GPU running at PCIE 2x instead of 16x (broken mobo?)

[oskarha]

Lately I’ve been having some issues with the PCIE connectivity on my Dell Vostro 220 that I use as a HTPC.

 

The GPU was running at PCIE 2x instead of 16x.

I decided to try to rebuild the system, and when doing so, I realized the motherboard was severely bent around the CPU socket. I was able to straighten the bend up, and the GPU ran well at PCIE 16x and the machine seemed well...

 

Until now.

 

Now I’m getting the same problem as before, and I’m thinking something is damaged around the CPU socket, which is preventing the full 16x bandwidth.

My suspicion is on the motherboard as I’ve tested different CPUs (a Celeron 440) and CPUs (a Radeon 2400xt), with no luck.

 

Current system specs:

Dell Vostro 220 case

Dell Vostro 220 motherboard (Foxconn G45M03) 

G45 Chipset

2 x 2 GB ddr2 800MHz

Xeon E5420 4 cores @ 2.5GHz (LGA 775 to 771 mod)

Radeon HD 5750

60 GB Kingston SSDNow

Corsair CX500M

 

I’m currently considering getting a new motherboard, more precisely this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-G45M03-JJW8N-Vostro-220-220s-LGA775-Motherboard-No-BP-/371511503882?hash=item567fcfac0a:g:bJgAAOSwd0BV4Gwu#shpCntId

 

Any tips on how to fix this problem without getting a new motherboard?

 

 PS: The case does not have a removable rear io shield, so getting a different motherboard won’t work  :angry:

[GER_T4IGA]

PS: The case does not have a removable rear io shield, so getting a different motherboard won’t work >

There's always the cutting option if you dare.

[oskarha]

There's always the cutting option if you dare.

Ofcourse, but getting the original mobo is cheaper, easier and i was happy with the performance i was getting.

[GER_T4IGA]

Ofcourse, but getting the original mobo is cheaper, easier and i was happy with the performance i was getting.

Are you surely using the correct slot?

If yes this leaves you GPU and your mobo's PCIe slot(my guesses. There is definitely more) open as a point of failure. Try a differrent GPU and your curretn GPU on a differrent board if you can.

[oskarha]

Are you surely using the correct slot?

If yes this leaves you GPU and your mobo's PCIe slot(my guesses. There is definitely more) open as a point of failure. Try a differrent GPU and your curretn GPU on a differrent board if you can.

There is only one 16x slot on the mobo, and i have tested the 5750 on my testbench and other gpus in the effected system. It must be something with the mobo.