Do I need EK backplate or can I use whats on my GPU.

[trag1c]

I am planning on water cooling soon and I was wondering if I could use the backplate that came with my ASUS GTX 980 Strix with an EK water block?

[C0LL0SS0S]

I think there is the possibility of issues, but hit up EKWB on twitter on their website they should know it

[TheGeeker]

I dont think you can use a backplate with the water block. Isnt the water block also the back plate around the entire pcb? 

[Aimbot69]

I wouldn't, EK blocks come with screws made so that it is impossible to over tighten (I.E. you will strip the threads before over tightening) If you introduce the original backplate it will change the distance the screws travel while tightening and will make it possible to over tighten and possibly break the GPU die. 

 

The backplate sold by EK comes with new screws that are longer to take the new backplate into account.

[trag1c]

I think there is the possibility of issues, but hit up EKWB on twitter on their website they should know it

I think ill do just that, Thank you.

 

I dont think you can use a backplate with the water block. Isnt the water block also the back plate around the entire pcb? 

Nope. There are back plates sold by EK for specific cards so the water block only sits on the crucial components on the top of the card.

 

I wouldn't, EK blocks come with screws made so that it is impossible to over tighten (I.E. you will strip the threads before over tightening) If you introduce the original backplate it will change the distance the screws travel while tightening and will make it possible to over tighten and possibly break the GPU die. 

 

The backplate sold by EK comes with new screws that are longer to take the new backplate into account.

Good to know. That's really disappointing if I have to buy a backplate because the brushed aluminium backplate on the strix is stunning.

[TheGeeker]

I think ill do just that, Thank you.

 

Nope. There are back plates sold by EK for specific cards so the water block only sits on the crucial components on the top of the card.

 

Good to know. That's really disappointing if I have to buy a backplate because the brushed aluminium backplate on the strix is stunning.

Did not know. Thanks

[Titan_XXX]

Your current backplate won't fit the block, at least that's what they say for the block's I've looked at. The Backplates aren't necessary but certainly make the card look better and it does give some rigidity to a very heavy top of the card. I went with their full cover Acetal+Nickel block and black backplate. Look's great and performs even better. Never goes above 46 degrees even with a massive overclock.

[EK Luc]

With this style of backplate (with the threaded standoffs), I don't think you can re-use your backplate.

 

Backplates like EVGA can be modded to be re-use since they don't have threaded standoffs.