Question Any tips for getting the primary GPU out of the first PCI-E slot on a MSI Godlike x670E?

[Steelbom]

I've got a 4090 and Noctua NH-D15. Unlike my previous board (Aorus Xtreme) it doesn't seem to have an easy release button for the GPU.
Due to the size of the CPU cooler / GPU I can't reach underneath the card very well (if at all) to release it.

Any tips on how to access it in tight configurations?

 

[GodisanAtheist]

I've got a 4090 and Noctua NH-D15. Unlike my previous board (Aorus Xtreme) it doesn't seem to have an easy release button for the GPU.
Due to the size of the CPU cooler / GPU I can't reach underneath the card very well (if at all) to release it.

Any tips on how to access it in tight configurations?

- Does the slot use a tab or a "Pin" to hold the GPU in place?

If it's a tab, reach in from above the GPU (the back of the GPU) and try to push the tab down from there. Can try using a flathead screwdriver with some tape over the head (so you don't accidentally scratch anything) if your CPU cooler/RAM etc is too bulky for your hands to get in there.

 

[OlyAR15]

Remove the cpu cooler. You will likely save more time and suffer fewer headaches than trying to jury-rig some way of releasing the pcie lock with the cooler in place.

 

[Justinus]

- Does the slot use a tab or a "Pin" to hold the GPU in place?

If it's a tab, reach in from above the GPU (the back of the GPU) and try to push the tab down from there. Can try using a flathead screwdriver with some tape over the head (so you don't accidentally scratch anything) if your CPU cooler/RAM etc is too bulky for your hands to get in there.

Pretty much this. I have a small PH0 wiha screwdriver I use to reach in above the GPU backplate to press the release tab. Has worked for years without issue.

 

[mxnerd]

Use chopstick instead of screwdriver? And just leave it there for convenience if you like.

 

[mv2devnull]

Use chopstick instead of screwdriver?

Or a plastic ruler. I did use one -- 8 inch (20 cm, actually, but imperials ...) -- both to unlock and to ensure that the thing locks after GPU is in place again.

A potential issue is if the backplate of the 4090 is so thicc that it really covers the entire lock. Is it?

 

[mxnerd]

A potential issue is if the backplate of the 4090 is so thicc that it really covers the entire lock. Is it?

No idea. This guy uses this pry tool

Amazon.com

 

[Steelbom]

Thanks for the responses guys. Let me share a photo:



I'm not sure I can get the CPU cooler fans off to unscrew the cooler and I'm pretty confident I can't reach the tab since it's sort of in the middle of the GPU and there's no room on either side.

 

[mxnerd]

A steel ruler? But it looks so tight.

You probably just have to remove the other GPUs first to get to it.

 

[Steelbom]

A steel ruler? But it looks so tight.

You probably just have to remove the other GPUs first to get to it.

The left GPU is easy to remove, but doesn't help the situation. The middle GPU's tab is also inaccessible.
I think if I can get the CPU cooler fans off, then I should be able to manage. If not...

 

[igor_kavinski]

Another way would be to unscrew the mobo and try to take it all out.

 

[OlyAR15]

Damn, that is tight.

You can probably remove the outer heatsink fan by removing the top clip, then angling the fan until it pops out of the bottom clip. You may have to remove the top and middle front case fans for more clearance. Once you have the outer fan off, there may be enough room to reach the pcie lock mechanism.

 

[mv2devnull]

Damn, that is tight.

Indeed. I've seen "compact" ITX builds, but this is ... more?

Noctua's screws are under the center fan. The PCIe "lock lever" is at the level of the first tower.
Maybe, just maybe, with memory and the first Noctua fan removed, one could see/reach the lever from the "open rear" of the case.
Or then not; a M.2 heatsink hides the lever when you look at it from the CPU?


Apparently Silverstone still makes those "90 degree twisted" cases (although that is not the cause of the issue).

 

[Steelbom]

Another way would be to unscrew the mobo and try to take it all out.

That's a good idea... although... I may not be able to unscrew some of the standoffs that hold the motherboard in place (there's at least one or two in the centre).

Damn, that is tight.

You can probably remove the outer heatsink fan by removing the top clip, then angling the fan until it pops out of the bottom clip. You may have to remove the top and middle front case fans for more clearance. Once you have the outer fan off, there may be enough room to reach the pcie lock mechanism.

Yeah, I think CPU cooler first is the best way to go. If I can get that off!

Indeed. I've seen "compact" ITX builds, but this is ... more?

Noctua's screws are under the center fan. The PCIe "lock lever" is at the level of the first tower.
Maybe, just maybe, with memory and the first Noctua fan removed, one could see/reach the lever from the "open rear" of the case.
Or then not; a M.2 heatsink hides the lever when you look at it from the CPU?


Apparently Silverstone still makes those "90 degree twisted" cases (although that is not the cause of the issue).

Haha, yeah, what's more is it's a huge E-ATX case too. Going with water cooling for the first GPU and the CPU cooler would have made things easier.

Good thinking. I'll give that a try if I can't get the cooler off easily.

Yeah, I'm a big fan of the 90 degree mounting for motherboards.

---

If only the Godlike would include an easy release button for the 1st slot like Gigabyte's Aorus Xtreme

 

[mv2devnull]

Going with water cooling for the first GPU and the CPU cooler would have made things easier.

How does the first GPU get air anyway? It seems to be so close to the second GPU that you can't access the lock lever of the second GPU?
Too tight for thin stick, but enough for air?

 

[Steelbom]

How does the first GPU get air anyway? It seems to be so close to the second GPU that you can't access the lock lever of the second GPU?
Too tight for thin stick, but enough for air?

Yeah, I was worried it might be a problem but the 4090 is taller than the 3060 so the fans can bring in air from the top. Also the case fans at the bottom blow air up through the GPUs I think.
Haven't seen the 4090 go over 70 celsius yet and usually the fans are off.