EK 1080 Waterblock + Founder's Backplate

Disco_P · 25 Aug 2016 at 01:06

EK's website explicitly states that these are not compatible together.

However the hex screws that hold the founders cooler to the card and subsequently the backplate too are a perfect fit on the EK block.

And therefore you can install the founder's backplate onto the EK block.

The only difference is that there are a couple of screws missing.

Which makes me wonder why EK state they are not compatible?

To give EK the benefit of the doubt they may not have known that the backplate would be compatible as I know they struggled to get a physical card to design their blocks around.

However the tinfoil hat wearer might think that if they admitted that they were compatible, then that would destroy sales of their own backplates.

Hopefully this will save someone a few quid in the future or just provide some general info.

Disco_P · 25 Aug 2016 at 16:21

Previous EK blocks have had very different thread sizes to stock coolers so backplates and coolers haven't been compatible. I discovered that when trying to install an EK backplate onto my reference 780 before I had all the parts for my loop.

The current 1080 backplate has some cooling pads for dissipation of heat from the back of the core.

The new blocks do look like they have a specific flow direction despite what the instructions say. But EK said that the backplate wasn't compatible so they could be wrong again.

It's likely I will pick up a backplate cause I want to paint it white and I doubt PNY or EVGA would accept an RMA with a painted backplate

Disco_P · 26 Aug 2016 at 00:28

Greebo said:
Actually on that product page they claim it can be reversed with no loss or performance. I'm not sure I believe them to be honest.

I don't. Fortunately the way my loop is layed out means that I have left as the in direction anyway.

Disco_P · 26 Aug 2016 at 20:08

My 1080 block came with extra screws as well. I assume it's cheaper for EK to produce the same bag of screws for all their blocks than giving you only the screws you need.

Disco_P · 2 Sep 2016 at 00:06

Where art thou EK Luc?

Disco_P · 4 Sep 2016 at 21:05

EK Luc said:
Also, I didn't got back at you guys because I try to have a definite answer but it looks like this incompatibility isn't right unless the R&D Chief tell me something else.

Ok please let us know when you get an answer

Disco_P · 6 Sep 2016 at 20:28

I would revise what the website says as it is quite misleading. Possibly write that it's possible but not supported or something professional yet doesn't make you accountable.

Also the EVGA GTX 1080 SC backplate is compatible as well.