What is vertical GPU mounting?
Vertical GPU mounting is an alternate way of installing your graphics card apart from the standard horizontal mount. This type of mounting has a better appearance than the horizontal mount. The front panel of the GPU faces outwards rather than downwards as in the case of horizontal mounting.
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How do vertical GPU mounts work?
Some PC cases have a provision externally to support vertical GPU mounting. You will need a riser cable to connect the motherboard to the GPU. You can also buy a vertical mount to install the GPU vertically and ensure that it’s not too close to the side panel.
Does mounting your GPU vertically affect performance?
Yes, mounting your GPU vertically can affect performance if it’s not setup correctly. Vertically mounting your GPU tends to block the air vents because of its very close positioning to the panel. As a result, this can trigger airflow issues leading to the GPU overheating.
This will also pave the way for thermal throttling and increased thermals. The clock speeds also get reduced drastically.
You can try out the following tips to fix the performance issues due to mounting the GPU vertically.
- Use a PC case with the provision to support the vertical mounting of the GPU. This feature is usually present on the outside of the case.
- Opt for a vertical GPU mount from a reputed manufacturer and fit the card into the mount.
Is vertical mount better for a GPU?
A vertical mount is better for a GPU if aesthetics or looks are of prime concern. This mount is also better for the GPU because it has some physical support. The support ensures that the motherboard is subject to less pressure.
- Improvised aesthetics
- Better physical support
Advantages of vertically mounting a GPU
Vertically mounting a GPU has a few advantages such as a good visual appeal, and effective use of RGB in the graphics card and is ideal for a custom-built PC. The vertical mounting style also does not pose a cooling problem for water-cooling PCs.
- Good visual appeal
- Effective use of RGB
- Ideal for custom build
- No cooling problem for water cooling PCs
Good visual appeal
The PC has a better appearance with a vertically mounted GPU. Expensive GPUs have a better look than standard ones and this can be visualized better with vertical mounting.
Effective use of RGB
Premium graphic cards come with customizable features such as RGB lighting. This customization can be done more easily with vertical mounting when compared to standard horizontal mounting.
Ideal for custom build
People who enjoy building their PCs tend to prefer a vertical mounting option for their custom-built PCs as the installation tends to be easy.
No cooling problem for water cooling PCs
In water cooling PCs, space between adjacent parts isn’t a problem because the cooling is done by water and not through airflow in the spacing between the parts. So, it doesn’t matter if the GPU gets positioned too close to the PC panel.
Is vertically mounting GPU bad?
Yes, vertical GPU mounting is bad if it isn’t done properly and certain factors aren’t taken into consideration. One drawback is that when the GPU is mounted vertically, it tends to block other parts of the PC and make them less visible. This can be a problem if you want to do a bit of troubleshooting.
A vertically mounted GPU tends to take up more space than a horizontal mount. This is why it gets positioned too close to the panel and results in insufficient airflow. This results in the need for overclocking which eventually reduces the performance.
The lifespan of a vertically mounted GPU tends to get reduced compared to a horizontal mount. The shorter life means that you may have to keep changing the GPU more often.
Vertical GPU mount Vs Horizontal GPU mount
A vertical GPU mount requires a PCIe riser cable for its installation. This cable can be expensive based on the brand, and you must ensure that you have a cable of the right length. The airflow inside the PC cabinet tends to get reduced, affecting the associated PC’s cooling profile. It’s possible to see the fans in operation. There is no chance of GPU sag as the installation is done with a GPU support bracket.
A vertical mounting position is recommended if you plan to overclock your GPU.
A horizontal mount is the default mounting style. The GPU is positioned such that there is sufficient air circulation. The heatsinks are exposed and the hot air dissipation occurs through both sides. The front panel of the graphics card faces downwards. There is the possibility of a GPU sag because of the lack of a supporting mechanism and the weight of the card.
You can use a vertical mount GPU card if you have one of those high-end graphics cards with RGB effects that you would like to enjoy when you watch a movie or play a game. This option is also recommended if you plan to build your PC or use a water-cooled PC, as airflow is of no significance with such a cooling mechanism. The thermal solutions for most GPUs are also optimized for horizontal mounting. As a result, a graphics card mounted this way often operates at 100% efficiency.
On the other hand, a horizontal mount GPU is recommended if you have a small PC cabinet and its cooling is done by means of air circulation. There will be considerable spacing between the graphics card and the PC panel so that there is considerable airflow.
Why do I need to vertically mount my GPU?
You will need to vertically mount your GPU if it’s heavy. When a graphics card is heavy, it’s likely to sag. This possibility is ruled out when you mount the card vertically and there is no pressure on the PCIe card slot because of the weight. Another reason to vertically mount the GPU is to display the integrated RGB lighting in the graphics card without any obstruction by other components around it.
The tools needed to vertically mount a GPU are given below.
- Riser cable – To connect the GPU to the motherboard
- PCIe bracket with appropriate slots – To hold the GPU in position.
- Screwdriver – To remove the screws holding the PCIe slot onto the motherboard
Alternatively you should consider buying a vertical GPU bracket kit that includes all the tools needed for vertical mounting.
How to vertically mount a GPU
You can vertically mount a GPU by removing the graphics card from its existing horizontal position and using the vertical mount plate as well as the riser cable for the vertical mounting.
The following steps offer a walkthrough on how to mount a GPU vertically onto the PC case.
1. Push the latch that locks the GPU onto the motherboard in the downward direction.
2. Release the graphics card from its slot on the motherboard.
3. Place the vertical mount into the case and tighten the screws with a screwdriver to secure the mount in place.
4. Connect one end of the riser cable to the vertical mount plate.
5. Connect the other end of the cable to the top PCIe slot.
6. Plug the GPU into the cable and screw it to hold it in place.
Best vertical GPU mounts
There are various manufacturers competing with one another to offer their vertical mounts for the GPU. While the list can be overwhelming and daunting, you can look up online reviews of a few mounts and use them as a reference to buy an ideal vertical GPU mount.
A list of some of the best vertical GPU mounts that are worth considering is given below:
- Cooler Master Universal V2 Vertical GPU Holder Kit
- Phanteks Gen4 Vertical GPU Bracket and Riser Cable Kit
- Fractal Design Flex B-20 Vertical Graphics Card Bracket
- Lian Li O11DMINI-1 Vertical GPU Bracket Kit
- ASIAHORSE GPU Mount
- LINKUP Vertical GPU Mount
- EZDIY-FAB Vertical GPU Mount
How to vertically mount GPU to Corsair 4000d
The Corsair 4000d case comes with the provision for mounting a GPU vertically. There are two slots for vertical GPU mounting on the rear panel near the PCIe card positions. The GPU can be mounted onto these slots with a riser cable and appropriate vertical mounting hardware.
Most users who prefer to mount their GPU to a Corsair 4000d case opt for either an EVGA 3070 Ti vertical mount or a Cooler Master Universal V2 vertical mounting kit. You can choose any one of them and do a screw mount to secure the GPU in position.
How to vertically mount GPU to Corsair 5000d
The Corsair 5000d case features a slot for the vertical mounting of a GPU. There is a drawback to using this slot if the graphics card is really thick.
When such a GPU as the GeForce RTX 3070 Gamerock is fitted onto the dedicated slot, it is too close to the glass panel of the Corsair. In such cases, an external vertical kit is needed.
The steps outlined below illustrate how to vertically mount a GPU to the Corsair 5000d case that has dedicated positions at the rear for mounting in the vertical position.
1. Unscrew the small screw and the thumb screws that hold the plate over the slot for vertical mounting in place.
2. Take the SSD off from its place if it has been mounted in the front bottom panel.
3. Connect the PCIe riser cable in the correct position to the bottom of the case using two standoff screws and also plug it into the top slot present on the motherboard.
4. Fix the plate back and use two roundoff screws to keep it steady and hold it securely in place. The holes for these screws are on both sides of where the SSD is seated.
5. Insert the graphics card into the riser bracket located at the bottom of the case.
6. Lock the graphics card in place by screwing the thumbscrews back once again.
7. Connect the power cables in place.
How to vertically mount GPU to Meshify 2 Compact
The Meshify 2 Compact case supports vertical GPU mounting with the appropriate mounting kit. The Fractal Design vertical mount kit is a good choice for this mounting style. You will also need a 150mm long PCIe riser cable that bolts well into the bracket that comes with the kit.
The Fractal Design B20 vertical mounting kit encompasses a mounting bracket that helps in better cooling of a graphics card like the RTX 3080 FTW3 vertically. The Meshify 2 Compact case has an inbuilt vertical mount that is quite close to the glass case. The B20 kit helps to overcome this problem along with very minimum sag.
How to vertically mount GPU to Lian LiO11 Air Mini
The Lian LiO11 Air Mini case can be fitted with a vertically mounted GPU using the O11DMINI-1 vertical GPU bracket kit from the same manufacturer. The vertical mount can be put in one of two ways. One way to do this is with clearance and the other way is to use it without bottom fans in the case. The first option is more often preferred.
The following steps offer a walkthrough of how to vertically mount a GeForce RTX 2060 GPU to the Lian LiO11 Air Mini case.
1. Turn OFF the PC and unplug the GPU.
2. Remove the screws on the sides of the GPU.
3. Use a screwdriver to push the tab on top of the GPU inwards.
4. Slide the GPU out of its position inside the case.
5. Remove the screws from the pane on which the GPU was fitted.
6. Insert one end of the PCIe cable into the appropriate slot in the motherboard.
7. Fit the GPU onto the mount and secure it in place by tightening the screws that come with the mount on either side.
8. Connect the other end of the cable to the GPU and push the GPU in till you hear a clicking sound.
9. Fit the mount onto the notches in the case designed for the same.
10. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws that hold the mount in place on the case.
How to vertically mount GPU to Phanteks Eclipse P360A
The Phanteks Eclipse P360A case comes with the provision to mount a GPU vertically. The case supports the use of a PH-VGPUKT_02 vertical GPU bracket. This bracket can be fitted easily onto the slots in the PCI slot area by adhering to the instructions that come with the vertical bracket.
The steps mentioned here illustrate how to mount the GPU vertically to a Phanteks Eclipse P360A case.
1. Fasten one end of the PCIe riser cable to the bottom plate of the bracket using the screws provided and a screwdriver.
2. Mount the GPU onto the bottom plate and secure that in its place by tightening the screws at the top.
3. Remove the blanking plates from the case.
4. Connect the loose end of the riser cable to its slot in the case.
5. Tighten the screws on the bracket outside the case.