Question Install PCIe Retention Clip fell off

[Blos88]

i was cleaning my pc, i have a noctua dh15 chromax with an i7 12700k and a rtx 3070 TUF GAMING

the gpu is huge and blocks the tab of the PCEX slot for removing, i was very careful to remove it, but it came off with the board of the rtx 3070 also i have a huge cooler

so i put it back on the PCEX slot, and its working fine no problems,nothing is broke,

any suggestions for removing such huge gpus?
and also would be a problem for installing again the tab?

thank you

 

[Unolocogringo]

With my large hands ,I have to use a chopstick to reach the PCIE slot lock, and different pairs of hemostats to plug/unplug front panel connectors, some fan plugs etc.....
It is hard to plug in a fan along the top of the motherboard when your fingers completely block the view of the board.

 

[Blos88]

thank u will try it

 

[Misgar]

I too have a Noctua NH-D15 so I know how difficult it can be to access the clip under a large GPU.

You say "nothing is broke" but the tab "came off with the board".

If you are determined to repair the damage, check the tab to see if it shows any signs of damage.

Next, remove the GPU and carefully examine the end of the PCIe x16 slot where the lug fits to see if anything has bent or snapped off.

If both parts seem completely undamaged, remove the motherboard from the case for a closer view and see if you can "persuade" the clip back into the connector.

You may need to use a degree of force, or splay the ends of the connector apart slightly, to get the tangs on the clip to fit back in.

Just take care you don't make matters even worse.

If in doubt, take the board to a professional repair shop and ask their opinion.

It may not be repairable if you have snapped off any plastic lugs.