How to Use a $14 Stand for Your PC on the Floor

Dealing with a cumbersome desktop PC is just not for me. With two 27-inch monitors, some chunky Bluetooth speakers, and a full-sized mechanical keyboard already taking up plenty of space, I really can’t afford to squeeze in a bulky PC case too. Plus, I often need room for a laptop, making the situation even tighter.

However, tucking your PC beneath the desk introduces its own challenges, as my friend Dominic Bayley found out the hard way. To get straight to the point, I’d never leave my PC directly on the floor without a stand. I browsed through various options on Amazon and ultimately chose the Io Crest tower stand, which is quite affordable at just $14.

So, why is a stand necessary for a PC that sits under a desk? Even if your machine has feet (which have a frustrating knack for falling off), it’s just a few millimeters above the ground. This proximity invites dust, insects, and even spider webs into the airflow of your system.

The issue intensifies if your flooring is carpeted. Even low-pile carpets can obstruct air vents, causing your CPU and GPU to overheat and throttle—definitely not ideal for gamers.

Another consideration for floor-situated PCs is moisture. My office is in the basement, which has experienced frequent water leakage in the past few years. Even a small amount of water could short-circuit your PC’s power supply.

I’ve bought three of these Io Crest stands—one for each custom PC I’ve assembled—and they’ve proven reliable over time. The stand is a durable, adjustable X-shaped bracket that can stretch from 6 to 10 inches in width. It’s robust enough that I’ve never worried about my PC tipping over.

Ben Patterson/Foundry

Each stand comes with casters, which, when installed, elevate your PC approximately 4 inches off the floor. This height helps maintain clear air vents, even on plush carpets. I personally opt not to use the casters, and even then, my PC remains about two inches above the ground.

If the Io Crest stand doesn’t appeal to you, there are plenty of alternative solutions available on Amazon. Trust me, having some type of stand for your PC if it’s positioned under your desk is essential, unless you’re a fan of dust bunnies snuggling up to your graphics card.