Potential Problems on ASUS B550 PLUS AC-HES

[Scattergrunt]

This might not be the right forum but I figured I should post it anyway.

This might sound really dumb of me but I didn't foresee the fact that this motherboard seemingly has clearance issues with my 2080 Super FE. PCPartpicker also didn't say anything.. honestly I should of read some reviews. The issue is specifically with the 6 SATA ports, as they stick out too much for me to fully seat my GPU normally.

I'm considering buying a vertical mount for my GPU and calling it a day, but I've already had to do alot of last minutes purchases because of my stupidity, so is there anyway I could potentially get the GPU seated? I've already tested mobo and it's fine. Works with shorter GPU's and everything. I also tested the GPU in another rig and it was fine.

Is there any solution I could have that wouldn't involve buying anything new? I mean I'm fully willing too. Just didn't forsee this blunder of mine.

 

[68Olds]

The GPU looks like it is in the PCIe_2 slot. Have you tried moving the card up into the PCIe_1 slot?

 

[Scattergrunt]

The GPU looks like it is in the PCIe_2 slot. Have you tried moving the card up into the PCIe_1 slot?

Slot 1 through 3 don't work. Havent tried 4 because I dont have a single slot card to try. The PCIe_1 slot is blocked by what looks like VRM's (you can see them in the original picture too, right above the SATA ports)

I tried putting a different GPU in, which was also smaller. This other spare GPU also spun to life but gave me no display. Definitely further reinforces my belief it's a clearance issue. Honestly if I had just done my research I don't think I'd be here but we make do.

Double checked everything before anyone asked. Probably further reason I should make a testbench so this isn't nearly as mind numbing to troubleshoot..

 

[Bill_Bright]

Slot 1 through 3 don't work.

Sounds like you should be researching a new motherboard instead of a graphics card. I would urge you to NOT use this board or card if you cannot fully seat the card properly. If the card does not seat completely, it may not work properly - if lucky.

If unlucky, you may end with with permanent damage with the card or slot or both or the SATA ports or all of the above. If the card cannot seat fully, the mounting bracket will not mate properly with the case and then securing with the screw might put undue strain on the card. I am getting blinded by red flags. Do it right or don't do it.

 

[Scattergrunt]

Sounds like you should be researching a new motherboard instead of a graphics card.

Not what I was doing. My potential solutions was either gonna be a completely new mobo or a riser cable. But I should probably actually figure out why the spare gpu wasn't getting display first, as that could be the mobo too.

I was simply asking if there was any potential for a fix that wouldn't involve any new purchases. I mean, if not, I'm just gonna purchase new mobo or the riser cable regardless.

Brute forcing it is obviously not a good idea, and I didn't mean to somehow come off as if that was what I was doing. The reason I asked if I could somehow get it seated was because I felt like I had missed something (Because sometimes, that can happen. I did check the manual, and there wasn't anything explicitly stating cards of a certain length would have issues too)

The last thing I'd wanna do is try to bruteforce it, especially when the issue from my lack of expertise looks like clearance.

I would urge you to NOT use this board or card if you cannot fully seat the card properly. If the card does not seat completely, it may not work properly - if lucky.

If unlucky, you may end with with permanent damage with the card or slot or both or the SATA ports or all of the above. If the card cannot seat fully, the mounting bracket will not mate properly with the case and then securing with the screw might put undue strain on the card. I am getting blinded by red flags. Do it right or don't do it.

I'd have to put a ton of pressure onto the mobo to even cause damage in that sort of way. The Mobo works fine, delivers power, and the processor and everything is fine. I don't have any reason to suspect it's anything with the mobo outside of the size if my GPU, besides the fact the spare gpu wasn't getting display (but it did get power, and spun to life)

I didn't try forcing it in for that reason. The 2080 Super seated fine with a spare, different mobo I have and works fine. Same with the smaller, 1060 3GB I tried as my spare gpu. I simply noticed the 2080 super wouldn't power on or get a output and deduced that it's a clearance issue; which is why I asked.

I appreciate the concern, but I'll retest everything on older mobo regardless. If you have any suggestions about what I should do outside of that do let me know.

 

[eidairaman1]

So your card is that long and the heatsink is what a 3 slot design (2.5 is 3 fyi)

Does the pcb actually extend in towards the pcie slot beyound the connector?

Get a picture of the gpu so we can see it

 

[Scattergrunt]

So your card is that long and the heatsink is what a 3 slot design (2.5 is 3 fyi)

Thanks, actually genuinely didn't know that? Guess you learn something new you should of known everyday.

Does the pcb actually extend in towards the pcie slot beyound the connector?

Get a picture of the gpu so we can see it

I'll be back in a little bit to provide that.

 

[Chrispy_]

Motherboard components don't usually violate the PCIe slot keep-out-zones, even those ones with a bunch of plastic covers that were all the rage 10 years ago.

Does your graphics card have a bunch of bulky plastic shroud on it? Assuming the GPU is within spec, I've seen the issue you're describing a few times before with an unfortunate case/standoffs/graphics card combinations.

I've exaggerated it a bit here, but when you can't click the GPU into the retention tab and it's sitting on motherboard heatsinks or ports on the right side as pictured, the problem is usually the left side being too high. Since you can't lower the case's screw tabs you need to raise the motherboard instead.

If motherboard standoffs are a little too short, the screw tabs of the graphics card actually stop the rear end of the GPU going all the way down into the slot and the whole GPU see-saws off to the right.

One way to test is to remove the rear IO plate of the graphics card and see if it sits in the slot properly like that. If it does, then you likely have a bad combination of case, standoffs, and graphics card. If the gap around the motherboard IO shield is also uneven (board sitting too low) you can likely fix it by replacing the standoffs with longer ones, or by jacking the board up a couple of mm on those composite washers that used to come in case accessory packs.

 

[Scattergrunt]

Motherboard components don't usually violate the PCIe slot keep-out-zones, even those ones with a bunch of plastic covers that were all the rage 10 years ago.

Does your graphics card have a bunch of bulky plastic shroud on it? Assuming the GPU is within spec, I've seen the issue you're describing a few times before with an unfortunate case/standoffs/graphics card combinations.

View attachment 378464

The motherboard standoffs are a little too short, so the screw tabs of the graphics card actually stop the rear end of the GPU going all the way down into the slot.
One way to test is to remove the rear IO plate of the graphics card and see if it sits in the slot properly like that. If it does, then you likely have a bad combination of case, standoffs, and graphics card. If the gap around the motherboard IO shield is also uneven (board sitting too low) you can likely fix it by replacing the standoffs with longer ones, or by jacking the board up a couple of mm on those composite washers that used to come in case accessory packs.

The standoffs I've been using are god awful little demons I hate with a passion so you might be right. I'll get back to you on that. I don't believe case is the issue (though it is most definitely not out of question because it's just some cheap chinese fishtank case) so I'll try removing the rear IO plate next after I get back to eidaira

 

[Bill_Bright]

I'd have to put a ton of pressure onto the mobo to even cause damage in that sort of way.

You misunderstand - I didn't explain myself well. I was not referring to you inserting too much force. I was trying to make three points.

Point 1. If you look at Chrispy_'s image, if you try to secure the card with the mounting screw with the card incompletely inserted and the card tilting that way, tightening the mounting screw for the bracket to the case could put undue forces on the card, resulting in microfractures. Not good. The same could result if the card is tilted the other way (with the right side of the image higher). And note graphics cards should always be secured with the mounting screws.

Point 2. The most efficient, most secure electrical connection only occurs with the proper mechanical connection. These cards (and RAM) slots are specifically designed so when the card is fully inserted, not only is a good mechanical and thus electrical connection made, but the secure connection is designed to keep dirt and other contaminates from getting in between the contact surfaces. This includes blocking oxygen to prevent oxidation (corrosion) from forming between the contacts too. BTW, this secure connection is why reseating cards and RAM rare ever does any good - unless the contacts were already dirty.

So if the card is not fully inserted into the slot, this could result in a poor mechanical connection, thus poor electrical connection - if not immediately, then over time as the fans pull dust and dirt in.

Point 3. "IF" the card is not properly inserted and secured in the slot, over time vibrations from fans, drives and heavy footfalls may cause the card to wiggle loose to the point arcing might even occur. At best arcing will simply carbon up the contact surfaces resulting in an open. But such arcing can also result in overheating at that point - especially if the effected contacts typically carry a lot of current.

Okay four points.

Point 4. You already said slots 1 through 3 don't work. I fully understand not wanting to spend money, but it seems clear this motherboard has other problems besides not supporting long graphics cards.

 

[Scattergrunt]

You misunderstand - I didn't explain myself well. I was not referring to you inserting too much force. I was trying to make three points.

Okay, after reading, I think I understand a bit better. Thank you. Didn't mean any disrespect by the way.

Point 4. You already said slots 1 through 3 don't work. I fully understand not wanting to spend money, but it seems clear this motherboard has other problems besides not supporting long graphics cards.

I should of elaborated that they do not work for the 2080 super because of similar, clearance issues (atleast, thats the way it looks.) The 1060 3gb connects just fine and does spin to life, just with no display.

If they didn't work at all I don't think I would of made this post to be fair; as that would of obviously been just grounds for a new mobo.

You might be right though, the mobo could have other issues I'm not aware of yet. I can't thoroughly test it as is though due to lack of expertise though (and also because the 1060 isn't providing a display oddly enough, still figuring that one out)

I'll be back in a little bit to provide that.

Couldn't get these pictures to upload for some reason normally so I'll have to drop a imgur link. Hopefully I'm not misinterpreting what eida means here.

 

[kapone32]

I have the B550 Plus and don't understand how the VRM would block the GPU in slot 1.This stuff is not unique in anything.

 

[Scattergrunt]

I have the B550 Plus and don't understand how the VRM would block the GPU in slot 1.This stuff is not unique in anything.

Could you get a picture by chance? I wasn't sure if that was actually the issue or not; I merely suggested it because the issue initially looked like clearance but could be a bit bigger than that. Thank you in advance if you do

 

[Bill_Bright]

Didn't mean any disrespect by the way.

None taken. We're good.

I can't thoroughly test it as is though due to lack of expertise

LOL No one can thoroughly "test" a motherboard after it leaves the factory. If someone tells you they can, they are lying to you. It is not like we can stick a meter or scope probe on test points, measure, then analyze the results to see if correct or within tolerances.

Only the motherboard maker using custom mockup test benches can thoroughly test a motherboard. The best any of us out "in the field" can do is put the board to practical use and see if it works.

Thanks for clarifying the slots not working issue. As you noted, some more thorough homework before purchase might have prevented this. For future reference, similar clearance issues happen with some cases - particularly those designed for micro-ATX (or smaller) motherboards, or slim cases too. Slim cases may also require "low profile" cards and/or mounting brackets, as well as a low profile CPU cooler. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[Scattergrunt]

Thanks for clarifying the slots not working issue. As you noted, some more thorough homework before purchase might have prevented this. For future reference, similar clearance issues happen with some cases - particularly those designed for micro-ATX (or smaller) motherboards, or slim cases too. Slim cases may also require "low profile" cards and/or mounting brackets, as well as a low profile CPU cooler. Just something to keep in mind.

I mean atleast in those cases somewhere like pcpartpicker can usually catch it. (In this situation it didnt, but in complete fairness the case is obscure and the motherboard is also a bit uncommon)

The case I'm using does fit a ATX motherboard but seemingly just barely. Could be part if the problem. But I'm about to go get some new standoffs and try taking the rear IO plate off the 2080 super to see if that helps.

 

[eidairaman1]

I mean atleast in those cases somewhere like pcpartpicker can usually catch it. (In this situation it didnt, but in complete fairness the case is obscure and the motherboard is also a bit uncommon)

The case I'm using does fit a ATX motherboard but seemingly just barely. Could be part if the problem. But I'm about to go get some new standoffs and try taking the rear IO plate off the 2080 super to see if that helps.

Can you still get a pic?

 

[kapone32]

 

[Scattergrunt]

Can you still get a pic?

Of the case? I'll drop that by later. I did drop the other images you asked for. (I believe I got that right)

View attachment 378473

I'm not sure what posting this here is for. Here's the actual motherboard I'm using. I think you got the MSI B550 Plus mixed up with the motherboard I'm talking about (the ASUS B550 PLUS AC HES). I'll add the brand name real quick.

Here we go. God I hate mobile browsers sometimes.

 

[eidairaman1]

Of the case? I'll drop that by later. I did drop the other images you asked for. (I believe I got that right)


I'm not sure what posting this here is for. Here's the actual motherboard I'm using. I think you got the MSI B550 Plus mixed up with the motherboard I'm talking about (the ASUS B550 PLUS AC HES). I'll add the brand name real quick.

View attachment 378482
Here we go. God I hate mobile browsers sometimes.

No the card removed picture of the card with cooler facing the camera from top down

 

[inquisitor1]

why isnt the gpu working in slot 1?

there has to be a reason why? maybe the mobo is bad. if a gpu didnt work in slot 1, id return it.

how are these b550 plus boards with reliability anyway?

 

[kapone32]

Of the case? I'll drop that by later. I did drop the other images you asked for. (I believe I got that right)


I'm not sure what posting this here is for. Here's the actual motherboard I'm using. I think you got the MSI B550 Plus mixed up with the motherboard I'm talking about (the ASUS B550 PLUS AC HES). I'll add the brand name real quick.

View attachment 378482
Here we go. God I hate mobile browsers sometimes.

I do not see how the VRMs would effect putting a GPU in slot 1. I don't think I have ever actually seen this board it seems to have a weird layout. Make sure you read the manual if you plan on populating it. 4 PCIe slots on B550 with 2 M2 slots and 6 SATA ports seems like a lot for that chipset.

why isnt the gpu working in slot 1?

there has to be a reason why? maybe the mobo is bad. if a gpu didnt work in slot 1, id return it.

how are these b550 plus boards with reliability anyway?

One of my first posts on TPU was a rant on Asus Prime. They seem to have weird gremlins. Tuf and Strix are the sweet spot for Asus boards. They can be pricey though.

 

[Scattergrunt]

I do not see how the VRMs would effect putting a GPU in slot 1. I don't think I have ever actually seen this board it seems to have a weird layout. Make sure you read the manual if you plan on populating it. 4 PCIe slots on B550 with 2 M2 slots and 6 SATA ports seems like a lot for that chipset.

I believe this mobo was some attempt at marketing towards AI or something? It's bizarre the marketing for this mobo. Got it purely for the AIO and decent VRMs for its price to be fair, plus I got it at a already discounted price compared to what I was originally gonna get.
I certainly regret that now lol.

One of my first posts on TPU was a rant on Asus Prime. They seem to have weird gremlins. Tuf and Strix are the sweet spot for Asus boards. They can be pricey though.

Agreed for sure.

why isnt the gpu working in slot 1?

there has to be a reason why? maybe the mobo is bad. if a gpu didnt work in slot 1, id return it.

Didn't make full contact due to what seems like clearance. Slots work fine with smaller gpus though, already thinking of a plan of action to fix. Currently waiting on shipping for new standoffs rn. Worst case I try a vertical gpu mount, which means I gotta spend more money. Again, as I said earlier before, lack of research on my part.

No the card removed picture of the card with cooler facing the camera from top down

http://imgur.com/a/WyIk9sU

like this?

 

[eidairaman1]

I believe this mobo was some attempt at marketing towards AI or something? It's bizarre the marketing for this mobo. Got it purely for the AIO and decent VRMs for its price to be fair, plus I got it at a already discounted price compared to what I was originally gonna get.
I certainly regret that now lol.


Agreed for sure.

Didn't make full contact due to what seems like clearance. Slots work fine with smaller gpus though, already thinking of a plan of action to fix. Currently waiting on shipping for new standoffs rn. Worst case I try a vertical gpu mount, which means I gotta spend more money. Again, as I said earlier before, lack of research on my part.

http://imgur.com/a/WyIk9sU

like this?

Ok, well the front edge of the card does reach closer to the motherboard face and so its creating an interference with the SATA Port, so there is a clearance problem with it due to the pcb/heatsink design.

It's just not straight across if you look at the pcb in the link below.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER Founders Edition Specs

NVIDIA TU104, 1815 MHz, 3072 Cores, 192 TMUs, 64 ROPs, 8192 MB GDDR6, 1937 MHz, 256 bit

www.techpowerup.com

Compare the pcb to mine and you will see that mine just goes straight across.

Sapphire Vapor-X R9 290 OC Specs

AMD Hawaii, 1030 MHz, 2560 Cores, 160 TMUs, 64 ROPs, 4096 MB GDDR5, 1400 MHz, 512 bit

www.techpowerup.com

I do not see how the VRMs would effect putting a GPU in slot 1. I don't think I have ever actually seen this board it seems to have a weird layout. Make sure you read the manual if you plan on populating it. 4 PCIe slots on B550 with 2 M2 slots and 6 SATA ports seems like a lot for that chipset.


One of my first posts on TPU was a rant on Asus Prime. They seem to have weird gremlins. Tuf and Strix are the sweet spot for Asus boards. They can be pricey though.

Yeah the sata placement is pretty much default if you look at my board in this image

https://www.techpowerup.com/img/13-02-18/83b.jpg

 

[Chrispy_]

http://imgur.com/a/WyIk9sU

like this?

Okay, FE cards like that are super compatible.

What does your motherboard IO shield look like? If it's sitting low to the motherboard tray that for sure confirms that you need the right standoffs to solve your problem.

 

[inquisitor1]

Didn't make full contact due to what seems like clearance. Slots work fine with smaller gpus though, already thinking of a plan of action to fix. Currently waiting on shipping for new standoffs rn. Worst case I try a vertical gpu mount, which means I gotta spend more money. Again, as I said earlier before, lack of research on my part.

I thought standoff height was standardized?

so more height so the mb slot comes up into the gpu. didnt know there are different sizes.

have you tested the board? happy with the features?