Problems fitting video card into P160

[Woodrow65]

I'm building a new system (ASUS A8N-SLI Premium in Antec P160), and when I try to install the PCIe video card (MSI RX800), its bracket is too low (or case mount too high) to allow the card to be inserted fully. It is at least 3 mm too low.
- With the MB tray out of the case, everything works fine, but with it fully installed, the video card is pulled up too far to work.
- A PCI modem card fits fine. I don't have another PCIe card to try.

I'm working with Antec support to determine if its a case problem, but does anyone have a link to the PCIe card size specification so I could measure my video card to see if the bracket is out of spec?

Edit (9/19/05): See some photos of the ill fitting card. Click on the icon at the lower right to see larger photos.

 

[programmer]

I know it sounds dumb, and please forgive me if this insulting, but I am just trying to help... 🙂

Did you make sure the bottom of the card's bracket is not getting wedged onto the motherboard or a lip on the case as you press it into the slot. I've had that happen to me on occasion, where the bracket bottoms out on the edge of the mb.

 

[Leros]

It sounds to me like the slot on the motherboard is higher/lower than the opening in the case. If I'm reading that right, then you either have a bad case design or a bad mobo design.

But what programmer says is true, I have one PCI slot that I just cannot put a card into for that reason.

 

[Woodrow65]

No insult taken--thanks for the reply, but the bracket slides past the motherboard and tray edge without a problem. In the P160, when you unlock the motherboard tray, it slides back away from the rear of the case. In that position, the card inserts fully and it is easy to see that it will never clear the case mount.

I'll struggle with it more this weekend and post some pics if I can't get it figured out. Antec tech support has concluded it is likely the bracket on the MSI video card. MSI hasn't responded to my support request yet...

 

[Linearsoup]

i think its got to be the vid card as i have the same case and mb and have never had any problems fitting vid cards

 

[Woodrow65]

After comparing to a properly fitting PCI card, I agree with Linearsoup. See the photos. I have sent the photos to MSI and they think it might be the motherboard! I asked them to send the physical specifications for the card so I could measure it. This is getting very frustrating.:|

 

[programmer]

Another thing I just thought of -- Can you use taller motherboard standoffs to raise it off the back of the case a bit more? Some motherboards I have bought came with sets of low and high standoffs....I always used the higher ones not wanting to risk a short between a solder joint and the case.

Good luck. I hope this works out for you.

 

[akugami]

Dunno what to tell you. My X800 fits on a A8N-SLI Deluxe motherboard inside an Antec P160. The A8N-SLI Premium is basically a slightly redesigned Deluxe so there shouldn't be a problem with this motherboard and the case. The pictures you have don't seem to show a dented case and I'm sure you've checked to see if that was the case by now. The only thing I can think of is a problem with the video card. Is there a friend's video card you can borrow to see if that'd fit?

 

[imported_nicka]

I am having the exact same problem with the same card but in a Coolermaster Centurion 5 case. Have you made any progress on this? I am thinking of just returning it for a different model (sapphire or powercolor).

 

[Woodrow65]

Sorry for the lack of reply...
I did RMA my card to MSI, and it has been there since 9/22! :disgust:

The web-based RMA tracking tool shows that it has been in the 'Prepare to ship' phase since 10/4. I have called several times and can't get a straight answer regarding whether they replaced the bracket or not.

If I were you, I would return your card for a different brand. I couldn't because I cut the UPC off the box (for rebate) before testing it out--live and learn I guess. I'll never buy MSI again.