What is a GPU vertical mount kit? (2025)

FAQs

What is a GPU vertical mount kit? ›

THE GPU VERTICAL MOUNT KIT

A GPU positioned vertically too close to a side panel will restrict airflow in the case and suffer raised temperatures. You'll need plenty of breathing room or liquid cooling to accommodate the vertical GPU.

A common disadvantage of vertically mounting your graphics card is poor airflow and higher temperatures for your card. But, this only happens if you have a case that lacks the space to accommodate the vertically oriented card.

GPU brackets do what one would expect – give your graphics card something on which to rest, so it's not only relying on the I/O connection to avoid falling out of place. It's a smart bit of insurance that can also have the added benefit of looking cool, but it's not a strict requirement.

the only disadvantage of vertical mounting is when you use a case where the vertical mounting slots are very close to the side panel which would restrict some airflow to the GPU, making it run a bit hotter.

By positioning the graphics card vertically, you may free up horizontal space, which can be vital for other components. This is particularly beneficial in compact cases, where the traditional horizontal mounting can restrict the length of the GPU and space for air coolers or radiators.

In this case we recommend using a GPU support bracket. A GPU support bracket is an excellent way to combat GPU sag. These brackets are designed to attach to the graphics card and provide additional support, preventing it from drooping.

Although most graphics cards can be vertically mounted, and most motherboards will work just fine with a riser cable connecting your GPU to it rather than it being directly mounted, not many cases support it natively.

Take note of any necessary power cables or connectors that need to be disconnected. Attach the Vertical GPU Mount: If you are using a PCIe riser cable, connect one end to the PCIe slot on your motherboard and the other end to the GPU. Secure the riser cable in place using any included brackets or clips.

Depending on the chassis, card and motherboard being used, installing PCIe cards in a vertical position using riser cards may cause compatibility issues with CPU coolers.

How high is too high GPU temp? ›

Anything beyond these value means your GPU is overheating and you need to take care of it. The upper limit of Nvidia GPUs is 95 to 100 °C while it is 90 to 100 °C for AMD GPUs. For 1660, the maximum temperature allowed for normal operation is 89 degrees. The average maximum temperature in use is around 75 degrees.

Horizontal GPU mounting generally offers better airflow, which leads to better performance, even when overclocked. Horizontal GPUs also typically last longer than vertically mounted GPUs. Horizontally mounted GPUs do not need a vertical mounting cable in comparison to vertically mounted GPUs.

With the PC on its side check that the GPU is firmly in place. The GPU will have a very slight side to side flex. But should not rock up and down in the slot against the motherboard. The lock or latch is quite difficult to see & clearly with the GPU installed.

This is not a huge card like some others. However a bracket is recommanded on any 3070 and up to prevent premature memory fail due to pcb flex.

GPU sag is caused by a GPU's weight being inadequately supported, so the solution is to add more support!

After extensive experience on this matter, we have seen almost no practical impact on gaming performance using 3.0 risers.

Reduced Performance

This is because the sagging can cause poor contact between the PCIe slot and the graphics card, which can result in data transfer errors and reduced bandwidth. This can cause reduced performance in games and other graphics-intensive applications.

Undervolting is basically this same principle in reverse: instead of saying “run the GPU at a higher frequency for the same voltage,” you're telling it to “run the GPU at the same frequency for lower voltage.” You'll get around the same performance as you would at stock settings, but with lower GPU power usage, ...

For most modern games, especially those with high-fidelity graphics, the GPU plays a dominant role in determining performance. A powerful GPU can render more detailed textures, handle complex lighting effects, and maintain higher frame rates, all of which contribute to a smoother, more immersive gaming experience.