Massive GPUs like the RTX 5090 are causing motherboards to bend in 2025—here’s how to fix GPU sag with these quick and easy tips.
When considering the purchase of high-end gaming GPUs, such as the RTX 5090, 5080, and 7900 XT, GPU sag becomes an annoying issue. Particularly these and other high-end cards with hefty coolers, which exceed the traditional dual-slot design. The problem is that you cannot avoid these; if you ignore them for a prolonged period, they will claim the life of your GPU and possibly also the motherboard in the process. Yes, modern motherboards do advertise steel-reinforced PCIe brackets, but consider this: a 5090, such as the Zotac Solid one, the cheapest one apart from the Founders Edition. Motherboard brackets are strong, but trying your luck without a proper solution with a load like that can be very costly. No worries, this article draws on several community feedback and solutions, and effectively mentions how to deal with this issue here.
DIY Quick Fixes for Common GPU Sag
Let’s say you’re out of options after spending a significant amount on a new GPU, and the provided GPU anti-sag bracket won’t fit in your chassis. The following steps may sound wild, but are very effective:
Commercial Anti-Sag Solutions
If you are looking to buy external support brackets or riser cables due to compatibility issues, consider the following advice.
Installation Best Practices
Prevention Strategies
Prevention is the best cure, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to buy a GPU. What you’re able to do is buy Founder’s Edition models, a reference card (for the AMD side), or look for AIB models that best fit your case. The slimmer the better. If you are sold on the AIB model for its looks and aesthetics, and if your case doesn’t quite meet your needs, upgrading your case may seem like a better option. Not only will the fit be appropriate, but these new GPUs generate a lot of heat, which newly designed cases will handle more effectively.That said, below are a few essential pointers to keep in mind after installing your GPU.
In conclusion, GPU sagging is becoming increasingly common in 2025, as brands continue to push powerful GPUs, and AIBs have no choice but to produce robust models. Nvidia showed the BFGPU back in 2020 (the RTX 3090), and now every GPU seems to be more than a BFGPU. Follow the guide mentioned here; you will stay safe and probably keep your components safe in the process.
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