Minor GPU sag causes loss of performance in my build

[Venomite]

Yep, as the title says, it does. I've come to this conclusion through several methods but the most reliable one is probably that simply lifting my card a tad while it's benchmarking(or gaming) gives me an extra 20-30fps. GPU-Z says that my TDP is about 40% and that the PerfCap reason is Power when the card is sagging. When I lift my GPU slightly by pushing on the plastic fan/heatsink case these stats change to ~75% TDP and PerfCap Voltage reliability. My fps also goes from something like ~35 to ~60 (VSync on). The GPU core clock will also double when I raise the card.

MB: Gigabyte Z87X-D3H
GPU: GTX 780 MSI
PSU: Cooler Master 720W (silent pro m2)

I've marked this thread as a discussion because I don't really think there's any solution besides simply adding a support bracket to the GPU. However if you think my current setup is dangerous or have any solution in mind feel free to post it below

Also, is this a common thing? And what might be the cause, as in, how does sagging impede power delivery (assuming that is the case)? Would this count as a factory error so that I can RMA it?

Edit: words

 

[aquielisunari]

Yep, as the title says, it does. I've come to this conclusion through several methods but the most reliable one is probably that simply lifting my card a tad while it's benchmarking(or gaming) gives me an extra 20-30fps. GPU-Z says that my TDP is about 40% and that the PerfCap reason is Power when the card is sagging. When I pushing my GPU slightly upwards by pushing on the plastic fan/heatsink case these stats change to ~75% TDP and PerfCap Voltage reliability. My fps also go from something like ~35 to ~60 (this is with VSync on however). The GPU core clock will also double when I raise the card.

MB: Gigabyte Z87X-D3H
GPU: GTX 780 MSI
PSU: Cooler Master 720W (silent pro m2)

I've marked this thread as a discussion because I don't really know if there's a solution besides simply adding a support to the GPU however if you think my current setup is dangerous or have any solution feel free to post them below

Also, is this a common thing? And what might be the cause, as in how does sagging impede power delivery? Would this count as a factory error, can I RMA it?

There are different solutions. You can buy a bracket like https://mnpctech.com/gpu-support-bracket/mnpctech-single-gpu-support-bracket-black.html or https://www.amazon.com/Graphics-Support-Holder-custom-Gaming/dp/B01DQK7DDW . You can Google Graphics card support bracket for more possibilities like https://www.amazon.com/Graphics-Brace-Support-Holder-Gaming/dp/B01I7QT6QM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1482067845&sr=8-3&keywords=Graphics+Card+support .

 

[DigitalHamster]

This is indeed a weird issue.
Considering there is nothing wrong with your card or motherboard, I would suggest getting a support for the card.
As for why, it is anyone's guess. My opinion is that perhaps the PCIE slot becomes loose as it sags and the GPU can't get power from the motherboard, which means it has a lot less power available to work with.
As for dangerous, I would say it is a worrying situation - it shouldn't really be happening in the first place... If you are not pinching pennies, I say go ahead and try to RMA it. I have never encountered a card that loses power when it sags, and you shouldn't have to put up with it either.