Once something that graphics card manufacturers compared with each other, the backplate is now a must-have detail on high-end VGAs.
There is no exact name in Vietnamese for backplates, many people call them “Circuit shields”, others prefer the phrase “Backplates”…etc… but to be more general and easy to understand, in this article, I’ll just call them backplates.
Now imagine you just bought a new VGA, the first thing you want to do is plug it into your computer and enjoy the outstanding performance it brings, as soon as possible. The joy of owning a new item makes you initially not pay much attention to the small details around you. But only about a week later, when looking at other people’s “glittering” systems, you suddenly realize that your device looks terrible with solder joints, memory chips, and jagged ICs on the unshielded circuit board. You blame yourself for not trying to add a few hundred thousand to get a graphics card with a more “appealing” appearance.
The above psychological state is an interesting topic that I will cover in another article in the future. Going back to backplates, what benefits will they bring you and are these worthy of serious consideration every time you choose to buy a new VGA?
Table of Contents
Protect the circuit board
Of course, with the name “back cover”, this is the first feature that comes to mind. The problem with high-end graphics cards is their literal weight. After some time, if not used with a stand, the circuit board will be bent or twisted, looking very unsightly, and (according to some opinions) even affecting the ability to operate, thereby reducing its value when used ceded later. The birth of the Backplate has completely reduced that phenomenon. Either way, when it is fixed to a solid piece of steel, how can the circuit board warp easily, right?
The 4-year period from 2010 to 2014 was also the golden age of the bench table gaming trend, which means installing components to run without a case (or mounted on hand-crafted mica panels) in which case it is possible to Add a layer of protection from objective risk factors such as water (soft drinks, coffee, and all kinds of other animal products), dust or external forces is a huge plus. Until now these things remain the same.
Heat dissipation support
Current circuit board processing technology has made great strides, helping new generation cards not only have a cleaner appearance but also benefit in performance. But not long ago when memory chips and solder joints were still arranged on the back of the PCB, the responsibility for dissipating heat for them was placed on the backplate’s shoulders. Not having a backplate meant losing points in the eyes of users, so Many manufacturers have followed this trend at all costs, even using plastic to make this detail (?!), which is confusing because plastic will not solve any problems here.
Hide imperfections
In addition to jagged solder joints, the beauty of a graphics card is also affected by Nvidia’s original design, this often happens because the solution of using default PCB drawings is always preferred by small manufacturers. It is popular because it saves research effort and also lowers costs when mass-produced. But the disadvantage is that these designs often have very short circuit boards, especially in low-cost, best-selling models, as was the case with the previous GTX 1050 and 1050Ti for example.
To increase the aesthetics of their products, some companies cheat by installing long backplates on these tiny cards, making them look more majestic and aggressive, but when removed, they are Quite disappointing, I assure you!
Show off luxury
Showing off is not a good virtue, but it can’t be called bad if you know how to apply it properly. Particularly for flagship graphics card models, this is a necessity. In addition to protecting, shielding, and supporting heat dissipation, the backplate is now a place for manufacturers to express their artistic eye with decorative flowers. Textures and lines are meticulously crafted, and some are also equipped with LED, extremely impressive.
But is it necessary?
From a buyer’s perspective, the surprising answer is yes, but no. It sounds a bit corny, but it’s the truth. Issues about durability, temperature or external factors are not just arising now but have existed since the early days when the first VGA appeared. Warping is something that cannot be completely resolved without using a stand, just like accidentally getting into water, the risk of your card disappearing will still be high, it all depends on your luck.
So what is the purpose of the backplate’s existence? First, it creates a feeling of safety for users. Second, they serve as one of the legitimate reasons for firms to increase the selling price of each of their products. Finally, some factors serve safety purposes.
Of course, if you are financially well-off and want your equipment to be beautiful and have a personal touch, spending more money on high-end graphics cards or even ordering custom backplates to attach to them is a good idea is something to be welcomed, after, everything we do is aimed at improving the quality of life for ourselves, nothing more. If you’re in the opposite camp, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to save and refusing to pay for what you don’t need.