You could add a bracket, u/TinyTim711 linked a premade one in this thread nad there is also one made by puget system (amazon link) but you could also make custom ones (or have them made), depending on your volume it might be echonomically convenient. As other have said SFF PCs are a good choice for transport and to reduce the wiggle and so are AIO coolers instead of towers. Try asking in r/sffpc too. There are also highly integrated prebuilt pcs with water or even passive cooling that would probably be a good option out of the box but might cut you out of the deal.
I've used a GPU brace with my 7870 after I had to RMA it for what I suspect were sag-related faults. I think they require a different order of operations during installation in order to work properly
Definitely! It can help prevent shearing of your GPU when the case is in transport. That's why people have GPU props like this: https://www.amazon.com/Puget-Systems-Universal-Acrylic-Brace/dp/B019ZZQVK8 GPUs are heavy and can put stress on the PCI slot on the mobo if the case is jiggling around a lot (like if it were in a car).
I would also get one of these or something similar for the GPU:
I can notice the sag just a bit. If it doesn't bother you of course it's not a big deal.
I'm looking for a GPU bracing solution that's cheaper than the Puget Systems one, but also looks better than just stacking lego's. Any suggestions?
This is the one I got. It's kind of a bitch to put together because the little block attachment isn't threaded (so tough to screw in), but once it's together it seems pretty sturdy to me. I'm sure there are other options too. I've seen some people just stack legos up and hold their GPUs also.
Congrats on your first build!
Your friend is half correct. Large GPU's do have a certain amount of sag due to the weight distribution. It is rare for this to get worse over time but to alleviate the worry you can put in a GPU support brace.
Some people use custom solutions like a custom cut wooden dowel or fishing line. If you want something more professional then Puget Systems sells an acrylic bracket.
https://www.amazon.com/Puget-Systems-Universal-Acrylic-Brace/dp/B019ZZQVK8
Had a few minutes while I wait for this clone to finish....
Can't find the part that I was hoping for, in the meantime, found this: https://www.amazon.com/Puget-Systems-Universal-Acrylic-Brace/dp/B019ZZQVK8
What I was looking for is MUCH better -- used in a few server chassis that I've worked on. Was 2 bars that mounted at the top and bottom of the case and were joined in a few spots with crossbars, and had little... 'feet' or other grippers that you'd push down onto the card, then tightened a nut on the back and it would lock it exactly where it is. Was nice.
Yeah I wouldn't want those leds. (Don't even have a window). 12 sounds a lot more reasonable than 17.
Edit: it's even 18 now. And that's without shipping.. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019ZZQVK8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_F46Jxb6GE7J0S
Where exactly did you get yours ?
I would also blame it on the GPU designers. I think it could be resolved with a strong metal plate on top of the GPU up to the slot brackets.
Like this Acrylic Blade made of metal, on top of the GPU.
http://www.amazon.com/Puget-Systems-Universal-Acrylic-Brace/dp/B019ZZQVK8
I don't know if you can manage to fit one for each card, though.
Some people just use fishing line or string and attach it to the case to hold the card up. Other people would tell you not to worry about it at all.
You could get a card brace like this LINK.
They take up the adjacent slot and clamp onto the card to give it support. I'm unsure how helpful they wind up being and have never used one.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019ZZQVK8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B019ZZQVK8&linkCode=as2&tag=pugesyst07-20&linkId=SUBIKZK3XGUQRLTP These are nice but I'll sell you one of my custom-built titanium-grade braces :)
Since my main focus is gaming, over time the most common upgrade for me is a new GPU. Ya know how some people will say "buy the 970 now and if it isn't good enough, SLI it later"? And other people will go "No, you'll just end up never doing that and it will be a waste, wait a month to save up for a 980ti"?
Well, I'm actually the person who really goes from single to SLI builds over time. My history is:
When I got the first 760, I bought one of those braces from Puget Systems. I used it until I went to SLI. Then put it back in again for my single 970. I had to pull it out again for SLI, obviously, but when I upgrade next I'll put it back in again. It's worked great for me.
i notice a bit of torq on your zotac 970 being pulled by your power connections, this is pretty normal, something like this can help keep your GPU better supported
Oh, shit, I was just looking at this on Amazon.
Anyway, I'm hesitant since I'm looking for a GPU brace that can be used for a PC that's going to be lugged around as well. Been searching for months, and found these options:
mnpctech I'm liking this the most because it's made of metal, has more options, but it's also the most expensive.
Puget Systems Probably the first GPU brace on the market. I remember it used to have 4+ star reviews but now it's dropped.
Atlas This is new, and I'm liking it the second most.
MSI Another new option I've never seen. I like how the pole braces against the top and bottom of your PC case, but I can't stand the MSI Gaming logo even though I have an MSI 480.
Yeah, saw it on Amazon and thought it might be a good idea since GPUs keep getting bigger. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019ZZQVK8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You mean like this product? Or maybe MSI's? ( Amazon, what are you doing? ) Fishing line would work too, suspend it from the top of your case.
I used a pair of Puget Systems Acryllic GPU Braces when I ran two 780s in SLI. My replacement card came with a reinforced backplate that pretty much negates any sag in my configuration, so I don't have them in place currently, but it did a good job at the time.
"Bracket" may have been the wrong word to use in my post, by the way; "Brace" will likely get you better results. For example, here's an Amazon Search for GPU Braces.
Your best bet is to go with something simple with decent reviews. The Puget ones get slammed because of their logo, but the mounting system and support are generally pretty solid, and I've heard good things about the aluminum ones as well. At the very least this should get you on the right track.
Pugnet Systems sells an acrylic GPU brace that looks good in any system. It's worth the investment, trust me.
Edit: Amazon link
I've got the Puget Systems acrylic brace. Love it. Lots of adjustability.
https://i.lensdump.com/i/AGFEdm.jpg
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019ZZQVK8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_azReDb9A78Q76
I've been using this one for 3 years now with now issues at all. Even with the logo, it's very discreet.
Something like this if you dont mind paying
This is the one I have used on several builds, quite happy with it.
Puget Systems Universal Acrylic GPU Brace https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019ZZQVK8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ALcuAbD04DF7P
Get one of these OP if you wanna look all fancy
http://i.imgur.com/zK1a8vh.jpg
https://www.amazon.com/Puget-Systems-Universal-Acrylic-Brace/dp/B019ZZQVK8
You could get something like this https://www.amazon.com/Puget-Systems-Universal-Acrylic-Brace/dp/B019ZZQVK8
I mean obviously like everyone already said, Cable Ties, Fishing Line, a piece of dowel rod, a graphite pencil, a piece of blue-tac and the plastic case of a BIC pencil cut to size if you don't want to buy one.
But you can buy them:
https://www.amazon.com/Puget-Systems-Universal-Acrylic-Brace/dp/B019ZZQVK8
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=GPU+Brace
I mean there are ton's of solutions out there.
Just for the record, usually a backplate on a GPU will help reduce sag and also a higher end motherboard with re-inforced slots will help as well. Though sometimes you can't win.
A graphics card brace like this should work https://www.amazon.com/Puget-Systems-Universal-Acrylic-Brace/dp/B019ZZQVK8
Puget Systems Universal Acrylic GPU Brace https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019ZZQVK8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_WPx3ybAJ5K16Y
If it really bothers you, you can buy one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Puget-Systems-Universal-Acrylic-Brace/dp/B019ZZQVK8
Or a more powerful GPU, with a backplate. And some LEDs.
They make braces for GPU sag.
Here's an example.
https://www.amazon.com/Puget-Systems-Universal-Acrylic-Brace/dp/B019ZZQVK8
something cheap and quick is string, but there is also this
Puget sell acrylic ones on amazon
Does your case have a window? Otherwise I wouldn't worry about the sag.
If it does, the only other bracket I'm really aware of is this one from Puget Systems.
Heavy cards should come with anti-sag GPU braces.
How important is a backplate when I'm going to cool my GPU? I have a 980Ti and can't find one anywhere without it being custom made. Could I get one of these instead?
If you want you can order something like this. https://www.amazon.com/Puget-Systems-Universal-Acrylic-Brace/dp/B019ZZQVK8
is this the brace you're talking about?
I have no sag but I've been think about picking one up for extra support anyway
Hey check out what another user pointed out to me. Looks pretty slick too! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019ZZQVK8/
I bought and Use one of these for my Anti Sag System. https://www.amazon.com/Puget-Systems-Universal-Acrylic-Brace/dp/B019ZZQVK8
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019ZZQVK8/
I am not sure if you can order this out to the UK but this is the more attractive one that I found.
if reseating the GPU fixes it then it could be the card "creeping" or "sagging" in the slot as it heats up.
fixing this could be as simple as an adjustment of how you're seating it in the bracket/set screw. sometimes the case and the PCI slot aren't exactly matched up and having it positioned "right" for the case will actually have it a bit skewed in the PCI slot. This can work alright unntil the card heats up, then skvkvskxxxxx.
you could also try an "anti-sag" brace. I've found legos work great, because you can build them to the perfect size/shape you need, whether you're making a vertical or horizontal brace. but people have used everything from sticks to pencils(not recommended due to graphite's conductivity) to action figures.
there are aslo some semi-universal commercial items available like this or this or you can make your own
Another thing is, the GPU could just be overheating, and the time you take reseating it is enough for it to cool back down to where it'll work again.
get a free temperature monitor like core temp and see what the temperatures look like in the time leading up to the crash. ..if it is overheating, you could try cleaning the heat sink and re-applying the thermal paste. (look up a guide and be careful, it's easy to fuck this up.)
Also, as always, make sure you've got the right drivers. And even if you're 100% sure, delete the fuckers and get the latest ones from AMD. even if that's what you did, do it again. downloads can get corrupted easily and your current driver set may be fucky for whatever reason.
edit: and if all else fails, you may be looking at a dying GPU. best test for that is to try it in another computer and see if the artifacts/crash still happen.
A GPU Brace like this one.
Or, if you're in the US, there's always this option: <strong>Puget Systems GPU Brace Amazon Link</strong>
right there! It's from Puget Systems. I wish it was longer though
I think you need this
Sure thing man!
Puget Systems Universal Acrylic GPU Brace https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019ZZQVK8/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_vrj3wb61Z0KCX
I purchased this for my gpu sag although not a big fan of the logo http://www.amazon.com/Puget-Systems-Universal-Acrylic-Brace/dp/B019ZZQVK8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459276512&sr=8-1&keywords=gpu+brace
There is this bracket on Amazon. Also the Cooler Master HAF X comes with a VGA support bracket for multiple cards.
Buy this and never worry about it again
If it is starting go with one of these
Heres a gpu brace on amazon. Seems new, wasnt there when i was looking for something for my gpu sag a few months ago
http://www.amazon.com/Puget-Systems-Universal-Acrylic-Brace/dp/B019ZZQVK8
Just a heads up, i found a brace on amazon. Appears to be relatively new.
http://www.amazon.com/Puget-Systems-Universal-Acrylic-Brace/dp/B019ZZQVK8
I think im gonna order one for my gpu sag tomorrow
Amazon: Puget Systems GPU Support http://www.amazon.com/Puget-Systems-Universal-Acrylic-Brace/dp/B019ZZQVK8
You could always just pick up one of these guys: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B019ZZQVK8/