GPU is very difficult to release.

[Celestron]

The GPU is a TUF3090 on a Dark Hero board. Ive been trying new wire management as of late and pulling the GPU is often necessary because of its size. Its the worst part of the experience. I lay the pc on its side so the mobo is sitting flat and the struggle to release the lock begins. I use a tiny wooden dowel to push on the lock, but it refuses to release. After way too much effort and a really uncomfortable SNAP it finally does. Last time I swear the dowel went through the mobo. I try a combination of pulling the gpu and applying pressure to the lock to no avail. I really wish that lock did not exist.

 

So before I do actually break something here what can I do to make this nightmarish process easier? My suspect is the fact that I can only push on the upper half of the lock. All the other PCIE slot locks are easy, but I can squarely access them. Not so much with the slot the GPU is in.

[Guest]

You shouldn't have to pull on the GPU to release the lock if it is the lever kind that you push straight down on.  Only the type where you push the lock away side-ways do you have to pull on the GPU.  Is there something going on at the other end ?

[Celestron]

10 minutes ago, si1enze said:

You shouldn't have to pull on the GPU to release the lock if it is the lever kind that you push straight down on.  Only the type where you push the lock away side-ways do you have to pull on the GPU.  Is there something going on at the other end ?

Hm. It is the lever kind. Im wondering if my pulling on the gpu is jamming it then. I once got the card hung up on the dummy inserts for the unused display ports, but other then that no the rear end is clear. Last time I did lead with a little tug to "prime" the lock which crossed my mind for.. some reason. : / Because of the former attempt being just as difficult.

[Guest]

If you tug on it before pushing the release down you'll just bind it up.  Push it into the slot with a little force, then try the release.

[jones177]

I have the same issue with my RTX 2080 tis(3 slot cards).

Because of this when I built the i9 10900k and R7 5800x rigs I used a GTX 1080 to test and only installed the 2080 tis after.

I don't even try to remove them unless the case is on its side.

[Sorenson]

What @si1enze said. You can also try getting to the latch from below or above the graphics card on the mobo. Going at it from above often requires removing the CPU cooler though. 

[jones177]

2 minutes ago, Sorenson said:

What @si1enze said. You can also try getting to the latch from below or above the graphics card on the mobo. Going at it from above often requires removing the CPU cooler though. 

With a Noctoa I have to use a pencil with an eraser to push down on the latch.

[Guest]

12 minutes ago, jones177 said:

With a Noctoa I have to use a pencil with an eraser to push down on the latch.

I'm 5'8 my hands are tiny. =P

[jones177]

8 minutes ago, si1enze said:

I'm 5'8 my hands are tiny. =P

I am 5'7 and I can't reach it even when it is on a test bench.

It is doable with a smaller card like this GTX 1080 ti

[Celestron]

 My clearances arent that tight fortunately. However the Ryujin cooler block is quite large with the LCD screen and chipset fan in it. Which leaves little to no room between it and the gpu.

Quote

If you tug on it before pushing the release down you'll just bind it up.  Push it into the slot with a little force, then try the release.

Im hoping its this. Next time I have to remove the gpu i wont bother trying to pull on it before that latch is released.

 

Quote

You can also try getting to the latch from below or above the graphics card on the mobo. Going at it from above often requires removing the CPU cooler though. 

Above is the only access I have. Below is completely blocked by the gpu.

 

Thank you everyone for your input. Hopefully its not as arduous next time.