In brief: Asus 800-series motherboard owners should contact the company if they believe its new Q-Release Slim system has damaged the PCIe connectors on their graphics cards or other PCIe add-in boards. Although Asus claims that its internal testing found no defects in the mechanism – which simplifies AIB removal – customer service will assist impacted users.
Asus has released an official statement regarding reports that its Q-Release Slim system can damage graphics cards upon removal. The company claimed that the scratch marks left on PCIe gold fingers are just wear and tear and shouldn't impact performance, but pledged to help customers with complaints.
Asus said in a statement that it knew of only a very small number of cases and that its internal testing found no cause for concern. The company also claimed that PCIe slots on any motherboard can leave marks on AIB connectors after about 60 repeated installations and removals. The issue could draw attention from independent testers seeking to scrutinize Asus' report.
The trouble began when BiliBili users and Hardwareluxx's Andreas Schilling reported that GPUs could become stuck in the PCIe slots on Asus' latest Intel and AMD 800-series motherboards. The mainboards introduced a mechanism designed to make removing AIBs easier and safer.
When a user can't reach the PCIe slot's release hatch due to a large GPU or tightly packed components, Asus' Q-Release Slim system enables them to remove the card by simply pulling it upward and toward the side facing the I/O ports. The mechanism prevents the AIB from moving in any other direction, and Asus stresses that users should follow directions closely.
If the company's warning regarding repeated removals proves accurate, it would explain why the earliest reports came from testers. Schilling reported that he installed and removed an RTX 5090 dozens of times while reviewing the GPU.
In contrast, average users will most likely remove graphics cards a handful of times at most, significantly lessening the risk of damage. However, if casual users begin reporting problems, the issue could become more serious for Asus.
Competing manufacturer MSI has also explored new methods of securing and releasing GPUs. The company's take on Q-Release, like Asus' previous version, uses an easily accessible button to lock and unlock PCIe cards. Additionally, MSI and Asus recently began rethinking M.2 drive installations with alternate mechanisms.
Asus denies reports of quick-release GPU damage, but offers support for affected users
