So, how many of you (especially those that have a lot to do with computer (re)builds) have actually sat back and thought about the lowlife that are the PCI cards?
Hmm, I thought so.

I stumbled upon a problem the other day whereby my new Netgear GA-311 network card was only coming in at 100mbps, and not the 1000mbps as was on the box.
I installed and re-installed the drivers, pulled it out, put it back in, but no matter what, it insisted it was a 100mbps card.

On examination I discovered that the footing (the bit that fits into the PCI slot) was almost clear of the seating, so was barely making any contact at all.
I stripped the machine and discovered that not only the Netgear, but the DVB-T card had the same problem.
On taking all the cards out, I thought I'd investigate fully and this is what I found:

On the following picture, the only measurement I am interested in the the one I have highlighted.



My nVidia Graphic card fitted snuggly and had a measurement of 102mm
The Soundblaster measured 102mm
The Hauppauge DVB-T card was 100mm and the
Netgear measured in at 98mm

This 4mm difference may seem tiny, but in the grand scheme of things is a staggering chasm! No wonder the card didn't seat correctly.

Was this an oversight? or do they use different standards in their factory?
Whatever the reason, I just wonder how many other PC's are suffering from unexplained errors that just may be caused by this neglect in following a simple standard

gothic