The next generation of motherboards will make swapping SSDs and GPUs easier than ever

Motherboard manufacturers, including Asus and MSI, have begun promoting new mechanisms to help users install and remove PCIe components more quickly and safely. These quality-of-life improvements, though minor, are significant benefits that come alongside new features for upcoming motherboards designed for AMD Ryzen 9000 and Intel Core Ultra 200 processors.

Removing a graphics card often involves pressing the release latch at the end of the PCIe slot. However, this latch can be difficult to reach as you need to reach under the GPU, especially when removing larger cards. Installing and removing M.2 SSDs can also be quite challenging, as many motherboards require the use of screws.

MSI introduced new methods for handling the installation and removal of these two components at their Gamescom 2024 booth, with their upcoming Intel 800 series motherboards, which support the Arrow Lake Core Ultra 200 CPUs. Installing and removing an SSD now only requires pressing a lock button at the back of the drive. The company also placed a new GPU slot release button on the side for easier access. An indicator next to the button shows whether it is in the locked or unlocked position. Users need to press the button once before installing the GPU, and again before removing it.

MSI's new system is similar to the one Asus introduced with their Z690 motherboards in 2021. However, Asus has taken that design further, as explained by YouTuber "der8auer" (Der Bauer) when demonstrating the company’s newly launched X870 motherboards for AMD Zen 5 Ryzen 9000 processors.

With the new mechanism, called Q-release, users simply attach the GPU to the motherboard, but it will only release when pulled from the back. Asus has also revised its M.2 connector, introducing a release latch and an adjustable slider to accommodate SSDs of various sizes. According to the latest information, the X870 and X870E motherboards are expected to go on sale in October. The specification sheets for Asus and Gigabyte models are now available.

Meanwhile, the more affordable B850 and B840 motherboards may not launch until CES 2025. Intel is expected to fully unveil its Z890 motherboards alongside Arrow Lake later this year, but information on the lower 800 series models is still unavailable. With all that said, while awaiting the next big thing for your gaming setup, you can use our comparator to find the best deals for your next favorite game.