I recently bought a used RX9070 graphics card for $529, thinking it would fit in my PC case. However, it turns out that my case is smaller than I thought, and the card is about 4-6mm too long. I'm wondering if I can still use this card somehow. Would it be better to go for a PCIe x16 riser or use an occulink adapter to set it up as an external GPU? I'm also concerned about power supply issues since my AMD 8700G has a pretty limited PSU. If I go this route, would it make sense to use a second power supply just for the graphics card? Additionally, I removed the brackets for the GPU on the back of my case while waiting for it to arrive—what's the best way to replace those if I decide to wait and sell it later?
4 Answers
Before modifying anything, double-check that your PSU actually has the required connections for the RX9070. If you're looking to switch cases, keep in mind that you'll likely need a new motherboard too since yours is proprietary, limiting what you can reuse. Just be prepared for additional costs if you go this route.
Honestly, I'd recommend just getting a new case that's compatible with your card. If you're up for some DIY, you could also modify your current case. A metal cutting blade can work wonders! If you have a friend with a 3D printer, you could even create a custom look for it.
You might want to check if your PSU can handle it first. It's a proprietary HP model, and your PSU is only 280W while the RX9070 needs at least 550W. You could run into serious power issues here! Plus, using an occulink only provides 4 PCIe lanes, which isn't ideal. A riser would allow for better performance if you can securely mount the card.
Good point! If your PSU doesn't have the right connectors, that could complicate things even more.
If you're going to use a riser, just be mindful that the GPU will need to be secured somehow. It's not just a cable! Also, if you decide to cut the case, I recommend using a metal nibbler rather than a Dremel; it’ll save you a lot of time and effort.
Exactly! Using the right tools makes all the difference.
Exactly! I've done a few case mods myself and they turn out great with a little creativity.