EVGA Backplate Install for the GTX 780 Ti Classified

Installing the backplate is basically a reversal of the previous step.  Also here is a pro-tip you may notice that all of the screws you need to remove are missing their anodizing and the ones that remain are holes in the panel. 

Next use the included screws and secure the panel in place.  Double check that all of the screws are installed and you are done.

EVGA claims that installing one of their backplates can reduce GPU temps by three degrees.  This may not seem like much but lower temps are good for your hardware.  To test this claim we are going to use a super scientific method borrowed from our CPU heatsink testing platform.

The process is quite simple.  We will be using the Sisoft Sandra GPU Cryptography benchmark to create a heat load on our GTX 780 Ti and monitor the core temperature using EVGA Precision X.  Since the efficiency of an aircooler is dictated by ambient (air) temperature we will be monitoring that and making sure it remains consistent.  Likewise the NVidia Boost 2.0 will alter GPU speed and voltage we will be checking that to make sure they are the same between tests.

After that we will simply watch the GPU temp and record the max temp after the benchmark has completed.  Also just to make sure the test was run three times.  One to pre-heat the system, Two for testing and Three for confirmation.

If you believe the 250w TDP from NVidia we can use the following formula to determine the efficiency of the EVGA ACX cooler without the backplate.

C/W = (CPU temp - Ambient temp)/(Variance(%) * GPU Watts)
Allowed variance for this test = 85%
GPU Watts = 250W

0.21C/W = (66C - 21C)/(.85(250W))

With the backplate installed

0.19C/W = (62C - 21C)/(.85(250W))

It might be time to start testing heatsinks from other mfgs.