# My New Desk is a Transformer

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux2hOuJ43tg
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/ux2hOuJ43tg
Generated: 2025-08-28T19:32:48.263+00:00

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## Quick Overview

The video details the process of building a custom dual-monitor, dual-setup standing desk using aluminum extrusion, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of integrating a water-cooled PC into the desk itself.

**Key Points:**
- The project involves building a custom standing desk with integrated PC components, including a water-cooled setup, for a "double desk" experience.
- Linus and his team utilize aluminum extrusion (2020 T-slotted framing) for the desk's structure, sourcing parts from McMaster-Carr.
- They encounter challenges with the bamboo desktop's honeycomb core construction, which proves less sturdy than expected when cut.
- The build includes mounting components for a water-cooled PC onto a pegboard backing, featuring a 360mm radiator and custom acrylic reservoirs.
- The team also installs a second, lower desk surface that retracts, allowing for a more compact setup when not in use.
- The final desk features dual monitor mounts, a custom pegboard for component mounting, and integrated RGB lighting, creating a unique and functional workspace.

![Screenshot at 00:00: Linus holds up a clapperboard to start the video, introducing the project of building a custom standing desk with an integrated PC.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/ux2hOuJ43tg/00-00-00.png)

**Context:** Linus Sebastian and his team at Linus Tech Tips are known for their ambitious and often experimental tech builds. In this video, they undertake the challenge of creating a custom dual-monitor standing desk that not only functions as a workspace but also integrates a high-end, water-cooled PC directly into its structure, demonstrating a unique approach to desk customization and PC building.

## Detailed Analysis

The video documents the construction of a custom standing desk with an integrated, water-cooled PC. The team starts by using 2020 T-slotted aluminum extrusion for the desk's frame, sourcing parts from McMaster-Carr. They encounter an issue with the bamboo desktop's honeycomb core, which proves to be less robust than anticipated when cut, leading to a less-than-ideal finish. The PC build features a custom water-cooling loop with a 360mm radiator and acrylic reservoirs, all mounted onto a pegboard backing. A key feature is a secondary, lower desk surface that retracts, allowing the main desk to move up and down while keeping the PC components accessible and integrated. The team also installs dual monitor mounts and custom RGB lighting to enhance the aesthetic and functionality of the workspace. The video highlights the challenges of custom fabrication, such as cutting the bamboo desktop and ensuring all components fit securely within the desk's structure, ultimately showcasing a functional and visually striking desk setup.

### Project Overview

- Building a custom standing desk with an integrated, water-cooled PC and dual monitor mounts.

### Frame Construction

- Utilizing 2020 T-slotted aluminum extrusion sourced from McMaster-Carr for the desk's primary structure.

### Desktop Material Issues

- Encountering problems with the bamboo desktop's honeycomb core construction, which proved difficult to cut cleanly.

### PC Integration

- Mounting a water-cooled PC with a 360mm radiator, custom acrylic reservoirs, and various components onto a pegboard backing.

### Dual Surface Design

- Incorporating a secondary, retractable lower desk surface to accommodate the PC and maintain functionality.

### Aesthetic Enhancements

- Adding custom RGB lighting and cable management solutions for a clean and visually appealing setup.

### Assembly Challenges

- Overcoming difficulties in cutting materials and ensuring all components fit precisely within the custom-built frame.

### Final Outcome

- A functional and visually impressive standing desk with an integrated PC, dual monitors, and flexible workspace options.

![Screenshot at 00:00: Linus holds up a clapperboard to start the video, introducing the project of building a custom standing desk with an integrated PC.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/ux2hOuJ43tg/00-00-00.png)
![Screenshot at 00:11: A screenshot of the FlexiSpot website showcasing standing desk options, likely a precursor to choosing the desk frame.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/ux2hOuJ43tg/00-00-11.png)
![Screenshot at 01:11: Linus explains the need for a sturdy standing desk with significant vertical lift, highlighting the FlexiSpot E7 Plus.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/ux2hOuJ43tg/00-01-11.png)
![Screenshot at 02:15: A product page from McMaster-Carr showing various T-slotted framing rails, indicating where parts for the desk structure are sourced.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/ux2hOuJ43tg/00-02-15.png)
![Screenshot at 02:21: Close-up footage of aluminum extrusion being cut with a metal chop saw, a key step in fabricating the desk frame.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/ux2hOuJ43tg/00-02-21.png)
![Screenshot at 02:28: A product page for T-slotted framing structural brackets from McMaster-Carr, showing the components used for assembly.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/ux2hOuJ43tg/00-02-28.png)
![Screenshot at 02:33: A CNC machine precisely cutting a piece of aluminum extrusion, demonstrating advanced fabrication techniques.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/ux2hOuJ43tg/00-02-33.png)
![Screenshot at 02:52: Linus holds up a cross-section of the bamboo desktop, revealing its multi-layer honeycomb construction.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/ux2hOuJ43tg/00-02-52.png)
![Screenshot at 04:11: The desk frame is shown in a CAD program, illustrating the design and planning phase of the build.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/ux2hOuJ43tg/00-04-11.png)
![Screenshot at 04:40: Aluminum extrusions are laid out on a desk with blue tape labels, indicating they are prepared for assembly and marked for specific locations on the desk structure.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/ux2hOuJ43tg/00-04-40.png)
