Hardware Tips                                                   

Vertical GPU mounting certainly looks more aesthetically pleasing in a build, but since it requires the use of a riser cable, some worry that it might prevent the graphics card from performing at its best. So, how much performance loss does it actually cause? Will it significantly impact gaming performance?

In this test, we also examined performance differences when using PCIe 3.0, PCIe 4.0, and PCIe 5.0 riser cables.

Using the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark, the results all fell within the margin of error. Surprisingly, the theoretical scores with PCIe 3.0, PCIe 4.0, and PCIe 5.0 riser cables were even slightly higher than when the GPU was plugged directly into the motherboard.

Rather than synthetic benchmarks, gamers care more about real-world performance in games. So we tested three currently popular games using their built-in benchmarking tools.

 showed that using a PCIe 5.0 riser cable yielded similar average FPS to direct motherboard installation. However, using PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 riser cables resulted in a 12% and 32% FPS drop respectively.

 uses the latest Unreal Engine 5, which places high demands on bandwidth, making lower-speed riser cables a bottleneck.

, PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 riser cables resulted in 4% and 12% performance loss respectively, which is less severe than in 

, only the PCIe 3.0 riser cable showed about 5% performance loss, and the overall gameplay experience wasn’t noticeably affected.

Is It Worth Using a Riser Cable for Vertical GPU Mounting?

Based on the benchmark and game test results, if you want to squeeze out every last bit of performance from your GPU, plugging it directly into the motherboard is the best choice.

However, if you prioritize aesthetics and are willing to sacrifice a bit of gaming performance, make sure to use a PCIe 4.0 or higher riser cable to minimize performance loss.





Vertical GPU mounting certainly looks more aesthetically pleasing in a build, but since it requires the use of a riser cable, some worry that it might prevent the graphics card from performing at its best. So, how much performance loss does it actually cause? Will it significantly impact gaming performance?



In this test, we also examined performance differences when using PCIe 3.0, PCIe 4.0, and PCIe 5.0 riser cables.



Test Setup





CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D



Motherboard: ASUS PRIME X670E-PRO



Graphics Card: GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER 32G







Benchmark Results

Using the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark, the results all fell within the margin of error. Surprisingly, the theoretical scores with PCIe 3.0, PCIe 4.0, and PCIe 5.0 riser cables were even slightly higher than when the GPU was plugged directly into the motherboard.







Game Test Results

Rather than synthetic benchmarks, gamers care more about real-world performance in games. So we tested three currently popular games using their built-in benchmarking tools.



Game Test: Black Myth: Wukong

The results for Black Myth: Wukong showed that using a PCIe 5.0 riser cable yielded similar average FPS to direct motherboard installation. However, using PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 riser cables resulted in a 12% and 32% FPS drop respectively.



The likely reason is that Black Myth: Wukong uses the latest Unreal Engine 5, which places high demands on bandwidth, making lower-speed riser cables a bottleneck.







Game Test: Forza Horizon 5

In Forza Horizon 5, PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 riser cables resulted in 4% and 12% performance loss respectively, which is less severe than in Black Myth: Wukong.







Game Test: Red Dead Redemption II

In Red Dead Redemption 2, only the PCIe 3.0 riser cable showed about 5% performance loss, and the overall gameplay experience wasn’t noticeably affected.







Is It Worth Using a Riser Cable for Vertical GPU Mounting?

Based on the benchmark and game test results, if you want to squeeze out every last bit of performance from your GPU, plugging it directly into the motherboard is the best choice.



However, if you prioritize aesthetics and are willing to sacrifice a bit of gaming performance, make sure to use a PCIe 4.0 or higher riser cable to minimize performance loss.





If you're aiming for both aesthetics and performance, it's recommended to use a PCIe 4.0 or higher riser cable. However, if performance is your top priority, installing the GPU directly is the best choice.

How Much Performance Loss is Caused by Using a GPU Riser Cable?

Porady sprzętowe

Jeśli zależy Ci zarówno na estetyce, jak i wydajności, zalecamy użycie kabla riser PCIe 4.0 lub nowszego. Jeśli jednak priorytetem jest wydajność, najlepszym wyborem będzie bezpośredni montaż karty graficznej.

Jaka jest utrata wydajności w przypadku korzystania z kabla Riser do procesora graficznego?

How-to Guides                                                   

As GPU performance increases, cooling modules are getting larger, making case compatibility an essential factor when upgrading or building a PC. To help DIY builders avoid size constraints, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of maximum GPU lengths for NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards.

From the RTX 30 to RTX 40 series, here are the longest GPUs in each tier, ensuring you choose a case that fits your graphics card.

Here are the longest AMD Radeon RX 7000 series GPUs to help you pick the right case for your build.

| The Best Case for Full GPU Compatibility – DF4100 E-ATX Case |

From the NVIDIA RTX 40 & 30 series to the AMD Radeon 7000 series, the longest flagship GPUs range from 350mm to 360mm. This means a case must support at least 360mm GPU length for full compatibility.

The darkFlash DF4100 E-ATX case is designed for high-end GPUs, supporting up to 435mm of GPU clearance. Whether you have a compact dual-fan GPU or a massive triple-fan flagship model, the DF4100 can accommodate it seamlessly.

Additionally, the DF4100 includes a GPU support bracket, preventing sagging and potential deformation for longer and heavier GPUs.

Before buying a new GPU or case, always check the GPU length specifications to avoid installation issues. With the DF4100 E-ATX case, you get a future-proof solution for any high-end graphics card, ensuring optimal compatibility and durability.





Why GPU Length Matters

As GPU performance increases, cooling modules are getting larger, making case compatibility an essential factor when upgrading or building a PC. To help DIY builders avoid size constraints, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of maximum GPU lengths for NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards.







NVIDIA’s Longest Graphics Cards

From the RTX 30 to RTX 40 series, here are the longest GPUs in each tier, ensuring you choose a case that fits your graphics card.



NVIDIA RTX 40 Series





RTX 4090 | Gigabyte AORUS RTX 4090 MASTER – 359mm



RTX 4080 | ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4080 – 358mm



RTX 4070 Ti | ZOTAC RTX 4070 Ti AMP Extreme – 356mm



RTX 4070 | Gigabyte AORUS RTX 4070 MASTER – 342mm



RTX 4060 Ti 16GB | ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4060 Ti 16GB – 311mm



RTX 4060 Ti | ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4060 Ti – 311mm



NVIDIA RTX 30 Series





RTX 3090 | MSI RTX 3090 SUPRIM X 24G – 336mm



RTX 3080 | MSI RTX 3080 GAMING X TRIO – 323mm



RTX 3070 Ti | Gigabyte AORUS RTX 3070 Ti MASTER – 324mm



RTX 3070 | ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3070 – 318mm



RTX 3060 | MSI RTX 3060 GAMING X TRIO – 323mm



RTX 3050 | Gigabyte RTX 3050 WINDFORCE – 191mm







AMD Radeon’s Longest Graphics Cards

Here are the longest AMD Radeon RX 7000 series GPUs to help you pick the right case for your build.



AMD Radeon RX 7000 Series





RX 7900 XTX | ASRock RX 7900 XTX Taichi White – 344mm



RX 7900 XT | ASRock RX 7900 XT Taichi – 344mm



RX 7700 XT | ASRock RX 7700 XT Phantom Gaming – 328mm



RX 7600 XT | ASUS TUF Gaming RX 7600 OC – 320mm



| The Best Case for Full GPU Compatibility – DF4100 E-ATX Case |

From the NVIDIA RTX 40 & 30 series to the AMD Radeon 7000 series, the longest flagship GPUs range from 350mm to 360mm. This means a case must support at least 360mm GPU length for full compatibility.



The darkFlash DF4100 E-ATX case is designed for high-end GPUs, supporting up to 435mm of GPU clearance. Whether you have a compact dual-fan GPU or a massive triple-fan flagship model, the DF4100 can accommodate it seamlessly.



Additionally, the DF4100 includes a GPU support bracket, preventing sagging and potential deformation for longer and heavier GPUs.





Before buying a new GPU or case, always check the GPU length specifications to avoid installation issues. With the DF4100 E-ATX case, you get a future-proof solution for any high-end graphics card, ensuring optimal compatibility and durability.

Everything You Need to Know About GPU Lengths!
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of GPU dimensions across different brands and models, ensuring you never run into size compatibility issues when picking a PC case.

Choosing the Right PC Case: A Comprehensive Guide to GPU Length Compatibility

Poradniki praktyczne

Wszystko, co musisz wiedzieć o długościach GPU!
Ten przewodnik zawiera szczegółowe zestawienie wymiarów GPU dla różnych marek i modeli, dzięki czemu nigdy nie napotkasz problemów z kompatybilnością rozmiarów przy wyborze obudowy komputera.

Wybór odpowiedniej obudowy komputera: kompleksowy przewodnik po zgodności długości procesora graficznego

Build Guides                                                    

With the RTX 50 Series Launch, Many Gamers Are Ready to Upgrade!

With the new RTX 50 series graphics cards about to hit the market, many gamers are eager to get their hands on one. However, for the average DIY PC builder, the most important thing is choosing a graphics card that fits their needs and ensures a great experience.

So, how do you choose the right GPU for your setup? Let’s break it down.

| The Three Rules for Choosing a Graphics Card |

Determine if your PC will primarily be used for gaming, content creation, or general office work.

If you need a gaming or productivity-focused GPU, a mid-range card like the RTX 4060 or RTX 4060 Ti should be sufficient.

If your needs are minimal, such as for office work, you may not even need a dedicated GPU.

The graphics card is one of the most important components for smooth visuals and gameplay. If your budget is limited, it's recommended to allocate 30% to 50% of your total PC budget for the GPU.

3. Determine Your Graphics Quality Requirements

Higher graphics settings require more VRAM.

| How to Read Graphics Card Model Numbers |

Graphics card model numbers indicate their generation and series.

The higher the number after the series, the better the performance.

GPUs with Ti or S in their names are typically more powerful than their base versions.

By considering your needs, budget, and desired performance, you can choose the perfect graphics card that balances cost and performance while ensuring an optimal gaming or working experience!





With the RTX 50 Series Launch, Many Gamers Are Ready to Upgrade!

With the new RTX 50 series graphics cards about to hit the market, many gamers are eager to get their hands on one. However, for the average DIY PC builder, the most important thing is choosing a graphics card that fits their needs and ensures a great experience.



So, how do you choose the right GPU for your setup? Let’s break it down.



| The Three Rules for Choosing a Graphics Card |

1. Identify Your Usage Needs

Determine if your PC will primarily be used for gaming, content creation, or general office work.

If you need a gaming or productivity-focused GPU, a mid-range card like the RTX 4060 or RTX 4060 Ti should be sufficient.

If your needs are minimal, such as for office work, you may not even need a dedicated GPU.







2. Set Your Budget

The graphics card is one of the most important components for smooth visuals and gameplay. If your budget is limited, it's recommended to allocate 30% to 50% of your total PC budget for the GPU.







3. Determine Your Graphics Quality Requirements

Higher graphics settings require more VRAM.





For 1080p gaming, an 8GB VRAM graphics card is sufficient.



For 4K gaming, you’ll need at least 12GB of VRAM to ensure a smooth and immersive experience.



| How to Read Graphics Card Model Numbers |

1. Understanding GPU Generations

Graphics card model numbers indicate their generation and series.





NVIDIA GPUs:

RTX = Supports Ray Tracing technology.

The first number (e.g., 50 in RTX 50 series) indicates the generation.

Current generation: RTX 50 series.



AMD GPUs:

RX = AMD's graphics card lineup.

The first number (e.g., 70 in RX 7000 series) follows a similar naming convention to NVIDIA.

Current generation: RX 7000 series.



2. Understanding Performance Tiers

The higher the number after the series, the better the performance.





NVIDIA Performance Ranking:

RTX 5090 > RTX 5080 > RTX 5070



AMD Performance Ranking:

RX 7900 > RX 7800 > RX 7600



3. Understanding Model Suffixes

GPUs with Ti or S in their names are typically more powerful than their base versions.





Example NVIDIA Performance Ranking:

4070 Ti > 4070 S > 4070







By considering your needs, budget, and desired performance, you can choose the perfect graphics card that balances cost and performance while ensuring an optimal gaming or working experience!

Before buying a graphics card, consider these three key factors: usage needs, budget, and desired graphics quality.

A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Graphics Card

Przewodniki po kompilacji

Przed zakupem karty graficznej należy wziąć pod uwagę trzy kluczowe czynniki: potrzeby użytkowe, budżet i oczekiwaną jakość grafiki.

Kompletny przewodnik po wyborze odpowiedniej karty graficznej

GeForce RTX 5090, RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5070 Are Coming Soon!

With the GeForce RTX 5090, RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5070 graphics cards set to launch between late January and February, upgrading your existing GPU or building a brand-new PC requires careful planning. Here are the key factors to consider before making your purchase.

The RTX 50 series graphics cards come with higher power consumption, so it's crucial to ensure your PSU (Power Supply Unit) has enough wattage to support them. It’s also recommended to allocate an extra 100W to 200W of power to prevent long-term PSU overload, which can reduce its lifespan.

High-end GPUs tend to be larger in size due to increased heat output. If you're considering an RTX 5090 or RTX 5080, make sure your case supports at least 40cm of GPU clearance to avoid installation issues.

For RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070, it's recommended to have at least 30cm of clearance in your case.

｜Does Your Motherboard Support PCIe 5.0?｜

The RTX 50 series fully adopts PCIe 5.0, so ensure that your motherboard has a PCIe 5.0 slot to maximize performance. Using an older PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 slot could limit the potential of these next-gen GPUs.

The RTX 50 series graphics cards feature the latest HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 interfaces, capable of supporting:

If your current monitor only supports HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.4, you won’t be able to fully experience high-resolution and high-frame-rate gaming. Consider upgrading your display to take full advantage of these cutting-edge GPUs.

｜Founders Edition vs. Aftermarket GPUs: Which One to Choose?｜

Founders Edition (FE) GPUs are reference models directly produced by NVIDIA, often featuring simpler designs, basic cooling solutions, and no overclocking capabilities. However, they usually come at a lower price point.

Aftermarket GPUs, produced by partners like ASUS, MSI, and GIGABYTE, offer enhanced cooling, overclocking capabilities, and unique designs. These models generally perform better but come at a higher cost.

Founders Edition GPU (RTX 4080S example) 

By considering these factors, you can choose the perfect RTX 50 series graphics card to match your needs and enhance your gaming and computing experience!





GeForce RTX 5090, RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5070 Are Coming Soon!

With the GeForce RTX 5090, RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5070 graphics cards set to launch between late January and February, upgrading your existing GPU or building a brand-new PC requires careful planning. Here are the key factors to consider before making your purchase.



｜Is Your Power Supply Sufficient?｜

The RTX 50 series graphics cards come with higher power consumption, so it's crucial to ensure your PSU (Power Supply Unit) has enough wattage to support them. It’s also recommended to allocate an extra 100W to 200W of power to prevent long-term PSU overload, which can reduce its lifespan.



Official Power Supply Recommendations:





GeForce RTX 5090 – 1000W



GeForce RTX 5080 – 850W



GeForce RTX 5070 Ti – 750W



GeForce RTX 5070 – 650W



｜Is Your PC Case Compatible?｜

High-end GPUs tend to be larger in size due to increased heat output. If you're considering an RTX 5090 or RTX 5080, make sure your case supports at least 40cm of GPU clearance to avoid installation issues.



For RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070, it's recommended to have at least 30cm of clearance in your case.







｜Does Your Motherboard Support PCIe 5.0?｜

The RTX 50 series fully adopts PCIe 5.0, so ensure that your motherboard has a PCIe 5.0 slot to maximize performance. Using an older PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 slot could limit the potential of these next-gen GPUs.





｜Do You Need a Monitor Upgrade?｜

The RTX 50 series graphics cards feature the latest HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 interfaces, capable of supporting:





4K at 120fps



8K at 60fps

If your current monitor only supports HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.4, you won’t be able to fully experience high-resolution and high-frame-rate gaming. Consider upgrading your display to take full advantage of these cutting-edge GPUs.







｜Founders Edition vs. Aftermarket GPUs: Which One to Choose?｜

Founders Edition (FE) GPUs are reference models directly produced by NVIDIA, often featuring simpler designs, basic cooling solutions, and no overclocking capabilities. However, they usually come at a lower price point.



Aftermarket GPUs, produced by partners like ASUS, MSI, and GIGABYTE, offer enhanced cooling, overclocking capabilities, and unique designs. These models generally perform better but come at a higher cost.





↑Aftermarket GPU (ASUS TUF example) 





↑Founders Edition GPU (RTX 4080S example) 



By considering these factors, you can choose the perfect RTX 50 series graphics card to match your needs and enhance your gaming and computing experience!

When purchasing an RTX 50 series graphics card, be sure to check power supply requirements, case compatibility, motherboard PCIe slots, and monitor specifications.

Things to Consider Before Buying an RTX 50 Series Graphics Card

Przy zakupie karty graficznej z serii RTX 50 należy sprawdzić wymagania dotyczące zasilania, kompatybilność z obudową, gniazda PCIe płyty głównej i specyfikację monitora.

Rzeczy, które należy wziąć pod uwagę przed zakupem karty graficznej serii RTX 50

Since Intel debuted its new graphics card series in 2022, by the end of 2024, the company has released a fresh B-series graphics card lineup, continuing its efforts to compete with the two giants, NVIDIA and AMD, in the GPU market.

| How to Choose the Right Intel Arc Model |

InWe tel's Arc series is labeled using letters, with the first generation starting with "A" and the second generation beginning with "B." The products are divided into entry-level, mid-range, and high-end categories:

Therefore, the Intel Arc B580 represents a second-generation mainstream-level graphics card from Intel.

| Performance of the New Intel Arc B580 |

The Intel Arc B580 is positioned to compete with the NVIDIA RTX 4060 and AMD RX 6750 GRE. Below are the test results.

In popular shooter game CS2, the Arc B580 performed slightly worse than the RTX 4060 by around 7% in frame rate. However, in the game Elden Ring, when played at 2K high settings, the Intel Arc B580 outperformed both NVIDIA and AMD cards.

↑ Frame Rate Performance in CS2 with the Latest Intel Arc B580: 142 FPS (Image Credit: 

↑ Frame Rate Performance in Elden Ring with the Latest Intel Arc B580: 99 FPS (Image Credit: 

Using DaVinci Resolve to export a 4K60fps video, the Intel Arc B580 completed the task in just 2 minutes and 21 seconds, nearly twice as fast as the AMD RX 6750 GRE, thanks to its AV1 hardware encoding technology.

| Is the Intel Arc Graphics Card Worth Buying? |

Here are the main advantages and challenges of the Intel Arc graphics card, which can help you decide if it's the right choice for you.

Advantages of the Intel Arc Graphics Card

The Intel Arc graphics cards are competitively priced, offering better value for money compared to equivalent AMD and NVIDIA models.

The Intel Arc is one of the few graphics cards that support AV1 hardware encoding, making it especially suitable for content creators, particularly in fields that require high compression performance such as live streaming and video editing.

Intel is actively optimizing drivers, fixing compatibility issues, and enhancing performance. With each driver update, the performance in certain games even surpasses that of similar-level competitors.

Challenges Facing Intel Arc Graphics Cards

While drivers are improving, some games and software may still experience compatibility and stability issues compared to NVIDIA and AMD cards.

As a new entrant in the GPU market, Intel faces a challenge in competing with NVIDIA and AMD, which have established strong footholds. Without compelling incentives, consumers may be reluctant to switch to Intel Arc graphics cards. If market share does not grow over time, Intel may eventually phase out its Arc series products.





Since Intel debuted its new graphics card series in 2022, by the end of 2024, the company has released a fresh B-series graphics card lineup, continuing its efforts to compete with the two giants, NVIDIA and AMD, in the GPU market.



| How to Choose the Right Intel Arc Model |



InWe tel's Arc series is labeled using letters, with the first generation starting with "A" and the second generation beginning with "B." The products are divided into entry-level, mid-range, and high-end categories:





Entry-level GPU: Arc 3 series



Mainstream GPU: Arc 5 series



High-end GPU: Arc 7 series

Therefore, the Intel Arc B580 represents a second-generation mainstream-level graphics card from Intel.



| Performance of the New Intel Arc B580 |

The Intel Arc B580 is positioned to compete with the NVIDIA RTX 4060 and AMD RX 6750 GRE. Below are the test results.



Gaming Performance

In popular shooter game CS2, the Arc B580 performed slightly worse than the RTX 4060 by around 7% in frame rate. However, in the game Elden Ring, when played at 2K high settings, the Intel Arc B580 outperformed both NVIDIA and AMD cards.





↑ Frame Rate Performance in CS2 with the Latest Intel Arc B580: 142 FPS (Image Credit: Geek Bay)





↑ Frame Rate Performance in Elden Ring with the Latest Intel Arc B580: 99 FPS (Image Credit: Geek Bay)


Productivity Performance

Using DaVinci Resolve to export a 4K60fps video, the Intel Arc B580 completed the task in just 2 minutes and 21 seconds, nearly twice as fast as the AMD RX 6750 GRE, thanks to its AV1 hardware encoding technology.







| Is the Intel Arc Graphics Card Worth Buying? |

Here are the main advantages and challenges of the Intel Arc graphics card, which can help you decide if it's the right choice for you.



Advantages of the Intel Arc Graphics Card





Affordable Pricing

The Intel Arc graphics cards are competitively priced, offering better value for money compared to equivalent AMD and NVIDIA models.







We AV1 Hardware Encoding Support

The Intel Arc is one of the few graphics cards that support AV1 hardware encoding, making it especially suitable for content creators, particularly in fields that require high compression performance such as live streaming and video editing.











Ongoing Driver Updates

Intel is actively optimizing drivers, fixing compatibility issues, and enhancing performance. With each driver update, the performance in certain games even surpasses that of similar-level competitors.







Challenges Facing Intel Arc Graphics Cards





Driver Compatibility Issues

While drivers are improving, some games and software may still experience compatibility and stability issues compared to NVIDIA and AMD cards.







Market Maturity

As a new entrant in the GPU market, Intel faces a challenge in competing with NVIDIA and AMD, which have established strong footholds. Without compelling incentives, consumers may be reluctant to switch to Intel Arc graphics cards. If market share does not grow over time, Intel may eventually phase out its Arc series products.





Intel has launched the second-generation Arc series graphics cards, offering performance comparable to the NVIDIA RTX 4060 and AMD RX 6750 GRE, while also providing better value for money.

Is the Newly Released Intel Arc Graphics Card Worth Considering?

Firma Intel wprowadziła na rynek karty graficzne drugiej generacji z serii Arc, które oferują wydajność porównywalną z modelami NVIDIA RTX 4060 i AMD RX 6750 GRE, a jednocześnie cechują się lepszym stosunkiem jakości do ceny.

Czy warto wziąć pod uwagę nową kartę graficzną Intel Arc?

A graphics card vertical stand kit is designed specifically for installing the graphics card vertically. Not only does it allow for showcasing your graphics card, but it also helps to significantly reduce the risk of deformation caused by the weight of the card. Below are key points to consider when choosing a vertical stand kit and instructions on how to install it.

| Key Points for Choosing a Graphics Card Vertical Stand Kit |

In addition to ensuring the vertical stand is compatible with your case, the included PCIe extension cable interface is also a critical factor. Choose a stand that comes with a PCIe 4.0 ribbon cable. According to 

, PCIe 4.0 data transfer speeds are twice as fast as PCIe 3.0, so even when using an extension cable, there will be minimal performance loss.

The length of the extension cable should be selected based on the size of your case. For medium-to-large cases like the DY470, it is recommended to choose an extension cable that is 

Before purchasing a vertical stand kit, it is advisable to check whether your case supports a dedicated vertical graphics card mount. If your case does not have this feature, you can opt for a universal vertical stand kit.

| How to Install a Graphics Card Vertical Stand Kit | 

(Using the DY470 Dedicated Stand Kit as an Example)

*Note: Installation methods may vary depending on the manufacturer, so always refer to the instruction manual when installing.

Remove the I/O shield from the rear of the case.

Attach components (1-1 & 1-2) and secure with 3 stand screws.

Install the 2 copper pillars using the sleeve tool.

Secure the extension cable to the vertical stand using 2 M3 screws.

Step 5 | Install the Stand Kit into the Case

Tighten the 3 screws (stand screws) at the rear of the case to secure the I/O slot.

Tighten the 3 screws in the power bay to reinforce the vertical graphics card stand.





A graphics card vertical stand kit is designed specifically for installing the graphics card vertically. Not only does it allow for showcasing your graphics card, but it also helps to significantly reduce the risk of deformation caused by the weight of the card. Below are key points to consider when choosing a vertical stand kit and instructions on how to install it.



| Key Points for Choosing a Graphics Card Vertical Stand Kit |

Extension Cable Interface

In addition to ensuring the vertical stand is compatible with your case, the included PCIe extension cable interface is also a critical factor. Choose a stand that comes with a PCIe 4.0 ribbon cable. According to Intel's official data, PCIe 4.0 data transfer speeds are twice as fast as PCIe 3.0, so even when using an extension cable, there will be minimal performance loss.





Extension Cable Length

The length of the extension cable should be selected based on the size of your case. For medium-to-large cases like the DY470, it is recommended to choose an extension cable that is 150mm or longer.



Case Compatibility

Before purchasing a vertical stand kit, it is advisable to check whether your case supports a dedicated vertical graphics card mount. If your case does not have this feature, you can opt for a universal vertical stand kit.







| How to Install a Graphics Card Vertical Stand Kit | (Using the DY470 Dedicated Stand Kit as an Example)

*Note: Installation methods may vary depending on the manufacturer, so always refer to the instruction manual when installing.



Preparation Stage | Required Components





1 x Copper Pillar Spacer



10 x Bracket Screws



2 x Iron Columns



2 x M3 Screws



1 x Vertical GPU Bracket (1-1)



1 x PCIe Riser Cable



1 x Vertical GPU Bracket (1-2)







Step 1 | Remove the Rear I/O Shield

Remove the I/O shield from the rear of the case.





Step 2 | Assemble the Vertical Stand

Attach components (1-1 & 1-2) and secure with 3 stand screws.





Step 3 | Attach the Copper Pillars

Install the 2 copper pillars using the sleeve tool.





Step 4 | Attach the Extension Cable

Secure the extension cable to the vertical stand using 2 M3 screws.





Step 5 | Install the Stand Kit into the Case

Insert the stand kit into the I/O slot.





Step 6 | Secure the Rear I/O Slot

Tighten the 3 screws (stand screws) at the rear of the case to secure the I/O slot.





Step 7 | Secure the Power Bay Screws

Tighten the 3 screws in the power bay to reinforce the vertical graphics card stand.





Step 8 | Complete the Installation

The installation is now complete.



When purchasing a graphics card vertical stand kit, it is important to pay attention to factors such as the PCIe extension cable interface, cable length, and whether it is compatible with your case.

Guide to Choosing a Graphics Card Vertical Stand Kit

Przy zakupie zestawu pionowej podstawki pod kartę graficzną należy zwrócić uwagę na takie czynniki, jak interfejs kabla rozszerzeń PCIe, długość kabla i kompatybilność z obudową.

Przewodnik po wyborze zestawu stojaków pionowych do kart graficznych

When shopping for a graphics card, after selecting the right one based on your budget and needs, you might find multiple models from the same manufacturer within the same tier. For example, MSI offers both the RTX 4060 Ti VENTUS and the RTX 4060 Ti GAMING X TRIO, both of which are part of the RTX 4060 Ti series, yet there is a $100 price difference. Why is this the case? It turns out that even within the same model, there are entry-level (sometimes called "base models") and flagship variants, which have some key differences.

| Differences Between Entry-Level and Flagship Graphics Cards |

 The design is usually more understated and minimalistic, typically without RGB lighting effects.

The design tends to be more stylish and is often equipped with RGB lighting that can be customized via software.

These cards use more basic materials, which results in average cooling performance, keeping the cost lower.

 Higher-quality materials are used, and additional optimizations are made for better cooling, offering stronger thermal performance but at a higher price.

Due to the simpler cooling materials, the base clock speeds are generally lower to match the cooling capabilities.

 Flagship cards are optimized for cooling, allowing higher base clock speeds even if they generate more heat, without the risk of overheating.

| Graphics Card Tier Breakdown for the Three Major Manufacturers |

| Should I Choose an Entry-Level or Flagship Graphics Card? |

If you're on a tight budget and care about performance-to-price ratio, it's a good idea to go for an entry-level card from a higher-tier series. On the other hand, if you have a more generous budget and care about the aesthetics, you can go for a flagship model that suits your budget. You'll get great performance and a visually appealing design!





When shopping for a graphics card, after selecting the right one based on your budget and needs, you might find multiple models from the same manufacturer within the same tier. For example, MSI offers both the RTX 4060 Ti VENTUS and the RTX 4060 Ti GAMING X TRIO, both of which are part of the RTX 4060 Ti series, yet there is a $100 price difference. Why is this the case? It turns out that even within the same model, there are entry-level (sometimes called "base models") and flagship variants, which have some key differences.



| Differences Between Entry-Level and Flagship Graphics Cards |

Design

Entry-Level: The design is usually more understated and minimalistic, typically without RGB lighting effects.

Flagship: The design tends to be more stylish and is often equipped with RGB lighting that can be customized via software.







Cooling

Entry-Level: These cards use more basic materials, which results in average cooling performance, keeping the cost lower.

Flagship: Higher-quality materials are used, and additional optimizations are made for better cooling, offering stronger thermal performance but at a higher price.







Clock Speeds

Entry-Level: Due to the simpler cooling materials, the base clock speeds are generally lower to match the cooling capabilities.

Flagship: Flagship cards are optimized for cooling, allowing higher base clock speeds even if they generate more heat, without the risk of overheating.



| Graphics Card Tier Breakdown for the Three Major Manufacturers |





Flagship: ASUS ROG / Gigabyte AORUS / MSI SUPRIM



Upper Mid-Tier: ASUS TUF / Gigabyte Gaming and Eagle / MSI Gaming X Trio



Entry-Level: ASUS DUAL / Gigabyte WINDFORCE / MSI VENTUS



| Should I Choose an Entry-Level or Flagship Graphics Card? |

If you're on a tight budget and care about performance-to-price ratio, it's a good idea to go for an entry-level card from a higher-tier series. On the other hand, if you have a more generous budget and care about the aesthetics, you can go for a flagship model that suits your budget. You'll get great performance and a visually appealing design!





When it comes to graphics cards, aside from performance levels, there is often a noticeable difference between entry-level and flagship models within the same tier.

Entry-Level vs. Flagship Graphics Cards: How to Choose

Jeśli chodzi o karty graficzne, oprócz poziomu wydajności często widoczna jest zauważalna różnica między modelami podstawowymi i flagowymi w tej samej kategorii.

Karty graficzne podstawowe a flagowe: jak wybrać

Jako entuzjaści gier i komputerowego majsterkowania w dzisiejszych czasach, my, darkFlash, jesteśmy dumni i wdzięczni za to, że wciąż myślimy o tym, jak tworzyć imponujące i wyjątkowe produkty z najwyższej półki, montując i użytkując osobiście obudowy komputerów, chłodnice procesorów, wentylatory, a nawet fotele i stoły gamingowe.

Naszym celem jest tworzenie produktów, które będą w pełni odpowiadać potrzebom każdego użytkownika.

ciemnyFlash

As an enthusiast of games and computer DIY in this age, we, darkFlash, feel proud and grateful for keep thinking how to develop impressive and extraordinary products with high-end facilities by assembling and using the PC cases, CPU coolers, case fans, and even gaming chairs and tables in person.

Our goal is to create products that could extremely exert its effect by every user.

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