Pros: Hides the PCB of the GPU if your case is windowed and has a light.
Definitely pulls heat from the GPU as it gets fairly warm to the touch during operation.

Cons: Little pricey if not included as a free gift with GPU purchase

Other Thoughts: It may not be the fanciest, or most spectacular addition to a case's internals, but it gives it a nicer, more complete look and it functions well. Just try to be certain to have some sort of airflow across it so that it does dissipate the heat well.

Pros: Good instructions which are important. It did cool the card down a few degrees celsius. Definitely good to cover the back of the video card so it is useful.

Cons: Be careful to read the instructions since they have there own screws to use. Don't use the screws on the video card itself.

Other Thoughts: Good product if your video card didn't come with the backplate.

Pros: Looks better than just looking at the back of the board and prevents sag.

Cons: None

Pros: - product information indicates this backplate is desired as it provides protection to the "delicate board". See con

Cons: - the required screws to secure it to card were no included in what was basically an envelope to hold the backplate. Literature indicates to "use screws supplied with backplate...."
- Why wasn't this just installed on the graphics card assembly in the first place

Other Thoughts: -I'd have to recommend it to insure the end user/purchaser assured he wasn't going to risk damage to the PWB if backplate isn't added

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Debra P.,

I do apologize for the troubles you are having with your EVGA GTX 970 graphics card backplate. I can assure you that we are here to assist and support you as best we can. If you haven't already done so, then I would encourage you to contact our 24 hour Technical Support team by phone 1.888.881.3842 and pressing option 1 or by email: Newegg@EVGA.com so that we can assist you.

Sincerely,
EVGA Customer Support

Pros: Looks neat might help the card some.

Cons: Too bad it shipped in an envelope and is warped all to hell. Why wasn't this shipped with the card in the box? Im very disappointed that newegg chose to 'fed ex' a flat item because it sure is not that shape now. I may need to rethink some when I order as this was a gift item.

Other Thoughts: This is just a stupid marketing item that should have been factory installed on the card. Just why cant they put the backplate on the cards? They are already over priced as all get out and for some reason the models vanish when the new cards release. (Im looking at you EVGA and the 770s)

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Jon J.,

I would like to thank you for your feedback about the optional EVGA GTX 970 backplate. The backplate is considered an accessory and is in no way required for the graphics card to function normally. Should you or any potential EVGA customer ever have any questions or concerns with any EVGA product, then I would encourage you to contact our 24 hour Presales Support team by phone 1.888.881.3842 and pressing option 3 or by email: Newegg@EVGA.com so that we can further assist you.

Sincerely,
EVGA Customer Support

Pros: Looks great and does what it's supposed to. It helps support the card so it doesn't sag as much and the added thermal pads offer cooler temps of up to 3 degrees.

Cons: EVGA is one of the only manufacturers to not include back plates on their high end cards. They know this and there needs to be a change.

Pros: Shipped perfectly
Fit perfectly
Small pads for memory came installed which is nice
Overall good product
See cons

Cons: Should have been included on the card
Small tool to assist with install of the screw/nut should have been included even though it is not technically necessary so no loss of egg

Other Thoughts: Good product I would recommend.

Pros: 1. FREE
2. Makes GPU look cooler
3. GPU should run cooler, more OC headroom in theory.

Cons: should have been standard for the graphics card.

Other Thoughts: i didn't actually test the cardwithout it.

Pros: It was free with my video card

Cons: Came with no screws

Other Thoughts: Haven't got to use it as there were no screws included.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Ian G.,

I do apologize for the troubles you are having with your EVGA GTX 970 Backplate. I can assure you that we are here to assist and support you as best we can. If you haven't already done so, then I would encourage you to contact our 24 hour Technical Support team by phone 1.888.881.3842 and pressing option 1 or by email: Newegg@EVGA.com so that we can assist you.

Sincerely,
EVGA Customer Support

Pros: Keeps your card from sagging.
Looks cool.

Cons: Doesn't make any dang sense why it is not installed on a $300+ card to begin with...

Other Thoughts: Easy install