Asus Revises Q-Release Slim on High-End Motherboards After Scratching Reports
Asus has been facing unexpected issues with its high-end gaming motherboards, specifically those equipped with the Q-Release Slim system. This feature, designed to simplify the removal of graphics cards from the PCIe slot without needing to press a latch, has drawn criticism from reviewers who noticed scratches and minor damage on GPUs when using it. Following these reports, recent retail images suggest that Asus has quietly modified the design, hinting at an effort to resolve these concerns.
Asus Confirms Design Changes for X870 Motherboards
An Asus representative confirmed to Tweakers.net that the Q-Release Slim system has been revised for new X870 motherboards. According to a machine-translated statement, Asus has:
- Modified the PCIe slot design to prevent potential damage.
- Removed a metal component that may have contributed to scratching.
- Added stickers to inform users about the correct way to use the system.
This response suggests that user feedback played a significant role in the decision to alter the mechanism, though Asus has not officially recalled or discontinued the previous design.
Visible Changes in New Motherboards
Hardware news source Uniko’s Hardware observed a noticeable difference in the PCIe retention mechanism on the upcoming Asus X870E Apex motherboard, which is now available for pre-order on Newegg. The updated design appears to have reduced or removed a metal bar, replacing it with either a thinner metal or plastic construction to minimize contact with the GPU’s connector area.
While the Q-Release Slim system aims to let users remove GPUs with a simple forward pull, it differs from the standard Q-Release mechanism, which features a lever and button to move the retention clip to a more accessible location. The latter remains a safer and more traditional option that doesn’t require as much force or direct contact with the slot.
Scratching Reports Were Limited to Frequent GPU Swaps
It’s important to note that the scratching concerns were primarily raised by professional reviewers and testers, who frequently swap GPUs—something that an average PC user might do far less often. Additionally, reports indicate that the damage was purely cosmetic and did not impact functionality.
However, considering that high-end motherboards and GPUs often cost thousands of dollars combined, even minor cosmetic damage can be frustrating for enthusiasts. Asus appears to have acknowledged this by refining the design, though it remains to be seen whether the adjusted Q-Release Slim mechanism will fully resolve these concerns.
For now, the updated slot design has only been seen in pre-release listings, so hands-on reviews will be needed to determine whether Asus has successfully addressed the issue.
