Choosing the right cable tray for a server room or workspace involves balancing capacity, ease of installation, and durability. The Scanfield Under Desk Cable Management Tray stands out for its quick, tool-free setup with adhesive, making it ideal for temporary or semi-permanent setups. Meanwhile, the Univivi Under Desk Cable Management Tray offers a larger capacity and versatile mounting options, perfect for more extensive, fixed installations. Both options have tradeoffs—adhesive strength versus capacity and installation complexity—so understanding your specific needs is key.
Key Takeaways
- The Scanfield tray excels in easy, tool-free installation but may have adhesive durability issues on certain surfaces.
- The Univivi tray provides a larger capacity and better heat dissipation with dual mounting options, suited for permanent setups.
- Size matters: choose the 17-inch version for moderate cable loads and the 32-inch for extensive wire management.
- Installation tradeoffs include adhesive reliance versus potential need for tools and screws.
- Both trays are designed for under-desk use, but the Univivi offers more ventilation and flexibility for heat-sensitive equipment.
| Scanfield Under Desk Cable Management Tray, No-Screw, 17-Inch, 2-Pack Black |  | Best for Easy, No-Tool Installation | Size: 17 inches | Quantity: 2-pack | Color: Black | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Univivi Under Desk Cable Management Tray, 32 inch, Black |  | Best for Large Capacity and Versatile Mounting | Brand: Univivi | Size: 32 inches | Color: Black | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| cable trays for server room | Size | Color | Installation | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scanfield Under Desk Cable Man | 17 inches | Black | No-screw, adhesive backing | 2-pack |
| Univivi Under Desk Cable Manag | 32 inches | Black | Dual options: clamps or screws | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Scanfield Under Desk Cable Management Tray, No-Screw, 17-Inch, 2-Pack Black
This tray shines for its simple, adhesive-based mounting, making it perfect for quick setups or spaces where drilling isn’t an option. It’s spacious enough to hold multiple cables and power strips, which helps in reducing clutter and improving aesthetics. Compared with larger or more complex options, its main limitation is the adhesive’s reliability over time, especially on uneven or textured surfaces. It’s best suited for users who prioritize ease and speed over maximum capacity or heat dissipation.
Pros:- Easy to install without tools or screws
- Reduces cable clutter effectively
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Spacious enough for multiple cables
Cons:- Adhesive strength can weaken over time
- Limited to under-desk use only
- Not suitable for uneven surfaces
Best for: Small to medium server rooms or temporary setups where quick installation is needed.
Not ideal for: Permanent installations or surfaces with low adhesive compatibility.
- Size:17 inches
- Quantity:2-pack
- Color:Black
- Installation:No-screw, adhesive backing
Our verdict“A quick, tool-free solution ideal for temporary or flexible setups, but watch out for adhesive longevity.”
Univivi Under Desk Cable Management Tray, 32 inch, Black
This model offers a significant upgrade in capacity with its 32-inch length, making it suitable for extensive server rooms or workspaces with numerous cables. Its dual mounting options—clamps or screws—provide flexibility for both temporary and permanent setups. The ventilated design helps prevent overheating of power strips and chargers, which is essential in server environments. However, installing with screws requires tools and may not be compatible with all desk styles. It’s a better fit for those who need a large, heat-dissipating tray for long-term use.
Pros:- Supports dual mounting options (clamps or screws)
- Large capacity for cables and power strips
- Ventilated design prevents overheating
- Enlarged cable holes for flexible wiring
Cons:- May require tools for screw mounting
- Design might not fit all desk sizes
- Limited color options (only black)
Best for: Large server rooms or setups requiring high capacity and heat management.
Not ideal for: Small desks or users seeking a quick, no-tools installation.
- Brand:Univivi
- Size:32 inches
- Color:Black
- Installation:Dual options: clamps or screws
- Weight:2.45 kg
- Warranty:1 year
Our verdict“A robust, spacious tray designed for permanent, heat-sensitive installations with flexible mounting options.”
How We Picked
Our selection process focused on the most relevant features for server room environments, emphasizing capacity, installation ease, durability, and heat management. We compared products based on size options, mounting flexibility, material quality, and user feedback. Preference was given to solutions that balance robust cable capacity with straightforward setup, ensuring they suit both temporary and permanent server room arrangements.
| cable trays for server room | Installation |
|---|---|
| Scanfield Under Desk Cable Man | No-screw, adhesive backing |
| Univivi Under Desk Cable Manag | Dual options: clamps or screws |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cable Trays For Server Rooms
Choosing the right cable tray for your server room depends on your specific needs around capacity, installation method, and heat management. Whether you prefer a quick, adhesive solution or a large, ventilated tray that supports heavy wiring, understanding these factors helps in making an informed decision.
Capacity and Size
Assess how many cables or power strips you’ll need to accommodate. Smaller trays like the Scanfield are suitable for moderate setups, while larger options like the Univivi provide ample room for extensive wiring. Remember, a tray too small can lead to clutter, while one that’s too large might be unnecessary or visually overpowering.
Installation Method
Decide whether you want a tool-free, adhesive-based installation or prefer the stability of screw-mounted trays. Adhesive options are great for temporary setups or surfaces where drilling isn’t feasible, but they may lack long-term durability. Screw-mounted trays tend to be more secure for permanent installations but require tools and some installation effort.
Heat Dissipation and Ventilation
In server environments, heat buildup can damage equipment or reduce lifespan. Ventilated trays like the Univivi support airflow, helping to keep equipment cool. Non-ventilated trays might trap heat, so consider your equipment’s heat output when choosing a tray.
Durability and Material
Look for sturdy materials that can withstand regular use and prevent damage. Metal trays tend to last longer and support more weight than plastic ones. Also, consider environmental factors—moisture and temperature fluctuations can affect materials differently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install these cable trays on any desk surface?
Most of these trays are designed for standard desk surfaces, but adhesive-backed trays like the Scanfield may struggle on textured or uneven surfaces. For best results, ensure your desk surface is clean and smooth, and consider the stability requirements for your setup.
Are these trays suitable for high-heat environments?
Ventilated trays like the Univivi are better suited for environments where heat dissipation is important, as their design promotes airflow. Non-ventilated options may trap heat, which could impact sensitive equipment, so choose accordingly based on your server room’s temperature profile.
How much weight can these trays hold?
The capacity varies: the Scanfield is ideal for multiple cables and small power strips, while the Univivi can support larger loads due to its size and sturdy mounting options. Always check the product specs for maximum weight recommendations to avoid overloading.
Is it possible to add or remove cables easily after installation?
Yes, both trays are designed for flexible wiring. The Univivi’s enlarged holes facilitate quick cable addition or removal, while the Scanfield’s spacious design allows easy access, though its adhesive mounting might limit repositioning once installed.
What should I consider when choosing between adhesive and screw mounting?
Adhesive mounting offers quick setup without tools but may lack long-term durability, especially on textured surfaces. Screw mounting provides a more secure, permanent solution but involves additional installation effort. Your choice depends on whether you want a flexible or permanent setup.
Conclusion
For users managing smaller or temporary server setups, the Scanfield tray offers a quick, tool-free installation that minimizes downtime. Larger operations or those with heat-sensitive equipment should consider the Univivi tray for its capacity, ventilation, and flexible mounting options. Hobbyists or small office environments benefit from the simplicity of the Scanfield, while data centers or more permanent server rooms will find the Univivi a more robust and scalable choice.
