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Introducing the equipment installation check for ROG Astral GPUs
Asus has unveiled an exciting new feature in its flagship GPU line, the ROG Astral. Known as the Equipment Installation Check, this tool allows users to verify whether their valuable graphics card remains securely attached to the motherboard. Although this feature was not available at the time of the product’s launch, discussions surrounding it began surfacing on platforms like Reddit earlier this month. Following this, Uniko’s Hardware conducted a closer examination of the feature, which became accessible through the GPU Tweak utility after a recent update.
How the equipment installation check works
At the heart of this innovative feature lies the Bosch Sensortec BMI323 Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) chip, which enables the GPU to detect even the slightest changes in its positioning. Consequently, the GPU Tweak utility can monitor any alterations to the graphics card’s position, making it a crucial tool to prevent GPU sagging. This is particularly important considering the ROG Astral’s hefty weight, which is approximately 3 kg—heavier than a standard red clay brick!
Addressing the challenges of heavy GPUs
In response to the increasing weight of premium GPUs, many manufacturers have started reinforcing PCIe slots to prevent damage to motherboards. However, these reinforcements often fall short when it comes to supporting the stress that lengthy GPUs exert on such a small area, resulting in long-term mechanical strain. Most high-end GPUs come equipped with support brackets in the package to mitigate this issue. Additionally, some brands have introduced screw holes on the opposite side of the graphics card to secure them to compatible VGA holders. Generic brackets are also widely available online.
Why the installation check is essential
Despite the availability of these support solutions, there remains a possibility that a support bracket may slip or loosen over time. This is where the Equipment Installation Check proves invaluable. It provides timely warnings when there are unintentional changes in the GPU’s positioning. Most users seldom move their desktop PCs, so any shift in the GPU’s position is typically unwelcome. If you receive a warning and cannot recall adjusting your tower case recently, it’s a strong indication that a physical check is necessary—an opportunity to dust off your setup as well!
Additional features enhancing the ROG Astral experience
In addition to the Equipment Installation Check, the ROG Astral boasts other cutting-edge features, including Power Detector+, which measures power distribution across the 12V cables, and Thermal Map, utilizing strategically placed temperature sensors around the GPU’s board to monitor hotspots. These advanced functionalities contribute to the ROG Astral’s reputation as a premium and costly GPU. If you’ve invested around $3,000 or more in an RTX 5090 GPU, these protective measures are likely worth their weight in gold.
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Jowi Morales is a technology enthusiast with extensive experience in the industry. Since 2021, he has contributed to various tech publications, focusing on tech hardware and consumer electronics.