Problem with Graphics card sagging solution

[Tekelectric]

I just noticed something on my PC and it's that my ASUS STRIX RX 480 isn't really mounted properly and is sitting at an angle. The only thing preventing it from falling is the crappy screws that came with the case. I fixed it with zipties which work pretty well. I was going to complain using this thread about my GPU sagging but I realized I have zipties and that this is really easy to fix. Let me post pics.
http://imgur.com/4qg5w8M
Also, would the gpu sag that I've had for weeks have harmed my mobo? The card has been sitting at an angle for awhile but the hole where the screw is, is raised which stopped it from falling any further.

 

[ZoneDymo]

if it works it works

 

[Tekelectric]

The only problem now is that the hdmi cable I have is rubbing against the case, so I may need a slimmer cable.

 

[Mussels]

i use straws, cut to size.

current preference is clear ones from frozen cokes at hungry jacks (the aus version of burger king)

 

[Tekelectric]

i use straws, cut to size.

current preference is clear ones from frozen cokes at hungry jacks (the aus version of burger king)

Interesting, I'm guessing you just tie it on there?

 

[Mussels]

Interesting, I'm guessing you just tie it on there?

no tying at all. I'll take a pic. Note the second smaller piece, seperating the cards.

 

[Mussels]

to clarify a little: i do this to help support the card from sagging, which helps hold it in place.

Yours looks like somethings very wrong with how its mounted, perhaps the motherboard isnt in the case correctly?

 

[Bill_Bright]

the crappy screws that came with the case

??? That's what they are there for so what's crappy about them?

I am not sure I see the problem from your pic. It would help (me anyway) if you used a mounting screw to secure the card in place, then took a picture from the same angle Mussels used so we can see the sagging.

With your picture now, it looks like the screw hole does not align with the card properly. That would suggest to me something might be wrong with the case. You might try loosening all the motherboard mounting screws just enough to wiggle the motherboard in one direction or another so expansion card screw slots align properly. You should not need a zip tie on the case's rear side - that should already be aligned properly so the screw (screws with double-wide card) can do their job. It is only the other end of a long, heavy card that hangs out in the middle the case that you might need to worry about.

And that plastic straw is a neat trick for that. Will have to remember it. That said, like tall, heavy CPU coolers, it would be best to remember to remove them before transporting the computer unless you can lay the computer on its side (assuming you will always have possession of the computer during transport). Otherwise any bouncing would indeed put undue stress on the socket and slots.

 

[sneekypeet]

Oh I see now, you do not get screws to hold in the expansion cards! All you get is a little raised bump and the cover plate is supposed to help lock it into place. I still think forcing the back of the chassis inward to align the bump, then installing the cover may help to keep it in place better.

 

[CAPSLOCKSTUCK]

EDIT

i really wouldnt trust plastic straws, when they get warm they bend and fail.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Oh I see now, you do not get screws to hold in the expansion cards! All you get is a little raised bump and the cover plate is supposed to help lock it into place

Ah, now I see too. Then I revise what I said above. It is not something "wrong" with the case, it is lousy design of the case - probably imposed on the designers by the case maker's marketing weenies and bean counters. It probably cost a few pennies less to press a bump in there instead punching a screw hole, threading it and providing another screw.

First drinking straws, now Legos? What's next?

A wood dowel might work - as long as you didn't cut it twice and it was still too short. At least you could paint it black to hide it, or bright yellow to make it stand out.

Another possibility would be to pull that hanging end up from above rather than supporting it up from below.

 

[CAPSLOCKSTUCK]

A wood dowel might work - as long as you didn't cut it twice and it was still too short.

this is why Lego is the answer, easily adjustable and can be colour coordinated.

 

[Bill_Bright]

this is why Lego is the answer, easily adjustable and can be colour coordinated.

True, you can adjust the height - but not in fine increments with Legos alone. Legos will work in a pinch but I would want the card to sit exactly perpendicular in the slot to ensure zero sideways forces on the slot. Unless lucky and the Lego studs provide the exact lift you need, I think something you can cut to size is better - at least for a permanent solution.

 

[CAPSLOCKSTUCK]

They have worked perfectly for me every time i have used them. You can buy supports but if you've got kids around Lego is a simple, quick and cheap fix.

You dont need to be too fussy to get the desired effect. You can spend 20 seconds with Lego or a lot longer cutting, sanding and then painting a dowel.

If perfection is your game, simply wedge a piece of card under the Lego for the final, perfect adjustment.

 

[Tekelectric]

Oh I see now, you do not get screws to hold in the expansion cards! All you get is a little raised bump and the cover plate is supposed to help lock it into place. I still think forcing the back of the chassis inward to align the bump, then installing the cover may help to keep it in place better.

I'm sorry I'm not seeing this in my head correctly. How would I force the case to align the bump properly?

 

[sneekypeet]

You can push on the rear of the chassis, on the metal expansion card bracing, where the bumps and screw for the cover is. Then while still holding the back of the chassis inward, lock down the plate and screw it in.

 

[jboydgolfer]

View attachment 81543


View attachment 81544



EDIT

i really wouldnt trust plastic straws, when they get warm they bend and fail.

They're not standard straws there more like the ones that come with reusable travel mugs , they have a really thick plastic wall (for a straw )about double the thickness of a standard straw or more

 

[CAPSLOCKSTUCK]

It looks bent to me.

 

[Bill_Bright]

If perfection is your game...

Proper perpendicular alignment (does not need to be exact, but should be pretty close) is the primary goal so certainly, using Legos will work. But I feel aesthetics are important too. I'm not in to fancy lights and all that as I tend to pay attention to what's on my monitors, not the inside of my cases. But a clean and tidy, clutter free case interior with good cable management presents a "serious" appearance of a professionally built and properly maintained machine.

A Lego "toy" propping up a sagging graphics card looks and sounds "Mickey Mouse" to me, regardless how effective it is functionally.

Since this would be a [more or less] permanent solution, spending 15 minutes to cut, sand (if even necessary) and paint a dowel for a professional looks-like-it-is-supposed-to-be-there solution is the way I would go. You could even use a magic marker to color the dowel any color you want and then don't have to wait for the paint to dry.

 

[CAPSLOCKSTUCK]

Each to their own. I carve wood in my spare time and i would still choose Lego.........

 

[Bill_Bright]

I carve wood in my spare time and i would still choose Lego..

Seems like an opportunity to design and perhaps market just for this - perhaps something with pre-cut notches to break away for proper length. As a tech with a shop and custom builder for clients, I would consider using something that looked factory made in my builds.

i would still choose Lego..

And again, I am sure they do the job just fine - and I would not be against that for one of my own computers. But it is just not something I would suggest to a client or put in one of my builds for a client.

And yes, that straw is bent - though not sure it is just that way, or bending under the load. Rigid plastic tubing may be a better choice.

 

[R-T-B]

I just turn my case on it's side... no sag here.

 

[eidairaman1]

I say re-position the motherboard in the case squared.

 

[jboydgolfer]

Each to their own. I carve wood in my spare time and i would still choose Lego.........

for what its worth, i like the lego idea myself

 

[CAPSLOCKSTUCK]

They are very useful