Your PC’s graphics card plays a pivotal role in running demanding games or rendering content. Understandably, you’d want your GPU to stand the test of time. However, with the increasing weight and size of modern GPUs, it’s imperative you provide additional support to the graphics card in a bid to prevent sagging and avoid potential damage to the GPU’s PCIe slot. To do so, you must invest in the best GPU support brackets out right now.
Thankfully, you need not wrack your brain as we’ve done the research for you. So, today, we’ll explore the best GPU support brackets on the market, their features, and how they can help keep your graphics card in place and improve your system’s overall stability.
But first, you might want to check out the following:
- How to Enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling
- Make the most out of your GPU with these budget gaming monitors
1. MHQJRH GPU Brace Support
- Orientation: Vertical
- RGB: No
Made up from all-aluminum metal, the MHQJRH GPU Brace provides great support to your graphics card. There are rubber pads on both ends of the module that should keep your GPU from getting scuffed. At the same time, the rubber pads will also keep the brace from slipping.
The GPU brace is very easy to assemble, and also comes with a sliding adjustment design. This allows you to use it with a wide variety of graphics cards out there. If you’re looking for something that isn’t too fancy and gets the job done with ease, MHQJRH offers one of the best GPU support brackets out there.
2. upHere Video Card Sag Holder
- Orientation: Horizontal
- RGB: No
Available in color options of White and Black, the upHere GPU Brace Support is made up of Anodized Aerospace Aluminum. It comes with two kinds of sliding rubber pads included in the package. You can easily adjust these to ensure that your GPU is well-supported, without any obstruction to the cooling fans.
Speaking of which, don’t be fooled by the product images on Amazon. Customers have highlighted that despite showing three rubber pads, you only get two in the box. Additionally, since there is no lock-in mechanism, these rubber feet can feel a tad loose. Having said that, for the price, the upHere GPU Brace Support does a commendable job of thwarting GPU sag.
3. nkomax GPU Brace Support
- Orientation: Vertical
- RGB: No
The nkomax GPU Brace Support features a screw adjustment design. As such, you can screw inwards or outwards to adjust the height of the brace.
Furthermore, the unit’s build quality is quite good too. The support is made in its entirety using Aluminium, which should increase its shelf-life tenfold. Also, it features a magnet at its base for anchoring. Correspondingly, the brace looks premium and the anchoring mechanism is sturdier than rubber feet too.
4. Cooler Master MasterAccessory ARGB
- Orientation: Vertical
- RGB: Yes
The MasterAccessory ARGB GPU brace has been constructed in parts using tempered glass. The LEDs have been positioned underneath the glass frame, and the edges of the brace light up to give an aesthetic look. Also, the bracket connects to the ARGB 3-pin port on your motherboard, allowing you to customize its look to your liking.
As for compatibility, the brace comes with a universal design and supports a wide array of graphics cards. It also comes with two supports that allow you to place the module either at the tail-end or the side of your GPU. It’s not as sturdy as the other options on this list, but it will surely add some flair to your gaming rig.
5. Cooler Master ELV8
- Orientation: Horizontal
- RGB: Yes
The Cooler Master ELV8 comes with a tool-free slider mechanism, which allows you to place the support in the best position possible. You can adjust the supporting pads both horizontally as well as vertically. Also, unlike the upHere GPU brace, the supports here have a lock-in mechanism, which ensures that the support feet do not slip away.
As for the RGB lighting, the ELV8 features a fully-addressable RGB strip. Similar to the MasterAccessory GPU brace, the unit connects to the 3-pin ARGB port on your motherboard. You can then download the brand’s MasterPlus software to personalize the lighting.
6. ASUS ROG Wingwall
- Orientation: Horizontal
- RGB: Yes
The ASUS ROG Wingwall is an ‘overkill’ GPU support bracket. In terms of build quality, you get an aluminum-alloy frame for maximum support. There’s also a nice slider mechanism to easily adjust the support position for your graphics card.
That said, ASUS has gone all out in the aesthetics department. To that end, you get an acrylic plate with full-fledged RGB lighting. Of course, you can customize the lighting to your liking since it does come with support for ASUS’ Aura Sync software. What’s more, is that you also get an additional acrylic plate to further tweak the lighting.
While it is definitely one of the most expensive GPU support brackets out there, it is also one of the rare ones that support the latest crop of the heaviest GPUs on the market. That being said, if you want to spend a little less without giving up on too many features, you can also check out the ASUS ROG Herculx.
What is GPU Sag, and Do You Need a GPU Support Bracket?
GPU sag is a phenomenon that occurs when a graphics card, which is typically a heavy and bulky component, begins to bend or droop under its own weight when installed in a computer case. The weight of the GPU can cause stress on the PCIe slot and motherboard. This can cause stability issues, as the card may not be securely seated in the slot, leading to poor connectivity and reduced performance.
To prevent this, it’s important to provide additional support with a GPU support bracket. Whether you need a GPU sag support bracket depends on the weight of your graphics card and the orientation of your computer case. If you have a heavy graphics card and a vertically oriented case, then it’s highly recommended to use a GPU support bracket to prevent the card from sagging and potentially damaging the PCIe slot.
FAQs about GPU Support Brackets
GPU support brackets are definitely worth considering for PC builders and enthusiasts who have heavy graphics cards and want to prevent GPU sag. That being said, if you don’t own a heavy GPU, you don’t need to invest in a GPU support bracket.
While a GPU support bracket won’t directly improve graphics card performance, it can prevent GPU sag and promote stability, which can indirectly improve performance by reducing the risk of connectivity issues and damage to the PCIe slot.
No More GPU Sag
GPU support brackets are a must-have accessory for any PC enthusiast looking to prevent GPU sag and improving the system’s stability. If you have a heavy graphics card, a GPU brace is a necessity. However, even if you don’t really need it, you can still add a GPU support holder to your setup to add to the RGB fun.
So, if you’re looking to improve your PC’s stability and prevent GPU sag, consider one of the GPU support brackets mentioned here. With their simple installation and sleek designs, they’re sure to be a valuable addition to any PC build.
Last updated on 13 March, 2023
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