Graphics cards extras covers accessories for fitting, cooling and supporting a graphics card, such as thermal paste and pads, riser cables, support brackets and add-on coolers. It suits PC builders and upgraders who want to keep a GPU cool, mount it vertically or stop it sagging. Brands include Thermal Grizzly, Gelid, Lian Li and Corsair.
How to choose graphics card accessories
Start with the job. Repasting an older card calls for thermal paste and pads, a heavy card that sags needs a support bracket, and a vertical display layout needs a riser cable. Buying for one clear purpose avoids paying for parts you will not fit.
Check compatibility. Riser cables should match the PCIe generation of your card and motherboard, and be long enough to reach your case's vertical mount. Add-on coolers and brackets are often designed around specific card lengths, mounting hole patterns or slot layouts, so check these against your model.
Pick the right thermal material. Thermal paste suits the GPU die, while thermal pads cover memory chips and power components. Pad thickness matters, because a pad that is too thin leaves a gap and one that is too thick stops the cooler seating properly. Check the thickness your card needs before ordering.
Consider the safety of the compound. Most pastes are non-conductive and forgiving for first-time users. Some high-performance compounds, particularly liquid metal, conduct electricity and can damage a card if they spread onto nearby components, so they suit experienced builders only.
Look at build quality. A riser cable with good shielding helps keep the PCIe signal stable. A bracket should be sturdy enough for the card's weight and adjustable in height so it fits your case.
Brands in graphics cards extras
- Thermal Grizzly: known for high-performance thermal pastes such as Kryonaut, widely used by enthusiasts and overclockers.
- Gelid: makes thermal compounds and thermal pads, as well as aftermarket cooling products for graphics cards.
- Lian Li: known for PC cases and for PCIe riser cables that allow a graphics card to be mounted vertically.
- Corsair: a major name in PC cases, memory and cooling, with accessories that fit into the same build ecosystem.
- Zalman: long established in PC cooling, including fans and coolers.
- Delock: known for cables, adapters and interface accessories for PC hardware.
- Streacom: known for fanless cases and open test benches for enthusiast builds.
Also in our range: Inline, HAVN, Jonsbo, Hager and Tryx.
Frequently asked questions about graphics card accessories
When should I replace the thermal paste on my graphics card?
Replace it when the card runs noticeably hotter than before, or when you are already taking the cooler off for cleaning or repair. Paste can dry out after several years of use. If temperatures are normal, there is no need to touch it.
Do I need thermal pads as well as thermal paste?
Often yes, if you remove the cooler completely. Paste goes on the GPU chip, while pads sit between the cooler and the memory and power components. Check which pad thicknesses your card uses before you start.
Does a riser cable reduce graphics card performance?
A well-made riser cable that matches your card's PCIe generation usually has little or no noticeable effect in games. A poorly shielded or mismatched cable can cause instability or force the slot to run at a lower speed. Choose a cable rated for the PCIe version your system uses.
Do I need a graphics card support bracket?
A bracket is worth fitting if your card is large and heavy, or if you can see it drooping in the slot. Sagging puts strain on the PCIe slot and the card's connector. Smaller, lighter cards generally stay level without extra support.
