Can I remove the backplate off of the GPU?

[Sharks445]

I have a very strange problem. I have a GPU that has a backplate, but the backplate is very high, and interferes with the RAM slots on the motherboard. Here's what I mean:

The GPU will not fit because the RAM clips are blocking the metal backplate. Is it safe to remove the backplate? Can I sand down, or break off the RAM clips if the GPU still doesn't fit?
The backplate has some weird star shaped screws, I don't know what kind.

 

[Jake Lloyd]

We know what the clips on RAM slots look like, we don't know what GPU you have. That would probably help.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

That's weird, I have never seen a backplate extend above the PCIE slot. But yes that slot is very high.... my guess is they weren't expecting that MoBo to be used with hi performance GFX cards..... call MSI and ask them "what's the deal" ?

We know what the clips on RAM slots look like, we don't know what GPU you have. That would probably help.

I am gonna guess a high end card like the Asus 770, 780 or 290x. Most other brands don't have backplates and Asus doesn't have one on the 760 or 280x..... the 770 / 780 weigh a lot and tend to sag and bend.... the backplates provide some stiffening to prevent that. It also provides cooling components on the PCB. Here's an excerpt from the installation guide for the EK backplate for the 780

http://www.ekwb.com/shop/EK-IM/EK-IM-3831109868430.pdf

EK FC780 GTX DCII Backplate features passive cooling of the printed circuit board and it’s components therefore it is mandatory to install the enclosed thermal pad. Please install enclosed 1mm thick thermal pad as shown on the picture below. You may need to trim the excess thermal pad

 

[Sharks445]

We know what the clips on RAM slots look like, we don't know what GPU you have. That would probably help.

GTX 780 w/backplate

 

[Jake Lloyd]

Looks like you can remove the plate. Seems it's just for some protection and reinforcement, no cooling or anything.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

GTX 780 w/backplate

Looks like I guessed well.... I have two of them. I replaced the backplates but I don't remember how many of the screws I removed are actually what holds on the air shroud and cooler on the other side. See link in my post above for the EK instructions.