Do I need the backplate for mounting the NZXT Kraken X61 with the LGA 2011-3 platform? the "manual" and all its helpful knowledge doesn't say anything about LGA 2011.
Yeah that would do it. I'd be surprised if you were making even light contact between the pump and the CPU.
It's definitely making contact as the first apply was smushed down. I reapplied the thermal paste at first because I thought maybe I hadn't placed enough (my assumption was correct), but It was still running pretty hot. It's idling at about 50c and a stress-test instantly sent it to 98c. I'll try removing the bracket and using the other screws.