1080Ti Backplate. Is it needed or not?

I got my 1080Ti last week, and I put a EKWB waterblock on it. I did not buy the extra backplate, because I assumed it was purely decorative.

When I removed the stock plate though, I noticed they DO have a thermal pad on one tiny component on the back of the PCB.

How much of a problem will this be? Should I shell out $35 for the backplate, or just stick a tiny heatsink on that one component? I've got to re-do some other parts of my cooling system, so I'm waiting to add in the card until I have more free time, so I can't test this on my own right now.

In for answers. Just did the exact same thing this evening.

This little guy:

I read on overclockers dot net that the original plastic back plate fits with the ekwb water block. We need to choose the right screws between the back plate screws and the water block screws.It's a mix of them. I'm waiting for the water block to test it.

I think the backplate will go right back on. At least that half. i'll see what I can do.

A properly designed and implemented backplate will prevent eventual PCB flex and sagging that can occur over time, which also helps keep things like the HSF/WB flush against the die.

I wouldn't worry about it because you do have the option to remove this section of the back-plate to increase air flow for sli.

I got the whole thing back on (both halves), using the screws that came on the card. Used a little square of thermal pad from the wb kit. golden

Has anyone noticed that the VRMs closest to the GPU don't make contact with the water block?

DejaWiz said:

A properly designed and implemented backplate will prevent eventual PCB flex and sagging that can occur over time, which also helps keep things like the HSF/WB flush against the die.

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I agree in theory, but I've never once in practice seen this. Given the support of the PCI slot itself, the bracket, the power cables and tubing, I don't see a lot of flex occurring unless you operate the computer on a vibrating table. And the 12-14 screws should hold the WB flush to the die and VRMs under any operating conditions outside of actual PCB melting.

Blazemore said:

I wouldn't worry about it because you do have the option to remove this section of the back-plate to increase air flow for sli.

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That's a good point. I think I have a pack of little heatsinks from a RPi build though..if I have an appropriately sized one, I may stick it on just to be safe. If not, I'll just keep an eye on the temps.

sprout2287 said:

I got the whole thing back on (both halves), using the screws that came on the card. Used a little square of thermal pad from the wb kit. golden

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I already did the card/wb assembly. I did save all the odd screw/nut combinations from the stock heatsink of course. I'll see how it looks once installed and maybe make the change in the future.

Bandalo said:

I agree in theory, but I've never once in practice seen this. Given the support of the PCI slot itself, the bracket, the power cables and tubing, I don't see a lot of flex occurring unless you operate the computer on a vibrating table. And the 12-14 screws should hold the WB flush to the die and VRMs under any operating conditions outside of actual PCB melting.

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I speak from direct experience...my GTX 570 (in service for about two years) has a permanent warp due to PCB flexing. And now that I've placed myself in the $550-720 GPU buyers group, I will never own another full-size GPU without a backplate. This is strictly my feelings on this subject, so take it with as many grains of salt as you prefer.

DejaWiz said:

I speak from direct experience...my GTX 570 (in service for about two years) has a permanent warp due to PCB flexing. And now that I've placed myself in the $550-720 GPU buyers group, I will never own another full-size GPU without a backplate. This is strictly my feelings on this subject, so take it with as many grains of salt as you prefer.

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I'm not saying it's not possible, I just don't think it's likely in this specific case. I've spent some time on fracture/failure analysis in my career...The card will fail or bend along a stress point. In a typical mounting, the card is being pulled down by gravity, and held up by the PCI slot and the bracket. Adding a backplate isn't going to reduce that stress on the PCI slot, it's really just adding more weight. Now a backplate would help distribute the stress if the cooler wasn't full-length. Or maybe if there were only 4-6 mounting screws. But with the Titan X / 1080Ti, it's a thick PCB, a full-length waterblock, and a butt-load of screws to make them a solid unit.

I think the MSI Armor does not have a backplate FWIW. Read in a newegg review (company not user).