Question Will next gen cards get any smaller or lighter?

[axlrose]

I'm still plugging away on my water cooled 1080ti. I can't believe the differences in size and weight in recent gpu gens (maybe it is less than I perceive?). Are there any rumors of decreased size or weight? Or new ways of connecting to the mb so there isn't GPU sag etc.?

Thanks.

 

[geofelt]

Increased size and weight is needed to provide cooling for increasingly stronger processors.
In the future, better technology will reduce the need for cooling on all but the strongest factory overclocked versions.

 

[Aeacus]

For comparing GPU sizes, found this online tool,
link: https://comparesizes.com/comparison/Gpu-compare-size-comparison/1575224670224#/

Just add in the GPU dimensions (usually in mm) and GPU name and you can easily compare the dimension differences between several GPUs.

Are there any rumors of decreased size or weight?

As long as the GPU chip increases in productivity, it also increases in heat production IF Nvidia/Radeon like to keep the GPU die same size. Also, GPU has other components as well that need active cooling, like VRAM.

Due to that, better performing GPUs need bigger cooler and in turn, GPU is bigger and weighs more.
Single- and dual-slot GPUs doesn't need GPU support since those usually aren't heavy enough, like RTX 4060 or GTX 1660 Ti (latter is what i have).
Triple- and quad-slot GPUs do need GPU support, else-ways the GPU sag either brakes the GPU PCB near the PCI-E slot, or PCI-E slot itself splits apart.

Or new ways of connecting to the mb so there isn't GPU sag etc.?

There is. That is called vertical mounting 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.

 

[axlrose]

Are water cooled boards staying smaller?

 

[Aeacus]

Are water cooled boards staying smaller?

GPUs with AIOs, at most, are dual-slot GPUs.

E.g MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X Liquid: https://www.msi.com/Graphics-Card/GeForce-RTX-4090-SUPRIM-LIQUID-X-24G/Gallery
Where GPU itself is: 280 x 140 x 43 mm

Compared to air cooled quad-slot GPU, e.g MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X: https://www.msi.com/Graphics-Card/GeForce-RTX-4090-SUPRIM-X-24G/Gallery
Where air cooled GPU is: 336 x 142 x 78 mm

But some liquid cooled GPUs can be single-slot as well. Usually less beefy models.

 

[Gururu]

Today's graphical power will eventually make its way into smartphones. Cards will stay as large as the companies need us to believe they are engineering masterpieces.

 

[PEnns]

The genie is out of the bottle. I doubt the GPU makers and their partners will release any "slim" GPUs.

Heck, they're now producing practically 4 slot GPUs! It's a race for the fastest GPU and the hearts of the tech websites' PR departments and to heck with any remaining slots!!

Unless of course they go back a generation or 2 and "re-release" some crippled, 4-6 GB of VRAM one fan wonders for the lowest tier of the market, pat themselves furiously on the back and call it a successful day.

 

[ARICH5]

Unless of course they go back a generation or 2 and "re-release" some crippled, 4-6 GB of VRAM one fan wonders

i see nothing wrong with that.

 

[Aeacus]

At current date, and with latest gaming GPUs, selection between single-slot GPUs is simple:
* Intel Arc A350
* AMD Radeon RX 6400
* Nvidia GTX 1630

All other single-slot GPUs out there, that are currently produced, are for workstation use (Quadro/ Radeon Pro/ Arc Pro/ Tesla).

For a proper gaming GPU, bare minimum is dual-slot GPU. Heck, even GTX 1080 Ti from years past (which OP has) is dual-slot GPU.

 

[PEnns]

i see nothing wrong with that.

Absolutely, Nothing wrong with having a low end end GPU for browsing, email or low impact applications.

Anything else will need something beefier and fatter.

 

[USAFRet]

Absolutely, Nothing wrong with having a low end end GPU for browsing, email or low impact applications.

Which probably does not require a dedicated GPU at all.
Integrated in the CPU is just fine for that use case.