Cable Management - Is There a Trick to It?

That's always been the "ugliest" part of computing, trying to hide cables. I just do the best I can to run them behind a desk where they won't be seen, works with those that seldom need moving. I've added 3" holes in my main desk to running the cables from computers to a printer, Network Router, KVM switch and HDD docks. Those for portable devices are a different thing, impossible to hide and still be usable for their intent. One thing to watch our for is with unshielded Ethernet cables [most commonly used] in not coiling tightly or bundling with others, could cause cross-talk interference with each other and don't run them near high-power devices such as fluorescent light fixtures and electric motors, strangest one I had to work with was a wheel balancer in a tire shop, always caused a problem until we moved the device so as to run the cable from above down a support post to it.

Keep it a neat as you can. You can try to make the cables round and use the Velcro at even internals. You are talking about inside the case Right?

CerebralFreeze said:

Oh, I'm talking about outside the case. Trying to hide them under the table. I drilled a surge protector underneath and then used sleeves for everything else. But I have some power cords coming from the surge protector but also a UPS. So, combining all the power cords is not easy in order to make everything look neat.

Also, the data cables get mixed with the power cords. Not always easy to separate.

Oh then I do what Berton does, I do tie wrap them together . the best thing would be a desk with a hole in it towards the rear where all of the cabled from the monitor could go and be hidden and there are cable treys that you can attach, Use wireless KB and mouse if you can.

CerebralFreeze said:

Shouldn't I always just buy shielded (STP) ethernet cables? Is there a huge difference in cost with shielded and unshielded?

Shielded are more expensive, need different plugs on the ends of the cables which may require a different tool to affix them. My experience is they usually are not stocked in computer shops but can be had from firms that support a large variety of electrical needs. Last one I had to use for a custom-sized cable was 70 miles away and finally had to close [energy bust] and move everything another 110 miles away. A second firm is 170 miles the other direction.

Berton said:

Shielded are more expensive, need different plugs on the ends of the cables which may require a different tool to affix them. My experience is they usually are not stocked in computer shops but can be had from firms that support a large variety of electrical needs. Last one I had to use for a custom-sized cable was 70 miles away and finally had to close [energy bust] and move everything another 110 miles away. A second firm is 170 miles the other direction.

Unless you have a 1Gig connection they are not needed. Cat 5 or 6 will do just fine although I do have some Cat 6E cable.

I'm not having issues with CAT5 cables with Gigabit NICs and Switch plus Router but my runs are not over 30 feet. Now if I had to do the maximum of 100Meters/300feet I'd look for making changes.

Berton said:

I'm not having issues with CAT5 cables with Gigabit NICs and Switch plus Router but my runs are not over 30 feet. Now if I had to do the maximum of 100Meters/300feet I'd look for making changes.

My runs are about the same, That Cat 6E cable I had from work, still in the box. 1000 ft.