So the main thing that's kept me from buying the reference GTX 980 Ti is that it has no backplate. I am concerned about "GPU Droop" happening over time, where the weight of card can bend the PCB. I know this happens to aftermarket coolers and I assume it happens to the reference blowers - correct me if I'm wrong!
And my case, the Cooler Master HAF X (HAF 942) has a built-in GPU bracket for supporting high-end graphics cards. It's metal with mesh and the space inside its framework for a 15mm-thick 80mm fan, and has plastic appendages at the end to hold two reference-sized cards or one dual-slot card (like my Clud3D R9 290).
Here's a pic from my classified on my R9 290:
So, the question is: do I need a backplate since I have that GPU bracket? Does the reference cooler even suffer from GPU droop?
And my case, the Cooler Master HAF X (HAF 942) has a built-in GPU bracket for supporting high-end graphics cards. It's metal with mesh and the space inside its framework for a 15mm-thick 80mm fan, and has plastic appendages at the end to hold two reference-sized cards or one dual-slot card (like my Clud3D R9 290).
Here's a pic from my classified on my R9 290:
So, the question is: do I need a backplate since I have that GPU bracket? Does the reference cooler even suffer from GPU droop?