ASUS China has launched an extensive customer support program addressing potential graphics card damage linked to its PCIe Q-Release Slim mechanism. The initiative includes full motherboard replacements, compensation packages, and warranty coverage for affected customers. The compensation package encompasses a 200 RMB ($27) store credit and complete motherboard replacement for affected units across multiple product lines, including the Z790, B860, Z890, B850, and X870 series motherboards. Particularly, the affected motherboard lineup includes high-end models like the ROG Maximus Z890 Extreme and ROG Crosshair X870E Hero. The controversy centers on the mechanism's internal peg design, which reportedly can affect graphics card PCIe connectors during repeated installation and removal cycles.

ASUS China has confirmed the development of a revised Q-Release Slim design, though no specific timeline has been announced. Warranty coverage varies by graphics card manufacturer. ASUS and MSI have committed to priority repairs and free card replacements for both PCB wear and gold finger damage when repairs prove unsuccessful. However, Gigabyte and Colorful cards require evaluation at repair centers before determining coverage eligibility. This regional response contrasts sharply with ASUS's US position, which maintains that internal testing shows no correlation between the Q-Release Slim mechanism and graphics card damage. While ASUS continues to defend the mechanism's design integrity internationally, its comprehensive response in the Chinese market suggests a more cautious approach to potential hardware compatibility issues. We must wait and see if the worldwide ASUS position will change in the coming days and if the North American department issues any different response.