While it’s a straightforward durability test, Tom’s Hardware points out that it is also a not-so-subtle jab at Asus, whose Q-Release Slim mechanism has been under fire for allegedly chewing up GPU PCIe connectors. 

In January, Asus users started noticing that repeated use of the Q-Release Slim feature left their GPUs looking worse for wear.

Asus responded by downplaying the issue, calling it “cosmetic”, and claiming that the damage only shows up after dozens of insertions and removals. Apparently, it takes around 60 cycles for things to get ugly—not reassuring for PC builders who frequently tinker with their setups. 

Asus China has quietly replaced motherboards for affected users, but it’s unclear how they plan to handle the problem elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Gigabyte seems to be enjoying the moment, ensuring everyone knows that its EZ Latch Plus system doesn’t leave your expensive GPU looking like it’s been through a blender. 

Both companies’ quick-release systems were designed to make it easier to remove GPUs, a necessity given that some modern graphics cards are about the size of a small house.

Asus originally introduced a push-button Q-Release system before “improving” it with the Slim version—clearly, not everyone is convinced it was an upgrade. Gigabyte’s EZ Latch Plus works similarly: press a button, and the PCIe slot releases the card. 

However, as convenient as these quick-release features are, they don’t solve the real problem: getting your hands inside a cramped case filled with oversized GPUs, monstrous CPU coolers, and intricate water-cooling loops. If you’ve got an RTX 4090 or the upcoming RTX 5090 wedged into your rig, even the best quick-release button won’t help much if you can’t reach it.