How do I install GPU into the X870E Hero without damage?

[kalluka1]

Ok so this is not really shown anywhere online on how to install a big heavy GPU into the Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Hero with the terrible PCIE lane metal problem. Even though I got one from March 2025 it is not the revised model. How do I install my GPU without getting the terrible damage that people have been getting? I do not trust the motherboard and I am really considering immediately returning it as defective by design. But that is a massive hassle so I would love to know how to properly do it.

[Baalberith_NL]

Hi, 

It's not the inserting that could cause scratches, but the remaval of the vidcard (20+ times) I removed my card already several times without any issues.

[nemen]

i completely disagree here with you, if enough force was used and the connectors are not lined up properly. they can easily break off

[Undeadrat]

You could go vertical mount and then you would only be plugging in a GPU riser and not risk the damage to the card

[nemen]

you will still get surface rubbing on the connector wheter a riser is used or not

[Undeadrat]

yeah but only on a riser connector and not on the GPU connector

[nemen]

how do think the gpu connector actually joins to a riser?

[Undeadrat]

I believe to OP is worried about physical damage to the PCIe connector from insertion and removal of the GPU into the slim connector on the motherboard as shown in a few videos, you can never eliminate slight scratching. I have installed and removed my GPU from a riser cable many times with no damage. I have also installed and removed the riser from the MB multiple times and have not noticed anything more than cosmetic damage.

[Scotty_Pea]

I have a 4080 Super and while it's a tight fit there is a wee bit of clearance for my GPU.