They said it couldn’t be done, and even if it could, why would Secretlab, a company primarily known for its chairs, venture into the realm of desks? Yet, the Secretlab Magnus Pro has emerged, redefining the conventional workspace. While it may not be the first metal desk or the pioneer of integrated cable management, it has effectively addressed the persistent challenges that many users, including myself, have faced for years.
As an avid PC gamer, I have always cherished the thrill of gaming. However, one aspect that often goes unmentioned is the struggle with cable management. Countless hours have been spent trying to achieve the perfect setup, only to find that every solution I attempted was a temporary fix. The moment I decided to add a new component, the painstaking process of untangling and rerouting cables would begin anew. And managing the cables inside my PC? That was a whole different nightmare.
Recently, I upgraded my setup with new monitors and GPUs, but the Magnus Pro has quickly become my favorite addition in years. Although I had faith in the reviews, experiencing its transformative capabilities firsthand was nothing short of a revelation.
Revolutionizing Cable Management
Previously, I relied on the classic Ikea Karlby desk paired with Alex drawers, which lent a touch of elegance to my living room with its walnut veneer. However, the aesthetic appeal was overshadowed by the chaos lurking beneath the surface. Each time I powered on my computer, I was reminded of the clutter I had long struggled to contain.
My passion for experimenting with new PC hardware meant I found myself under the desk every few weeks, swapping out cables and components. This was a daunting task with my old setup, even with desk-mounted cable trays and velcro straps that promised ease. Enter the Magnus Pro, a game-changer in the world of desk design.
The Magnus Pro boasts several innovative cable management features, chief among them being a full-width cable management area that runs along the back edge of the desk, accessible via a flip-up panel. Inside this compartment lies a tray designed to house cables, power supplies, and chargers, allowing users to simply close the lid and forget about the mess within. Initially, I was skeptical of this approach, having been conditioned to believe that cables should be meticulously bunched together. However, the reality is that concealment is key—out of sight, out of mind.
Unlike traditional cable trays that often have holes that snag cables, the Magnus Pro features a solid sheet metal trough, ensuring everything remains neatly contained. Additionally, an integrated power strip within this trough allows for streamlined power management, further reducing clutter both on and beneath the desk.
The tabletop, crafted from steel, opens the door to a variety of magnetic cable management accessories (sold separately), enabling users to keep essential wires organized. I personally utilize mine to secure a spare USB-C cable, a necessity in today’s tech landscape, along with my monitor’s USB-C connection for seamless device integration.
With the Magnus Pro, every cable can be managed without creating a visual mess, as they feed effortlessly into the tray. It’s evident that the designers at Secretlab understood the frustrations of cable management, and their solution has ensured my desk remains immaculate, regardless of the additions I make.
Enhancing the experience further is the Desk Riser attachment (also sold separately), which elevates my monitor above my studio speakers while providing an additional shelf. The Magnus Monitor Arm, another accessory I’ve incorporated, securely holds my new 45″ ultrawide monitor without any wobble. To top it off, the Premium PC Mount allows me to secure my case to the desk, eliminating the need for extra-long cables when utilizing the stand functionality.
The Magnus Pro’s ability to conceal and manage clutter is unparalleled compared to other options in the gaming desk market. This extends even to the sit-stand height-adjusting controls, which are seamlessly integrated into the metal top rather than awkwardly hanging below it.
While the Magnus Pro is not without its flaws, the benefits it offers far outweigh the drawbacks. One notable issue is the tray’s size, which may not accommodate conventional mounts for devices like monitors or microphone arms. Given that Secretlab offers its own monitor mounts, one can speculate that the tray’s dimensions are intentionally designed to favor their products. This has led to some creative solutions on my part, such as modifying my Elgato microphone mount to fit securely within the tray.
The price point of the Magnus Pro, especially with its essential accessories, can be daunting, often exceeding the ,000 mark. In contrast, a standard sit/stand desk from Ikea could cost a fraction of that, and many might argue that a simple desk suffices. However, for those who have grappled with the frustrations of cable management, the Magnus Pro represents a worthwhile investment.
In the end, the Magnus Pro has liberated me from the trials of tangled cables, making it a valuable addition to my workspace. The cost may seem steep, but for those who understand the value of a well-organized desk, it is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
