We continue our discovery of several Cooler Master accessories. After the ARGB GPU support Bracket here is the Universal Vertical Graphics Card Holder Kit V2.
The idea is interesting since it is a universal solution for installing a graphics card vertically in a box normally incompatible with this layout. Indeed, all boxes are not necessarily equipped with expansion slots allowing this position.
We tested it with a mid-tower case equipped with seven traditional expansion slots.
Universal Vertical Graphics Card Holder Kit V2, présentation
The Universal Vertical Graphics Card Holder Kit V2 is a vertical graphics card holder from Cooler Master. This version 2 offers support for PCIe 4.0.
The idea is to allow the graphics card to be positioned vertically in order to highlight it. This is particularly interesting if the case is equipped with a tempered glass side panel offering an unobstructed view of the configuration.
Cooler Master offers everything needed for a quick and easy installation.
We find the steel support with a moving part, a Riser PCIe 4.0 cable ensuring the connection between the graphics card and the PCIe 4.0 X16 slot of the motherboard and all the hardware.
The set is displayed with dimensions of 184 x 142 x 121 mm closed and 239 x 142 x 121 mm open.
The Rizer beam offers a length of 165 mm, which is more than enough.
Its finish is of good quality with fully protected wiring limiting the risk of breakage during friction and pinching. On the other hand, this protection limits its flexibility which slightly complicates the installation with Medium Tower cases with limited space.
The kit supports graphics cards in 2.5 slot format. It is intended for all boxes with at least seven classic expansion slots.
Universal Vertical Graphics Card Holder Kit V2, installation
Its installation is relatively easy. You must first fix the PCB part of the Riser cable on the mobile part of the metal support using two small Phillips screws.
The other end of the cable then connects to the PCIe x16 port on the motherboard.
Then, you have to prepare the seven expansion slots by releasing them from their PCIe bracket. In our case, the operation is not complex since the seven brackets are removable.
It is positioned using their location and is consolidated to the chassis with two thumbscrews.
All that remains is to place the graphics card vertically by fixing it in its PCIe 4.0 x16 slot. It is consolidated with two screws on the mobile part. The latter will allow it to be positioned a few centimeters from the box’s expansion slots. Why ? The space thus created is necessary to connect the video cable.
All this operation does not require complex and delicate handling. On the other hand, beware of the processor cooler. It can limit space above the graphics card, making installation more difficult.
In our situation, the metal hanger holding the fan had to be removed to install the graphics card. There is also access to the two Phillips screws to secure it. If a screwdriver is needed it needs some space on the top.
Another approach is to install the graphics card before installing the Universal Vertical Graphics Card Holder Kit V2.
Conclusion
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| Résumé
If you have a case equipped with a tempered or windowed glass panel offering an unobstructed view of your configuration, this Universal Vertical Graphics Card Holder Kit V2 allows you to expose your graphics card for all to see. Cooler Master’s approach is simple with an installation requiring only ten minutes. The design is neat, especially on the riser cable side. Its protection is optimal but limits its flexibility. As a result, it must be manually given a movement if the space between the PCIe x16 port of the motherboard and the GPU support is restricted. For the rest, everything does its job. Our GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Founders Edition benefited from a solid mounting with no apparent play. Offered under the 50 € mark, it may seem expensive but be careful. It doesn’t just add two vertical PCIe slots. It also offers connection to the motherboard with a PCIe 4.0 x16 riser cable bundle, which many cases equipped natively with two vertical PCIe slots do not have. |
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