What Is GPU Sag?
We should first describe the issue in order to discuss potential solutions.
Many enthusiasts refer to the sag brought on by the weight of the card as "GPU sag." Because graphics cards are only secured at two spots inside the PC case, this typically occurs. The PCIe lane is one point, while the other point is where one or two screws keep the card in place at the back of the case.
These two points are sufficient to support a mid-range GPU's weight. Installing a high-end card weighing more than 1500g, however, is when you might start to detect sag.
Is GPU Sag Bad?
You are now fully aware of what a GPU sag is. Is it a situation that requires resolution? Really, how horrible is it?
The simplest response to this query is a categorical "no." Due to the durability of both GPUs and PCIe lanes on motherboards, card sag isn't necessarily a bad thing. PCBs for graphics cards are especially flexible, making failure virtually unthinkable.
Even so, in some extreme cases (pun intended), the sag might cause irreversible damage.
How To Fix GPU Sag
There are several ways to completely get rid of GPU sag. Which one you should select entirely depends on the resources you have at your disposal and any cosmetic considerations.
Using The PCIe Cables To Hold The Card
Utilizing the resources you currently have at your disposal is a solid method for handling this problem. This specifically refers to the power cables that connect the PSU and GPU.
For a cleaner PC design, many people run these cables from the bottom. We advise running the cables from above the card if you are concerned about drooping. This might lighten the load a little bit, but it won't be a long-term fix.
The GPU will return to its natural droopy state when the cables' tension slowly starts to give way. It won't likely have the same aesthetic appeal either.
Try any of the other solutions listed below to avoid this.
Use Anything To Prop It Up
One of the most widely used fixes for GPU sags is probably this. It is a simple, quick, and free treatment that will last forever.
Any object you have at home can be used to assist your GPU as a workaround. As long as it is tall enough to keep the GPU upright, you may use nearly anything.
Using toys or figures of well-known characters is popular. This means that it can enhance your setup a little bit in addition to serving as a solution.
GPU Support Bracket
We advise purchasing a GPU support bracket if you want a more "professional" fix for this issue.
In order to offer support and prevent sagging, a support bracket is a lengthy piece of metal, plastic, or any other material that is fitted directly beneath the GPU.
Check your card's packaging to see if a support bracket is already included before making an unnecessary purchase. The two main brands that typically offer a support bracket are EVGA and MSI.
You can certainly find one on Amazon for $20 or $30 if you don't already have one.
Some brands let you add RGB lighting or completely personalize the mount.
Mount The GPU Vertically
You ought to have chosen one of the aforementioned solutions by this point.
The best option might be to mount your GPU vertically if none of these suggestions appeal to you particularly or if you don't feel like spending money on a support bracket or accessories.
Keep in mind that you can only do this if your situation permits it. We suggest visiting the manufacturer's official website to determine whether a vertical mount is feasible in your situation. They ought to be knowledgeable about this subject.
A PCIe riser is necessary for a vertical setup, but you can get one for under $15.
FAQs
Why Is My Graphics Card Sagging?
GPU's weight and insufficient support for holding it up.
A GPU will typically be supported by two points: the PCIe slot and the PCIe bracket.
For the majority of cards, this is sufficient, but because newer, higher-end cards are getting bigger and heavier, they require an additional point of support at the card's end to support the GPU effectively.
Most cases don't include support brackets, and the bulky GPUs simply hang.
This causes GPU sagging to gradually get worse over time.
How Do I Tighten My GPU?
Don't tighten anything on your GPU.
You should only tighten your GPU into the PCIe bracket if you are completely confident in your ability to do so.
You only need to tighten the screws that line up with your GPU, like the ones shown below, to secure it to the PCIe bracket.
Simply tighten it until it is difficult to tighten. That ought to be enough.
Overtightening it didn't solve anything for you.
Can You Break GPU Pins?
You can. Even with extreme sagging, it's not really common.
The PCBs—the items with all the circuitry and other components—are quite robust and flexible.
This bit, which holds your GPU in the PCIe slot, is more likely to be broken than any of the physical pins.
How Much Do GPUs Weigh?
There is no conclusive response to that. There have been GPUs as light as a few grams and as heavy as over 3 kg.
The one thing about GPUs that is certain is that they are getting heavier and heavier.
Final Thought
GPU sag is clearly a concern for many people, which is perhaps why there are so many remedies available. There are a few more do-it-yourself solutions that we didn't mention, such as securing the graphics card vertically by connecting a cable to the top of your case.
Is GPU sag severe enough to necessitate any form of intervention? Do you need to get a support bracket right away from the nearby PC store? The answer is no. You are under no obligation to do so right now or in the future.