Is it okay to remove the backplate from my GPU?

[xxdeadspace123xx]

I just recently got a GTX 960 4GB FTW GAMING ACX 2.0+ and it doesn't fit because the RAM slots are in the way. Can I remove the backplate or will that f*** up my GPU?

Images...
http://i.imgur.com/8CPrY8t.jpg?1

Close up
http://i.imgur.com/gb6kzEX.jpg?1

 

[Suztera]

You can if you know how. Also, there a chance that the card itself won't fit even with the back plate off.

 

[RCFProd]

If you can tell it will fit without the backplate, then you can do that. Quite stupid though that it simply doesn't fit at all.

Could also use the PCIE Express 1 x 16 slot below.

 

[skit75]

You are better off moving the card to even another x16 or even a x8 PCIE slot. Removing the backplate will shorten the life of the GPU.

 

[RCFProd]

Removing the backplate will shorten the life of the GPU.

I don't understand how removing the backplate could shorten the lifespan of the GPU to be fair. Why is that?

 

[skit75]

The general rule of thumb is, for every 10C higher, component life decreases by 50%. This has nothing to due with GPU's specifically, but electronic components in general. That card will no doubt idle and run hotter under load, without the back-plate. I wasn't trying to be an alarmist. Merely pointing out that removing the back-plate was one of the least favorable ideas offered.

 

[RCFProd]

Ok and that's fair. However I don't know why and how removing the backplate will cause the temperatures to increase?