I've got a 4090 and Noctua NH-D15. Unlike my previous board (Aorus Xtreme) it doesn't seem to have an easy release button for the GPU.
Due to the size of the CPU cooler / GPU I can't reach underneath the card very well (if at all) to release it.
Any tips on how to access it in tight configurations?
Pretty much this. I have a small PH0 wiha screwdriver I use to reach in above the GPU backplate to press the release tab. Has worked for years without issue.- Does the slot use a tab or a "Pin" to hold the GPU in place?
If it's a tab, reach in from above the GPU (the back of the GPU) and try to push the tab down from there. Can try using a flathead screwdriver with some tape over the head (so you don't accidentally scratch anything) if your CPU cooler/RAM etc is too bulky for your hands to get in there.
Or a plastic ruler. I did use one -- 8 inch (20 cm, actually, but imperials ...) -- both to unlock and to ensure that the thing locks after GPU is in place again.Use chopstick instead of screwdriver?
A potential issue is if the backplate of the 4090 is so thicc that it really covers the entire lock. Is it?
The left GPU is easy to remove, but doesn't help the situation. The middle GPU's tab is also inaccessible.A steel ruler? But it looks so tight.
You probably just have to remove the other GPUs first to get to it.
Indeed. I've seen "compact" ITX builds, but this is ... more?Damn, that is tight.
That's a good idea... although... I may not be able to unscrew some of the standoffs that hold the motherboard in place (there's at least one or two in the centre).Another way would be to unscrew the mobo and try to take it all out.
Yeah, I think CPU cooler first is the best way to go. If I can get that off!Damn, that is tight.
You can probably remove the outer heatsink fan by removing the top clip, then angling the fan until it pops out of the bottom clip. You may have to remove the top and middle front case fans for more clearance. Once you have the outer fan off, there may be enough room to reach the pcie lock mechanism.
Haha, yeah, what's more is it's a huge E-ATX case too. Going with water cooling for the first GPU and the CPU cooler would have made things easier.Indeed. I've seen "compact" ITX builds, but this is ... more?
Noctua's screws are under the center fan. The PCIe "lock lever" is at the level of the first tower.
Maybe, just maybe, with memory and the first Noctua fan removed, one could see/reach the lever from the "open rear" of the case.
Or then not; a M.2 heatsink hides the lever when you look at it from the CPU?
Apparently Silverstone still makes those "90 degree twisted" cases (although that is not the cause of the issue).
How does the first GPU get air anyway? It seems to be so close to the second GPU that you can't access the lock lever of the second GPU?Going with water cooling for the first GPU and the CPU cooler would have made things easier.
Yeah, I was worried it might be a problem but the 4090 is taller than the 3060 so the fans can bring in air from the top. Also the case fans at the bottom blow air up through the GPUs I think.How does the first GPU get air anyway? It seems to be so close to the second GPU that you can't access the lock lever of the second GPU?
Too tight for thin stick, but enough for air?