How is GPU length measured?

[Guest_1]

I have a pre-built Dell Optiplex 7010 and the tech manual for this PC states that the maximum card length for the PCI-E 16x slot is 6.6 inches but it can hold upto a 7 inch GPU in practice.

Now, I'm looking to buy a MSI GTX 1050 and the specs state it's length is about 7 inches. The problem is that this card has a plastic shroud that extends quite a bit beyond the PCB.

So, I wanna know if the length listed in the specs corresponds just to the PCB or does it include the plastic shroud?

 

[Darkbreeze]

Dimensional length for graphics cards includes everything, end to end, from PCI bracket mating surface to the furthest point at the end of the card whether it's the PCB or shroud that sticks out the furthest.

 

[mazboy]

note that some cardmakers require a certain clearance at the end of the card

 

[Darkbreeze]

Yeah, that's probably cutting it too close. There are almost certainly shorter versions available though. I probably wouldn't suggest going with anything that's more than what the case specifies it can tolerate, which is 6.6", maybe as much as 6.8" but certainly not more than that unless you do some modification to remove one of the drive bays or whatever is obstructing the card.

 

[Guest_1]

There's a jumper switch and some SATA ports that are obstructing the card. I currently have a 7 inch GPU installed in there and it works without any problems which is the reason I think a 7 inch GTX 1050 should be fine. But it'll be a tight fit and I want to make absolutely sure that the shroud won't extend beyond the stated length as I won't have the option to return the card just because it doesn't fit.

The only smaller GTX 1050 variant available to me is a Zotac GTX 1050 Mini and I want to avoid it because:

1. I'm not familiar with the Zotac brand (don't know if their GPUs are durable enough).
2. It's performance is somewhat slower than the MSI variant which is slightly OCed.

Also, why do some manufacturers require clearance at the end of the card? Is it for the PCI-E power connector? If so, that's not a problem for a single fan GTX 1050.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Zotac cards are very good. No worries there. In some countries they are more dominant than in the US, much like ASUS and EVGA are here. I'm not saying they are AS good as an EVGA card, but I would not have a problem going with a Zotac card if the price was right or that was what was available to me, or dimensionally it was what I needed to do.

Totally understand on the performance though. A mini card or low profile version will never perform as well as a full size card regardless of what model it is. However, I'm not sure on this tier of card that the difference is going to be spectacular.

PCIe connectors are one reason. Some of them have actually moved to orienting the plug ins at the end of the card instead of on top as well, which further requires more room at the end. Could be other reasons too, I am unaware of having come across that particular requirement in the past.

This card is an OC low profile 1050 that is 167mm, slightly shorter than your 7" requirement.

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/9jCrxr/gigabyte-geforce-gtx-1050-2gb-oc-low-profile-video-card-gv-n1050oc-2gl


I guess you're sort of in a bind as to the length and unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a lot of other options in this case. I'm not sure that anything on the motherboard should necessarily be in the way. The card should be higher than anything on the motherboard unless this is a really oddball OEM board configuration. Generally the height of the PCI slot raises the card enough to clear any heatsinks or other obstructions on the board. The case might be a different story. Hard to say without being able to see exactly what's going on though. You may be exactly right. I can't say for sure.

 

[Guest_1]

The case can hold up to a 9" card before it runs into the HDD cage. Would it help if I posted pictures of the motherboard? I think the SATA ports should still be usable even if they a covered by the GPU if I get L-shaped cables.

I'll post pictures as soon as I get home.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Exactly. With L cables you shouldn't have an issue there due to the ports, so that could greatly help. Yes, a picture of the inside would help, maybe with and without the card installed that you have now just for comparison on where it actually lands.

You can post images as follows.

*How to post images in Tom's hardware forums

 

[Guest_1]

Okay, here are some pics with the GPU installed

And here's some without the GPU installed

 

[Darkbreeze]

Hard to see the clearance between the bottom of the end of the card's PCB and the obstructions on the motherboard from those angles, but I understand that it's kind of hard to get a better angle.

Based directionally off the pictures you took looking down into the case, any chance you can move off to the left side and take a picture that will allow you to see at least somewhat of an angle down into the case in order to kind of get a reference point for where the back of the card and the 1,2,3,4 and SATA obstructions are at?

Doesn't have to be a full 90 degree visual, as I know you probably can't get down in there that well, but maybe like 45 degree looking down into the case from the overhead left side? I "think" you'll be ok, but I'd feel better if I could see that point from an angle other than right on top to where the obstructions or contact would occur.

 

[Guest_1]

Here are a few pics from the side angle. Note that the DIMM slots (labelled 1,2,3,4) won't obstruct the card if it doesn't have a backplate.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Still hard to call, but I think with right angle SATA cables you'll be ok up to where that USB cable plugs into the motherboard. Looking at the three boards I have on my bench here, with ruler, the bottom of the PCB on the graphics card SHOULD clear the top of a SATA 90° cable plugged in AND if you are not using those two end ports you would at the least have that much additional space for sure.

With ruler flush across the top of the PCIe slot to the back where the SATA ports are on these three boards there is about the thickness of two sheets of printer paper clearance. It will be close but my biggest concern would be that you probably cannot actually USE two 90 degree cables side by side in those ports because of the way they are oriented, which means that if you NEED two of them, they will have to be staggered and if there is NOT enough clearance you will be limited somewhere, either in the number of slots you can use, which speed of slots you can use or how long the card can be beyond what your current card is.

Another possibility, is using an add in SATA card to completely eliminate the need to use those onboard ports at all. Not the perfect answer, but if your other PCIe slot has enough lanes to support an add in card it is at least an option, and not that expensive. probably cheaper than two good 90 degree cables, or close to it.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?N=100007607%20600022631&Submit=ENE


Maybe it's just time to upgrade the core platform? LOL.

 

[Guest_1]

It seems this whole discussion was moot anyway. I simply can't find a GTX 1050 in the price I'm willing to pay for it.

I guess I have no choice but to wait for Volta.

Thank you darkbreeze for helping me through this.

 

[Darkbreeze]

That sucks, and I know just what you mean. I too am in the market for a new card and can neither find one, nor am I willing to pay the prices that are being asked for them currently if there was one available. It's actually rather pissing me off and in my entire past history of working on and with computer hardware, I have never encountered this issue. At least, not at this level of sheer insanity.

Best of luck to you and if I can help you further let me know. Good luck.