Will a loose PCI card damage something? \ VOGONS

Will a loose PCI card damage something?

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First post, by markot

Posted on 2016-04-02, 14:07

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Yesterday I was working on a computer that had inside an Ensonic ES1371 sound card inside, but it was not properly pushed down into the PCI slot.

Is there any possibility that the loose card could have get damaged or damaged the motherboard because the computer had been powered on previously.

Reply 1 of 5, by Zup

Posted on 2016-04-02, 14:34

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Maybe.

Pushing a PCI card into a powered (even on stand by) system may damage the motherboard and the card. If the system was powered and the card moved, it may kill the motherboard. If the card was properly seated but not screwed to the chassis, the computer may work correctly.

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Reply 2 of 5, by silikone

Posted on 2016-04-02, 20:55

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I made the same mistake, and I got artifacts afterwards, but I had not used the card before, so I could not tell if I broke it.

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Reply 3 of 5, by shamino

Posted on 2016-04-02, 23:48

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Damage could be caused by a loose card if:

- Adjacent pins on the slot are being arced that aren't supposed to be in contact with each other.

- The card is making inadequate contact with pins that are delivering power to the card, causing the junction to get hot and burn.

Reply 4 of 5, by swaaye

Posted on 2016-04-05, 19:06

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Yeah I've blown up a motherboard and video card in the past. Unplug the power or switch off the PSU when slotting cards, even when the system is off.

Reply 5 of 5, by HighTreason

Posted on 2016-04-05, 19:21

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I agree with that. My old MSI KT3 had this weird habit wherein it would power on (As in, actually start the computer) if you plugged in or unplugged a PCI card whilst there was power to the system. Nothing ever actually broke, but I think I just got lucky and it doesn't seem like the sort of thing to risk.

Of course, older AT systems you can leave plugged into the wall because the motherboard will be completely dead, but I still don't do that as a few of them have power switches which are not insulated. I never really trust the insulation anyway, better to be safe than dead.

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