Another source of danger is the location of the memory slots on many new PCI Express motherboards. In many models the x16 PEG slot is placed very high. The reverse side of many longer graphics cards is then only a few millimeters from the fixing clips of the memory slots. If the clips are slightly open, due either to a previous exchange of memory modules or simply through carelessness, the clips gently shave capacitors from the reverse side of the graphics card when inserting it. This could occur, for example, while handling a dark case under the table.

Very dangerous! The fixing clips of the memory slots (here with the Intel D925XCV) act like a plane when open while inserting the graphics card. The result is torn-off capacitors on the graphics card.

The problem is encountered with many motherboards, such as the Asus A8N-SLI.

The result: Torn-off capacitors, in the case of a GeForce 6800 Ultra here. The card still runs without problems despite the missing components.