You will find this review useful when searching for the best PCIe riser & extension cables for heavy GPU workloads. The riser & extension cables for heavy GPU workloads are often overlooked because of their minute requirement.
But very often, PC designers and builders tend to find it out very late when they have already developed their gaming PC. This is because the GPU’s performance affects the PC’s overall performance, especially during gaming and graphic designing.
Today, in the year 2022, several brand models are available in the market. This can make your decision very difficult. It becomes a challenge to find the right kind of extension cable that can fit inside your PC case for your GPU model.
That is why we have done all the homework for you. The features present inside the cables are essential for stupendous performance. Most of the products that we have listed are exceptional and offer you with amazing results.
We suggest that you get the riser & extension cable from a reputed maker so that you do not have performance issues later on. First, you will want to know how to choose the best GPU riser cable from the market.
How to choose the best GPU riser cable?
When you want to enhance the performance of your PC or laptop, then you would want to upgrade the hardware present in it. The GPU model often calls the shots to your PC machine. Experienced PC designers and builders would agree with that.
However, you will want to make sure that your GPU is connected to the motherboard using the ideal PCIe 3.0 x16 riser cable. The riser cable serves users for several years and provides you with fantastic connectivity and GPU storage.
Getting the right kind of riser & extension cable is essential when you want to be able to play top-end games flawlessly as possible. It is not surprising to note to that top gamers use this one.
Here are some important factors that you would want to consider before choosing the model.
Design
The design of the PCIe riser cable. Choosing a PCIe riser cable that has an accurate design is of utter importance. These days, makers are producing these cables such that they can fit in the latest PC cases.
If possible, you can get a graphics card with a cutting-edge design. The GPU riser cables come with enhanced design and top-notch quality. A few of the riser cable comes with gold-plated and solder points for optimum durability.
Performance
The PCIe riser & extension cables may not affect the performance of the GPU and the PC device that much. But when they are produced using the right kind of material, they take in less amount of power and don’t affect the output.
Sometimes, if there is a power outage, then it can affect the performance of the PC machine. Your GPU should come with PCB layers. The GPU performance can be enhanced with the suitable help of the locking mechanisms used in connecting wires.
Durability
The PCIe riser cables should last their time. You do not want to keep replacing them every alternate month. Though they are not very expensive, they do cost you money in the range of $50 – $75.
That is considered expensive in the PCIe riser cable segment. You will want to know that recent technological advancements ensure you do not have connectivity problems. Because the PCIe riser & extension cables have good durability.
Price
When you are on a tight budget, then you would want to stick to models that are priced under $50. With a little bit of digging, you can find some best models that are priced pretty adequately.
However, when you can afford it, you do not want to shy away from spending the money. The cash will be spent well. There are the newest PCIe riser & extension cards that provide a stable connection for your GPU on the motherboard.
The Best PCIe Riser & extension cable for heavy GPU workloads
After scrutiny on the internet, we have compiled a list of the best PCIe riser & extension cables for heavy GPU workloads. Our team has gone through hundreds of cables, reviewed the feedback from real users, and decided on this list of products.
We have not listed them according to their ranking but would highly recommend the ASUS ROG STRIX Riser Cable PCI-E 3.0 x16 High-Speed Flexible Extender Card. It comes with the right kind of features for your cause.
Without further ado, we can read through the review and find what can suit your requirements.
1. ASUS ROG STRIX Riser Cable PCI-E 3.0 x16
The ASUS ROG STRIX Riser Cable PCI-E 3.0 x16 High-Speed Flexible Extender Card is first on our list of the best PCIe riser & extension cables for heavy GPU workloads. The model is ideal for different users.
Product specifications:
- Graphics Coprocessor: RS200 ROG Strix
- Brand: ASUS
- Graphics RAM Type: DIMM
- Included Components: Riser Cable 240 mm, Standoff(2), M3 Screw(2)
- Compatible Devices: PCI-E x 16 3.0
- Graphics Card Interface: PCI-Express x16
- Series: RS200 ROG STRIX RISER CABLE
- Item model number: RS200 ROG STRIX RISER CABLE
- Item Weight: 6.7 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 6.75 x 1 x 12 inches
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 6.75 x 1 x 12 inches
- ASIN: B082G52H1L
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| The model is lightweight & portable. The unit is produced from anti-corrosion material. It comes with robust PCIe slots. The product has a great length. It comes with EMI shielding. The sliding bracket makes it simple to hide the wires. The side panels can be removed easily. | Sadly, it is expensive. |
The model is quite slim and flexible. You can make use of stunning features like the bendable design and folding that makes transmission easy. Besides, you can conceal the wires as and when you want.
It does not become obvious when you want to have a setup at home or either your office. Easy cable management is one of the lacked features among most of the models. It comes infused with the ASUS Patent SafeSlot PCIe.
The model was produced using a new manufacturing process. Here the metal and the extra solder points are fortified. It helps in ensuring that your GPU is durable and runs smoothly. There is EMI shielding, and you can experience a high graphics card performance.
The high-frequency and low-resistance PCB design reduces interference. This helps in providing you with enhanced performance. You would be delighted to know that the strengthened protection avoids signal loss and enhances durability.
When you want to improve the ventilation between the CPU & the GPU, then you can do that by mounting them with additional space in between them. Does it come with any issues? From a product point of view, no, but the model is expensive.
If you are in search of budget models, then you have to look elsewhere. The product is priced under $60. At the time of writing, they are selling it for $51. Though it may not be a huge discount, a dollar saved can be used for designing a top-notch PC, is it not?
The ASUS ROG STRIX Riser Cable PCI-E 3.0 x16 High-Speed Flexible Extender Card is a definite recommendation. You do not have to be a fan of ASUS to get this model because it offers you with extreme value for the price of designing PC machines.
2. Phanteks PH-CBRS_PR22 – PCI-E 3.0 x16 Riser Cable
Second, on our list of the best PCIe riser & extension cables for heavy GPU workloads is the Phanteks PH-CBRS_PR22 – 220mm Premium Shielded High-Speed Technology PCI-E 3.0 x16 Riser Cable.
Product specification:
- Brand: Phanteks
- Series: PH-CBRS_PR22
- Item model number: PH-CBRS_PR22
- Item Weight: 7.2 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 1 inches
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 11 x 8 x 1 inches
- ASIN: B07H7MHHP6
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| The model comes with the opulent build quality. The unit is quite simple to connect & use. It has remarkable data transmission. It comes with flexible connection abilities. There are 64GB/s shielded twin-axial wires. | Users complained that the cable is not flexible. |
We are delighted to tell you that this cable was first available this year in 2022. So, we are not very sure why there are so many reviews written about it, as if users have worked on it for a few years.
Please don’t read those reviews and come to a conclusion, as they hold no value. The cable works splendidly on games, and if you own a top-notch ASUS or MSI PC device, then you can go miles with it.
The cooling is good, and not much of heat is generated when you play the games. However, we did note that the wire is not flexible, which can be a small issue for some of you. You should not twist it or fiddle with it because it can get damaged.
But it is quite sturdy and opulent in design. The sectional design is flexible that provides you with an aggressive orientation and eloquent airflow. There are more than 64GB/s rare quality shielded twin-axial wires.
You can also find dedicated power lines that can help for ensuring that signals are not lost at range. The cable comes with top-notch quality hand-soldered gold-plated contacts for signal integrity.
You can find individual laneway shielding that stops the external EMI/EFI and interference between channels. It can be used on Evolve X and Eclipse P600S. That means you can work on the more expensive models.
The product is priced at less than $76. The model is quite expensive, and you can opt for a cheaper model when you are not keen on spending that much money. But they may not be able to provide you with a similar feature.
Phanteks PH-CBRS_PR22 – 220mm Premium Shielded High-Speed Technology PCI-E 3.0 x16 Riser Cable is a fantastic model you can use for your PC. When you can afford it, then you may want to place an order today for this awesome product itself.
3. CORSAIR Premium PCIe 3.0 x16 Extension Cable
CORSAIR Premium PCIe 3.0 x16 Extension Cable is our next product that is on the list of the best PCIe riser & extension cables for heavy GPU workloads. CORSAIR, as you might know, has been into the electronic market for many decades now. They are a seasoned campaigner in making stupendous electronic peripherals for the PC industry.
Product specifications:
Brand: Corsair
Series: CORSAIR Premium PCIe 3.0 x16 Extension Cable 300mm
Item model number: CC-8900419
Item Weight: 4.2 ounces
Product Dimensions: 14.25 x 5.35 x 0.67 inches
Item Dimensions LxWxH: 14.25 x 5.35 x 0.67 inches
Color: Black
ASIN: B07XS5Z4BX
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| It has a 300mm cable extension. It comes with the EMI shielding feature present. There is a 5-wire banded set. This is a 90-degree female PCIe connector. The product has a 5-wire banded build. It can be easily installed in any setup. | Just for the sake of it, the unit is costly. |
The GPU can provide you with the required bandwidth and performance of PCIe 3.0. This is an essential aspect of any GPU model when embedded with the GPU inside a PC case. The length of the cable is pretty lengthy, too, at 300mm.
You can install the GPU easily and vertically have it inside the PC case. Another notable feature that you would want to know about is the EMI (electromagnetic interference) shielded. Using that, you can get rid of the signal interferences and have optimal performance.
It is designed opulently with a 5-wire banded build. This kind of construction lets for having complete flexibility for you to be able to have access to the tiniest of space inside the PC case. There is also a 90degree female PCIe connector that is able to reduce the strain on the cable so that it eases the GPU to be fit inside vertically.
Does the unit come with any defect? No, it does not. The product is priced at less than $60. The product is slightly expensive. Those of you who want to go in for a budget model can do so. However, you will be missing out on some opulent features present in this model.
The CORSAIR Premium PCIe 3.0 x16 Extension Cable comes highly recommended. When you are looking for a stunning model that has some fantastic features like 300mm cable length, EMI shielding, 5-wire banded set, and 90-degree female PCIe connector, then go for it.
4. AsiaHorse New PCIE 3.0 16x High-Speed Flexible Extender Riser Cable
Fourth on the list of the best PCIe riser & extension cables for heavy GPU workloads is the AsiaHorse New PCIE 3.0 16x High-Speed Flexible Extender Riser Cable. Though it is a renewed product, you know that the quality provided by Amazon is genuine. We trust this brand and hence have mentioned this model on our list. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have done it.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| The model has a sturdy design. The unit comes with robust built quality. It has stable connectivity. It is compatible with GPUs and motherboards. The PCB board can be upgraded in the layout. | No PCIe 4.0 support. |
It comes with the noted EMI shielding feature that ensures the GPU performance on the PC device is not affected immensely. Moreover, the signal provided is a single signal. It is able to provide you with a top-notch performance due to the PCB layout.
You would be amazed to know that the PCIe slots are edge-free, enabling you to connect it to the motherboard eloquently with the help of Thermaltake cases. You can, of course, install the unit with other PC cases.
Please note the distance of the mounting holes is 10cm. You can mount the GPU vertically and have the high-speed PCI-e riser cable performance. You will be able to make use of the 180-degree connector.
You will want to know that if the cable is fitted with a top-notch solder point, then you can also extend it if you want to. Another aspect of it is that the cable is power efficient. It does not consume a lot of power.
Your motherboard now has around a 16x bandwidth. The product is priced at less than $50, making it quite affordable. Unlike some of the models we just read about, this unit is relatively cheap & low in price.
The AsiaHorse New PCIE 3.0 16x High-Speed Flexible Extender Riser Cable comes highly suggested by users in our reviews. Though this model is a renewed one, please do consider it because it is a valuable product & meets your requirement.
5. EZDIY-FAB [20cm] PCIE 3.0 16x Extreme High Speed Riser Cable
Fifth on the list of our best PCIe riser & extender cables for heavy GPU workloads comes the EZDIY-FAB [20cm] PCIE 3.0 16x Extreme High-Speed Riser Cable. When you are in search of a high-speed riser cable, then this is it.
![EZDIY-FAB [20cm] PCIE 3.0 16x Extreme High Speed Riser Cable](https://underbudgetgadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/EZDIY-FAB-20cm-PCIE-3.0-16x-Extreme-High-Speed-Riser-Cable.jpg)
Product specifications:
Product Dimensions: 10.83 x 5.59 x 0.75 inches
Item Weight: 5.6 ounces
Manufacturer: EZDIY-FAB
ASIN: B07MDLYBJ4
Item model number: US-NEW PCIE20CM-180
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| It is compatible with Thermaltake. It has a stunning range of power lines. There is a stable operation. There is an improved airflow in the unit. It is priced cheap. | Sadly, the product is not incompatible with the custom MOD PSU. |
The cable is designed with the help of the copper tinning process. It helps in making sure the signal is at full speed and there is no attenuation transmission. You also would be delighted to know that it comes with the EMI (electromagnetic interference) shielding feature.
This helps in removing the signal interference and gives you enhanced performance in the PC machine. There is a sectional cable design that is flexible. It also provides you with the ability to install several orientations and get an opulent airflow.
It adequately supports PCIE3.0/2.0/1.0, Doesn’t Support PCIE4.0. The model is available in straight (180degree), right-angled (90degree) connector variations. You would be glad to beware that it has a wide compatibility mounting hole.
Users were quite happy using the product. However, we noted that most of them complained about the plastic film that surrounds the cables. Besides, they cannot be removed from there. They are also quite stiff and non-flexible.
The product is priced at less than $24, making it relatively cheap. When you are on the lookout for a stunning product that comes with several natural features, is reliable, and affordable, then you would want to use this.
The EZDIY-FAB [20cm] PCIE 3.0 16x Extreme High-Speed Riser Cable comes with some incredible features embedded in it. The product is compatible with Thermaltake, a range of power lines, stable operation, and enhanced ventilation in it.
6. Funtin PCIe Riser Cable, 3.0 x16 PCI Express Riser Extender
Next on our list of the best PCIe riser & extension cables for heavy GPU workloads would be the Funtin PCIe Riser Cable, 3.0 x16 PCI Express Riser Extender. Why the Funtin riser cable? Let us read to find out.
Product specifications:
Product Dimensions: 12.6 x 5.51 x 0.79 inches
Item Weight: 7.2 ounces
Manufacturer: Funtin
ASIN: B07VJ8ZSJ3
Item model number: FT-PE-9030
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| The design of the model is decent. It comes with the PCI-E 3.0 x16 128Gbp/s. It is incredibly flexible in performance. There is an EMI shielding feature. The wires are imported. | The product is kind of expensive. |
The PCIe riser & extension cable is able to deliver you with the performance of the PCIe 3.0 to your GPU. It comes embedded with the PCI Express riser extender or the Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding.
You would have read this feature in all the products on our list. That is because it is able to help the model attain optimum performance. It is produced from TPE plastic sleeve and PE insulation layer.
The wires used are imported and of top-notch quality. They are the (28/30 AWG), and the core of it is produced from a pure copper tinning process. There is no attenuation transmission. It comes designed with the help of 6-wire banded construction.
Using this, it provides you for having full flexibility so that you can reach even the tightest gaps. The product is priced under $80. Though you can get it somewhat cheaper from other retailers, we are not sure about the product’s authenticity.
The Funtin PCIe Riser Cable 3.0 x16 PCI Express Riser Extender is a delightful product. When you are in search of a model that comes infused with spectacular features, then you might want to make use of this costly riser & extender cable.
7. Pcie Extension Cable Pcie x16 Extension Cable
Our final product is the Pcie Extension Cable Pcie x16 Extension Cable. Why did we have this model on our list of the best PCIe riser & extension cable for heavy GPU workloads? Please read to find out.
Product specifications:
Brand: Timack
Connector Type: Pci-e
Cable Type: 16X
Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
Color: Black
Connector Gender: Female-to-Male
Data Transfer Rate: 100 Megabytes Per Second
Unit Count: 1 Count
Item Weight: 51 Grams
Gauge: 20.00
Package Type: Standard Packaging
Package Dimensions: 10.83 x 7.36 x 0.94 inches
Item Weight: 1.8 ounces
ASIN: B07RDFF2DP
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| The design of the model is produced from American imported wires. The wire core is designed with a pure copper tin plating process. It is dustproof. The shielding layer is able to adopt the TPE plastic sleeve. The flexible cable is exceptionally soft and compact. It is simple to install. The product comes affordable. | Users have complained about the unreliable connection. |
The design of the PCIe riser & extender cable is produced with the help of American imported wires. The wire core is designed with a pure copper tin plating process. This helps in making sure that there is a full-speed signal transmission.
The shielding layer is able to adopt the TPE plastic sleeve. There is also the PE insulation layer providing no electromagnetic interference of signals. Unlike some models that we read above, the wires are flexible, and you can fold them with ease.
The gold thickness is up to 3U, which makes the model durable. It is able to offer you with immense electrical performance. The gold finger adopts the sinking gold process. There is a high-speed flexible cable is for 1U and 2U chassis; it is simple to install it in a 1U/2U case at any angle and has a dustproof cap design.
The product is priced under $26. It is cheap & affordable. If you are searching for a spectacular product infused with unique features, then you are looking at it.
The Pcie Extension Cable Pcie x16 Extension Cable is a fantastic budget model that comes infused with some terrific features. The cable is pretty flexible and compact. You will also want to know that installing on your PC machine is quite simple.
FAQs
The riser cables do affect the performance a little bit, but not much more. Sometimes, there can be a minor difference when you are using the cable for performing mild tasks like top-end gaming.
But when you are doing high-end tasks like video graphic designing and so on, then there is a mild chance that the performance can drop down if you are not using it on a PC that is entirely compatible with it.
We have provided you with some fantastic models. We recommend you consider using the ASUS ROG STRIX Riser Cable PCI-E 3.0 x16 High-Speed Flexible Extender Card, the Phanteks PH-CBRS_PR22 – 220mm Premium Shielded High-Speed Technology PCI-E 3.0 x16 Riser Cable, and the CORSAIR Premium PCIe 3.0 x16 Extension Cable.
The PCIe extension cables do not affect the performance to a certain level. You would want to know that no extensions are perfectly alright. Besides, you can’t find any difference in the speed of the lane.
The PCIe riser needs around 12V power and more than 3V power to function correctly. As you can see, both designs require around more than 3V of power. Please note that the power connectors that drive GPU riser cards are in 3 types, namely, 4-pin Molex Connectors, SATA power, and 6 Pin PCIe power plugs.
The PCIe riser cable lets you to extend the motherboard’s PCIe slot. That means that you can mount your GPU model away from the motherboard. What that does is it acts like an extension that is quite similar to the functioning of the extension power cable.
Conclusion
We have come to the end of our review on the best PCIe riser & extension cables for heavy GPU workloads. When you want to design a top-notch PC machine for yourself or your clients, then you would want to ensure that the PCIe riser cables connect to your GPU.
This immensely enhances the performance of your device and enables it to function well. In our opinion, the ASUS ROG STRIX Riser Cable PCI-E 3.0 x16 High-Speed Flexible Extender Card has all the features of a top-end PCIe riser & extension cable.
You can rest assured that it won’t face any connection issues in the future. We have provided you with some of the factors that you will need to know how to choose the right riser & extension cable when you are designing a new PC device.
The connection speeds must remain relatively high. To do that, you will need to make use of the ideal PCIe riser cable with the optimum setup in there. This ensures that your new PC device performs well and exceeds your expectations.
Have you used any of the above-mentioned PCIe riser & extension cables before for your GPU? How was your experience using them? Please do write to us telling us about your thoughts & feelings about the PCIe riser & extension cables in the comments section.
We would be delighted to hear from you. Happy gaming!
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.