By following these guidelines, the new design performs similarly to traditional PCIe slots, leaving only usage marks under normal usage frequency. While it performs similarly it is significantly simpler and easier to remove the graphics card and allows the user to do so without any tools which can directly or inadvertently damage the slot, motherboard and or graphics card. This design also reduces possible mechanical conflicts. In our internal testing and evaluation of the extremely small number of cases reported we found no damage to the motherboard or graphics card that would affect functionality and or performance. However, it is important to emphasize that any type of PCIe add in card will exhibit signs of usage and wear marking after 60 continuous insertions and removals. Additionally, if the installation and removal are not performed according to the manufacturer's recommendations (see below), the likelihood of scratches and or wear may increase. Despite this, we have found no impact on the functionality of either the graphics card or the motherboard. For those currently using ASUS motherboards with the PCIe Q-Release Slim design, there is no need for concern. Simply follow the official removal guidelines to avoid any potential damage. We would note minimal effort is required and excessive force should not be applied. If you encounter any specific issues or abnormalities, ASUS will take full responsibility and handle them. We committed to ensuring service and support for our customers; please contact ASUS customer service for assistance and or more information. ASUS offers several contact options for our NA customers

Phone - 1-812-282-2787 or 1-571-918-6030
Email - https://www.asus.com/support/Product/ContactUs/Services/questionform/
Live Chat - https://www.asus.com/us/support/article/1105/
MyASUS App - https://www.asus.com/us/support/article/1105/ Should you have further feedback you would like to share directly with our service and support team please use the contact below - https://www.asus.com/us/support/article/787/

Additional information / Questions

Recommendation on using Q-Release Slim
Please reference our support documentation which can be found on our motherboards model service and support page/manual. Please reference our support documentation, which can be found on our motherboard model service and support page/manual.

Is ASUS working on design revision/change?
If the graphics card is inserted and removed following the manufacturer's recommended installation methods, there should be no continue our research and development of ASUS Q-Design implementations. issues. We will further promote and detail the correct installation and removal procedures with additional tutorials to mitigate these risks. Additionally, we How did ASUS not catch this during design, development and validation?
Our testing has passed the industry's PCIe Slot standards, including 40 insertion and removal tests without abnormalities. In some external testing instances 60 insertions with incorrect methods cause additional wear, making usage marks more apparent. Incorrect angles and excessive force can cause further scratches but do not affect the functionality of the graphics card or motherboard. What durability testing has been done for the new Q-Release slim mechanism?
The durability tests conducted include:

• Temperature and humidity tests in a chamber
• Vibration tests along XYZ axes
• Shock tests up to 50G
• Installation tests
• Thermal shock tests from -40℃ to 85℃ for nearly 48 hours
• 40 insertion and removal tests on the slot (the association standard is 25 times)

Tests may leave usage marks on the graphics cards, but no signs of damage to the graphics cards or motherboards were observed. Both the graphics cards and motherboards were unaffected in terms of functionality. Are there any reports or cases on the broader implemented Q-Release (non slim) motherboards? At this time ASUS is not aware of any reports or cases with first-generation Q-Release enabled motherboards.