Directly mounted installation notes on PC hardware are no longer uncommon. It is only annoying when this information, placed by the manufacturer, prevents one from assembling their system.
Those who want to assemble or upgrade their gaming PC with as few errors as possible usually look at the enclosed manual that comes with the respective hardware components. A look in the manual would have quickly helped this gamer with a problem with their new water cooling.
Sometimes this information is on a supplied disc or must be downloaded via a link from the manufacturer’s website. However, there are other ways to provide important information to the owners of new hardware. In this specific case with ASRock’s X670 motherboards, it does more harm than good.
Well-meaning detail from the manufacturer proves to be an obstacle
What is it about? On Reddit, the user bluebeau7 reports difficulties that prevent him from assembling the new components of his gaming PC. The manufacturer ASRock has placed a sticker directly on the RAM slots of the X670 motherboard.
This “Memory Installation Guide” explains in which order to insert the RAM modules when there is only one or several modules available. Additionally, it informs that the very first start can take different lengths of time for technical reasons depending on the memory configuration. This information is definitely important and should ideally be taken into account before assembling the PC.
Why is the sticker a problem? In his attempt to completely remove the sticker from the slots, large parts remained stuck and continue to cover the RAM slots. Without removing these remains, the new motherboard remains unusable.
The gamer said he initially considered returning the motherboard or claiming a replacement. However, as he stated he was impatient, he wanted to try to remove the glue residue himself. He is said to have succeeded using tweezers. The entire action reportedly took an hour. But there are also memory errors that are not so obvious.
Was his action successful? According to the user, yes. Bluebeau7 says he was able to free the RAM slots from the rest of the sticker this way. He could now insert the RAM and test the system.
He stated that he had tried out a few games for this. Nevertheless, he reportedly remained uncertain whether to keep the motherboard or to return it to the retailer for safety. Unfortunately, the gamer does not report on his final decision.
Other users also speak up, the manufacturer responds
Are there other users with the problem? Yes, the post by bluebeau7 is not an isolated case. There are further reports on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) about difficulties with the sticker on ASRock’s X670 motherboards. Meanwhile, a statement from the manufacturer is also available. Under a Reddit post with the same problem, ASRock moderator CornFlakes1991 writes the following:
Future batches of AM5 motherboards will no longer have this sticker. One of the reasons for placing the sticker was to prepare users for the long initial start time associated with memory training. Ultimately, it could have certainly been handled better.
For the future, one will therefore be spared the tedious removal of glue residues. However, users with motherboards from the first batch are exchanging tips on the best method to remove the glue.
How can affected users best remove the sticker from the motherboard? If the sticker is still completely on the RAM slots, it can be helpful to warm it before peeling it off. A regular hairdryer is sufficient for this.
If one has already tried to remove the sticker and residues are left, some users swear by alcohol-based substances. Caution is advised here to avoid completely soaking the RAM slots during cleaning and damaging surrounding components.
This user shows what can still be done with motherboards that no one has a use for anymore:
User shows a brilliant way to meaningfully use outdated hardware as decoration
