Can backplate be fitted after block?

eyetrip · 10 Jun 2015 at 13:22

Have couple of 980ti waiting at home, along with couple of blocks.

If I installed the blocks this weekend, would I be able to fit the backplate later without removing the block, or would I need to remove block in order to fit the backplate?

eyetrip · 10 Jun 2015 at 13:43

Giggz said:
You'll need to take them out to fit the backplates especially on a sli setup.

I know I would need to take them out of the PC to fit the plates

Kuros said:
You could technically do it, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Depending on the backplate/block, some reuse most of the screws that hold the block in position, I wouldn't want to risk getting the thermal paste being borked if you do it in situ.

Ok.

Is EK blocks and EK plates was looking at getting. I figured it would be unlikely, but just wanted to double check.

Will decide at weekend if will wait for backplates, or just sticks the blocks on as is. Will save another £50 I guess!

eyetrip · 10 Jun 2015 at 13:58

MrMD said:
Wait it out m8

GPU sag is a horrible thing

Wouldn't the block be solid enough to prevent sag?

eyetrip · 10 Jun 2015 at 14:50

I jsut thought a big fat slab of a block would prevent any bending.

Can't say I have really noticed sagging before. Ok, the 290/290x's I have used have had backplates on already, but always thought they were pretty much cosmetic. They always seemed fairly flimsy to me, and wouldn't imagine them doing much to prevent sag.

Or perhaps it has been down to using the EK sli bridge which has helped prevent this as well somehow?

eyetrip · 10 Jun 2015 at 15:24

Deathjester said:
The backplate for EK blocks goes on after the block anyway.

You'll need to remove (IIRC) 4 screws around it and install the thermal pads.

The 4 screws are on the outer edges of the board so shouldn't affect the thermal paste.

See here for installation guide

It even includes:

Perfect, thanks. So can install without having to remove block from card.

Still don't see how this will prevent sagging though. The block won't bend, and this does't attach to the output section for any added support.

Still just looks like a purely cosmetic upgrade to me over having a full cover block - for Ti users anyway. Titan X users will need it for cooling RAM on back.