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Started by Willarch | | 6 answers
Hello guys I have recently finished my first build. Everything works nicely, however, after opening up the case today for periodic inspection I've noticed that my GPU is sagging weirdly up front.
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My question is: Could this pose a problem in the future if the PCB is under constant stress like that?
From what I can see the PCB is stressed most on the left side where the bend begins. Everything has been working fine from the start but this is worrisome.
I'm actually thinking of putting back the drive cage so I can use a cable tie on the 8-pin connector to lift it up a bit even though it would affect my airflow.
Any suggestions?

My question is: Could this pose a problem in the future if the PCB is under constant stress like that?
From what I can see the PCB is stressed most on the left side where the bend begins. Everything has been working fine from the start but this is worrisome.
I'm actually thinking of putting back the drive cage so I can use a cable tie on the 8-pin connector to lift it up a bit even though it would affect my airflow.
Any suggestions?
Willarch
October 11, 2014 10:21:22 AM
Best solution chosen by Willarch
frag06
October 11, 2014 9:03:50 AM
RobCrezz said:
Put it in the top slot, it has a latch for the hook on the card to hold it more stable. This is implemented specifically for GPUs.That won't help. I have an MSI 970 and it sags, no matter which slot it is in. It is just so heavy that it sags. If you read some posts on OCN, you'll see others state their cards sag, regardless of brand.
With the Z97-A, it should be in one of the top two PCI-E 3.0 slots, though.
Try pulling the PCI-E power cables back until the card is straight (not so much that it puts stress on them) and then zip-tie them so they stay in that position. The only other way to fix it is to make a support bar. Something like a threaded rod with nuts at the end and with some rubber caps.
3ogdy
October 11, 2014 8:52:34 AM
Hey Willarch, I'm sorry, I thought this was your motherboard:
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Z97A/specifications/
"2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8)
1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x2 mode)
2 x PCIe 2.0 x1 *1
2 x PCI"
Page 6 (VI) :
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/LGA1150/Z97-A/e9378...
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Z97A/specifications/
"2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8)
1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x2 mode)
2 x PCIe 2.0 x1 *1
2 x PCI"
Page 6 (VI) :
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/LGA1150/Z97-A/e9378...
RobCrezz
October 11, 2014 8:44:19 AM
Willarch
October 11, 2014 8:34:11 AM
As far as I know, the Asus Z97-A has 3x PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots. I mostly use that slot as it makes it easier for me to manage my cables. Would it be "healthier" for the GPU to actually sit in the first slot even though all of the connectors are the same?
EDIT: Did a bit of research on it and it does indeed have 3x 3.0 x16 slots.
http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/asus_z97_a_and_z97...
EDIT: Did a bit of research on it and it does indeed have 3x 3.0 x16 slots.
http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/asus_z97_a_and_z97...
3ogdy
October 11, 2014 7:42:12 AM
I'd place the PCI Express cables somehow to keep the card straight rather than pull it downwards. In other words, I'd force the card to stay straight with the PCI Express cables.
Why are you using the card in the last PCIExpress x16 slot? Is the first PCI Express slot unusable / damaged?
Keeping the card in that slot may severely affect performance - that is a physical X16 with 2nd generation x2 bandwidth. You should connect the card in the first (closest to the CPU) PCI Expressx16 slot, where you get 3rd generation x16 bandwidth.
Why are you using the card in the last PCIExpress x16 slot? Is the first PCI Express slot unusable / damaged?
Keeping the card in that slot may severely affect performance - that is a physical X16 with 2nd generation x2 bandwidth. You should connect the card in the first (closest to the CPU) PCI Expressx16 slot, where you get 3rd generation x16 bandwidth.
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