Heavy GPU / PCIE x16 connection issue - - Suggestions? [SOLVED]

[ryguy76]

Yesterday I started to get the code "97" on boot and it would hang. Did some research and this is apparently related to the Motherboard not seeing or connecting well to the GPU.

My GPU is a long and heavy MSI 780 lightning with EKWB waterblock and backplate. All the power cables are plugged in.

Here are my observations:
1) When I remove and reseat the card in the PCIE slot it works for one or two cold boots.
2) There is no issue when I restart from windows, only cold boots.
3) Same thing occurs when I put in in the lower MB PCIE slots - 97 error code after a successful cold boot or two
4) Put in another GPU 750ti (small and light) I use for my HTPC and everything worked fine. In fact the boot was faster too.
5) Even though I have two screws holding the GPU into the motherboard, there is a fair bit of play, and sag.
6) Orientation of sag - highest corner of GPU is one closest to MB on the input/connection (left) side. Lowest corner (most sag) is closest to case exterior on end of GPU (right side if looking into case at motherboard)
7) When I put my finger under the saggiest corner and push up to make it level, it works.

Conclusion:
Weight and length of GPU are causing it to sit unevenly in the PCI-E slot which is causing the 97 error.
I am also concerned about the long term effect of the heavy GPU on my PCI-E x16 slot. I can see the slot shift a little when I move the card which leads me to believe it is not attached in a really strong way to the motherboard.


I am going to shorten my watertube from CPU to GPU some, because there is needless length that I think may be pushing the card down and I can at least use the tube as another connection point to pull it up a little.
In fact, I never had this error before, but I recently had to replace that tube and made it longer that it needed to be, so that could be a large contributing factor.

Any ideas, suggestions, solutions, constructive criticism of analysis welcome.

Has anyone had this issue and put a post in to support the weight, or tied it off to the ceiling of the case?

Thanks!

[Raja]

Check the slot itself and make sure it has not been damaged by the weight of the card. It is always wise to plumb a waterloop not to create undue weight or pressure on the slot.

[Chino]

You can have a look at Scythe's Ninja Wire.

[ryguy76]

Thanks guys.

PCI-E slot is still fine b/c other card worked fine in it, so lucky there. Glad I addressed it immediately.
Chino, thanks for the suggestion, unfortunately ninja wire is discontinued. I did find two good looking / well reviewed alternatives that I have ordered and will list in case anyone has the same issue.

Mcpctech - Single GPU Support Bracket. Available from their site.
Puget Systems - Universal Acrylic GPU Brace. They sell through Amazon.

I will post once i have had a chance to test them out.

[Xeonnemesis]

I have the Puget Systems GPU brace but it doesn't really work well with the Stix 980ti due to the fan placement and the fact that I'm running a Gene 8 in a Fractal Node 804. The brace it'self is very well designed and for most other cards, I think it would work well.

Xeon

[ryguy76]

All told, it was the card. Replaced it with ASUS R9 380 strix and everything is fine.

Used the MNPCtech to hold up card, took some fiddling to get it set up to avoid fans, but works decently.
Thanks for the insight and help