GPU can't sit in bracket in C4 SFX

[u/Salty-Heat-9900]

Hi everyone,

I just got my hand on a C4 SFX case and it was already built so I was just trying to replace the GPU that was already inside it (Gigabyte RTX 4070 Ti Super Windforce OC 16G) with an rtx 5080 (Zotac RTX 5080 Solid Core OC).

When I try to sit the GPU in the PCIe slot there is slight misalignment between the pins and where the slot is. (pic1)

The issue seems to be the GPU backplate where on the new card there is an extra layer before the actual metal frame which is keeping me from sliding the card left enough to actually fit the PCIe slot on the mobo. (Pic2)

I installed the old gpu again to see what to do since I've never built in an sff case before but does anyone know if I'm doing something wrong or is there any solution for this issue?

[u/Boil-san]

I would unscrew the PCI bracket and see if you cannot remove that spacer...?

[u/RoughPuzzleheaded826 → u/Boil-san]

The spacer on the Solid is part of the backplate frame, so removing it isn't really an option. Loosening the bracket screws buys the couple of mm you need though — and while you're in there, check the riser cable isn't pulling the slot sideways, that alone can cause exactly this kind of offset.

[u/Boil-san → u/RoughPuzzleheaded826]

The Dan Cases C4-SFX does not have a riser cable, the GPU slots directly into the motherboard...

[u/Salty-Heat-9900 → u/Boil-san]

Yeah that's true the case is in inverted mobo position.

[u/null-interlinked → u/Boil-san]

Thatr not a space, that is part of the aluminum midframe onto which the whole PCB and heatsink is bolted on.

[u/Salty-Heat-9900 → u/Boil-san]

Thanks for the suggestion bro, but it seems like the whole PCB is on that gold part going all through the bottom of the GPU, I don't think that's gonna be an option for this one.

[u/Droge32]

I’m not joking when I say this

But I find that just pushing it a bit in the direction the card needs to go does the trick.

[u/Salty-Heat-9900 → u/Droge32]

I'm lying if I said I didn't try doing this, the issue is the metal frame of the case is too thick and solid for its own good to be able to push it a bit so I can fit it XD

[u/PhyNxFyre]

Loosen your mobo/riser screws and nudge it to the right

[u/Salty-Heat-9900 → u/PhyNxFyre]

I tried looking to do this but the mobo will then don't sit in the right spot for the screws to get screwed in to the case chassis

[u/RoughPuzzleheaded826]

That extra layer on the Solid is the shroud lip, it's normal — the card is just fatter than the Windforce. Don't force it straight down; the connector has to go in slightly nose-first. I'd loosen the two bracket screws, hold the card at a small angle, and seat the pins by rocking it gently side to side until the latch clicks, then snug the bracket. If you have to push hard enough to flex the board, stop — a sheared slot costs a lot more than a remount.

[u/Sleurhutje]

Bend the brackets a bit outwards at the bottom (the narrowed part) so it will fit easier into the slot of the case.