The little "mechanism" at the front of the PCI Express mobo slot 4

[Bocaire]

I'm putting together a new PC, with the ASUS A8N32-SLI Deluxe mobo. At the "front" end of each the PCI Express video card slots for the video cards, there's a little white plastic "mechanism" that looks like a retaining clip, with a latch or something. I checked the video card at that point, and it has a little piece of plain circuit board at that point, but I don't see the purpose or function.

It looks like it a latching clip at that place.

Can anyone clue me in on what this is, and how to use/handle it?

Ron Hirsch

 

[InterlinkModule]

When the vid card is mounted, is this clip at the end of the card? (like the opposite end from where the monitor plugs in)? If that's what it is, all PCI-x mainboards have these but they don't seem to serve a purpose. I even accidently broke one off in my previous system and it didn't matter. Nice board BTW.

-=<>=-

 

[Bocaire]

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, this is at the end of the board, opposite the end where the monitor connections are.

I also can't see any purpose for it. But obviously there must be some purpose, otherwise why put it there?

It is a "latching" type arrangement, and it does look as if when one played with it or tried to unlatch it, that it could just break off

Since I am one who is always inquisitive, I'll see if I can get an answer from ASUS, or EVGA, whose board I'm using

Bocaire

 

[InterlinkModule]

when I mounted my PCI Express nvidia 7800 gt I completely forgot the latch was there but the card still installed flawlessly. So I say it's useless hehehehe

-=<>=-

 

[anthony99]

its for when u have 2 cards installed!

 

[paparazi]

Eh? for when two cards are fitted!

High end graphics cards these days are so heavy the motherboard manufacturers simply employ a method of retaining the rear of the card for securuty.
The front of the card is either screwed or clipped on the bracket, this additional mechanism is just so the rear of the card doesn't come adrift during transportation or similar.
Absolutely no problems inserting the graphics card as you found out(this mechanism is designed to "self clip") but you will be required to push the lever to clear the retaining tab when you remove the card.

http://www.hardwaretidende.dk/hard/artikelimages/29092005-10.JPG

Martin

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