GPU accessories are add-on parts that support, cool, display or connect a graphics card. The main GPU accessories are vertical GPU mounts, GPU support brackets, GPU coolers, backplates and external GPU enclosures. Each one solves a specific problem, such as sag, heat, case size or laptop graphics.
Which GPU accessory solves which problem?
Each GPU accessory solves one problem:
| Problem | Accessory | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Card bends down | Support bracket | GPU support bracket, GPU sag |
| Show off the card | Vertical mount | Vertical GPU mount |
| Card runs hot or loud | Cooler upgrade | GPU cooler guide |
| PCB protection and memory cooling | Backplate | GPU backplate |
| Small or slim case | Low profile card | Low profile graphics card |
| Laptop needs desktop graphics | eGPU | External GPU for laptop, eGPU enclosure |
Do you need GPU accessories?
You need GPU accessories only when you have the problem they solve. A heavy card benefits from a support bracket; a hot card benefits from better cooling; a thin laptop benefits from an external GPU. Many graphics cards already include a support bracket in the box.
How do you support a heavy graphics card?
You support a heavy graphics card with a support bracket under its far end or a vertical mount. Read GPU sag to understand the risk and GPU support bracket to choose one.
How do you cool a graphics card better?
You cool a graphics card better with case airflow, a custom fan curve, undervolting and, if needed, an AIO or water block. Start with the GPU cooler guide and the GPU temperature guide.
Can you add a GPU to a laptop?
Yes. You can add a desktop graphics card to a laptop with an external GPU enclosure over Thunderbolt, USB4 or OCuLink. See external GPU for laptop and best external GPU enclosures.
All GPU accessories guides
- Vertical GPU Mount
- GPU Support Bracket
- GPU Sag
- GPU Cooler Guide
- Best Low Profile Graphics Cards
- GPU Backplate
- External GPU for Laptop
- Best External GPU Enclosures