Case / MoBo / Gfx card fitting problem - Looking for solution

Greboth

Greboth

Greboth

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Joined
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Hi all

I have a problem with my new build and I’m not sure quite sure how to sort it out. I have a ThermalTake Emelment V case (I know they are not well liked cases but was too cheap to pass), Nvidia 470 GTX and Gigabyte 890GX MoBo. Now my problem is that the backing plate of the gfx card extends below the motherboard, however with the motherboard screwed it place it is almost flush with the back of the case meaning I can’t fit the graphics card. I loosened off the motherboard to see if I could fit the gfx card that way, but 2 problems arose then – only a couple of motherboard mounting holes lined up and if any pressure was applied to the motherboard to fit, it was kicking out the top of the graphics card so that the mounting screw for it couldn’t go in. The room needed is only a couple of mm but hoping someone has a suggestion of how to achieve this couple of mm (preferably not the suggestion to buy a different case)

Thanks, Greboth.
 
If it is literally only a few mm, and if there is no window on the case (not sure about this) then there shouldn't be anything wrong with some rough bodgering. You should go to the case modding section of this forum for some ideas, but get more advice here too.
 
Peter_C said:
If it is literally only a few mm, and if there is no window on the case (not sure about this) then there shouldn't be anything wrong with some rough bodgering. You should go to the case modding section of this forum for some ideas, but get more advice here too.
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What effect would having a window or not having one have on being able to fit my graphics card past the motherboard.

I think you might of misunderstood what I meant. The problem is not with fitting the card inside the case per se as the case is plenty big enough. It is getting the metal back plate (or whatever you want to call it, the plate with the dvi ports on) won't fit between my case and motherboard so I can't lower my card far enough to connect with the motherboard.
 
I know what you mean! The best option is probably to return the case and get one that leaves enough room. Otherwise you are left with 2 options (both of which should be approached with extreme caution - and to be honest are probably stupid). . .

There isn't room for both the motherboard and the plate, so you can either cut off the bottom of the plate somehow (so that it doesn't extend past the motherboard), or sand a couple of mm off the motherboard. Obviously the second should only be attempted if there is absolutely nothing on this section of motherboard - otherwise you may well break it!

I wouldn't recommend either of the above! Just swap the case IMO!
 
Greboth said:
What effect would having a window or not having one have on being able to fit my graphics card past the motherboard.

I think you might of misunderstood what I meant. The problem is not with fitting the card inside the case per se as the case is plenty big enough. It is getting the metal back plate (or whatever you want to call it, the plate with the dvi ports on) won't fit between my case and motherboard so I can't lower my card far enough to connect with the motherboard.
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Oh right sorry, I thought you meant that the other side of the card wouldn't fit in the case by a couple of mm, so I was suggesting something rough, and if you had a window it wouldn't look particularly pretty.

Sorry :P
 
Thanks Lagz. I did think about those two solutions, but as you said neither are really workable. If no other solution is forthcoming then I guess I will have to change case. I don't have much experience with cases though so would rather not get another one to have the same problem so can you recommend a case Lagz? Looking at possibly HAF 922, HAF 932 or HAF X.
 
I cant really recommend a case (I haven't built a PC for quite some time), but I'm sure someone else can :).
 
In the past I have had similar problems and one way I have overcome them is to bend the tongue on the card a very small amount outwards using pliers, a millimetre or so should do it. This allows the plate to fit closer to the backplate.

Use this tip with care. I cannot guarantee the result.

Otherwise, adjust the stand off positions marginally with a pair of pliers. They will not be truly vertical and you may find a plastic washer on top of the mobo useful to fit under the screw head. Do not overtighten.

I would avoid taking any thing off the edge of the motherboard like the plague.

andy
 
Thanks for the suggestions so far.

Bending the tongue back - I can't check until I get home but I doubt it would work as I don't think the gap betweem mobo and gfx plate is as wide as the plate is.

Bending mobo mounts might just work though as such a small amount of movement is needed to make it fit.

Another idea I just has would be to cut the back of the case around the graphics card so that the graphics card can sit a little further back than it should. So looking at the case from the side, there would a slight indent to the expension slots. The amount that needs to be removed should hopefully mean I could still screw it in place. Will check it all tonight when I get home.

For now though any other suggestions or ideas for a new case if it turns out to be necessary?
 
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nkata said:
I use Lian Li, not the cheapest solution but a good solution.

andy.
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I looked at them briefly but seemed expensive. Looking again though, this case http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-183-LL seems to be enough for what I need. I guess I will have to check to see if I can mod by case tonight.

Edit: Ordered ThermalTake case off Ebay, contact seller and said would have case back so ordered HAF 932 as heard only good things and above case isn't in stock. Should have it tomorrow so can swap all parts over tomorrow night and hopefully get my gfx card fitted :)
 
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