I had a similar problem with my previous motherboard (Asus P5K3 deluxe).
I think the main cause was that the mb had bent a little, so that it was tending to become 'concave' when the card was pushed in (because of the relatively small footprint of the PCIe connector).
Therefore it was a bit of a design problem.
There was nothing much I could do, I had to do without the screw - it was working OK, although not ideal. I'm sure some engineer would be able to find a solution ...

Is it not possible to bend the metal plate somewhat? Might be faster then hoping RME will make you a custom one......

While I do love my Lian-Li PC cases, they seem to suffer from this very issue (with all PCI/PCIe cards, not just RME).  I believe this is an issue with the case itself and a deviation in "MoBo -to- PCI Slot" alignment specs.  It hasn't been enough of an issue to cause connectivity problems with my system, but the alignment is not quite perfect and does seem to mechanically stress the cards.

My much cheaper Antec PC cases seem to align perfectly - go figure...

I have an error in all of my previous posts.

I originally tried to plug it in after travelling 11 hours by train, so I was a little tired and forgot exactly what the issue was.

The card is not lacking length.  Instead, it is about a millimeter too long.

I still need the screws moved, but in the opposite direction from what I previously specified.

Please provide pictures of the card, separately and in the case.

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Hi Chris,

Thanks for your assistance.  The metal plate pushes down fine.  The issue is not vertical, but horizontal.  I've attached a diagram that shows the problem.  Green is the case boundary, red is the slot location, and the thin grey shows the displacement.

The only solution I can think of is to shorten the length (horizontal) of the card.  The only way I can think of to do this is to move the screw holes.  According to my diagram, this would entail moving the screw holes to the left so that the card can be moved toward the back of the case (toward the slot).

It will take much time and work to get the part and screw the holes so that they line up perfectly.  I can achieve the same end by removing the screws, inserting the card and the plate separately (which causes the screw holes in each to be slightly displaced), and using double-sided tape to attach the two together.

Will this void my warranty?  The only real modification will be that glue gunk could possibly stay on the card if I ever remove the tape.  I can always remove both pieces and screw them back together. 

I will post real pictures if needed.

^^^^

What he said... I would consider another case...

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Thank you for your replies.  My case is not very expensive, but is not extremely low end either. I paid $275 USD for it with PSU.  It seems to be very high quality.

As for the case dimensions, motherboard dimensions, or motherboard installation having problems, I do not think that this is the case.  I have a PCI card installed for wireless internet and it is lined up perfectly.  As you know, a PCI card plug, like PCIe, is not only one section.  Mine is divided into two, and this lines up perfectly with the PCI slot that is also of two sections.  The gap between sections is very small, and the card and slot plug in easily without any forcing.  The same is true for the metal plate that inserts between the motherboard and the end of the case.

I do not think that there is a problem with your actual card, but is it possible that the screw holes on the metal plate could have between mistakenly offset?

Provided that I use high quality tape that is double sided in order to connect the plate and the card, so long as it holds well so that tight contact is kept between the parts, do you agree that the card as a whole will be as stable as if the screws were in use?  As the card will be in the slot, the metal plate will be pushed into its place, and the plate will also be screwed on to the case, I do think that it will be fine.  It is too much of a hassle for me to order a new case that may have the same problem, wait for it to arrive, and transfer all of my computer components.  I was hoping to start my project last week and would like to have all of my gear up and running by the weekend.

As long as this does not void my warranty, I will proceed.  If taping were hypothetically my only solution, would you recommend:
a. Double-sided tape as I specified
b. Taping over the screw hole, around the top of the card, and onto the other side of the screw hole
c. Both
d. Glue gun? (hopefully not)
e. Another method of attachment

By choosing an option, I will in no way interpret it as admitting to a product defect. 

Thank you again for your assistance.  I am greatly anticipating the low latency.

Great idea.  Hopefully I can get on that.  I'm living in a temporary location so I don't think I have a ruler or tape measure handy, but I'll see if I can find one. 

Can any RME staff comment on the taping options?