everything that needed to run horizontally, I put in the MultiCable Staples. As you will note, I also attached my router to the shelf. I realized that I reset the thing like once every 6 months or so and there was no need to have it accessible. I know I may be taking a chance with kicking off the Wi-Fi antenna, but I'm willing to risk it.