Asus' Q-Release Slim feature is reportedly damaging some GPU PCIe connectors

RTX 5090 Damaged
(Image credit: Andreas Schilling)

New reports suggest that Asus' newly launched Q-Release Slim feature can damage your GPU's PCIe connector. As HXL and Andreas Schilling from HardwareLuxx shared, frequently unseating your GPU using this ejection mechanism can scrape off the sides of the connector. While there haven't been any reports of broken PCIe gold fingers, insight from Uniko's Hardware suggests a design flaw in Asus' implementation. This news is particularly alarming as it comes hot on the heels of the $2,000 RTX 5090.

For some context, Asus debuted the first iteration of its Q-Release feature on its high-end ROG motherboards in 2021. With the press of a button, you can release your GPU's PCIe latch without having to worry about bulky CPU coolers or needing raccoon-sized fingers. Asus announced Q-Release Slim in August last year, improving on the previous design. Available on 800-series AMD and Intel motherboards, this feature lets you eject your GPU by simply tilting the card while pulling it upward.

However, innovation isn't always smooth sailing, as new reports indicate that Asus' implementation can potentially scratch your GPU. A metallic piece embedded on the peg side of the PCIe slot on the motherboard, scrapes against the GPU's PCIe connector. This particular issue is accelerated when you take your GPU in and out of the PC a lot. Something that GPU reviewers and overclockers will do with some frequency.

In the shared image, after around 60 removals, there are visible signs of wear and tear, and the connector looks partially deformed from the side. However, the gold fingers or traces essential for the GPU's functionality remain untouched.

Asus Q-Release Slim

(Image credit: Uniko's Hardware)

Based on the cases we've seen while researching this story, the damage is purely cosmetic but may affect the resale value of your GPU. Asus has not yet published a statement on the matter. If you're encountering the same issue, we recommend contacting customer support.

Not all users with these motherboards are affected, but that could boil down to how frequently they plug and unplug their GPU. You may try gently removing your GPU as a remedy or using another full-sized PCIe slot. Maybe change your motherboard altogether?

Hassam Nasir
Contributing Writer

Hassam Nasir is a die-hard hardware enthusiast with years of experience as a tech editor and writer, focusing on detailed CPU comparisons and general hardware news. When he’s not working, you’ll find him bending tubes for his ever-evolving custom water-loop gaming rig or benchmarking the latest CPUs and GPUs just for fun.

  • sillysaxon
    Cosmetic damage resulting from repeatedly removing a component that's meant to sit there till it needs to be upgraded.

    Who cares? And why do they care?
    Reply
  • magbarn
    Sounds like the same design team that designed the Ally SD card slot
    Reply
  • Notton
    Keep in mind that the PCIe slot is usually only rated between 50 to 1000 insertion cycles, depending on quality.
    Reply
  • helper800
    This is so far away from actually "damaging" the operability of the card I question the premise. Sure, this is certainly accelerated wear, but damage usually refers to reduced functionality or something that could break the ability to function. Is this something that is completely innocuous? No, and ASUS should look into the design to reduce wear, but this article appears to frame the issue in an exaggerated fear mongering way.
    Reply
  • edzieba
    Mushing away at the FR4 laminate is far from just 'cosmetic' damage. GPU PCBs are not just monolithic fibreglass with traces on the visible faces, they're multi-layer laminates of several sheets bonded together. Poking at the edge can start to delaminate those sheets, which can cause several issues:
    - If the debonding is not completely planar, traces can be torn apart when part of a trace sticks to one laminate and part to another.
    - Any vias that traverse that bondline will be severed.
    - The internal traces are not masked but are bare copper, so exposure means corrosion can occur within the laminate stack
    - Corrosion or any other contaminate that gets between the laminates will further force them apart, exacerbating the issue.
    Reply
  • helper800
    edzieba said:
    Mushing away at the FR4 laminate is far from just 'cosmetic' damage. GPU PCBs are not just monolithic fibreglass with traces on the visible faces, they're multi-layer laminates of several sheets bonded together. Poking at the edge can start to delaminate those sheets, which can cause several issues:
    - If the debonding is not completely planar, traces can be torn apart when part of a trace sticks to one laminate and part to another.
    - Any vias that traverse that bondline will be severed.
    - The internal traces are not masked but are bare copper, so exposure means corrosion can occur within the laminate stack
    - Corrosion or any other contaminate that gets between the laminates will further force them apart, exacerbating the issue.
    As far as I can see none of the above has started to occur after 60 insertions, however, I am not an expert in what you are claiming. PCIe PCBs, as stated previously, are only rated to slot in so many times. Who knows what the slot or each device used to slot in are rated for from the manufacturers. My experience in this regard mainly comes from working QC at an aerospace company for various parts. Could you point out specifically what of the mentioned above you see specifically happening with the PCIe PCB from the picture with 60 insertions?
    Reply
  • Gaidax
    sillysaxon said:
    Cosmetic damage resulting from repeatedly removing a component that's meant to sit there till it needs to be upgraded.

    Who cares? And why do they care?
    That's some hot take.

    Did you see the image?

    You literally got some of the pcb there broken off. And then, do you know where that dust and pieces go - maybe they are still inside that slot and next time you insert something there would lead to permanent damage for that slot or contacts issues?
    Reply
  • helper800
    Gaidax said:
    That's some hot take.

    Did you see the image?

    You literally got some of the pcb there broken off. And then, do you know where that dust and pieces go - maybe they are still inside that slot and next time you insert something there would lead to permanent damage for that slot or contacts issues?
    That material did not "break" off, but was worn off over 60 insertions. The material that was worn off would be small particles susceptible to floating around like dust. The article made no mention of any issues in usability, right?
    Reply
  • Gaidax
    helper800 said:
    That material did not "break" off, but was worn off over 60 insertions. The material that was worn off would be small particles susceptible to floating around like dust. The article made no mention of any issues in usability, right?
    Do you know that or you assume that?

    Because in the same vein I can assume that all that dust and debris are still inside that slot there gathering.

    There is no need to defend bad engineering, these things should not be happening.
    Reply
  • helper800
    Gaidax said:
    Do you know that or you assume that?
    What specific claim are you referring to?

    Gaidax said:
    Because in the same vein I can assume that all that dust and debris are still inside that slot there gathering.

    There is no need to defend bad engineering, these things should not be happening.
    Even if all of that material is in the slot, the article specifically noted nothing of consequence occurred. I am not defending ASUS, I clearly mentioned that they should look into this issue because it seems to be accelerated wear on the device. To what extent the wear may be accelerated, I certainly cannot quantify.
    Reply