Vertical GPU Stabilization for Silent Base 801

PizzaJailer · January 22, 2020

I plan on adding a large number hard drives to my Silent Base 801 case. This will require me to install all of the five of the internal drive cages for the case.

My GPU however, the RTX 2080 Strix is very long and when mounted horizontally will overlap with the drive cages. Fortunately, the Silent Base 801 includes a space to vertically mount a GPU, which is recessed about an inch from the horizontal mounting position. I've test fitted the components and have confirmed that mounting my GPU vertically will give me enough space to install the drive cages. However, I am worried about the weight of the card while vertically mounted. The Silent Base case does not have any stabilization for the underside of the GPU when it is vertically mounted, it is only attached to the back of the case. I need to find some kind of stabilizer that can rest on the top of the case's PSU shroud.

As an example, I've found this stabilizer (https://smile.amazon.com/Graphics-vertical-kickstand-speed-extension/dp/B07FD8QXFM/) that appears to just support the card from the bottom. However, am unsure how much the height of the stabilizer can be adjusted and the snowflake that has been embedded into the plastic is objectively ugly. I'm also worried the front feet would end up hanging over the sloped part of the PSU shroud.

Here is a picture of the case that shows how the vertical mounting is laid out:

https://www.bequiet.com/admin/ImageServer.php?ID=50ae0a18114@be-quiet.net&omitPreview=true&.jpg

Any suggestions?

Whiro · January 23, 2020

49 minutes ago, PizzaJailer said:

Any suggestions?

You’ll be fine with the mounting the gpu on this case without any support.

Gpu will be supported in two places (see pic) which is no difference than what you trying to get anyway. This slider on top opens, once you put in the gpu just slide it down again it’ll lock the card in the place.

Taf the Ghost · January 23, 2020

@PizzaJailer Firstly, that's quite a name for a forum, lol.

Secondly, I'm actually surprised that the card won't fit, but you're correct. With a cage in, you have 280mm (11 inches) of clearance behind the slot. The card is 300mm/11.8 inches long. Your entire issue is due to plastic hanging over, it's not even the PCB that goes that far.

There's actually an interesting set of solutions to this. The easiest would be GPU holder: https://www.amazon.com/YATENG-Graphics-Anodized-Aerospace-Aluminum/dp/B07S7ZBB51/ it'll sit over the bottom cage and should work fine. Just put it at the back end of the card.

You could also try to put something to hold the GPU up on the cage itself, as its still going to be a tight fit, even in the vertical mount. I have mine mounted inverted, so I can't check the exact position. You'd have to get it built to work it out. But you might be able to ziptie it up, given how tight its going to be.

You could sell the massive 2080 and get a shorter card, so you don't need to vertically mount it. I also need to check that you're using all 5 upper cages and the space in the bottom cage as well?

As something of a side point, but I'd highly recommend putting 3 Noctua NF-A14 fans in the front. Or 3 NF-A12x25. You're going to need some massive static pressure to push air into the chassis.