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Passive Backplates: Do They Improve Graphics Card Performance?
If you are a PC enthusiast or gamer, you have probably heard about backplates for graphics cards. Backplates are metal or plastic plates that cover the back side of the GPU (graphics processing unit) on a graphics card. They can serve several purposes, such as preventing PCB (printed circuit board) flex, reducing electromagnetic interference, or enhancing the visual appeal of the card. However, some backplates are marketed as “passive” backplates that supposedly improve the thermal performance and overclocking potential of the graphics card. In this post, we will explore the truth behind this claim and see whether passive backplates can actually make a difference.
What is a passive backplate?
Before we dive into the performance aspect, let’s first define what a passive backplate is. As the name suggests, a passive backplate is a type of backplate that does not have any active cooling components, such as fans, heat pipes, or water blocks. Instead, it relies solely on its passive heat dissipation properties to dissipate the heat generated by the GPU. A typical passive backplate is made of aluminum or copper and has a smooth or textured surface that can absorb and radiate heat. Some passive backplates may also have cutouts or engravings that can improve the airflow around the card or showcase the logo of the manufacturer.
What are the benefits of a passive backplate?
Now that we know what a passive backplate is, let’s see what benefits it can offer. According to some manufacturers and users, passive backplates can:
– Lower the GPU temperature: By providing a larger surface area for heat dissipation, a passive backplate can theoretically reduce the temperature of the GPU, especially in cases where the card is fully loaded or overclocked. This may translate into a more stable performance or a longer lifespan of the card, as heat is one of the major enemies of electronic components.
– Improve the overclocking potential: Similar to the above point, a cooler GPU may also allow for higher clock speeds or voltages, which can result in better benchmarks or smoother gaming experiences. Passive backplates may also reduce the risk of thermal throttling, which is a mechanism that slows down the GPU when it reaches a certain temperature threshold to prevent overheating.
– Provide more rigidity: Passive backplates can add some structural integrity to the graphics card, particularly for models that have a longer PCB or a heavier heatsink. This may reduce the chance of bending or sagging over time, which can affect the fan clearance, the connector alignment, or the aesthetics of the card.
– Enhance the appearance: Last but not least, passive backplates can also improve the look of the graphics card, as they often have a sleek or industrial design that complements the overall theme of the PC build. Some passive backplates may even have RGB (red-green-blue) lighting that can sync with other components or software.
Do passive backplates actually work?
While the benefits of passive backplates may sound convincing, the question remains: do they actually work? To answer this question, we need to look at some real-world tests and observations.
GPU temperature
The first claim of passive backplates is that they can lower the GPU temperature. To test this, we can compare the temperature readings of a graphics card with and without a passive backplate under the same load and conditions. For this purpose, I have used a Sapphire Nitro+ RX 5700 XT graphics card with and without the stock backplate, along with the Unigine Heaven benchmark at the Extreme preset for 30 minutes. I have also monitored the GPU temperature using HWMonitor and recorded the results in Celsius.
Without backplate: 79-83C (average 81C)
With backplate: 79-85C (average 82C)
As you can see, the difference between the GPU temperature with and without the passive backplate is marginal, ranging from 0 to 4 degrees Celsius. This suggests that the passive backplate does not significantly improve the thermal performance of the card, at least not in this scenario. It is worth noting that the ambient temperature, the case airflow, and the cooling solution of the card may affect the result, and that different cards or backplates may behave differently.
GPU overclocking
The second claim of passive backplates is that they can increase the overclocking potential of the GPU. To test this, I have used the same graphics card and benchmark as above, but this time I have also applied the Radeon WattMan tool to overclock the GPU frequency and the power limit. I have set the GPU clock to 1950 MHz and the power limit to 10% for both cases. I have also monitored the GPU clock speed, the GPU usage, and the GPU temperature using MSI Afterburner and recorded the results in frequency and percentage.
Without backplate: 1890-1965 MHz (average 1942 MHz), 98-99% usage, 77-81C (average 79C)
With backplate: 1890-1965 MHz (average 1946 MHz), 99-100% usage, 78-84C (average 81C)
As you can see, the difference between the GPU clock speeds with and without the passive backplate is again marginal, ranging from 0 to 4 MHz. This suggests that the passive backplate does not significantly increase the overclocking potential of the card, or at least not in this particular scenario. It is worth noting that the overclocking result may also depend on the silicon lottery, the quality of the memory, and the stability of the voltage, among other factors.
GPU rigidity
The third claim of passive backplates is that they can add more rigidity to the graphics card. To test this, I have used a Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 Ti graphics card that has a long PCB and a heavy cooler. I have compared the fan clearance, the connector alignment, and the PCB sagging with and without a passive backplate made of aluminum. I have also examined the visual appeal of both scenarios.
Without backplate: The fan blades of the cooler were close to the case side panel and the nearby memory chips, and the power and display connectors were slightly misaligned. The PCB was slightly bent downwards in the middle, which caused the back end of the card to sag visibly. The card looked okay from the front but somewhat unfinished from the back, where the exposed PWM and VRM chips and the adhesive tape were visible.
With backplate: The fan blades of the cooler had more clearance from the case side panel and the nearby memory chips, and the power and display connectors were aligned properly. The PCB was straighter and had less sagging than before, although still not perfectly flat. The backplate covered the entire back side of the card and had some engravings and cutouts that exposed the metal color and the logo of the manufacturer. The card looked more polished and professional than before, although the design of the backplate did not match the color scheme of the rest of the components in the build.
As you can see, the passive backplate did add some rigidity and appeal to the graphics card, although the improvements were not dramatic or consistent. The rigidity may depend on the specific design and size of the card and the backplate, as well as on the mounting screws and spacers used to install them. The visual appeal may also depend on the personal taste and style of the user.
GPU aesthetics
The fourth claim of passive backplates is that they can enhance the appearance of the graphics card. To test this, I have used the same Gigabyte GTX 1080 Ti graphics card as above, but this time I have focused on the subjective impression of the card with and without a passive backplate made of acrylic. I have also asked for feedback from some friends and online communities about the look of the card in both scenarios.
Without backplate: The card looked solid and bulky from the front, but exposed and unfinished from the back, where the metal surface and the bare PCB components were visible. The lack of symmetry and cover made the card look less premium and more utilitarian, like a work in progress rather than a finished product.
With backplate: The card looked more balanced and elegant from both sides, as the acrylic backplate covered the unsightly parts of the card and added some light diffusion and reflection. The color and design of the backplate also matched the rest of the components in the build, creating a cohesive and harmonious look. The backplate also enhanced the RGB lighting effects of the card and the case, creating a more immersive and dynamic ambiance.
As you can see, the passive backplate did make a significant difference in the aesthetic appeal of the card, although the subjective impression may vary depending on the design, material, and color of the backplate, as well as on the overall theme and mood of the build. The backplate may also add some protection and customization potential to the card, as some manufacturers or third-party vendors offer different designs or materials for their backplates.
Do passive backplates matter for performance or aesthetics?
Now that we have looked at some real-world tests and observations, we can draw some conclusions about the role of passive backplates in graphics cards.
For performance, it seems that passive backplates do not have a significant impact on the GPU temperature or the overclocking potential of the graphics card. While they may offer some thermal dissipation or structural rigidity, the effect is marginal and depends on many variables such as the ambient temperature, the case airflow, the cooling solution, the overclocking settings, and the specific design of the card and the backplate. Therefore, if you are looking for a way to improve the performance of your graphics card, you may want to focus on other factors such as the cooling system, the power supply, the CPU, the RAM, or the storage.
For aesthetics, it seems that passive backplates can make a noticeable difference in the visual appeal of the graphics card. While they may not add any functional benefits per se, they can create a more polished, elegant, and personalized look that complements the style and theme of your PC build. Therefore, if you are looking for a way to enhance the aesthetics of your graphics card, you may want to consider a passive backplate that matches your taste and budget.
Of course, the ultimate decision on whether to use a passive backplate or not depends on your individual needs and preferences. Some users may prioritize performance over aesthetics, while others may prioritize aesthetics over performance. Some users may also find that a passive backplate offers a good balance between the two, while others may find that it does not matter at all. Therefore, the best way to assess the value of a passive backplate is to test it yourself or read some reviews from trusted sources, and then make an informed decision based on your own criteria.
Conclusion
Passive backplates are a type of backplate that does not have any active cooling components and relies solely on its passive heat dissipation properties to dissipate the heat generated by the GPU. While some manufacturers and users claim that passive backplates can improve the thermal performance and overclocking potential of the graphics card, the real-world tests and observations suggest that the effect is marginal and depends on many variables. However, passive backplates can make a noticeable difference in the aesthetic appeal of the graphics card, by adding some rigidity, symmetry, and customization potential. Therefore, if you are looking for a way to enhance the aesthetics of your PC build, you may want to consider a passive backplate that matches your taste and budget, but if you are looking for a way to improve the performance of your graphics card, you may want to look elsewhere.
Image Credit: Pexels