ASUS North America issues statement on PCIe Q-Release concerns
ASUS says that users should not be concerned about their PCIe Q-Release Slim system
ASUS North America has issued a statement in response to ongoing concerns about the company’s PCIe Q-Release Slim system. This PCIe slot design allows users to install and remove graphics cards without using tools, making the installation/removal process easier and tool-free.
Some users of ASUS’ Q-Release Slim system, primarily reviewers, found that this system could scratch areas of the PCBs of graphics cards. ASUS, during their testing, found that the system caused no damage that would impact functionality and performance. Furthermore, they emphasised that any PCIe card would exhibit signs of wear after 60 insertions into PCIe slots.
Below is ASUS’ full statement on their tool-free PCIe removal system.
ASUS recently introduced its buttonless PCIe Q-Release Slim design to simplify the process of removing a graphics card. Unlike the previous generation of PCIe Q-Release, this design no longer requires a button to unlock the graphics card. To prevent the graphics card from accidentally sliding out, the new design includes a locking mechanism and metal reinforcement for added strength. The correct insertion and removal method is indicated in the user manual and select motherboard product packaging (as shown in the image below).
By following these guidelines, the new design performs similar to traditional PCIe slots, leaving only usage marks under normal usage frequency. Otherwise, the new design is significantly simpler and easier to remove the graphics card and allows the user to do so without any tools – which can directly or inadvertently damage the slot, motherboard and/or graphics card. This design also reduces potential mechanical conflicts.
In our internal testing and evaluation of the extremely small number of cases reported we found no damage to the motherboard or graphics card that would affect functionality or performance. However, it is important to emphasize that any type of PCIe add-in card will exhibit signs of usage and wear marking after 60 continuous insertions and removals. Additionally, if the installation and removal are not performed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (see below), the likelihood of scratches and/or wear may increase. Despite this, we have found no impact on the functionality of either the graphics card or the motherboard.
For those currently using ASUS motherboards with the PCIe Q-Release Slim design, there is no need for concern. Simply follow the official removal guidelines to avoid any potential damage. We would note minimal effort is required and excessive force should not be applied. If you encounter any specific issues or abnormalities, ASUS will take full responsibility and handle them. We are committed to ensuring service and support for our customers; please contact ASUS customer service for assistance and/or more information.
Overall, it looks like consumers have little to worry about here. Most of you will not be removing and re-installing your graphics cards regularly. Concerns about PCIe slot wear/damage should be exclusive to reviewers and other hardware analysts. After all, they are the only users who will be adding and removing graphics cards to systems regularly. Regular users have nothing to worry about, as a small number of removals should be of no concern.
You can join the discussion on ASUS’ statement on its PCIe Q-Release Slim system on the OC3D Forums.
