Is this normal (slanted GPU)

Crescendo

Member
Sep 30, 2014
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This is the second time this has happened to me... So far it seems to be a trend with NZXT cases anyways basically what happens is it seems like the motherboard is too low so when I go to install the GPU it goes into the slot and clicks in but the screw holes don't line up with the case so I have to physically push the back of case in to line up the holes and then screw it in which in turn I'm sure puts pressure on the GPU and motherboard which bothers me but so far both builds have ran fine this way. I googled this and others have had this issue and say its slightly normal but I wanted other opinions heres a picture of whats happening:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v351/lusky14/Mobile Uploads/20160316_230245_zpsmmgc5e4y.jpg

So basically the part that slides in between the motherboard and case is even with the back of the case but as it moves up towards the screw hole portion it starts to taper off with the back of the case. It is much less visable in the S340 case vs the H440 case (the h440 it was like a quarter inch gap.) but I'm just wondering if this is normal or anyone else has had this?

I've never really noticed it until now with NZXT cases but I've read that it happens with other cases too, should I just leave it since its not as bad or should I opt for a RMA on the case? I used the standoffs that came with the case and I used the screws that came with the case so it cannot be user error I've done over 10 builds in my time with no issues.

Heres how bad it was in the H440, so I know it's not user error because this is the SECOND time it has happened with completely different components...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v351/lusky14/Mobile Uploads/20160113_164749_zpsrkxa5kv5.jpg

As you can see it tapers off from the bottom to the screw holes. I'm assuming this is normal or most people just don't notice it but to me it seems like poor quality and it shouldn't happen. I have also read alot of people have had this problem and a few have even reported NZXT cases having this. Is this normal will I break anything? it doesnt seem normal but 2 completely different builds have had this issue and its all over google can someone give me insight? I mean I dont have to man handle the GPU and case to get it mounted but the holes are slightly off kilter and you can tell the card is angled slightly against the PCI bracket.

/edit I've searched google and it seems like a common issue: https://linustechtips.com/main/topi...rd-wont-fit-in-correctly-with-the-screw-slot/

I'm just wondering if anyone here has to push on the back of the case to make the screw holes line up sometimes and I'm wondering if theres ever a slant in there like in my pictures. If It's normal then I won't worry about it just don' want to break anything Pc seems to be running great regardless.
 
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Crescendo

Member
Sep 30, 2014
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No issues with my H440 with a R9 290x and GTX970.

Have you actually looked or are you just saying that? I had no problems installing my GPU in my H440 either but it was still crooked as hell as seen in the picture with my H440 and 970.
 

nerp

Diamond Member
Dec 31, 2005
9,865
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Your motherboard may need to be nudged. If you could somehow loosen the motherboard screws and give it a nudge and tighten it all back up you could probably get it to line up.
 

Crescendo

Member
Sep 30, 2014
140
5
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Your motherboard may need to be nudged. If you could somehow loosen the motherboard screws and give it a nudge and tighten it all back up you could probably get it to line up.

The case has a standoff in the center that has a nub and holds the motherboard into place theres NO WAY my motherboard can be moved. When you install the motherboard the standoffs are preinstalled and the middle standoff centers and holds the motherboard (its not a screw just a nub that sticks through the screw hole.) so I know it's not that. It's not that the motherboard is far away from the screw holes its that the motherboard isnt high enough so the card slants due to the case being higher than the motherboard. But it did this on an a completely different build same case company so I'm not sure what to think. I could RMA the case but I have a feeling I'll have the same issue. I could see it if this was my first time having this issue but my last build had it too with the H440/970 and a different motherboard.

It's really hard to explain but it seems like the standoffs are too short so the motherboard sits lower and that causes the screw portion of the GPU to kind of sit on the top of the case and it makes it angled like in the picture theres physically no way for me to fix it unless I get taller standoffs, but then I'm afraid if I do that that they will be too tall and wont line up. I'm at a loss does anyone know if I should RMA ro just buy longer standoffs and if so where?
 
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Ketchup

Elite Member
Sep 1, 2002
14,559
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I have had installs do this do a degree, not that I could remember exactly what case it was. Never caused an issue though.

Although I do have to take issue with not being able to the board. This is absolutely possible, even with pre-installed metal standoffs. This is assuming your screws aren't oversized (they shouldn't be if they are anywhere near spec). There is still room to move the screws within the holes on the board. Not a lot, but if you keep from tightening any of the screws until you are good with the board position, you should have some wiggle room.
 

Crescendo

Member
Sep 30, 2014
140
5
46
I have had installs do this do a degree, not that I could remember exactly what case it was. Never caused an issue though.

Although I do have to take issue with not being able to the board. This is absolutely possible, even with pre-installed metal standoffs. This is assuming your screws aren't oversized (they shouldn't be if they are anywhere near spec). There is still room to move the screws within the holes on the board. Not a lot, but if you keep from tightening any of the screws until you are good with the board position, you should have some wiggle room.

No you don't get what I'm saying the middle standoffs is a nub that sticks through the screw hole to hold the board into place. It's like a standoff with no screw top it has a little nub that holds the board and theres no wiggle room around it. Also this isn't a problem with the board not being close enough to the side anyways so that wouldnt really matter its a problem with the board being TOO LOW and causing the lip of the GPU to catch on the PCI mounting slots. I actually contacted NZXT and the support rep said all of their cases have this issue and he would report it to Research and development he said he own case in the office does this and so does his coworker so I guess its an issue with NZXT cases.

Anyone else here run NZXT and can confirm? The funny thing is the rep said hes never had a complaint issued about this yet most of their cases are prone to this problem which makes me wonder how many people have this issue and don't even know it or don't care.
 

Bubbaleone

Golden Member
Nov 20, 2011
1,803
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No you don't get what I'm saying the middle standoffs is a nub that sticks through the screw hole to hold the board into place. It's like a standoff with no screw top it has a little nub that holds the board and theres no wiggle room around it. Also this isn't a problem with the board not being close enough to the side anyways so that wouldnt really matter its a problem with the board being TOO LOW and causing the lip of the GPU to catch on the PCI mounting slots. I actually contacted NZXT and the support rep said all of their cases have this issue and he would report it to Research and development he said he own case in the office does this and so does his coworker so I guess its an issue with NZXT cases.

Anyone else here run NZXT and can confirm? The funny thing is the rep said hes never had a complaint issued about this yet most of their cases are prone to this problem which makes me wonder how many people have this issue and don't even know it or don't care.

There's a really simple solution: Standoffs are available in a range of 1mm length increments and you just need to purchase the correct length standoffs. With the mobo mounted on the factory standoffs that are too short, use a metric pocket rule to measure how many millimeters the contacts on your card are sticking out of the PCIe connector. Add that amount to the length of the factory standoff to get the correct length. Also, be sure to check your NZXT manual for the correct male thread size to fit the tapped standoff screw holes in the case, before you order!

Newegg - Motherboard Standoff Screws

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