Easy troubleshooting steps to resolve PCIE 3.0 connection issues

Step 1: Update BIOS on both Motherboard and GPU
Update to the newest firmware / BIOS/software for the motherboard and GPU. The newest update can be obtained from the manufacturer's website.

Step 2: Set BIOS to optimal default
Overclocking is the main reason for the system to become unstable in Gen 3 setting. Reset BIOS to optimal Gen 3 or 3.0 may resolve the issue and allow the system to run under Gen 3 without issue.

Step 3: Try to boot without the riser cable
Make sure the system can boot properly without the riser cable.

Step 4: Clean the connector contacts on the riser cable and GPU
Cleaning the connector contact (Gold Fingers) on both GPU and riser cable with rubbing alcohol to remove possible particle build-up.

Step 5: Ensure the cable is fully and securely inserted into the socket
Please make sure the male connector (Gold Fingers) is fully inserted into the motherboard’s PCIe socket. Our riser has a very short pin designed to provide better insertion loss. The pins may not be in full contact with the PCIe socket pins resulting in signal lanes dropping from x16 to x8, or worse at x4 speed. Make sure you choose the right length of cables. Too long or too short may both result in performance loss.

Step 6: Try a different PCI-e slot (Always choose the PCIe slot closest to the CPU)
If the motherboard has multiple Gen 3 PCIe slots, try to install the cable on a different slot.

Step 7: I have done all of the above and I’m still having trouble with the riser cable
PCI-E specifications do not regulate the use of a riser cable. As a result, Gen 3 motherboards are designed to connect the GPU directly. Hence leave a limited headroom for the use of a riser cable, and the use of a riser cable may fail when the insertion loss is over the limits due to poor components used in motherboards. Not all motherboards and GPUs are manufactured to the same quality, some have higher headroom than others.

In these rare cases, the easiest ways to resolve the problem are:
Exchange another riser cable to try. (If shorter length works, always choose a shorter length)
Exchange for another motherboard of the same brand.
Exchange motherboard for a different brand. (99% of the customers have completely resolved the issue at this point) If none of these works, please contact us directly and provide us with your system information (model/make of MB, CPU, GPU, PC case). We are happy to provide a solution.