GTX 1080 Backplate

[MontyInHD]

So it's extremely early into the release of the 1080 and I'm already thinking about putting a backplate on the card I'm looking to get (MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Aero OC). So I really need some help.

1st of all : Can I make the backplate out of acrylic
Secondly : Where can I buy ,and what is the best thermal pads to put over the VRAM
Thirdly : What screws should I look to be getting
Finally : What thickness should I be looking at for the backplate.

Thanks for all responses.

 

[Gam3r01]

If I may ask, why are you bothering with the Aero in the first place?
Why not the Gaming X and get the backplate preinstalled.

 

[photonboy]

update: no backplate (i said I thought it did but it does not)

If not, I suggest getting one that does have one.

I also see no mention of LIQUID COOLING which is the only reason I'd personally get a blower-style card. An air-cooled blower card won't overclock as high as other cards and will also be louder.

For example, in some games the GPU frequency may drop down to 1700MHz due to thermal throttling. In addition to the ambient temp (case cooling, room temp..) more demanding games that can use more transistors at the same time will increase throttle (DX12 when properly done will use more transistors due to more efficient scheduling of tasks to avoid leaving parts of the GPU unused).

Try running FURMARK and you can get an idea of what that does in terms of heat, fan noise.

Many cards will hit a solid 2200MHz probably (later ones may hit 2500MHz under liquid cooling). Let's just use 1700/2200 and you can see you may run at 77% of what you might be with a different card.

IMO there are a lot of better choices for the same or only slightly more money. I doubt we've seen all of them.

 

[photonboy]

I suggest:

1) wait at least a MONTH after launch so we can find out what cards have issues such as COIL WHINE

2) Consider liquid cooling if the blower style appeals to you or the case cooling demands it, but if so investigate the pump in particular (I find them slightly noisy even when working right, nor do they turn off in idle mode)

3) BACKPLATES on many models, so why bother with one that doesn't have it?

4) Dual or triple-fan solutions are usually the best. Gigabyte had a GTX980Ti that got almost exactly the same performance as the liquid-cooled models and was quieter.

5) *Write down a LIST of "needs" and "wants" to keep it sorted if you think it helps. Such as:
a) backplate
b) reliability (customer feedback, such as DOA)
c) noise (especially when overclocked)
d) overclockability
e) aesthetics (including RGB LED support)
f) card size (fits case)
g) other: dual BIOS, software (i.e. EVGA Precision)
h) warranty (does it have cross shipping for example to send a card right away rather than waiting?)

What am I doing?
My top requirements are RELIABILITY and NOISE. I don't mind spending a little extra, but only if it is worth it. After that is performance, especially under very heavy loud (thermal throttling). It's unlikely I'll get a liquid cooler, though I've not ruled it out.

 

[MontyInHD]

If I may ask, why are you bothering with the Aero in the first place?
Why not the Gaming X and get the backplate preinstalled.

Mostly not down to having the black and white theme - Although spray painting it might be an option

 

[MontyInHD]

I suggest:

1) wait at least a MONTH after launch so we can find out what cards have issues such as COIL WHINE

2) Consider liquid cooling if the blower style appeals to you or the case cooling demands it, but if so investigate the pump in particular (I find them slightly noisy even when working right, nor do they turn off in idle mode)

3) BACKPLATES on many models, so why bother with one that doesn't have it?

4) Dual or triple-fan solutions are usually the best. Gigabyte had a GTX980Ti that got almost exactly the same performance as the liquid-cooled models and was quieter.

5) *Write down a LIST of "needs" and "wants" to keep it sorted if you think it helps. Such as:
a) backplate
b) reliability (customer feedback, such as DOA)
c) noise (especially when overclocked)
d) overclockability
e) aesthetics (including RGB LED support)
f) card size (fits case)
g) other: dual BIOS, software (i.e. EVGA Precision)
h) warranty (does it have cross shipping for example to send a card right away rather than waiting?)

What am I doing?
My top requirements are RELIABILITY and NOISE. I don't mind spending a little extra, but only if it is worth it. After that is performance, especially under very heavy loud (thermal throttling). It's unlikely I'll get a liquid cooler, though I've not ruled it out.

Any suggestions from what you've seen so far?