[SOLVED] Broken PCIe Retainer Clip/Lock -- Do I need to get a new MOBO?

[Scathefire]

Putting together a new rig and the small plastic retainer clip/lock on the main PCIe slot snapped off when I was moving a card. It's hard to say why it happened, as I wasn't really applying an odd amount of pressure. My guess is just weak plastic. I was able to remove the old card fine, but the lock is definitely broken, and any new card will have to be held up with just the screws.

For the new build, I'm putting a RTX 3090 FE into the machine and want to make sure I won't run into any issues if I leave it as is. It has three screws to mount the card to the case, but still would be lacking that retaining lock. My PC stays stationary, but I won't be able to rest the unit on its side to leverage gravity. Will the combination of friction from the slot and the screws be enough to hold it in place long term, or should I RMA the board and get a new one? It certainly feels plenty secure right now without the lock, but I've not run into this before and want to double check myself.

I'm not excited about redoing the whole build (this was literally the last thing that happened after I installed everything else), but want to make sure there won't be any issues with using large card in that slot without the plastic retaining lock.

Would love any advice. Thanks!

 

[kanewolf]

Putting together a new rig and the small plastic retainer clip/lock on the main PCIe slot snapped off when I was moving a card. It's hard to say why it happened, as I wasn't really applying an odd amount of pressure. My guess is just weak plastic. I was able to remove the old card fine, but the lock is definitely broken, and any new card will have to be held up with just the screws.

For the new build, I'm putting a RTX 3090 FE into the machine and want to make sure I won't run into any issues if I leave it as is. It has three screws to mount the card to the case, but still would be lacking that retaining lock. My PC stays stationary, but I won't be able to rest the unit on its side to leverage gravity. Will the combination of friction from the slot and the screws be enough to hold it in place long term, or should I RMA the board and get a new one? It certainly feels plenty secure right now without the lock, but I've not run into this before and want to double check myself.

I'm not excited about redoing the whole build (this was literally the last thing that happened after I installed everything else), but want to make sure there won't be any issues with using large card in that slot without the plastic retaining lock.

Would love any advice. Thanks!

No, you don't need to get a new motherboard. I bet 90% of people on this board have broken that retainer at some point.
Make sure you screw the back plate to the case. You should be OK.