Found this piece while reassembling the PC: Where does it go?

[Vege1624]

Hello,

I was upgrading the PC with a new SSD, so I had to remove the graphic card because a second M.2 slot was behind it. However, after assembling it back, I found this piece along a couple of screws. I don't remember I ever took that piece out and I can't find online the place it belongs to. I was following a video (by HP, with a similar pc model) but it doesn't show the piece.

Where should I put it? Thanks in advance for your help!

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Vege1624 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for sharing the details so clearly, and I completely understand how frustrating it can be to find an unfamiliar part after a careful upgrade. You’ve done a great job navigating the SSD installation and reassembly so far, especially with the added challenge of removing the graphics card to access the second M.2 slot.

That bracket is most likely the GPU support brace or a retention bracket for the graphics card. It typically mounts near the PCIe slot to stabilize the card and prevent sagging or movement.

Here’s how to identify and reinstall that bracket:

 

What the bracket is for

• Purpose: The part in your image appears to be a GPU support bracket or PCIe retention bracket. These are often used to secure the graphics card in place and prevent flexing or sagging, especially in tower cases where the card hangs horizontally.
• Design clues: The square indentation and elongated mounting holes suggest it aligns with the metal frame near the PCIe slots. The QR code and DP/N (Dell Part Number) indicate it may be a cross-compatible part used in OEM builds, including HP systems that source components from shared suppliers.

 

Where it goes

• Location: Look at the rear I/O area of the case where the graphics card’s metal bracket meets the chassis. There may be two screw holes on the case’s inner frame—this piece likely sits flush against that area, with the card’s metal tab resting inside the square cutout.
• Orientation: The bracket should align horizontally, with the square cutout facing the graphics card’s metal tab. The elongated holes allow for slight adjustment during installation.

 

How to reinstall it

1. Power off and unplug the system.
2. Remove the side panel to access the graphics card area.
3. Locate the PCIe slot bracket area—this is where the card’s rear metal tab meets the case.
4. Position the bracket so the square cutout frames the card’s tab, and the screw holes align with the case.
5. Secure it with the two screws you found alongside it.
6. Recheck the card’s seating in the PCIe slot and ensure it’s firmly latched.

 

Additional guidance

If you’d like to cross-reference the part visually, you can explore HP’s official documentation for your desktop model. You can search for your PC’s maintenance and service guide at:

• HP Customer Support – Manuals

Just enter your exact model name (e.g., HP Omen 25L GT12-xxxx) and look under the “User Guides” section for the Maintenance and Service Guide. These guides often include exploded diagrams showing internal components and bracket placements.

If you’re unsure of the model, you can find it by pressing Windows + R, typing msinfo32, and checking the “System Model” entry.

Let me know if you’d like help locating the exact guide or if you want to double-check the bracket’s placement with a photo of your PC’s interior. You’re almost there—just one last piece to snap into place.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye