Cannot unplug PSU from Motherboard

[AiGaming1776]

The plug from my PSU seems to be stuck to my motherboard. I've pinched the release latch, and it still will not unplug. When I start using force to remove the plug, the motherboard feels as if it will snap.

This is an OEM Dell XPS 9700 computer. I realize it's an OEM computer, but I've read several PSU product reviews where reviewers state they have in fact replaced their Dell PSUs.

What do you guys think? Is there some trick to unplugging the PSU from the motherboard?

 

[SBMfromLA]

Sounds like it's in there tight. Sometimes those plugs can be a pain to remove. Just keep the latch pressed in and slightly rock it while pulling it out. You should see the ends slightly lift up.

 

[Quixit]

It some cases it can require a lot of force to remove the psu connector. what I normally do is hold the motherboard with one hand (close to the connector) and pull the connector out with the other (use your dominant hand to pull) will holding the latch. As long as you hold the board with the other hand it shouldn't flex much.

If you absolutely have to you might want to consider removing the motherboard from the case to get better leverage. You might want to enlist the help of another person, who has done this before. Sometimes all it takes is another pair of hands. No matter what you do don't let the board flex too much or it will crack. If you get frustrated put it down for a while and come back later.

 

[hwc1954]

You just have to work it patiently. Hold the latch and try to get one end of the connector to wiggle just a little free. Then try to get the other end to move a millimeter. Sometimes pulling on the wires gives you a bit better leverage, although that's not really preferred! It's all about just getting it started.

If the computer is unplugged, you might be able to slip a thin screwdriver in the crack between the connector and socket and pry a little bit.

I've always been able to get mine out, but never without a struggle. Patience and trying to get just one end started have been the keys to success. It's just a boatload of tight connectors holding one of those plugs.

 

[AiGaming1776]

It some cases it can require a lot of force to remove the psu connector. what I normally do is hold the motherboard with one hand (close to the connector) and pull the connector out with the other (use your dominant hand to pull) will holding the latch. As long as you hold the board with the other hand it shouldn't flex much.

If you absolutely have to you might want to consider removing the motherboard from the case to get better leverage. You might want to enlist the help of another person, who has done this before. Sometimes all it takes is another pair of hands. No matter what you do don't let the board flex too much or it will crack. If you get frustrated put it down for a while and come back later.

It definitely feels like it's going to snap, so I've stopped four different times. That's why I finally decided to ask.

 

[AiGaming1776]

I finally got it unplugged with a combination of all three of your suggestions. I wiggled it, braced the motherboard, and even used the wires a very little bit. I am new to this forum, and this is the first issue I've had solved, so is there a way to about choosing all three answers?

 

[hwc1954]

The problem is the darn latch. You really need three hands -- one for the latch and two to wiggle and tug the connector. I have found that, no matter what I do, holding the latch depressed reduces my ability to get a good grip on the connector, especially because I want to be pulling/wiggling at one end of the plug!

Congratulations on getting it out. The key is just getting it started enough that the latch is no longer an issue.

 

[SBMfromLA]

I finally got it unplugged with a combination of all three of your suggestions. I wiggled it, braced the motherboard, and even used the wires a very little bit. I am new to this forum, and this is the first issue I've had solved, so is there a way to about choosing all three answers?

There is an old saying, "A good deed is it's own reward". Just select the one you felt was the closest to your solution.

 

[AiGaming1776]

The truth is I took in all three of your suggestions. It helped give me confidence to know this is a common problem, and I appreciate you guys sharing. I honestly took the advice of all three, but I'm choosing the "rocking" answer because that inspired me to use a "sawing motion" when I pulled the plug out, and that's what eventually got it to break free. But you all three helped, and I thank you.