Question Does anyone know a typical displacement that a graphics card backplate has from the board?

[Gururu]

I have between 3-4mm to spare from the top of the slot to the bottom of my drive bays. I know it is card dependent, but would that sort of clearance be expected to be manageable? Worse case I will have to cut some more of the bottom drive bay out.

 

[COLGeek]

If this is a full size PC case, then it sounds like stand-offs/mounts under the motherboard are missing (or the incorrect ones).

If this is a small form factor case, there are GPUs that can use a low-profile bracket to mount them.

Another scenario could be that you just don't have the GPU fitted into the slot fully.

Which scenario fits your situation?

 

[Gururu]

It’s a mid tower, so It’s pretty tight. By “board“ I mean the graphics card board where the contacts insert into the slot. I can fit a long graphics card into it but around 12” it’s going to be very close to my drive bay. A card without a backplate would fit fine, but I am worried that a long card with a fat shroud is going to be sterically hindered by the bottom of the drive bay. I would like to show pic and will tomorrow if needed for context. Thanks for reply.

 

[COLGeek]

A picture would be good. Along with a list of all components (make/model) being used in this system.

Tight/close is fine. You don't want unnecessary contact. Some cases allow for drive cages, for example to be removed (or moved). It really depends on what you are working with.

You don't mean the Sonata case in your sig do you?

 

[Gururu]

A picture would be good. Along with a list of all components (make/model) being used in this system.

Tight/close is fine. You don't want unnecessary contact. Some cases allow for drive cages, for example to be removed (or moved). It really depends on what you are working with.

You don't mean the Sonata case in your sig do you?

Yes its a Sonata. I think I am ok (see pic below). I just have no idea what kind of shroud a 4070 or 7900 would have. I put a wood ruler that is up against the M.2 heatsink above the PCIe slot.

https://imgur.com/a/tvGN3gU

View: https://imgur.com/a/tvGN3gU

 

[COLGeek]

Airflow in a Sonata (I had one years ago) is going to provide poor airflow for a modern, high-end GPU.

Typically, the backplates don't add a lot to the width of a GPU, so that shouldn't be an issue. The fans extend the other way. Length could be a factor due to the drive cages.

As long as the GPU isn't touching you should be fine.

 

[geofelt]

The problem with gpu backplates is potential interference with big air coolers like the noctua NH-D15.
Some motherboards place the first pcie x16 slot too close to the cpu socket.
In some cases big air can interfere with big vrm heat sinks.
Here is the noctua chart:
https://ncc.noctua.at/motherboards

All this aside 3mm is enough clearance for anything. Even touching is ok.

But, for what you want to do, I advise buying a modern case with good airflow.
What is the make/model list of all of your parts?
You should have no problem finding a GPU less than 12"long.

 

[Gururu]

Thanks guys/gals. I wont limit my purchase decision on fitting concerns then.

I got a peerless assassin above that ruler in the pic. I have a couple 6500 RPM 40mm server fans squeezed into the old floppy bay feeding it fresh air. On the bottom, I have a large case fan which will feed the GPU. I did cutout the entire drive bay under the ruler so the air is unobstructed. I hope its enough, if not new case it is! Everything in my sig is what I have. Obviously no GPU card yet.