ASUS States It Will Compensate for GPU Damages Incurred by Q-Release Mechanism on Its Motherboards
Following multiple user reports of GPU damage while using ASUS’s new Q-Release system on its latest 800 series motherboards, the Taiwanese manufacturer has officially announced that it will accept responsibility for any resulting harm to the graphics card. Even GPUs from other vendors may qualify for coverage if damage is traced back to Q-Release—an innovative quick-detach design meant to simplify removal of the PCIe card without pressing the standard latch on the slot’s end.
Initially, some consumers noticed physical damage to their GPU’s PCI-E interface following repeated installations and removals on ASUS’s 800-series boards equipped with Q-Release. While ASUS acknowledged the possibility of “minor scratches,” it originally placed blame on incorrect usage rather than a defect in the mechanism itself. Tension escalated when multiple complaints showed the problem wasn’t just superficial but could potentially void a GPU’s warranty.
ASUS’s Compensation Plan
In a new statement on Bilibili, ASUS clarified it has spoken with several graphics card manufacturers regarding warranty impacts from these scratches or wear on the GPU’s PCB. The company then asserted:
Coverage for Damaged GPUs: ASUS will compensate owners if the Q-Release system inflicts damage severe enough to cause a GPU malfunction or to make the user’s warranty claim more difficult with another brand.
Assistance with After-Sales: Users who encounter issues obtaining a warranty repair from the GPU brand can contact ASUS for advocacy and further support.
Appearance & Resale Value: If customers worry about aesthetic damage reducing resale value or perceived quality, ASUS will “do its best” to offer a reasonable compensation plan.
ASUS reiterated that proper usage of Q-Release is vital, stating that the metal edge pressing the PCI-E latch shouldn’t be sufficiently sharp to gouge or damage the PCB. The company provided an updated guide on correctly removing a GPU, emphasizing a slow and steady lift free of lateral torque. It also published a list of motherboards featuring the mechanism, covering Intel’s Z890, B860 chipsets, and AMD’s X870E, X870, and B850 chipset boards.
ASUS says it is working to refine the Q-Release design while consulting various graphics card vendors. Additional findings from other manufacturers may further shape how RMA processes address wear from this quick-release latch. For now, consumers can expect ASUS to back its hardware—and their GPUs—if they’ve followed recommended guidelines yet still face damage due to Q-Release.
Do you think ASUS’s Q-Release adds convenience or unnecessary risk? Share your experience with PCI-E latches and whether you feel confident in ASUS’s compensation plan.
