As technology advances, graphics cards with passive backplates are becoming more popular amongst gamers and PC enthusiasts. But why are they so in demand? Is it due to their sleek design, or is it their functionality that is attracting users? In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into the reasons why passive backplates are becoming more popular and explore whether they actually have any impact on performance or noise reduction.
The Rise of Passive Backplates
Before we delve into the reasons behind their popularity, let’s first understand what passive backplates are. A passive backplate is a metal plate that covers the backside of a graphics card, without any fans or heat sinks on it. These backplates are designed to enhance the overall appearance of the graphics card while also offering a certain level of protection against bending and flexing.
But why have they gained so much popularity in recent years? Some users opt for passive backplates simply for aesthetic reasons – they look sleek and streamlined, which can add to the overall design of the PC. Others prefer them due to the additional application of heat transfer capability that comes with the plate. But, whether they are popular strictly for aesthetics or functionality, they are becoming more commonly found in modern graphics cards.
Aesthetics
Let’s first dive into passive backplates’ aesthetic appeal. It’s easy to see why they have gained so much popularity, especially within the gaming community. Graphics cards with passive backplates look great, adding to the overall design of a gaming setup. Some gamers go as far as to create an entire setup with their graphics card and other gaming peripherals solely for display purposes, emphasising the appeal that passive backplates hold in the gaming community.
But it’s not just about showcasing a good-looking rig. Passive backplates’ design aesthetics also extend to other aspects of computer use. With the rise of see-through PC cases, having a statement graphics card with a passive backplate can enhance the overall visuals of the PC. The popularity of RGB lighting has also played a role in this rise as passive backplates’ unique shape and attractive finishes can amplify LED lights from other components within the PC.
Functionality
Passive backplates may have an aesthetic appeal, but they’re not just pretty to look at. They also provide a level of additional functionality, which may have added to their popularity. Some users argue that passive backplates can improve the graphics card’s heat dissipation capabilities, lowering temperatures and, in turn, improving the overall performance of the card.
This argument, of course, makes sense. A cooled GPU will run better than a hot GPU. But, when we consider to what extent the passive backplate can really reduce temperatures, it’s crucial to note the lack of additional heat sinks or fans on the backplate. Thus, a passive backplate offers an added layer of heat dispersion but is not the primary cooling performance feature.
If you’re using your graphics card for extensive gaming sessions, you will indeed generate noticeable heat levels. In that scenario, a passive backplate may not offer sufficient dissipation to prevent temperature build-up; additional cooling setups such as fans or liquid cooling would have to be considered.
Noise Reduction
One other interesting feature that has been brought up regarding passive backplates is the potential for noise reduction. As mentioned earlier, passive backplates do not contain any fans or that cause noise when operating. However, this noise-controlling feature is not of significant benefit to most users as the primary limitation to noise levels arises more from cooling fans than from graphics cards.
While passive backplate cards are without a doubt quieter than their active backplate counterparts, the decrease in noise levels may not be sufficient enough to warrant switching to a passive backplate card.
Are Passive Backplate Cards Worth Considering?
So, should you opt for passive backplate cards? The answer depends on your specific preferences and requirements. If you value a design aesthetic that is sleek and streamlined, passive backplate cards could be a perfect option. If you value lower noise levels and mild heat dissipation benefits, passive backplates also provide these advantages.
However, if your primary concern is significant improvements in cooling performance, investing in additional cooling mechanisms such as fans or liquid cooling may be required. It’s still recommended to do research into what exactly you need to optimise your setup to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Conclusion
Graphics cards with passive backplates remain popular with gamers and computer enthusiasts for various reasons, but they largely boil down to their aesthetics and added heat dissipation, with the noise reduction being of lesser prevalence. While some argue that having a passive backplate can improve the heat dissipation of the GPU and contribute to better overall system performance, it is of less significance than other cooling mechanisms, so the addition of additional cooling setups should be considered for extensive use scenarios.
Ultimately, whether or not a passive backplate card is right for you will depend on your reasoning and system requirements. However, it is important to conduct your research and weigh your options before investing in a passive backplate card to confirm that it satisfies your standards significantly.
Image Credit: Pexels