Question 12VHPWR Graphics Cards and Cases ?

[wingfinger]

I am looking for an upgrade and the ASUS RTX 4070 Super Dual seems like a good choice.

I have an old full tower case that I would like to use, but based on the recommendations, it is too small in width. The width is over 8 inches externally.

Inside, I think it is slightly less than 7 inches from the top of the motherboard to where the cover is placed. This is about 177mm.

The Graphics card is about 134mm, the exterior of the plug is about 7mm (right?), and the clearance before bending is 35mm. So, there looks like there is no room for the bend. It also might not be good for the cable to be resting on the cover as is it moved when opening the case..

I quickly looked at some not expensive cases at Newegg. Alot of them are thinner than what I have. I supposed that the attribute to look at is max CPU cooler height.

There are cases that are wider, but the choices seem to be limited if you are like me and don't like windows or expensive cases.

So then, I was trying to limit my power supply upgrade options to power supplies that have same-manufacturer 90-degree 12VHPWR cable.

But what I started thinking was, is this what most people do? Or do they buy a wide case, an expensive one if needed. Or, do they bend the cable inside 35 mm, or do they buy aftermarket cables?

I am starting to think this is supporting bad engineering. The alternative is to go to AMD or older Nvidia as the old pcie cables didn't have any warnings or bend rules, right?

Also, someone said that seasonic 90 degree cable on an asus card caused the cable to go up but it looks to me that the cable will go down -- as I need.

 

[Aeacus]

The Graphics card is about 134mm, the exterior of the plug is about 7mm (right?), and the clearance before bending is 35mm. So, there looks like there is no room for the bend. It also might not be good for the cable to be resting on the cover as is it moved when opening the case..

Do note that the power connector on GPU is recessed, giving you more space for PCI-E adapter cable.

How much it is recessed - that i can't tell, but you can clearly see it from GPU images,
specs (if this is the right GPU you're looking at): https://www.asus.com/motherboards-components/graphics-cards/dual/dual-rtx4070s-o12g/

But you can always contact Asus and ask them how much the power connector is recessed.

I am starting to think this is supporting bad engineering.

+12VHWPR connector has so many issues but Nvidia is still sticking to it for some reason.
Nvidia even revised the connector and calls the new version of it as: 12V-2x6.

So then, I was trying to limit my power supply upgrade options to power supplies that have same-manufacturer 90-degree 12VHPWR cable.

This is doable.
Cable if you have Seasonic unit: https://seasonic.com/12v-2x6-cable-90-degrees
Cable if you have Be Quiet! unit: https://www.bequiet.com/en/accessories/4759

Another option is mounting the GPU vertically and is done by vertical bracket + riser cable.

Looks like so:

Vertical GPU mount depends on your PC case.
Some PC cases support vertical mount off the bat, e.g Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 TG: https://phanteks.com/Enthoo-Pro2-TemperedGlass.html
Many PC cases can support 3rd party vertical mount, e.g Cablemod vertical mount: https://store.cablemod.com/product/cablemod-vertical-pci-e-bracket-2-x-displayport-black/ (Image above is showing Cablemod vertical mounting kit.)
And for some cases, no vertical GPU can be installed, since even aftermarket vertical mounts doesn't fit. In this situation, replace PC case which does support vertical GPU mounting.

 

[wingfinger]

Thank you for pointing out that the connector is recessed. I looked at some pictures but somehow it didn't look recessed. My guess is that this is probably 5-7 mm. Still a not a lot of room for a bend but maybe a soft bend starting a bit earlier wouldn't be that bad. I think a 90-degree cable would still be best.

I have seen the seasonic and be quiet power supply 90 degree cables, so I know about those. The seasonic cable seems harder to obtain.

There are some new coolermaster power supplies with 90-degree cables in the box, but I don't really know how good coolermaster is these days.

Also thanks for mentioning the alternate GPU mount but this is not something I would attempt.

But I guess now I need to decide recessed power connector is an issue for the 90-degree cables.

 

[Aeacus]

but I don't really know how good coolermaster is these days.

Read reputable PSU review to know. It is the only way.

In general, i'd avoid Cooler Master PSUs. Better to get Seasonic (Focus/Vertex/PRIME), Corsair (RMx/RMi/HXi/AXi) or Super Flower (Leadex series) unit.

 

[wingfinger]

Hardware Busters liked the Super Flower Leadex VII XG 850W. But the place to buy it is Newegg. It says sold by Manuf.

But I think finding a 90 degree cable might still be an important consideration, if I am using the case I have.

The Phanteks Enthoo Pro and the Pro 2 do look like good options though.

 

[Aeacus]

But I think finding a 90 degree cable might still be an important consideration, if I am using the case I have.

Then you can go with Seasonic unit.
As for cable, you could contact Seasonic and if you have invoice of Seasonic PSU to show them, they should be able to send/sell you the cable as well.

The Phanteks Enthoo Pro and the Pro 2 do look like good options though.

One of the best full-tower ATX cases out there. 👍

Did consider buying Enthoo Pro for myself but ended up going with Corsair Graphite 760T V2 Black instead since i liked that more,
specs: https://www.corsair.com/eu/en/p/pc-...s-760t-full-tower-windowed-case-cc-9011073-ww

For more pics of my 760T, look my Skylake build specs in my signature.
My Haswell build sits in Corsair Obsidian 750D Airflow Edition full-tower ATX case,
specs: https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/pc-...low-edition-full-tower-atx-case-cc-9011078-ww