SetupReady Guide
How to read a monitor arm spec sheet
A monitor arm fails in exactly two ways: it can't hold your monitor's weight, or it can't reach where you want it. Both are on the sheet.
Weight range — both ends matter
Check your monitor's weight WITHOUT stand (it's in the monitor's spec sheet) against the arm's range. Too heavy sags; too light won't hold position either — gas-spring arms have a minimum. Ultrawides and 32"+ panels often need heavy-duty arms.
VESA pattern
75×75 and 100×100mm cover almost all monitors — but confirm yours HAS VESA holes (some budget and Apple displays need adapters).
Motion and reach
Full-motion (gas spring) arms float the monitor anywhere; that's the point of paying more. Check extension reach if you sit far back, and rotation if you want portrait mode. Pole-style arms are cheaper and fine for set-and-forget positions.
Mount type
C-clamp fits desks up to ~3" thick; grommet mount uses a hole through the desk. Check your desk's rear edge — thick desks, raised lips, and beams block clamps.
The 10-second cheat sheet
- Weigh your monitor sans stand, then buy an arm whose range brackets it.
- Gas spring for adjustability; pole style to save money.
- Ultrawide/32"+: heavy-duty arm, no exceptions.