Rats nest of cables

[evil_ash_xero]

Just wondering how you guys tend to organize your cables? I have a CRT that has about 9 systems hooked up to it, and it's a mess. Just a nightmare. I have all the cables tied, but it's still awful. And the area is open, so I can't really hide a lot of them.

I have ordered a couple of those Blue Lounge Cable Box Organizers. And yeah, I know it's just a plastic box.

Anyone use these, or have better ideas? It's such an eyesore.

[beatsgo]

How I see it is if your AV cables are long enough that you can route them neatly, go for it. It's like routing wires in an arcade stick. No one likes to mess with tangled wires if you're doing a quick fix. Just ask any server engineer.

[LEGENOARYNINLIA]

Just yesterday I made the decision that I can't have all the power and AV cables of my consoles lying about anymore, so I removed and bagged them all in ziplock bags. If I want to play something, I will simply get out the bag with the cables and hook it up.

Not saying this is the answer for everyone, but it sure cleared up a huge mess from my apartment.

[evil_ash_xero]

I have a decent amount of space, so I try to have everything hooked up. I find that if I have to go and hook something up, a lot of times I just won't play it. I impulse game a lot.

[gray117]

Hiding it.

Personally, I just think a large desk is the only way to go - room to stretch your legs out kind of desk. You can then rack/enclose/route/suspend cables under the top of the desk. A matching small chest of drawers/cabinet under or next to desk can further mask any equipment visibility whilst of course storing away related bits/discs you may not want left out.

If you're like me, you'll probably have your screen(s) relatively close to the desk front which should certainly allow for console space, if not pc space towards the rear of the desk. However, if you want it to look clean either hide behind monitors or simply keep that desktop as clear possible.

Something to be aware of; I prefer to rest arms solidly on the desk or chair - making it necessary to either choose a corner/kidney/cutout desk, or particularly careful selection of chair with adjustable armrests. Upshot - take time selecting the desk/cabinet/chair - it'll be worth it

I've had equipment in a neighboring hall box room/large cupboard before, but that's extremely dependent on your layout and burying cables/drilling holes and, honestly, it meant I just had my pc on all the time and hardly branched out... even when not working. There's furniture which may serve a similar purpose, but it's a bit hard to recommend these days being cautious about heat build up.

[EmperorZelos]

My wires and I have an agreement, they stay behind shit where i can't see them and I leave them alone, what they do behind therei s their problem

[ninn]

I always use cable-ties to shorten the wires to exactly the lenght I need them.
This way, you can position this "knot" where ever you want it and it will not ooze out

[alpachinko]

My wires and I have an agreement, they stay behind shit where i can't see them and I leave them alone, what they do behind therei s their problem

I have the same agreement in place. Except the most unruly ones which are secured out of the way with some good old tape

[Lord of Pirates]

All I worry about is that I can easily untangle or remove anything and that they're out of the way of being stepped on or tripped over.

[speedlolita]

I just have a single system hooked up at a time according to usage.

[EmperorZelos]

I just have a single system hooked up at a time according to usage.

bah I couldn't do that, too many I use all the time for htat to be a viable option for me.

[Jack Burton]

I don't. They're all over the place like a giant rat's nest. Functionality>Aesthetics.

[evil_ash_xero]

I don't. They're all over the place like a giant rat's nest. Functionality>Aesthetics.

I'm trying to find some kind of medium. Those cable boxes, or a piece of furniture are my only hope.

[XC-3730C]

I use Velcro cable ties. I like them so much better than zip ties, because if I need to undo them, I don't need to cut and waste them unlike zip ties. Plus I can readjust them if need be.

[ninn]

There are re-usable zip-ties.

[speedlolita]

You can easily undo zip ties with a knife.

Long as you don't cut off the excess at least.

[evil_ash_xero]

I use the Velcro ties as well. They're uber handy.

I got the mess straightened up by using tons of those, and buying a couple of those boxes. It's OK now. Sorta.

[XC-3730C]

Flex tubing is also good to consolidate and hide a bunch cables.

[Krooze L-Roy]

Organize cables? That's an option?

I've long ago accepted the fact that I live like some sort of creepy hacker character from a 90s sci-fi movie. The trick is to shift your body weight around periodically so the wires don't merge into your skin.