Does a CPU Cooler Need A Backplate?

A CPU cooler is a device used to cool down the socket of a CPU. They also help dissipate heat and keep the components at safer operating temperatures while improving cooling performance. Is it worth it to buy a backplate for your CPU cooler?

Do I Need A Backplate for My CPU Cooler?

A backplate is a metal or plastic plate that attaches to a CPU cooler’s top and provides added thermal conductivity. Many CPU coolers don’t come with backplates, but if you’re using an air cooling system or plan on adding extra fans to your build, a backplate is a necessary component.

Some argue that a backplate isn’t necessary because air coolers are so efficient. However, adding a backplate will significantly improve cooling performance even with the best air coolers. A backplate also protects the fan from damage and helps keep the cooler more stable in case of vibration or movement.

If you’re unsure whether or not you need a backplate for your CPU cooler, it’s always best to consult with your hardware vendor or online forum before making any purchases.

Why do some Coolers Require a Backplate?

A backplate is a metal plate to secure an AMD or Intel CPU cooler to a motherboard. The plate helps to improve thermal contact between the CPU and cooler and provides extra protection for the motherboard.

Some coolers, such as the Noctua NH-D15, require a backplate because they are very large and heavy. Other coolers, such as the Corsair H100i V2, do not require a backplate because they are smaller and lighter.

Reasons To Install a Backplate in a CPU Cooler

A backplate is a thin metal plate installed onto the back of a CPU cooler to increase its stability and reduce vibrations. Installing a backplate can improve the overall cooling performance of the CPU cooler by reducing the amount of noise and heat produced by the fan.

Additionally, a backplate can help protect the processor from damage if the cooler falls off or is knocked over.

There are many reasons to install a backplate in a CPU cooler:

1) To improve stability. A backplate can reduce vibrations caused by the fan and make the cooler more stable overall. This can improve the fan’s efficiency, reducing noise and heat production.

2) To protect against damage. If your CPU cooler falls off or is knocked over, a backplate will help protect the processor from damage. In some cases, it may even be enough to prevent cracked processors!

3) To increase cooling performance. A backplate can increase how much heat your CPU cooler can dissipate. This means it will be able to cool your processor more effectively than without one.

A CPU Cooler (Cooling Core) needs a Backplate to improve cooling.

CPU coolers come with various backplates that are supposed to improve cooling. However, not all backplates are created equal, and some can even hinder cooling. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of using backplates on CPU coolers and recommend the best ones for different builds.

The Importance of a Good CPU Cooler

When it comes to getting a good CPU cooler, there is no doubt that quality matters. Cheap coolers often don’t have enough airflow or heat transfer surfaces to handle the demands of today’s high-performance CPUs. This can result in overheating and reduced performance.

A good CPU cooler typically has more heat pipes and wider fan mounts. It will also come with a backplate to improve thermal transfer from the processor to the fan(s).

Backplates Aren’t Necessarily Better

There is debate over whether backplates are necessary when it comes to improving cooling performance on CPUs. Many believe they only worsen things because they can disrupt airflow and cause noise issues.

Some backplates also interfere with RAM slots, PCIe lanes, and other vital components on your motherboard. Therefore, if you plan on upgrading your motherboard in the future, be sure to remove any existing backplate before doing so!

The Best Backplates for Different Cases

If you plan on overclocking your CPU or building an extreme gaming PC, you will need a specific backplate specifically designed for high-performance cooling. Such backplates typically have more heat pipes and larger fan mounts. They are also often made from metal to provide maximum durability.

You can get away without a backplate if you are just looking for a basic CPU cooler that will do the job. Most cheap CPU coolers come with simple flat metal plates that do not interfere with motherboard components.

The Best CPU Cooler Backplates

1. Noctua NH-D15S:

If you are looking for the best all-around CPU cooler backplate, then the Noctua NH-D15S should be your top choice. This backplate is made from cast iron and has six heat pipes and ten fan blades. It also features three thermal pads to improve cooling performance further. The Noctua NH-D15S is compatible with AMD and Intel processors and is available in two colors (red and black).

2. Corsair H100i v2:

The Corsair H100i v2 is another great option if you want a quality backplate to improve thermal transfer from your processor to your fan(s). This backplate is made from aluminum and has six heat pipes and twelve fan blades. It also features two thermal pads to improve cooling performance further. The Corsair H100i v2 is compatible with AMD and Intel processors and is available in five colors (black, blue, red, white, and green).

3. Noctua NH-D15 SE-AM4:

If you are looking for a backplate specifically designed for AMD processors, the Noctua NH-D15 SE-AM4 should be your top choice. This backplate has six heat pipes and a total of twelve fan blades. It also features three thermal pads to improve cooling performance further. The Noctua NH-D15 SE-AM4 is compatible with AMD Ryzen processors and the new Threadripper processors.

4. Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4:

The Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 is another great option if you want a quality backplate to improve thermal transfer from your processor to your fan(s). This backplate is made from black stainless steel and has nine heat pipes and eighteen fan blades. It also features two thermal pads to improve cooling performance further. The Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 is compatible with AMD and Intel processors and is available in three colors (black, dark gray, and silver).

How does the backplate improve cooling?

Backplates are often added to CPU coolers to improve cooling performance. Backplates attach to the back of the CPU and contact the heatsink, which helps improve heat dissipation. They also help prevent the cooler from moving around and damaging the CPU.

What is the difference between different types of backplates?

There are a few different backplates, each with a specific purpose. A backplate is typically fitted to the bottom of a CPU cooler to provide extra stability and prevent the cooler from moving around on your motherboard or chassis. Some backplates also incorporate heat sinks and fans, providing extra cooling for your CPU. 

Socket 1151 backplates are designed to fit into certain sockets on motherboards, while LGA2011-3 backplates are designed for use with Intel’s latest processors. Backplates for AMD processors use Universal Socket Mounting (USM) brackets and require an aftermarket cooler or a motherboard with a USM socket. 

The main difference between these types of backplates is their construction. Socket 1151 backplates are made from metal plates that fit into specific slots on a motherboard, while LGA2011-3 backplates are made from plastic plates that snap onto the base of an aftermarket cooler.

Backplate fans also vary in design; some include heat sinks and fans, while others only have fans for ventilation.

Conclusion

In short, no, a CPU cooler does not need a backplate. However, suppose you are using an air or liquid cooler with a fan inside the chassis that can cause vibrations. In that case, it is recommended to install a backplate to reduce noise and ensure optimal performance.