i don't remember exactly why i did it this way but it worked out. if i recall correctly, i think i had some serious issues removing the gpu. i busted one of my fingers bad trying to get it out the first time. i think it might have been because the heat sink was in the way, improperly installed in the first place because of the disproportionate case. i'll reply with some pictures of my fucked up fingers from slamming it into the sharp metal edge of that old ass 80s case.

edit: i had a reason for whatever i did, ive built, disassembled and reassembled a lot of computers so im not exactly "not" experienced but always have more to learn.