How To Prevent Your Graphics Card From Sagging

A computer builder’s primary objective is to keep the graphics card from sagging. As graphics cards become more sophisticated, they also become heavier. Therefore, it is a common issue with custom PCs that feature high-quality cards.

What is sagging?

GPU sagging happens once the graphics card is too heavy for a case bracket or PCB to support it. In most situations, graphic card sag makes your build look unsophisticated or dilapidated. 

Fortunately, its impact on efficiency has proven negligible, and harm to your components is unlikely, as GPUs and PCI-e slots withstand high stress. However, severe instances of GPU sag can prove problematic. If it sags enough, it can warp the PCB and displace the cooling devices.

As a result, the temperature will rise, which can cause damage to the graphics card. Another disadvantage of a sagging GPU is that it can cause the solder joints on the motherboard’s slot to fail.

The GPU’s sag can also lead to a brief loss of power. The worst-case scenario is that the graphics card will stop functioning and no longer be registered.

Prevent GPU Sag With These Tips

GPU vendors have attempted remedies, including strengthening the PCB with mounting brackets. Still, even the newest cards may droop on the device’s far side. You can stop the graphics card from sagging by using the following methods:

1. Install a GPU support brace

Investing in a GPU support brace for your PC is a sensible choice. You can use these mechanisms to secure it and keep it from sagging.

There are two types of GPU support braces: vertical and horizontal. Both have their benefits and drawbacks and are best suited to specific situations.

What is a horizontal GPU brace, and when is it appropriate to use one?

Horizontal graphics cardholders are typically L-shaped and screwed to the side of the case bracket alongside the graphics card.

It features adjustable rubber mounts that provide adequate support for the card and keep it from sagging. To ensure proper operation, the width of the graphics card should be marginally greater than the width of the computer case bracket.

Because of this requirement, these models wouldn’t function with low-profile graphics cards.

What is a vertical GPU brace, and when is it appropriate to use one?

Compared to horizontal graphics cardholders, vertical graphics cardholders consist of a stand with a shaft and two or three customizable sliders.

Owners can lock these sliders to protect the graphics card and keep it from sagging.

Vertical versions cannot be in device cases without sufficient room for the part to stand. If you have a slim PC case, you’d have difficulty adapting a vertical model to accommodate your graphics card.

Vertical GPU holders can house several graphics cards without a problem. Comparatively, horizontal GPU holders can handle just one graphics card at a time. They can interfere with the adjacent graphics card below it if you use several graphics cards in a crossfire configuration.

Also, a vertical graphics card sag holder supports the graphics card more securely and is more compact than a horizontal one. 

2. Mount your GPU vertically

You can eliminate sag if you mount the GPU vertically. For example, you can invert your vertical PC case, swap cases, or add a vertical GPU mount to your current build.

Vertically installed graphics cards seem to hinder the PC case’s airflow.

It’s best to mount one exhaust fan at the rear of the case and intake fans at the front to prevent this!

How to mount your GPU vertically

If you’re mounting a graphics card vertically, the following steps will ensure proper installation:

1. Attach the vertical adapter to the inside of the computer shell so that the plate’s notches face the motherboard edge.
2. Align the riser card’s holes with the holes of the adapter cover.
3. Secure the riser card with a screwdriver.
4. Connect the graphics card to the riser card.
5. Install the video card with screws.

3. Support the GPU with PCI cables or building blocks

Increased GPU performance requires inserting one or more cables connecting the device directly to the power supply.

These PCI wires are ideal for preventing and reversing sagging. All it takes is sufficient tension in the cable and a connection to the GPU from above. After securing the wires, they can support the GPU.

Utilizing building blocks is another innovative way to support a large GPU. All you need to do is build a basic tower to reinforce the component.

However, don’t use plastic building blocks for this process. They’re likely to melt as you use your computer.

4. Use dark nylon string to secure the GPU

Use a strong string, such as a nylon cord, to secure the GPU and prevent it from sagging.

Thread the rope through the backplate mount and attach it to the top of the case. Ensure the string you use can withstand the heat produced by a standard GPU.

Choose a dark hue if the case has LEDs and you want the string to be discrete.

5. Add an acrylic backplate

A graphics card backplate is a thin metal that protects the graphics card’s rear. The backplate is a brace for the card’s cooler, preventing the PCB from bending. Also, certain backplates make cleaning the back of the card easier.

Backplates often protect the GPU from sagging since they stabilize it.