How to pry open exhaust fan header from MOBO controller if over-crowded?

[Condiment7742]

It's such a tight spot to remove the fan cord with the cord coming out towards the camera.
My thumb and finger couldn't fit in the space well enough, and that meant I couldn't grip it enough, and it was stiff to begin with.
I even took off the CPU cooler connector, m.2 cover underneath and GPU too.
The stupid Rog Strix labelled box is too close to the connector, leaving insufficient space to do basic servicing.
I had to keep rocking the cable up and down for ages to loosen it.
I can't go through that torture every time I need to disconnect the fan.

1. How would you pry that open without having to remove all the components I mentioned?
2. As an alternative, can I just permanently connect an extension cable on the mobo end, and just use the other end of that cable to connect/disconnect my fan when I want, without issues over the next decade (my PCs always last well beyond that)?

 

[FigmentOfYourImagination]

I'd recommend investing in a pair of needle nose pliers..you can get a pair for less than a fiver on Amazon.

 

[Condiment7742]

I'd recommend investing in a pair of needle nose pliers..you can get a pair for less than a fiver on Amazon.

I tried using electro static pliers. would needle nose have better grip so it doesn't just slip and accidentally pull the cables instead of the controller?

 

[SpyderTracks]

If you buy a purpose designed set of tools things like this aren’t ever an issue

I would strongly suggest investing in an iFixit toolkit.

Precision Toolkits | iFixit

Everyday toolkits for precision repair, backed by our Lifetime Guarantee

www.ifixit.com

The Pro Tech kit includes some pliers that have rubber ends (the silver handle ones) for maximum grip without any scratching.

They also have an Amazon store

Reading that back it’s so “sponsored” advertising, it really isn’t, after years of working as a field engineer and with my own projects, out of all the kits I used, the tips would wear or snap off, but with the ifixit I’ve never needed another set

 

[TonyCarter]

You might also find it much easier to access if you remove the GPU to give you space to come in from the bottom too!

 

[Condiment7742]

You might also find it much easier to access if you remove the GPU to give you space to come in from the bottom too!

Thanks, I did, as I explained in OP.

 

[TonyCarter]

Thanks, I did, as I explained in OP.

Sorry, not completely finished my first double-espresso of the day, so my eyes/comprehension are a bit slow

 

[Condiment7742]

If you buy a purpose designed set of tools things like this aren’t ever an issue

I would strongly suggest investing in an iFixit toolkit.

Precision Toolkits | iFixit

Everyday toolkits for precision repair, backed by our Lifetime Guarantee

www.ifixit.com

The Pro Tech kit includes some pliers that have rubber ends (the silver handle ones) for maximum grip without any scratching.

They also have an Amazon store

Reading that back it’s so “sponsored” advertising, it really isn’t, after years of working as a field engineer and with my own projects, out of all the kits I used, the tips would wear or snap off, but with the ifixit I’ve never needed another set

Good bc I looked at it and thought 'wow that looks kinda fragile'. I'd love to get it separately. I dont' need most of the other stuff in that expensive kit lol.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Good bc I looked at it and thought 'wow that looks kinda fragile'. I'd love to get it separately. I dont' need most of the other stuff in that expensive kit lol.

single tools are invariably overpriced and cheap quality.

Any reputable tools come in sets, been like that for years.

 

[TonyCarter]

single tools are invariably overpriced and cheap quality.

Any reputable tools come in sets, been like that for years.

iFIXIT does offer single tools, but you'll end up paying a lot more for fewer items than you would for a complete kit.

The reverse tweezers are great for grabbing dropped screws out of inaccessible crevices!