Question GPU cannot be fully seated in top PCIe slot despite components apparently being compatible

[Cheeps]

Hi there, my GPU can't be fully seated into my top PCIe slot because the SATA ports are getting in the way. It fits into the bottom PCIe and works fine because there is no obstruction.
I have a Z590 Pro4 motherboard and my GPU is a 3070 Ti. My case is a Corsair 4000D Airflow. What can I do? For the last year I've just had it in the bottom slot but it seems ridiculous to me that I've had to compensate.

Bottom slot, seated:

Top slot, not seated:

The SATA ports blocking where the GPU goes across:

I've stuck a finger in there while it was more or less sat in the top slot and could feel the SATA ports were pushing right up against the GPU, preventing it from seating.

Here are the SATA ports pressed up against my card:

Thank you all so much.

 

[COLGeek]

Those SATA ports should not be an issue. Do you actually have the proper stand-offs/mounts between the motherboard and case installed? Hard to tell from the pictures.

 

[Cheeps]

Those SATA ports should not be an issue. Do you actually have the proper stand-offs/mounts between the motherboard and case installed? Hard to tell from the pictures.

Thanks for the reply. I know I screwed in stand-offs when installing the mobo, but how would I go about checking if this was done properly?

 

[COLGeek]

Can you take a top down picture that shows your entire motherboard and installed components? Then post it here.

 

[Cheeps]

Yes, of course. Please excuse the sloppy wires.

 

[COLGeek]

I see multiple mounting holes in the motherboard with no screws, indicating no stand-offs/mounts underneath them.