PCI Card Backplate Removal?

[MaXThReAT]

I've got an issue here. I've got two IDE U-ATA drives that I need hook up to my PC. I have burners connected to single board connection so no spare channels. I have a PCI IDE controller card but I can't fit the damn thing in for the life of me and I'm not about to break my board trying to get it in or pull a hose or something. It's cramped with the 280 in there. I can tell the backplate isn't allowing for proper fit.

Question is: Can I remove the back plate and leave the card free standing in the slot or does the back plate actually serve as a connection to ground (the case)? Or is there a better way to do this like IDE to SATA adapters or connections?

[TV Addict#2]

I got a vantac ide to sata adapter to keep my 5 year old 716 plextor ide burner for longer,works nice
rom drive needs to be in cable select mode

[MaXThReAT]

I got a vantac ide to sata adapter to keep my 5 year old 716 plextor ide burner for longer,works nice
rom drive needs to be in cable select mode

Yeah I'm looking at those now. $10-20. If I can I'll use the PCI card since I already have it and I think either way it peaks at normal ultra ATA speeds. Anyone know anything about the backplates?

Edit: I've just searched through the PCI Local Bus Specifications doc and the only reference to the back plate states, "backplate- The metal plate used to fasten an expansion board to the system chassis." Looking at the pinouts there are many grounds. One document noted the backplate cut down on EMI. What do you guys thing, go for it?

[MaXThReAT]

So I still haven't tried it. Does anyone have any input?