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Can I cut this part of the PCB off my graphics card?

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Hi folks,

I've got a GTX Titan X (Pascal) GPU which has faithfully served me for a couple years. Since day 1 I've had the stock cooler removed, and installed an AIO cooler. Most of the PCB is exposed. I'm currently in the process of moving my hardware to a new case, and there's just a fraction of the PCB that gets in the way of installing a cosmetic light box at the back of the new case.

Frustrating as I only need 1, maybe 2 mm more space for the light box. Have a look at the photos below - in theory I cut along the red dotted line. I can't see any issues, as the area seems to only be used for a screw (which I don't use as the original cooler isn't used) as looks like part of the SLI finger? I also won't be using SLI.

Not willing to kill my GPU for the sake of a cosmetic item though, but just thought I'd get some opinions from the lovely folk here on the forums, as I don't really know anything about PCBs.

Cheers

PCB front:
2863-pcb-front2.jpg

PCB back:
2863-pcb-back2.jpg

EDIT: more photos below (and as suggested, I'm probably better trying to cut a chunk out of the light box instead)

IMG-20200209-131549.jpg


IMG-20200209-131954.jpg


IMG-20200209-132412.jpg
 
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Me personally, i'd do it. Like you say, if you're sure there are no traces in that area then it wouldn't kill the card.

Is the edge part of where the SLi bridge goes, maybe an earth of some sort?
 
It looks like there are no components on that area and I highly suspect the copper contact area is for the earthing on the SLi connector, so seems pretty low risk to me.

I'd probably go for it, carefully ofcourse, and I say that as somebody who works in electronics and has designed PCBs before. I'd probably try and file it down though rather than go in with the cutters.
 
DazQ87 said:
It looks like there are no components on that area and I highly suspect the copper contact area is for the earthing on the SLi connector, so seems pretty low risk to me.

I'd probably go for it, carefully ofcourse, and I say that as somebody who works in electronics and has designed PCBs before. I'd probably try and file it down though rather than go in with the cutters.
Click to expand...

I've got an oscillating tool similar to this photo, was considering using it.

2679.jpg
 
Yeah some dremel kind of device would be better, filling/sanding rather than chopping cutting.
 
What'd worry me isn't even the functionality, but the impact on re-sale value. I'd rather sell it and buy a new case/gear for my project :D
 
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