EK-Quantum Vector RTX 3080/3090 Backplate

At my request, EK also sent a backplate for the GPU block, which you have to buy as an optional extra. Two "regular" options are recommended by EK for this GPU block, and both are aluminium plates that come in either an anodized black or nickel-plated finish. Both versions come packaged in a very similar product box, with the render on the front replaced by one of the backplate for obvious reasons. The box is too thin to accommodate an SKU sticker on the side, so it goes on the back as seen above. Opening the box, we see EK has managed to once again include a separate layer for the installation hardware, with the rest of the included items inside the main bulk of the box itself.


We once again need to use an online installation manual for the backplate and get another universal mounting set. The manuals for both mention that you will not need to use everything, but I would have preferred an included hard copy of the manual. This is all the more confusing with the thermal pads, of which there are seven across three sizes you will mostly use if pairing this with an RTX 3090 reference PCB that has memory modules on the back.


As with the GPU block, the backplate comes inside a plastic wrap that has the same tamper seal on it. We also see that the backplate is between two pieces of thick paper to further protect the finish, which is nice because this is a shiny piece of metal, after all. Did I mention how difficult this is to photograph without any reflections? The CNC-machined backplate I have here is the nickel version, to match the nickel/plexi block itself. It is also a full-cover backplate that protects the PCB from any inadvertent damage from solid or liquid spills.


We see an EK logo with a protective sticker that has to bee peeled off in the bottom-right corner, and a closer look reveals the machining marks, which I already know some people will complain about. I could not care less personally since you don't see these once installed, and the backplate's surface is smooth enough to the touch. The contact surface is where such things matter more, as the backplate also uses the provided thermal pads to further help with heat dissipation from the back. Engravings on either side of the recess accommodating the GPU core and other components soldered onto the PCB say this is indeed an EK-Quantum Vector product made for the RTX 3080/3090. More machining marks here, but these are buffed for a smoother contact area with the thermal pads and, in turn, any VRAM/VRM modules. As seen above, some sections are raised to assist with this.

Before we move on to the block itself, EK has an active backplate out for the reference RTX 3080/3090 PCB. It is special, being the first of its kind to the retail market. As such, it gets a dedicated review.