Check the monitor before the arm
Start with monitor weight, screen size, and VESA pattern. A strong brand name does not help if the display is too heavy or needs an adapter.
Measure the desk edge
Clamp clearance is the common miss. Thick tops, rear panels, cable trays, and wall placement can stop an arm from mounting cleanly.
Think in depth, not just height
The big win on a small desk is often recovered depth. Removing the stock stand can make typing space, notebooks, and docking gear easier to arrange.
Leave room for cables
A monitor arm changes the cable route. Make sure display, power, dock, and light cables can move without pulling when the arm is adjusted.