In recent years, videocards, commonly known as GPUs, have evolved into significantly larger and heavier components of gaming rigs, reminiscent of the trend we've seen with CPU coolers. This trend has raised concerns among enthusiasts and casual gamers alike, as the PCIe slots designed to accommodate these powerful cards were not originally engineered to support such substantial weights. With the increasing size and mass of these cards, gravity is taking its toll, leading to potential issues for users.
The situation has escalated to the point where manufacturers like ASUS are implementing innovative solutions to combat the challenges posed by heavy GPUs. A notable example is the ASUS ROG Astral RTX 5090, which has integrated a Bosch Sensortec BMI323 inertial measurement unit (IMU). This sophisticated technology provides critical accelerometer and gyroscope measurements, as highlighted by a report from Uniko’s Hardware, further discussed in an English article by Videocardz.
Despite the inclusion of anti-sag brackets designed to offer structural support to the GPU, the ASUS ROG Astral RTX 5090 presents a unique challenge. Weighing in at over 6 pounds (approximately 3 kilograms) for the air-cooled variant, the need for additional support became evident. The anti-sag brackets, while helpful, were not sufficient to prevent sagging under the card's weight, leading to the necessity of active monitoring.
To enhance the user experience and safeguard the integrity of the hardware, ASUS has developed software that allows users to set a sag angle. This feature sends notifications when the GPU approaches a predefined sag angle, alerting users to potential issues before they escalate. With this proactive approach, users can take preventive measures, such as powering off the system to readjust the GPU, before it risks detaching from the PCIe slot and crashing to the bottom of the case.
As GPUs continue to grow in size and weight, it is crucial for manufacturers to innovate and develop solutions that ensure stability and longevity. The ASUS ROG Astral RTX 5090 serves as a pioneering example of how technology can address the challenges associated with heavier videocards. As gaming technology advances, understanding and mitigating the effects of GPU weight will be essential for both manufacturers and users alike.
