Vertical GPU Mount Vs. Horizontal GPU Mount: What’s the Difference?

Installing an advanced and powerful graphics card can up your gaming experience significantly. And to get the most of your graphics card, you need to employ an equally sophisticated GPU mounting system.

As exciting as the installation of a new graphics card is, it can have adverse effects on your system if it is not done correctly. Hence, you need to mount your GPU in a way that gives you the utmost benefit.

There are two well-known ways to mount GPU: horizontal and vertical. Horizontal mounting is a simple and rather old method. Whereas vertical mounting is a new and innovative method of installation.

Both mountings are significantly different from each other. They have their own regulations and conveniences. You can choose the method that is more fitted for you by distinguishing these attributes.

Vertical GPU Mount Vs. Horizontal GPU Mount

Here is an analysis of the vertical and horizontal GPU mount to help you identify the differences between them more distinctly.

Horizontal GPU Mount

Let us start with horizontal mount as it is the traditional position for GPU. In horizontal GPU mount, the front side of the GPU including the fan faces downwards.

Positive Features of Horizontal GPU Mount

This classic mounting position has been tried and tested many times over the years. It is known for giving top notch security.

The graphics card is not stationed against the side panel. Thus, it does not block other parts of the PC and allows sufficient airflow within the casing.

Besides, the cooling fans of the GPU are facing the bottom of the case in this mounting. So, an adequate amount of air is produced and it flows across the components.

When sufficient air passes around the case, the internal temperature remains low. As a result, you can enjoy better performance even while overclocking. This also ensures longevity and greater endurance in the long run.

Another great advantage of installing your GPU horizontally is that it is extremely straightforward. There are no complicated steps or tools required in this method. You also won’t need any mounting or riser cable. This saves you from additional hassles or expenses.

Negative Features of Horizontal GPU Mount

Despite all the conveniences, there are some factors that might be unfavorable.

Horizontal GPU Mount priorities its functions far more than its looks. Hence, it is not aesthetically pleasing unless you install a really expensive or custom-made backplate.

The most attractive part of your GPU, the fans, is facing downward in this mount. So, the only thing that you can see is the plain backplate of your casing.

Besides, many traditionally mounted GPUs do not have the space to install a support bracket. So there is nothing to carry the weight of your graphics card and your GPU will tend to sag upon installation.

Vertical GPU Mount

In the vertical GPU mount, the GPU is parallel to the side panel. The front side of the GPU face the side casing.

Positive Features of Vertical GPU Mount

This is a rather new method of installing GPU. But within a short time it has gained popularity among many PC users with a variety of models in the market.

The most favorite attribute of the vertical mount is the aesthetic appeal it provides. The entirety of the GPU faces the side panel. And this includes the fancy looking fans as well.

Nowadays, many GPU come with RGB settings. The vertical mount showcases your GPU in all of its attractively lighted glory, boosting the look of your PC ten folds.  All you need is a good quality riser cable to install it.

A good quality PC and graphics card can be expensive. And let us not forget the amount of work that goes in placing it up. Putting up a vertical GPU mount is the ideal way to show off your gorgeous custom setting.

Unlike the horizontal layout, the vertical mount lets you install support brackets to bear the weight of your graphics card. This will prevent your GPU from sagging in the long run.

Since the fans of the GPU are pressed against the side panel in vertical mount, airflow is often restricted within the case. Hence, you can opt for a liquid cooling graphics card rather than an air cooling graphics card.

The liquid cooling has a water block system that cools the entire GPU system down. This also aids in overclocking and regulates the temperature at all times. Hence, it ensures the longevity and performance of the system by giving a significant boost to your FPS.

This cooling system can be used in any GPU mounting position. However, the entire process of water cooling is a treat to watch. You can also put it on display for others to watch. And this can be accomplished in vertical mounting alone.

Negative Features of Vertical GPU Mount

As fascinating as the vertical GPU mount is, there are some drawbacks to it as well.

In the vertical mount, your GPU is pressed closely to the side panel. Undoubtedly this makes the GPU aesthetically appealing. But it leaves very little space between the fans and the glass case. Hence this creates a blockage for other parts and restricts airflow.

Thus, air cooling will not be sufficient for your graphics card. Your GPU will be prone to overheating very quickly unless you use a water cooling system, which can be quite expensive.

So it is also not ideal for overclocking. As it can overheat certain parts of your PC very quickly. And overheating will decrease the performance of your PC. This can also eventually harm the health of your computer and compromise its longevity.

A good quality riser cable is required to install the vertical GPU mount. And you should invest in a good quality cooling system to ensure the endurance of your PC. This may turn out to be expensive in the long run.

Conclusion

Each product is accompanied with its own pros and cons. So it is hard to decide a victor among them. However, both will provide top notch function. Hence, you can choose your mounting system depending on your preferences, priorities and budget.