Computer monitor arms can help you create a better workspace by positioning your screen exactly where you want it. Before you buy one, you'll need to make sure it works with your monitor. Several things matter - the mounting holes on your monitor, how heavy your screen is, and where you plan to attach the mount. This guide will show you how to check if a mount will work with your monitor, helping you make the right choice.
1. Check Your Monitor's VESA Mount Pattern
The first step in choosing a monitor wall mount is checking the mounting holes on your monitor. These holes follow a standard called VESA, which most monitor manufacturers use. Getting these measurements right will save you time and ensure your mount fits properly.
Finding the Mounting Holes
Turn your monitor around and look at its back. You should see four screw holes arranged in a square or rectangle. These holes follow the VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) mounting standard. If you can't find these holes, check if they're hidden behind a removable plastic cover.
Measuring the VESA Pattern
Take a ruler or measuring tape and measure the distance between these holes in millimeters. Measure both horizontally and vertically between the centers of the holes. The most common VESA patterns are:
- 75mm x 75mm (typically found on smaller monitors)
- 100mm x 100mm (the most common size for standard monitors)
- 200mm x 200mm (often used for larger displays)
What If Your Monitor Has No VESA Holes?
Some monitors, especially older models or ultra-thin displays, might not have standard VESA mounting holes. Don't worry - you can still mount these monitors using a VESA adapter plate. These plates attach to your monitor using different methods and provide the standard VESA hole pattern needed for mounting.
You can write down your monitor's VESA measurements before shopping for a mount. Most monitor wall mount listings clearly state which VESA patterns they support, making it easy to find a compatible option.
2. Make Sure Your Mount Can Support the Weight
After confirming your VESA pattern, the next crucial check is your monitor's weight. A mount that's too weak for your monitor could fail and damage your equipment, while one rated for much heavier monitors might cost more than you need to spend.
Finding Your Monitor's Weight
Look up your monitor's exact weight in the user manual or on the manufacturer's website. If you still have the original box, you might find the weight listed there. Remember that this should be the monitor's weight without the stand, as you'll be removing it for mounting.
Checking the Mount's Weight Limit
Monitor mounts clearly list their maximum weight capacity in their specifications. Many standard mounts support between 4.5 to 11 kg (10 to 24 pounds) per monitor. Choose a mount that can safely hold more than your monitor weighs.
Planning for Safety
Pick a mount rated for at least 20% more than your monitor's weight. This extra margin helps ensure stable operation and accounts for any additional stress from adjusting the monitor's position. For example, if your monitor weighs 8 kg (17.6 pounds), look for a mount rated for at least 10 kg (22 pounds).
Planning for Multiple Monitors
For dual or triple monitor setups, add up the weight of all monitors you plan to mount. Make sure the combined weight stays well below the mount's total capacity. Some mounts list both per-monitor and total weight limits - pay attention to both numbers.
3. Match Your Monitor's Size to the Mount
Monitor weight isn't the only number that matters - screen size compatibility plays a key role too. Even if a mount can support your monitor's weight, its design might not work well with your screen's physical dimensions.
Measuring Your Screen Size
Find your monitor's screen size, which manufacturers measure diagonally from corner to corner. This number is usually part of the model name - like a 27-inch or 32-inch monitor. You can also measure it yourself or check the specifications in your manual.
Checking Size Compatibility
Each monitor mount specifies a range of screen sizes it can support, such as "13-inch to 32-inch" displays. These limits exist because the mount's arms and joints are designed to balance and support specific screen dimensions. Using a mount outside its size range can make your setup unstable.
Considering Physical Balance
A mount that works perfectly with a 24-inch monitor might struggle with a 34-inch ultrawide screen, even if both monitors weigh the same. Larger screens create more leverage when extended away from the mount, which can strain the mounting arm or make adjustments difficult. Choose a mount specifically rated for your monitor's size to ensure smooth operation.
4. Check Where You'll Install Your Mount
Your monitor's size and weight tell only part of the story - the mounting location matters just as much. Whether you choose a desk or wall mount, your mounting surface needs to be strong enough and have the right features for a secure installation.
Measuring Your Desk
For desk mounts, measure your desk's thickness at the spot where you'll attach the mount. Most desk clamps work with surfaces between 0.5 to 3.5 inches thick, but this range varies by model. Also check if your desk has a lip or edge design that might interfere with the clamp's grip.
Examining Your Wall
Wall mounts require careful consideration of wall construction. Drywall alone won't support a monitor - you'll need to mount into wall studs, concrete, or brick. Use a stud finder to locate wooden studs, which typically sit 16 or 24 inches apart. For concrete or brick walls, note that you'll need special anchors.
Gathering the Right Hardware
Different mounting surfaces need different hardware. Quality mounts include appropriate screws and anchors for common installations, but you might need to buy additional hardware for special cases. Double-check that you have all necessary pieces before starting installation.
Planning Your Cable Setup
Look at nearby power outlets and think about how you'll route cables from your monitor. Good mounts include cable management features like clips or channels. Measure the distance from power sources and plan your cable path before finalizing the mount location. This step prevents the hassle of moving your setup later.
5. Evaluate Mount Movement and Features
Once you've confirmed your mounting location and hardware needs, consider how you want your monitor to move. The right range of motion helps you create a comfortable, flexible workspace that adapts to different tasks and positions throughout your day.
Understanding Movement Options
Monitor wall mounts offer various types of motion. Look for tilt adjustment (up and down movement), swivel (left to right rotation), and screen rotation (landscape to portrait). Some mounts limit these movements - for example, larger screens might have restricted rotation options. Check the exact degrees of movement in each direction.
Measuring Extension Range
Think about how far you need the monitor to move from the mounting point. Measure the distance from where you'll attach the mount to your ideal monitor position. Gas spring arms typically extend 15 to 25 inches, while basic arms might only reach 10 inches. Make sure your chosen mount can reach your desired viewing distance.
Adjusting for Ergonomics
A good mount should help you maintain proper posture. Look for height adjustment that places your screen at eye level when you sit straight. The mount should hold this position firmly without drifting down over time. Some mounts use gas springs or counterbalance systems to make height adjustments smooth and easy.
Fine-Tuning Your Setup
Test all adjustments after installation. The mount should move smoothly without requiring excessive force. Each joint should stay firmly in place once positioned. If your mount has tension adjustments, take time to set these properly - they help maintain stability while keeping movements fluid.
Special Monitor Types and Mount Requirements
While standard monitors work well with most mounts, some displays need extra attention. The shape, size, and weight distribution of specialized monitors can affect mount compatibility. Taking these factors into account now can save you from compatibility issues later.
Curved Monitor Requirements
Curved monitors create unique mounting challenges due to their shape. Their curved design can affect how weight distributes across the mount, especially when adjusting positions. Look for mounts specifically rated for curved displays - they often have deeper VESA plates and stronger tilt mechanisms to handle the uneven weight distribution.
Ultra-Wide Monitor Support
Ultra-wide monitors need extra consideration due to their extended width and unusual weight balance. Their weight might fall within a mount's limits, but their width creates more leverage when adjusted. Choose mounts designed for ultra-wide screens - they typically have stronger arms and more stable joints to prevent sagging or drifting.
Future Monitor Upgrades
Think about your future setup when choosing a mount. If you might upgrade to a larger or heavier monitor later, consider a mount that exceeds your current needs. Buying a more capable mount now could save you from replacing it during your next monitor upgrade. Just remember that over-speccing too much might mean paying for capacity you'll never use.
Get Your Perfect Monitor Mount!
Before buying a monitor mount, check five basic things: the mounting holes (VESA pattern), your monitor's weight, its screen size, where you'll install the mount, and how you want it to move. For curved or ultra-wide monitors, look for mounts made specifically for these types. Taking these simple steps will help you find a mount that fits well and works safely. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask the mount manufacturer for help.
