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PCI-E latch snapped off. Advice and help please.

GrimmFC9990

GrimmFC9990

GrimmFC9990

Associate
Joined
10 Oct 2010
Posts
20
Ok first off, what happened is totally my fault and down to my stupid ignorance. I was installing 2 new sticks of RAM in my new PC. After that, I was curious and I wanted to see what my graphics card looked like for the first time - its a new pre-built PC that I have just bought. So I just wanted to disconnect it, and look at it. This is the first time I have ever had a PC with a PCI-E slot, and I just wanted to know the layout, should I want to upgrade some time in the future.

When I tried taking the card out, for some reason, I (stupidly) assumed that the latch had to be pulled away from the card. So I couldnt get it out with my fingers, so I did it with force with a ruler. And so...... SNAP! The little thing snapped off, however I was still able to put the graphics card back in. Just to clarify, here is the little latch-thing (dont know the correct term) I am talking about:



Its only until after I had read the manual for the PC, that I realised I had made an epic fail :(

So I've been reading around, but I wanted to get confirmation on whether this will affect future performance, or whether I need to be careful of anything whilst moving the PC. Plus, if I buy a bigger graphics card - lets say the beast that is the ATI HD Radeon 5970 - will I have to worry about it vibrating and moving out of the slot and such, even if the PC stays stationary?

I am kinda worried, as I think that anything broken in the PC is always a bad thing. But it seems that the latch is only there for extra security, however I would like advice from pros if there is any precautions I need to take.

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated in helping me with this issue.
 
Doubt it will be an issue to be honest, you could always lay the PC on its side if you do go for some mammoth card. I've had the latches come off before and have suffered no ill effects.
 
ive snapped one off my motherboard and it doesnt seem to make a difference to me.

Edit, just make sure the back plate thingy is screwed to the case.
 
I broke the latch on an asus a8n sli board about five years ago, didnt effect the board or card at all, and ive had cards of all sizes in that board in that time.
 
well, I wont be moving it about a lot, but I maybe moving it to another place in my house where it will probably stay for good. well thanks for all the answers and the reassurance.

the only issue now is regarding a meatier graphics card. the only reason why I stated specifically the 5970, is because I am very tempted to get that card, but as you all know tech. is changing all the time, and graphic cards are no exception, so I may wait for the 6000 series, or perhaps wait another year then I might upgrade. regardless of the wait, will it be compulsory for me to place the tower on it's side if I were to get such GFX card? I've heard this isnt such a great idea.
 
well I dont know if there are rules against linking to other websites, but I found something called "Cardkeepers - Your PC's expansion cards can become dislodged or even damaged when you move or bump your PC. CardKeepers retention brackets ensure that your graphics, sound and other expansion cards always remain secure. Perfect for LAN gamers and others who regularly transport their machine!" Thats the quote from the website.

the main thing I want to know if the snapped off piece is going to effect bigger GFX cards.
 
GrimmFC9990 said:
well I dont know if there are rules against linking to other websites, but I found something called "Cardkeepers - Your PC's expansion cards can become dislodged or even damaged when you move or bump your PC. CardKeepers retention brackets ensure that your graphics, sound and other expansion cards always remain secure. Perfect for LAN gamers and others who regularly transport their machine!" Thats the quote from the website.

the main thing I want to know if the snapped off piece is going to effect bigger GFX cards.
Click to expand...

Yup, read the FAQ. No linking or mentioning competitors. You did good ;) :D.

I was about to mention card keepers!
 
Wont be a problem:)
Couldn't get my EVGA 8800GTX ACS to lock in the Gigabyte mobo due to the design of the card and all the cooling bits on the mobo.

Bearing in mind this was a new build, rather than RMA, we just melted one of the PCI-E plastic latches off with a soldering iron.

Suffice to say, still working 3 years later, now with a 260GTX and soon to be a GTX470.

As stated, make sure the screw is securely fastened and will be fine:)
 
thanks! plus, does anyone know anywhere that sells the cardkeeper product i mentioned in my previous post? if so, please PM the link. I have a Ati HD Radeon 5750 at the moment, so what kind-of size will I need to buy if I were to buy the cardkeeper product?
 
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