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How to remove PCI-e graphics card with the darned locks

Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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Hey everyone. There is always an issue that has troubled me when assembling and mixing parts on a computer. That is....removing a PCI-e graphics card. I always break the end of the "locks" or clamps that are situated UNDERNEATH the video card.

It is physically impossible for me to know which way or how to unlock the lock/clamp when it is situated under my 10+ inches video card where my hand does not reach. I always end up pulling the video card out, and this breaks the lock. I have done this on two motherboards.

Anyone have any ideas or tricks how to remove a PCI-e gfx card without breaking the tab? Also, if I break the tab, does it do anything aside? Will it make my graphics card loose?

It really ticks me off.

More about : remove pci graphics card darned locks

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Graphics card Master

Hello :) 
I sometimes break the locks too especially when the cards is big,and isn't really a problem and your graphic card won't loose(if you tight the end of it with a screw)
Graphics card Expert

ASUS boards always have this little tab to lock the graphics card in place. If I can't reach it with my fingers, I use a long thin screwdriver to get in there and unlock it. As the above poster wrote though, it's not a big problem if you break the lock.

Best solution

Graphics card Authority

What type of lock do you have?

One like this?
http://www.ninjalane.com/imgviewer.aspx?img=evga_x58_le/pcie_configuration.jpg

Or like this?
http://www.guru3d.com/imageview.php?image=23674

If it's the first one, press the clip down into the slot, with your hand coming from the right.

If it's the second type, push the clip down into the motherboard, try to fit your finger and push it down a bit.

If it's neither of them, well I wouldn't really know sorry.

Otherwise it doesn't make much difference, the card is mainly secured by the screws attatched to the expansion slot as Maziar said.
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In disassembling anything that you aren't completely familiar with you don't know whether to push or pull or whatever. It would help to know the brand/model of motherboard that you have, then search for pictures that would show you the type of lock that it has. Now that you know which direction to move the lock you have to figure out how to get to it and go from there.
Graphics card Authority

Most stock pci-e , 'locks' are plastic see-saws, you press down, as in the top of your case to the floor down(when standing installed in case). That tips the leg up out of the way of the hook on the pcb. (inside the slot)
I've broke them to, lol
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