Graphics card won't line up with case.

RamboFB · 24 Sep 2013 at 23:04

Hi All,
I am trying to install a new graphics card into my new HAFX case but the card screw mounts will not line up with the case. After looking at the side view I realised the GPU is sitting at a slight angle in relation to the side wall of the case when properly installed in the slot. So basically it is impossible to mount the card. So since the card was new I thought I would try my old card(9800gtx+) exact same thing. So it's not the card. I then looked towards the motherboard to make it was installed correctly. I am 99% sure it is lined up properly etc. so the only thing left is the case. The way things stand I think the case needs to go back to overclockers. Does anyone have any advice on this at all before I speak to overclockers customer service about it?? Any help would be great because I'm really stuck here!!!

RamboFB · 24 Sep 2013 at 23:21

~>Dg<~ said:
what size mobo

how far out is it ? if slight try slightly moving it around. if the case is out sometimes they are then return it.

The board is a Z77 sabertooth. It's not out by much but it's enough that if you try to screw it, it would pull the GPU out of the slot. I think returning the case is all I can do but I am really angry about having to do that. Just didn't expect any problems with this case at all!

thanks for the reply

RamboFB · 25 Sep 2013 at 10:09

MeatLoaf said:
Did you install the mobo standoffs in the case?

Of course

RamboFB · 25 Sep 2013 at 10:27

Mei said:
does the io shield fit good on the back?
that should tell you if the standoffs are right or not

i think its a little unusual for a case to be made slightly too wide

Yes the shield fits fine, I'm sure the standoffs are correct. The case isn't too wide the card sits at an angle in relation to the back of the case ie the very bottom of the card is flush then it gets worse as it gets further up. It's not out by much but the card can not be screwed in. Something is wrong.

RamboFB · 25 Sep 2013 at 10:55

Mei said:
well if the io shield fits all ur ports perfect then i cant see how it would be the standoffs or anything to do with how the motherboard is sitting, like motherboard tray etc

has to be the pci bracket, some of them have a safety/quick release clamp or maybe something else in the way, take a pic with a phone or anything some1 will know

Ok thanks It will be later before I can take a picture. It's just a standard mounting device with holes and screws nothing fancy.

RamboFB · 25 Sep 2013 at 11:25

Mei said:
quick google i dont think its just you

http://www.overclock.net/t/1067923/haf-x-owners-does-your-pci-e-slots-line-up/10

http://forum.coolermaster.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=15143

...and we thought u were crazy

Yes mate I am crazy, crazy for buying this case. I have emailed overclockers about returning it, not heard a peep

Doomedspeed said:
Coolermaster -1..

They can't even get that right.

Disgusting for a £120 case

RamboFB · 25 Sep 2013 at 11:26

pgi947 said:
There was a bad batch of hafx's with this problem, get in touch with cm or the retailer and they should issue refund or replacement

Thanks mate I've let overclockers know not heard anything yet.

RamboFB · 25 Sep 2013 at 11:28

Steampunk said:
Shocking that this is a two year old problem that people are stills seeing. Time to buy another make of case.

It's a shame because its a fantastic case which is let down buy simple stupid problem!

RamboFB · 25 Sep 2013 at 11:33

Admiral Huddy said:
I've often mistaken the wrong slot cover but this is crazy. I see you have contacted CS.. I'll point this in the right direction for you

Thanks a lot mate.

RamboFB · 25 Sep 2013 at 12:34

So sad my new RAM just arrived, no case to put it in. :mad:

Thanks Coolmaster love you guys.

RamboFB · 25 Sep 2013 at 13:11

jonnyp1993 said:
bad luck dude , hope you find a case of your liking

The HAFX is a great case I would almost certainly get another one if it didn't have this problem. I really hope it's just a fault because like I say I really do love this case.

RamboFB · 25 Sep 2013 at 15:25

Overclockers CS got in touch me. They have requested some photos of this. Will post some up tonight! Although I am convinced this is a waste of time since I'm sure the case is faulty. So basically either way the pc is on hold. Wish I'd never started building PC's nothing but hassle :mad:

RamboFB · 25 Sep 2013 at 21:35

Ok everyone the problem is fixed. I decided tonight that really didn't want to return this case so I was going to try my best and fix it. So this is how I fixed it.

First off I took the motherboard out of the case. Then I made sure all the standoffs were tight using the key provided (not hercules tight, just enough to feel a bit of pressure). I used the standoffs that were pre-installed on B & F not sure if its needed but I did it.

Then I installed my graphics card on the board whilst out (always so much easier).

Since I noticed the angle that my motherboard was sitting I decided to try and manipulate the m/board tray a little. So I got my fingers in the cable management openings and pulled the metal up. I did use a bit of force but not too much. Since the board seemed to be sagging at the back I was trying to raise it some. I think this helped.

I then put the board back in. There is a tiny bit of play on whilst on the standoffs so I used it. Once I was happy that the card was lined up I began screwing down. I screwed B and F first, I was firm with these it felt right. The remaining screws I was gentle. Not too much on any screw.

Now the back screws did give some me bother.As I was tighten them I noticed the were pulling the GPU mounting bracket a little further back. So what I did was get my fingers underneath the tray through the openings and push the standoffs closer to the screws. The back screws I didn't tighten much just enough.

After I was finished everything felt solid and I was happy enough.

Please do not let this put off this case, it really is an amazing case. A pleasure to work in. I just happy I didn't have to return it.

Hope this helps any other poor soul.