Did I destroy my GPU?
TLDR: I nicked the corner of the plastic that goes in the PCIE slot. Scared to try putting the GPU back in.
I bought my PC off FB marketplace, key components were shadowforce 5070 ti, B650 pg lightning mobo and lian li O11 vision compact case.
I’ve done a few upgrades since and it’s been great, PC has worked flawlessly.
I decided to upgrade my SSD and give my parents my old one (2 tb vs the 256 gb they had).
Previous owner didn’t install the SSD under the heat sink in slot one but installed it in slot two directly under the GPU. Well the tab to release the GPU was broken off and no method I tried (chopstick, end of a paint brush, etc) would act as the release lever.
After some searching, I learned I could just pull it out with a bit more effort. I had to pull hard. I must have twisted the I/O a bit because the steel flange got stuck in the case, which I had to force out. It was bent a bit, I bent it back in place.
When I went to put the GPU back in, the damn flange got stuck. I applied a bit more pressure to get it where it needs to be and then pushed in the GPU waiting for the “click”. No click, so I pushed a bit harder.
Looked good, but now my PC won’t recognize the GPU. After an hour of troubleshooting I pull the damn thing out again, comes off the mobo no problem but the flange gets stuck again. After finally getting it out I notice the damage on the plastic just above the gold pins.
Is my GPU pooched now? I’m terrified to try putting it back in.
Edit: I may have damage the slot on the mob too… https://imgur.com/a/AR6Iw5a