what is the purpose of the EK 5850/5870 backplates

[R3alsp33dy0ne]

Just saw these (http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/shop/accessories/backplates/ek-fc5850-5870-ram-backplate-black.html) on the EK website. Seems to be for RAM on the back of the card? My 5850 doesnt have any RAM on the back of the card. What are these things for then?

[Eddy_EK]

Right now they are only for visual purpose.
If and when cards will have rams on back... they will be covered :)
We look in the future ;)

[Alexandr0s]

Ow, I always thought those were to stabilize the card, seeing as a waterblock is not exactly the lightest piece of equipment :).

[overclocking101]

eventually as with all ati cards the ram will double i.e. when 4870 hit it was 512mb now they are 1gb etc etc the 5850/5870 will end up with 2gb im sure hence ram on the back

[Caladbolg]

Eddy, just my opinion but the backplate will be much better in terms of aesthetic if it was fullcovered

[India48]

I agree with Caladbolg, however, the fact that the backplate doesn't cover the entire PCB isn't going to stop me from buying 2 when (if) they are available in Australia.

I'm very impressed by the quality and appearance of my 2 nickel 5850 blocks, and I'm sure 2 backplates will only add to that :D

Keep up the good work Eddy, looking forward to using some EKWB rads in my next build.

[RoadconeTuning]

im glad someone else asked this because i looked at mine and was starting to think i got screwed lol. im still thinking of getting the nickle plated one just for looks tho

sorry to be a thread necromancer tho.

[Fatfool]

I was thinking of getting it in case there was a leak from the CPU block (which happened to me once)

but I figured out that while it might protect the core and memory area, the rest isn't protected from the flowing liquid so oh well..

[WaterFlex]

I bought it just for visual :)