Problem lining up PCI's with tool-less case

[jplanet]

(pardon the duplicate post, I originally added this question to my thread regarding parts selection at http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=161712)

I am nearly complete with my first build, and I've run into a mechanical sort of problem: I can't get my pcie card to line up well enough with the bracket to close the tool-less retaining clip...It seems like I would have to bend or force something to get it to work.

I'm using a Thermaltake Shark case, with a removable motherboard tray. The mobo lines up perfectly with the i/o shield, and otherwise appears to have been installed perfectly...

[flanzig1]

The pointed end of the metal bracket on the card goes into a slot in the case. May need to bend the metal a bit to get the metal and slot to line up. The metal is fairly soft so you can adjust it with your fingers.

[jplanet]

Originally Posted by flanzig1 The pointed end of the metal bracket on the card goes into a slot in the case. May need to bend the metal a bit to get the metal and slot to line up. The metal is fairly soft so you can adjust it with your fingers.

I see what you mean at the end of the pcie card -- that's fitting into the slot ok..it just still floats just above where you would ordinarily screw it in. I don't see how it could possibly work unless the mobo was floating about 1/4" higher than it is now, although then the i/o shield wouldn't line up...very strange. I've removed the whole mobo a few times, checked to see that all of the screws were in all the way, re-mounted it, same thing...

[FLG]

So the card dosent line up with the slots on the case at all? or just with the tooless design thing?

[jplanet]

Originally Posted by FLG So the card dosent line up with the slots on the case at all? or just with the tooless design thing?

It could possibly work with a screw, but it'd be a stretch. It's sitting about 1/4 inch above at the top where it should be flush and resting on the top of the pci gap. I've had pci cards before that were a tiny little bit off, and I just corrected it by forcing it a very little bit with a screw, but this is way off...

[minsonngo]

I had the same problem in the past with a few systems for clients, all I did was cut off part of the metal on the PCI card (the part that goes into the slot in the case). I do advise though, that when you are doing the modding, make sure you remove the metal piece from the circuit board (usually just involves the removing of some screws) part to avoid damaging the component.

[jplanet]

Originally Posted by minsonngo I had the same problem in the past with a few systems for clients, all I did was cut off part of the metal on the PCI card (the part that goes into the slot in the case). I do advise though, that when you are doing the modding, make sure you remove the metal piece from the circuit board (usually just involves the removing of some screws) part to avoid damaging the component.

Thanks, it's always comforting to hear that someone else had the same problem. I took it apart again today, and it does appear that the case provides enough room in the slot, BUT, there is a small piece on the outer face of the card that bumps right up against the bottom of the slot...it appears that I can make a very tiny cut to widen the bottom of the slot, and it would fall right in...I'll report back with results!

[minsonngo]

Just be extra careful and let us know how it goes!

[jplanet]

I just found at least some validation in one of the reviews for the card on Newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustRa...gesize=&Page=4

quote:

Cons: The attachment for the DVI was hitting the bottom of my Antec Sonata II case. The card would not seat properly on the MB, until I drilled a hole to make some clearance. No big deal, but it was a pain.

[Cricket]

I gotta ask...is the motherboard sitting on brass standoffs (like it's supposed to) or is it screwed directly to the mounting tray?

Cricket