How to Fix GPU Sag Before It Causes Lasting Damage?

As technology is improving with each passing year, so are the sizes and weight of the graphics processing units or GPUs. You can find that several gaming PCs and laptops weigh more than the other models.

The reason for that could be the heavy GPUs rather than the CPUs. The only point of contact for the GPU would be the PCIe slot that is present on the motherboard. As the small part of the GPU supports the PCIe slot, the weight of the graphics card can cause it to bend down.

That is what we are going to discuss about in this post. How do you fix or sort the GPU sag? First of all, it is not as complex an issue as you feel. Perhaps, you own a phenomenal GPU model like the RTX 3080.

Though it is efficient and can maintain low temperatures, the GPUs tend to become heavy with the technology provided to them. This model is heavy indeed. They come infused with great technology that makes them pretty heavy.

What happens if the GPU sags?

When the GPU sags, the operations are done on the PC, or the laptop can be affected slightly. There is nothing to be concerned about unless there is a major repair. But luckily, that is not the case here.

You have only two points that hold the graphics card in the PC case. They are the PCIe slot, and the other is the rear of the case. The GPU unit is secured with tight screws at the back of the case.

When you open the back or the rear of your PC to do some hardware-related work and see the bend, then you might want to do something about it. This is when you might be tempted to remove the GPU from the case.

If you do that, you feel how heavy it is. This is in comparison to some of the low-end and mid-range GPUs. The top-end GPUs are produced using sublime materials that can last for several years.

But due to extra weight, the GPUs are bent, and that might cause minor issues for your gaming device. When you are keen to get things sorted out with your GPU, then let us delve into the post and find out how you can fix it.

What is GPU sag?

The GPU sag is when your GPU is bending or stretched out because of the additional weight that is placed on it inside the PC case. The GPU sag can occur because of several reasons. Like we said, not all cases are bad.

In the case where your GPU sag is mild, it may not affect your regular operations on your PC or gaming laptop. But sometimes, damage can be caused because the connectors and slot might not be capable of holding the pressure.

When it is extreme, then it can cause both the motherboard and the GPU to become damaged. That is because the weight can be plenty for the joints to bear. At times, the sag can also damage the connectors because of the additional pressure.

Is GPU sag bad?

As we read, mild GPU sagging has nothing to worry about. But sometimes, when the sagging is a lot, then you may lose contact with the PCIe slot. There may not be damage to the display found on your device, but it can become blank.

When the GPU sag is somewhat bent close to 60degree, then you might want to get the model checked. It also depends on the make and model of your gaming PC. When the stressor of the gaming PC is worn out, then other connectivity issues can happen.

How to Fix GPU Sag?

We have compiled a list of some simple methods for how you can fix the GPU sag. We have done our best to make sure that they are easy for you to understand and implement. However, we may suggest that if you are not confident about yourself, then please show it to a professional.

1. Rerouting cables

The rerouting cables is our first method to fix the GPU sag. It is one of the most popular ways to fix the GPU sag effortlessly. That is because you are going to be using the PCIe or the power cable to provide support to the GPU.

You need to provide the cables that are present above your GPU. Then you will have to plug it into your GPU. What this does is it ensure that the GPU does not bend. It provides the GPU with adequate support.

2. Mounting the GPU vertically

This is similar to the first method that we just finished reading. What you will have to do here is that you need to make use of the flexible mounting options. You are going to take the GPU to be mounted having an upright position.

You can, however, also make use of the third-party vertical GPU brackets. These brackets can be used to hold the GPU model in the upright position. As the GPU unit is then placed in a vertical position, the gravity is changed there, and it can support the weight efficiently.

3. Adding a GPU brace

Some makers produce braces for supporting the GPU. This helps the GPU, not to sag. They are made using different materials, but their purpose of them is the same. The braces are screwed below the case and enable it to rest on it.

Likewise, the other GPU braces come similar to a pole-like structure that provides arms for the GPU. You can find that pole is on the base of the case, and the arms are under the GPU. This provides adequate support for the GPU to remain in there for a lengthy period of time.

Installing a GPU brace

Here are some steps to install a GPU brace. It can be somewhat tricky but not doable.

• You will want to switch off the power of your gaming PC. This is the default process for all the methods that we have mentioned in here.
• Then, you will have to remove the side panel of the PC case.
• You can see the GPU from the side of the case. You can notice the bracket where you would want to use the GPU screws.
• You must see that there is sufficient space under the GPU.
• There should be a slot that is free to mount the brace.
• Now, you should screw the brace into the slot that is free.
• This supports the weight of the graphics card that is present above.
• While few braces require a single slot, some of them might need more slots.
• If that is so, then you can use 2-3 screws to attach the PC case.
• Please note that the braces like the G276ARGB and EZDIY-FAB work just fine. It would not work with stand-based braces like JEYI iBrace-8 or ARGB GPU Support Bracket.

You will find this method quick and simple because it is a simple process. Some don’t need the screws when you install them in the slots that are available on the PC case. When you open the side panel of the PC case, you can place the brace underneath the case and then adjust the support arms.

4. Tying the GPU

Some users tend to use a fishing line or a sturdy thread to support the GPU adequately. It works most of the time. But we may not recommend this method if you are not sure about using the fishing line.

You need to try the fishing line on the GPU and then tie it to the other of the PC case. This helps support the GPU from sagging. However, you can make use of a robust string or line that ensures it stays that way without breaking apart.

5. Custom 3D Print

First, you need to know how to work with a 3D printer. So, if you don’t have access to one or do not know how to operate one, you might as well use the other methods we have mentioned here.

Besides, it requires a lot of time to design because you have to be technically sound in using the 3D printer. With the help of the 3D printer, you can print your own brace for the GPU to prevent it from sagging.

6. Change the position of the PC case

You can change the position of the PC case. If your PC is in the standing posture, then you will want to have it in the horizontal position. When it is horizontal, then you can place it in the vertical posture.

Make sure that the GPU is at the top of the PC case.

7. Emergency DIY options

There are also some DIY options that you can find help for your cause. You can make use of some household items to provide you with adequate support for the GPU. Some items that can be used include pencils and pens.

You can also consider using Lego pieces. You can add or remove them according to your requirement on the GPU. Yes, we know they may not be the best solution, but they can stop the GPU sag.

It is obvious that the GPU sag is a cosmetic problem rather than a technical issue. When you are not keen on having something attractive, then you can use the PCI cable or wedging. When you are concerned about looks, then you can use something opulent to do the needful.

FAQs

Why is the graphics card sagging?

Your graphics card is sagging because the weight of the GPU is not sufficient to hold it. This is why you may have to ensure that two points of support are strong. The PCIe slot and the PCIe bracket support the graphics card.

However, some top-end cards are pretty heavy and may need some more support for them to remain steady. Most of the GPUs today come with support brackets that allow the graphics card to hang in there, but they can become sagging as time goes by.

How to tighten the GPU?

Some users tend to tighten the GPU without knowing how to do things in the proper manner. When you are new to the GPU, then you may not want to do so. However, you can tighten the GPU at the PCIe bracket, but do not tighten on the GPU unless you are sure about it.

Tightening the PCIe bracket is relatively simple because you have to tighten the screws that are present around it simply. If you are unsure about things, please get a professional technician to tighten the screws.

Is it possible to break the GPU pins?

No, it can’t be done. The GPU pins that can be broken are something that is not commonly seen on most models today. Though there can be sagging around the GPU pins, it may not break. The PCBs can be pretty sturdy and reliable for all you know.

They can withstand additional weight or pressure on them. But you can break the PCBs more than the other components that are located inside your GPUs that are present in the PCIe slot than any actual pins.

How much do the GPUs weigh?

The GPUs typically weigh more than 5kilos or lesser. You cannot find the GPUs weighing more than that. However, gaming CPUs and laptops generally weigh slightly more than ordinary devices.

So, the GPUs can be somewhat heavy in them. Otherwise, the GPUs are less than 5 kilograms and not more. But with the advancements in technology, the GPUs are getting heavier with each passing day.

Do the backplates present on the GPU prevent the sag from happening?

The backplates are not capable of reducing the sag on the GPU. When the material is not durable, then it may add weight that may cause it to sag. However, when they are produced from a robust material, then the chances are that they can prevent the sag from happening.

Summing Up

GPU sagging is a common issue that occurs in most devices and gaming PCs. There is no need to panic and rush out with your device to the repair store or call for help. Perhaps, you can try out some of the methods we have given you.

We saw few methods to rectify the GPU sag. They are pretty simple and efficient to do. You can get them done in no time. They include rerouting cables, mounting the GPU vertically, adding a GPU brace, tying the GPU, custom 3D print, change case position, and emergency DIY solutions.

Wrapping up on how to fix GPU sag

This is it. We have come to the end of our post on how to fix GPU sag. We hope you liked what you read above and are empowered with the knowledge to do what you have to. However, there is no need to be concerned about the GPU sag the next time it happens.

Your PC or device is not going to get damaged if you follow the points that we have mentioned in the above post. We do not have a favorite point because all of them are pretty simple and easy to do.

However, if you are not sure about the point or do not understand how to go ahead, then you may please want to take professional help. They will get it sorted out instantly. But there is no harm in trying things out.

There is always a first time for things. It helps you understand and learn new things and components about your gaming PC or laptop. The GPU sag is a minor issue and can be rectified in a short time.

This brings us to the question of whether the GPU sag is so bad that you actually need the nearest repair store to get it fixed? We do not think so because you have several easy options to get it sorted out now.