Accidentally tore off PCI-E connector - dangerous to boot up?

[oHAMBURGLARo]

I just got a brand new replacement for my motherboard that died, and the PCI-E connector completely came off from an accident that I won't go into the details here since it's a long and embarrassing story.

I don't pan on running dual GPUs, so I was able to install the graphics card in the other PCI-E slot. However, the plastic connector that tore off left a bunch of bent and exposed metal spikes on the motherboard. Included is a picture of what is left.

Is it dangerous to attempt to boot up my rig with this damage?

 

[bak0n]

I'm not aware of any danger unless you have prongs that are crossing that are exposed. The plastic is merely a guide and a support for any device that sits in it.

 

[oHAMBURGLARo]

I'm not aware of any danger unless you have prongs that are crossing that are exposed. The plastic is merely a guide and a support for any device that sits in it.

There are about 6 of the prongs that got bent and are touching other prongs. There were also 2 prongs that were completely removed and are stuck inside the plastic piece.

 

[The_Tester]

Can we get a closer/high resolution pic?

I would remove the motherboard and everything else except the CPU/ram/heatsink if possible and clip all of those little pins somewhat flush to the PBC (enough where it's impossible for them to touch at least). A nail clipper or cuticle clipper is actually idea for this if you don't have any small wire cutters/flush cuts. Additionally, while the motherboard is out I would (thoroughly) inspect the surrounding area of the slot for cracking and anything that looks ripped up/out (traces).

As long as the board itself does not look damaged (up close preferably with a magnifier on both side) then I would give it a go. The slot not physically being there should be no different than it being there with nothing plugged in.

 

[oHAMBURGLARo]

Can we get a closer/high resolution pic?

I would remove the motherboard and everything else except the CPU/ram/heatsink if possible and clip all of those little pins somewhat flush to the PBC (enough where it's impossible for them to touch at least). A nail clipper or cuticle clipper is actually idea for this if you don't have any small wire cutters/flush cuts. Additionally, while the motherboard is out I would (thoroughly) inspect the surrounding area of the slot for cracking and anything that looks ripped up/out (traces).

As long as the board itself does not look damaged (up close preferably with a magnifier on both side) then I would give it a go. The slot not physically being there should be no different than it being there with nothing plugged in.

I managed to cut off most of the prongs using nail clippers. It was a lot of work, but it seems to have worked. It killed me basically hacking away at a brand new motherboard, but at least it's working.

Are there any warning signs I should look out for to indicate someone dangerous is going on with the now mangled PCI-E connectors? I don't want sparks flying and then my rig to blow up lol.

 

[The_Tester]

I managed to cut off most of the prongs using nail clippers. It was a lot of work, but it seems to have worked. It killed me basically hacking away at a brand new motherboard, but at least it's working.

Are there any warning signs I should look out for to indicate someone dangerous is going on with the now mangled PCI-E connectors? I don't want sparks flying and then my rig to blow up lol.

Short of error codes specifically relating to PCI devices or other PCI devices not working correctly in different slots afterward I would say no. It was either going to work or not work. I don't think anything would manifest itself over time. As long as the board and through holes/traces are intact there is a good chance you could just replace the PCI slot later on (correct PCI rev and pin count of course). This would require desoldering equipment (or some good solder wick) and a soldering iron. The hardest part might be finding the slot to be honest. If the slot had been pulled straight out there would have been a decent chance to just press it back on. With it torqued off and bent pins it's best to just "delete" the use of that slot for now.

I thought about suggesting an RMA option... but this particular sort of damage usally results in a "no" 99.9% of the time.