Asus Changes Motherboard Mechanism That Chewed Up Video Cards

Asus has started releasing motherboards with a modified PCIe x16 slot design, equipped with a PCIe Q-Release Slim mechanism for easier removal of massive video cards from the slot. The previous version of this mechanism damaged (scratched) the video card interface. One of the users of the social network X drew attention to the modified PCIe Q-Release Slim design.

Image source: VideoCardz

It appears that the only thing Asus changed in the PCIe Q-Release Slim mechanism is the removal of a metal piece from the plastic divider between the connector’s power lines and the PCIe data lines. Apparently, it was this piece that was causing scratches on the graphics card interface. Interestingly, the company has not publicly announced any changes to the PCIe x16 slot with the PCIe Q-Release Slim mechanism. The updated version of the release mechanism simply appeared in the Asus ROG APEX X870E motherboard found in the assortment of the American retailer Newegg.

ROG APEX X870E motherboard with old PCIe Q-Release Slim mechanism

ROG APEX X870E motherboard with new PCIe Q-Release Slim mechanism

Most Asus motherboards in the high-end segment based on Intel and AMD 800-series chipsets feature a special PCIe Q-Release Slim mechanism. It allows you to easily remove massive graphics cards from the PCIe x16 slot without pressing any buttons or latches. To remove the card, simply pull it out of the slot on the left side, as shown in the image below.

Some owners of boards with such a connector have complained that the PCIe Q-Release Slim damages the PCIe blade interface on video cards after multiple card removal cycles.

Image of an older version of the PCIe Q-Release Slim mechanism. Image source: HXL

The American office of the company, responding to these complaints, stated that there are no problems with the connector, and users should read the instructions, which describe how to use the product correctly. In turn, the Chinese office of Asus showed a more responsible attitude to the problem and promised to change the PCIe Q-Release Slim mechanism. It also stated that the company is ready to cover the costs of replacing motherboards with new ones with an updated dismantling mechanism.

As noted earlier, this may seem like a bit of an exaggeration, as there aren’t many regular users willing to insert and remove a graphics card from a PCIe slot 50 or more times to cause noticeable damage. In addition, there hasn’t been a single known case of the PCIe Q-Release Slim mechanism causing a graphics card to fail. However, owners of $2,000+ RTX 5090 graphics cards may disagree with this opinion – any external damage to the card can, at a minimum, reduce its resale value.