The Corsair Platform 4: Elevate Desk is unlike any standing desk I’ve tested before. Instead of just the desk itself, you get a complete desk setup in a box with a heavy-duty monitor arm and an extra-wide cable management tray included. However, adding Corsair’s optional multi-frame pegboard takes things a step further by adding convenient and modular storage for all of your controllers, keyboards and other accessories.
Unlike with other standing desks that I’ve used for weeks or months at a time, I spent almost an entire year testing out the Corsair Platform 4: Elevate Desk. During that time, it served me just as well for work as it did for gaming with plenty of desk space for either thanks to its deeper 30-inch top. However, unlike its six foot wide predecessor, this desk will be a better fit in most homes thanks to its 48-inch width.
Corsair Platform 4: Elevate Desk: Cheat Sheet
- What is it? A dual-motor electric standing desk with a built-in monitor arm and cable management system.
- Who is it for? Gamers, streamers, and people who work from home that want a desk setup in a box.
- What does it cost? The Corsair Platform 4: Elevate Desk costs $999, but is frequently on sale for half its list price.
- What do we like? The T-Channel mounting system and the included monitor arm, the extra-wide cable management tray, the desk’s sturdy build quality, and its smaller size compared to Corsair’s Platform 6: Elevate Desk.
- What don’t we like? That there are only two programmable height presets and that the full package with the multi-frame pegboard costs more than most other standing desks for gamers.
Corsair Platform 4: Elevate Desk: Specs
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Corsair Platform 4: Elevate Desk (as tested) | Corsair Platform 6: Elevate Desk |
|---|---|---|
Desktop size | 48 x 30 inches | 72 x 30 inches |
Desktop style | Black laminate, Birch dark walnut stain, Birch light pine stain | Black laminate, Birch dark walnut stain, Birch light pine stain |
Leg colors | Black | Black |
Min/max height | 29-48 inches | 29-48 inches |
Max supported weight | 265 pounds | 330 pounds |
Electric | Yes (dual motor) | Row 5 – Cell 2 |
Noise level | Row 6 – Cell 1 | N/A |
Memory presets | 2 | 2 |
Grommets | No | No |
Cable management | Metal cable management tray included, in-desk storage cubby with USB power | Metal cable management tray included, in-desk storage cubby with USB power |
Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
Corsair Platform 4: Elevate Desk: The Ups
The Platform 4: Elevate Desk sets itself apart from other standing desks for gamers in a number of ways. However, what stood out to me most is just how well its massive cable management tray and premium monitor arm form a complete package so you don’t have to waste time (and money) shopping for additional accessories.
Packed to perfection
The Platform 4: Elevate Desk arrived in a single yet considerably heavy box. While many standing desks come in two boxes with one for the desktop and one for the legs, Corsair managed to pack everything into one. However, you’ll likely need help bringing this one inside your home.
Speaking of packaging, I was thoroughly impressed by the care and attention to detail that went into how the various parts of the Platform 4 were placed into the box. Everything was laid out neatly and protected with plenty of foam packing material to keep it safe during transit.
With everything unpacked, I was left with the desktop itself, the desk’s legs, the T-Channel rail and monitor arm along with all of the other parts I needed to put the Platform 4 desk together. I also liked how the monitor arm was in a separate box so I didn’t get its pieces mixed up with those for the rest of the desk.
Assembling the desk was a straightforward process thanks to clear instructions and the fact that it doesn’t come in a variety of different sizes. After attaching the frame to the desktop, I dropped the legs in and secured them using bolts and the included Allen key.
Then I attached the cable management tray at the back of the desk and plugged in the cables from the legs to the control box in the center of the desk’s frame. I’ve built dozens of desks over the years and honestly, this was one of the easiest ones to put together despite having a more complex design.
With the desk itself built, I flipped it over onto its feet and began putting together the T-Channel rail system. This sits along the back of the desktop and serves as the mounting point for the included monitor arm and Corsair’s optional multi-frame pegboard.
Desk setup in a box
With a starting price of $999 without the optional pegboard, the Platform 4 is certainly an investment. However, given that Corsair includes everything you need to work, game, and stream, it’s actually a strong value proposition. And if you pick up this standing desk at a steep discount during a sale, it’s even better.
Instead of having to mess around with the clamps that the rest of the best monitor arms use to attach to your desk, Corsair does things a bit differently. The T-Channel rail system extends from one side of the desk to the other, and the Platform 4’s included monitor arm attaches directly to it. Not only does this prevent additional wear on the desktop itself, it also lets you quickly reposition your monitor arm.
Depending on your display and how you want to have your setup laid out, you can slide the monitor arm to the left or right. It’s worth noting that this desk is ideal for single-monitor setups, while the Platform 6 is better suited for dual-monitor setups because it’s wider and comes with a dual-monitor arm.
Regardless of which desk you choose, you also get an extra-wide, metal cable management tray with plenty of space for one of the best surge protectors and all of your power adapters. Many companies offer cable management trays as optional add-ons, which is why I’m glad Corsair went this route instead.
In fact, the cable management tray has so much room that I actually tucked one of the best mini PCs — the Geekom A6 — inside when I put together my first setup with the Platform 4. Given that the tray itself has holes and isn’t enclosed, I wasn’t worried about the computer overheating.
If a monitor arm and cable management tray weren’t enough, Corsair also includes built-in storage towards the back of the desk. When you lift the lid, you have access to a small but still sizable compartment where you can store dongles, cables and other accessories. It also has USB-A and USB-C ports on the left side, though you do have to plug them into your PC or a power adapter to charge your devices.
With the T-Channel rail system and monitor arm set up at the back of the Platform 4, it was time to add the optional accessory that really makes this desk shine.
Going vertical (with accessories)
Just like the Platform 4 itself, Corsair’s multiframe pegboard accessory is on the steep side at $299. However, it goes on sale quite frequently and you can often pick it up for half price. Even at full price, I’d say it’s definitely worth it for the extra storage space and the aesthetics.
As the name implies, this accessory is a modular system made of two pegboard panels that sit side-by-side in a large metal frame that attaches to the top of the T-Channel rail system. You can also buy Corsair’s multiframe pegboard on its own and use it with any desk since you get traditional clamps in the box as well.
I have to admit, putting the pegboard together was a bit harder than I thought it would be after building the Platform 4. Once it was built, I had some difficulty figuring out how to insert the included T-Nuts used to screw the shelves and other accessories into the rails on either side. After watching others do it online, I eventually got the hang of it.
Alongside the pegboard, you get two small shelves and one larger shelf. I installed the smaller shelves on either side and used them to house a pair of the best computer speakers. While I could have put the larger shelf on the side of the desk for some extra desktop space, I decided to install it on the top of the frame and upside down to give the desk a cockpit-style look.
Corsair gives you plenty of hooks too, which you can use to store controllers, keyboards, and basically any other accessory on the pegboard. Since I went with a dedicated console gaming setup with an Xbox Series X on one side and a PS5 Pro on the other, I hung their respective controllers and headsets on either side. Also, since the pegboard is made of metal and not plastic, you can use magnetic accessories like NZXT’s Puck cable management and headphone holder too.
If space is at a premium and you don’t want to risk damaging your desk by adding a third-party drawer or other storage accessories underneath, Corsair’s multiframe pegboard is the way to go.
A cockpit for your battlestation
With the pegboard installed behind the Platform 4 and the way I set it up, it really felt like my own personal gaming cockpit. While I did have to get creative with the placement of that mini PC, I was very impressed by just how much you can fit on this desk.
If you need more room, Corsair sells optional desk extensions and even more pegboard panels that you can install on the side of the desk for additional storage space. For those who plan on using this desk with one of the best gaming PCs, investing in a desk extension makes a lot of sense; for $40, you get an extra foot of desktop space, which is perfect for a larger desktop computer.
As I mentioned, I’ve used the Platform 4 as my main gaming desk for almost a year now. I set it up in my office at first and then moved it out to my game room for some extra space, and the Platform 4 worked well in both rooms. In addition to all black and light or dark Birch, it’s also available in white if you’d rather have the desk blend in with your home decor instead of standing out.
While I did use the Platform 4 for work here and there, the majority of my testing time was spent gaming. Whether I was playing Astro Bot on PS5 or Tears of the Kingdom on my Nintendo Switch, it’s a comfy and spacious desk to game at.
One other thing I really like is that alongside all of the other included accessories, Corsair also gives you some small plastic shelves that attach to either side of the desk. I found these really came in handy for storing my controllers and remotes when I wasn’t using them.
Overall, I’ve enjoyed practically every second with the Platform 4 despite a few difficulties when installing the optional pegboard. I also tried out the Secretlab Magnus Evo during this same time period, but between the two, I think I might stick with the Platform 4 long term given how useful all of the extras Corsair has thrown in have been.
Corsair Platform 4: Elevate Desk: The Downs
The Corsair Platform 4: Elevate is an excellent gaming desk through and through. However, it falls slightly short compared to other standing desks for one key reason that won’t be a deal breaker for most.
Up or down with no in-between
Regardless of whether you’re using an electric standing desk built for productivity like the Uplift V3 or one for gaming like the Secretlab Magnus Pro, there are buttons at the front used to adjust its height. Typically, alongside your up and down buttons, you also have a few dedicated memory preset buttons which you use to program your preferred sitting and standing heights.
In my time testing standing desks, I’ve seen as many as four of these height-preset buttons. Surprisingly, the Platform 4 only has two: one for standing and one for sitting. For most people, this will definitely be enough. However, I’ve found that having a third one like on Secretlab’s standing desks — or even a fourth like on Uplift and Vari’s — can be extremely useful.
For instance, when I’m working, I like to have the top of my monitor just slightly above eye level for the best ergonomics. When it’s time to game, I might drop it down slightly so I can lean back in one of the best gaming chairs or even one of the best office chairs. The same goes for when I’m standing while playing games; in that case, I usually have my display slightly higher since I hold my controller close instead of resting my arms on the desk like I do when typing.
I would have liked to see Corsair add a third or even a fourth memory preset button here, especially for the price. Speaking of the price…..
Looks can be deceiving
If you go to Corsair’s website and look at the Platform 4: Elevate, the video that autoplays shows the desk by itself without the company’s optional pegboard. However, with a desk like this, chances are you’ll see it on TikTok or YouTube first before you actually click the link.
In that case, you might be surprised to learn that the multiframe pegboard is an optional accessory. It’s always good to have options, but if you’re dead set on that pegboard — and the extra storage and specific look it provides — you might be disappointed to find it isn’t included and requires an extra investment.
Speaking of the price, the Platform 4 is on the expensive side for a 48-inch, dual-motor electric standing desk. There are plenty of less expensive options from companies like FlexiSpot that can be had for under $500. Corsair does make up for the Platform 4’s high $999 list price by deeply discounting the desk during sales, though. In fact, I’ve seen it on sale for as low as $449 recently. While it was out of stock at that price, if you can catch it during a similar sale, it’s an absolute steal given the included accessories.
Corsair Platform 4: Elevate Desk: Verdict
The Corsair Platform 4: Elevate Desk goes beyond a traditional electric standing desk by including everything you need to get started gaming, streaming, or working from home right in the box. Sure, optional accessories like the multiframe pegboard certainly sweeten the deal, but even without them, you’re getting a well-built, dual-motor standing desk that you can always expand later on.
For instance, one thing I didn’t get to try out is using the Platform 4 with Elgato’s accessories. Since Corsair owns Elgato, all of its lights and other streaming gear are also compatible with this desk and the larger Platform 6. If you’ve already invested in that ecosystem, this desk becomes a no-brainer.
At $999, the Platform 4 is on the expensive side for a smaller standing desk. However, you get quite a lot of bang for your buck, and if you can find it on sale, even better. After using the Platform 4 for almost a year, I don’t think I’ll be getting rid of this desk anytime soon.
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