Is the vent grate bars breaking a common issue?

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I have a framework 16 w/ the GPU expansion card, and I have noticed that multiple of the grate bars on the back vent are cracking on the bottom, and one even falling off.

In the image, the second one just disappeared and the fifth one had to be glued to keep it straight, and another bar on the other side is the same. I want to know is this a common issue? I also saw a small crack from the grate up to the lip between the top plate of the expansion that might be related to the cause. If its a one-off issue, I planned on replacing the GPU module cover, but if its a more general issue with the plastics used than I probably wont bother.

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Nope, Batch 1 here and not even a crack on any of mine. Maybe you are a bit rough with your laptop.

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Might be similar to the Switch, where the heat makes the plastic more brittle over time, especially if you’re someone who pushes the gpu quite hard. Dont have the expansion myself so can’t corroborate, but wouldn’t be surprised if its just a general issue

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While the plastic may get increasingly brittle over an extended period of time. It is highly unlikely it is spontaneously breaking on its own.

An outside force is being applied to the vents and damaging them. Be nice to things and they will stay looking nice.

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Generally yeah, but cracks can still form just from heat expansion alone. Also the brittleness of the plastic means it really doesnt take much at all to break it, even the most careful owner would likely break heat brittle plastic. This is all assuming thats the cause though

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No cracking to speak of on mine, and it is one that gets thrown into a backpack and moved every time I go to work.