Bykski TC Series Full-Coverage GPU Water Block with Active Backplate - Installation Tutorial and Thermal Pad Reference Guide

Bykski TC Series Full-Coverage GPU Water Block with Active Backplate - Installation Tutorial and Thermal Pad Reference Guide

TL;DR: This listing is a step-by-step installation reference for TC-series GPU water blocks, which pair a full-coverage front block with an active backplate that channels coolant across the rear of the PCB. The reference build uses the N-RTX3090FE-TC as the example, and the same sequence applies to other...

Common Applications

This listing is a step-by-step installation reference for TC-series GPU water blocks, which pair a full-coverage front block with an active backplate that channels coolant across the rear of the PCB. The reference build uses the N-RTX3090FE-TC as the example, and the same sequence applies to other TC SKUs. Thermal paste is applied to the GPU die only; thermal pads are placed on the front-side VRAM, VRM, and memory ICs, and on the rear-side memory chips that sit under the active backplate. Pads should only be installed where the block has corresponding raised contact pads. The front block and backplate are high-purity electroplated copper and ship with stop fittings, mounting hardware, and thermal grease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is an active backplate?

A: A copper backplate with internal coolant channels that contacts rear-side memory through thermal pads, cooling the back of the PCB in addition to the front.

Q: Where does thermal paste go versus thermal pads?

A: Thermal paste on the GPU die only. Thermal pads on memory and VRM contact zones on the front of the PCB, and on rear-side memory under the active backplate.

Q: Can pads be placed anywhere on the PCB?

A: No. Install pads only where the block has matching raised contact pads. Extra pads in unsupported areas lift the block off the die and ruin core contact.

Q: What ships in the box?

A: One full-coverage GPU block, one active backplate, two stop fittings, mounting hardware, and thermal grease. Printed English instructions are not always included; the listing photos function as the install guide.

Q: Is the front block compatible with every GPU?

A: No. TC blocks are PCB-specific. The reference example is N-RTX3090FE-TC for the RTX 3090 Founders Edition. Match the SKU to the exact card model.