How to Fix GPU Sag
You might’ve noticed that your GPU is tilted and sagging, but don’t panic because this issue is very common amongst new GPU’s/Graphics Cards, due to new technology making them heavier than their older counterparts.
This issue is not to worry about because in most cases it will not cause any damage to your PC, however, it can be very unaesthetic, and could cause connection issues if the graphics card is overly heavy with no support.
If you want to fix your GPU sag in your PC there are multiple different ways to do it, some free and some that cost money.
Throughout this article I will show multiple ways how to fix it, then it is up to you which choice you want to go along with.
Please note that some ways are better than others, but all will help stop the problem of GPU sag.
1. Use a GPU Support Bracket
As GPUs/Graphics Cards get better they also get bigger and heavier. To combat the large size and weight, and to prevent the GPU from sagging GPU support brackets were made
GPU support bracket works by getting screwed into the PCI bracket spot under where you would typically install your graphics card.
Once screwed in your graphics card will be able to lay flat on the support bracket taking the pressure of the PCI-e slot and preventing the graphics card from sagging.
Support brackets are a great solution if you want to have a more aesthetic appeal inside your PC case, but can often cost a little more than the other options on this list, but then again if you’re dealing with GPU sag then you probably bought a high-end graphics card and won’t mind spending a few extra dollars on a support bracket.
You should also know that GPU support brackets come in a variety of different styles and colors to help keep your GPU upright while at the same time looking nice.
You should also note that if you have a smaller case that doesn’t support multiple PCI-e connections then you won’t be able to use a support bracket because it needs to screw into the slots under your graphics card.
This also means that if you have multiple graphics cards in your gaming rig, then this option might not be the best for you.
Amazon has a good selection of GPU support brackets which can be found here, but you can find them on basically any other computer site such as Newegg, or any local computer store.
2. Vertically Mount Your GPU
If a GPU support bracket isn’t a good option for you, but you still want a nice aesthetic appeal to your PC, then this next option, which is actually my favorite option is probably the best solution to fix your GPU sag.
If you want to vertically mount your graphics card you first need to make sure your case is able to install a vertically mounted GPU. You can check this by looking at the bottom of your case to see if you can screw it in.
However, if your case isn’t compatible you can also buy a vertical mounting kit on Amazon found here, which will give you the ability to vertically mount your graphics card to your PC.
Pros to Vertically Mounting Your GPU
Vertically mounting your GPU can be great if you have a flashy graphics card with RGB or a cool colorway that you want to show off. Especially with the newest graphics cards that tend to be very RGB heavy, and aesthetically pleasing, having your graphics card vertically mounted will give you the ability to fully show off your cool new graphics card to whoever looks at your PC build.
Fixes GPU Sag
Probably the main reason for wanting to vertically mount your GPU is to fix the GPU sag which occurs when the GPU is horizontally mounted with no support other than the PCI-e slot that the graphics card is plugged into.
What vertically mounting your GPU does is give it extra support because a vertically mounted GPU has its own support bracket whether it is from an actual bracket or the base of the computer case.
Either it will prevent your GPU from sagging.
Cons to Vertically Mounting Your GPU
Even though vertically mounting your GPU can sound like a great option, especially for heavier graphics cards there are still a few things you should keep in mind if you thinking of switching to a vertically mounted GPU.
Vertically Mounted GPUs Have Worse Airflow
Having your GPU vertically mounted can worsen the airflow to your graphics card which can ruin performance if running from high speeds and can prevent you from overclocking.
In my opinion, if you aren’t interested in overclocking your GPU then vertically mounting your GPU won’t make a noticeable difference in your performance.
However, unless you’re looking to use water cooling so that airflow is not an issue I would recommend staying away from a vertically mounted GPU if are overclocking.
3. Plug Your PCI-e Cable Over Your Graphics Card
The next solution to fixing GPU sag is a quick, easy, and free fix.
All you have to do is plug in your PCI-e cable which plugs into the side of your graphics card then pull it over your GPU.
This by itself can fix the problem of your graphics card sagging because the force from the cable pulling your graphics card will negate the weight of your graphics card and gravity which is pulling it down.
This solution usually works perfectly due to where the PCI-e cable usually plugs into the graphics card which is on the far right side, which is the side where your GPU usually has no support, and where your graphics card typically starts to sag.
For a very heavy graphics card, however, this solution still might not provide enough force especially if the cable is loose and not tight enough to keep the graphics card upright.
4. Use String to Prevent GPU Sag
Bringing us to our next solution which is to use some sort of string, yarn, or zip ties to tie up your GPU preventing it from sagging.
This DIY solution is great if you need a quick fix at home and don’t really care how your GPU looks.
In order to use this method, you need to get your string or whatever you are using to tie up your graphics card, wrap it around the PCI-e cable that is connected to your graphics card, then tie it to the top of your case, usually where a case fan would be.
Cons to This Method
Although this is a quick and easy fix, this method comes with some cons.
The first is that it doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing because there is just a random piece of string sticking out in the middle of your pc, but this can easily be prevented by using very thin wire such as fishing wire, which is not very visible to the human eye unless you are really looking for it.
The second con is that you are using your top fan spot. If you are using this method then you need to note that you won’t be able to use a fan at the top of your case unless you have room for a second fan because the wire will be tied to where you usually install your case fan.
What Causes GPU Sag
GPU sag is caused by heavier graphics cards, usually newer graphics cards that are bigger and require more support to keep them from sagging.
Can GPU Sag Cause Damage to Your Pc?
Short answer: yes
Long answer: typically a pc with little GPU sag won’t harm your pc and you probably won’t see any performance issues.
GPU sag should only be a concern if the graphics card is sagging more than 45 degrees and should then the problem should be taken care of.
You should also note that if your graphics card is very heavy and has some GPU sag you might experience sudden black screens when using your computer, but this is only because the graphics card is disconnecting from your PCI-e slot, but this usually doesn’t cause any damage to your pc.
Please note that manufacturers take into count that graphics cards are typically very heavy and for that reason, they manufacture the motherboard to handle that stress, and allow the PCI-e slot to be a little flexible to lighten the load, and prevent damage.
How Heavy Can a Graphics Card Be Before it Starts to Sag
On average you can start to see the effects of GPU sag when the graphics card is around 5ibs, which is typically the weight of a graphics card that is a 70 series or above eg: the RTX 2070, 3070, 3080, etc. This weight can also vary depending on which motherboard you use and the manufacturer of the GPU you are using.
