Many ASUS motherboard users posted photos and videos online in late January. These posts showed scratches on graphics card parts caused by the PCIe "Q-Release Slim" system from ASUS. People who spent big money on these high-end boards shared their concerns across forums and social media platforms. The damage appeared as scrapes on the connecting parts of expensive graphics cards.
ASUS North America quickly addressed these reports with an announcement. They claimed their tests found no damage that affected the parts' functionality. They added that any PCIe card would show signs of wear after being plugged in and removed about 60 times. Many other companies watched this situation closely because they sell similar quick-release systems for graphics cards.
GIGABYTE decided to make a point yesterday when their Japanese office shared a video. They called it the "Ultimate PCIE Scratch Test" and showed someone putting a graphics card into their Z890 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE motherboard 100 times. After all those insertions and removals, the card showed zero scratches or damage. The test clearly aimed to show ASUS and make GIGABYTE look better.
The Japanese AORUS team bragged about their results, saying people can build computers without worrying about peeled gold contacts or scratches from metal edges. Their message carried a sarcastic tone directed at ASUS and their troubled system. Back in February, ASUS China started a customer support program for affected users. Some very pricey custom GeForce RTX 50-series cards reportedly had visible damage on their PCIe parts.
GIGABYTE offices in Western countries joined the fun with similar messages. The main AORUS account posted about enjoying "hassle-free" builds with their products. They promised "rock-solid reliability" and complete protection for both graphics cards and motherboards. The Japanese team described their video as part of "AORUS TV," which features "hot topics, technical explanations, stand-up comedy, and more."
ASUS North America quickly addressed these reports with an announcement. They claimed their tests found no damage that affected the parts' functionality. They added that any PCIe card would show signs of wear after being plugged in and removed about 60 times. Many other companies watched this situation closely because they sell similar quick-release systems for graphics cards.
GIGABYTE decided to make a point yesterday when their Japanese office shared a video. They called it the "Ultimate PCIE Scratch Test" and showed someone putting a graphics card into their Z890 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE motherboard 100 times. After all those insertions and removals, the card showed zero scratches or damage. The test clearly aimed to show ASUS and make GIGABYTE look better.
The Japanese AORUS team bragged about their results, saying people can build computers without worrying about peeled gold contacts or scratches from metal edges. Their message carried a sarcastic tone directed at ASUS and their troubled system. Back in February, ASUS China started a customer support program for affected users. Some very pricey custom GeForce RTX 50-series cards reportedly had visible damage on their PCIe parts.
GIGABYTE offices in Western countries joined the fun with similar messages. The main AORUS account posted about enjoying "hassle-free" builds with their products. They promised "rock-solid reliability" and complete protection for both graphics cards and motherboards. The Japanese team described their video as part of "AORUS TV," which features "hot topics, technical explanations, stand-up comedy, and more."