ASUS brings back a PCIe release button on X870 Neo boards after Q-Release Slim controversy
ASUS has changed course on its PCIe graphics card removal design for the AM5 X870 Neo refresh shown at CES 2026. In the new North America video, ASUS says the prior PCIe Q-Release Slim approach confused some users. Juan Jose (JJ) Guerrero says ASUS is reintroducing a physical release mechanism across the lineup, including a metal mechanism on higher-end models.
That explanation skips the earlier issue tied to Q-Release Slim on AMD 800-series boards. The buttonless design required a specific pull motion, and reports showed the PCIe slot hardware could scratch the graphics card edge connector. GamersNexus documented visible wear patterns consistent with the mechanism contacting the connector area.
The earlier response and the hardware change
In late January 2025, ASUS North America downplayed the concern and published guidance on the “proper” removal technique. ASUS also framed the marks as normal wear from repeated insertions. Days later, ASUS China acknowledged the problem in customer support messaging. ASUS China also said the design would be revised, and offered assistance for affected users in China.
By mid-March 2025, reviewers spotted a silent hardware revision. The metal frame between the power and data contact areas was removed on newer boards, while the general pull-style removal method stayed in place.
What changes on X870 Neo
For the X870 Neo refresh, ASUS is back to a physical release action. ASUS marketing now presents the change as a usability choice. ROG materials for the new Crosshair X870E Glacial describe a physical switch used to release the PCIe latch for one of two x16 slots.
“In the prior generation we had our slim design which I really loved it didn’t actually require any buttons. For some users it they were confused by this and some individuals they you know they felt that they wanted essentially that reintroduction of a physical mechanism. So we have gone ahead and reinccorporated a physical mechanism on the boards.”
— Juan Jose (JJ) Guerrero (ASUS)
| Q-Release Slim (Old) | Q-Release (New) |
So the story is not only “users were confused.” ASUS had to adjust the slot hardware after damage reports, and the revised Neo boards now move back to a button or switch style release. Why is this so hard to admit?
Source via Uniko’s Hardware :
