Sapphire 9800 Pro; cable won't fit

[Jesse Dunn]

I just got a Sapphire Radeon 9800 Pro and hit a problem I've never heard
of before. My case is recessed around the expansion slots, and the vga
port is too high towards the top of the tab for the cable end from the
monitor to fit; the cable plug won't clear the edge of the recess. My
old eVGA GeForce has at least an eighth of a inch more clearance between
the top of the tab and the vga port.

Anyone have any suggestions, or do I just return the card?

 

[RonK]

If it is just the Nut that is contacting you can remove the nut, install the
card and screw the nut back in.

 

[Jesse Dunn]

If it is just the Nut that is contacting you can remove the nut, install the
card and screw the nut back in.

Not sure what you meant by the nut; I got the card in place and just
didn't put the screw in, so it's at a slight downward angle from the AGP
slot. It seems to work fine, I just hope it's not putting undue stress
on the card or the slot.

 

[John Hall]

Sounds like a poor case design. Personally I would replace the computer
case. Your local shop should have lots of them which have a more standard
design. Bought a new one for my daughter not long ago for $25 Canadian.
It was on sale. Don't get one with the power supply already installed. If
your current power supply is a good one, just transfer it from your old case
to the new one.

JK

 

[Jesse Dunn]

Maybe, but aren't most ATX form cases recessed at the expansion slots
and back connectors, in order to make a sort of rear bay for cooling fans?

 

[John Hall]

I'm not sure what you mean. All ATX cases should allow you to easily
install any AGP video card and then attach the monitor cable to the vid out
properly. This assumes that the motherboard has been properly installed in
the case and is correctly positioned. The motherboard should be mounted on
standoffs to ensure that it doesn't short out on the case and the PCI and
AGP slots should be properly aligned with the rear of the case so that when
the cards are inserted into the slots they line up perfectly with the slots
in the back of the case and are fully inserted into the motherboard. Some
cheap cases are subject to warping and you could encounter problems.

JK

 

[First of One]

This is where a photo would help...

Anyway, the easy solution, short of replacing the card or the case, is to
purchase a pair of sheetmetal snips at the nearest Home Depot...