Even though the dual slot ASUS cooling solution is quite up to the task to keep nVIDIA's GTX 780 Ti graphics core inside safe operating temperatures, there is always the quest for more MHz and/or lower temperatures. More MHz is a lot dependent on the card itself, some cards from the same series clock insanely on air, others just don't have much headroom over the chosen manufacturer's frequencies. Many overclockers bin their cards just by looking at the ASIC quality of the GPU core. The rule of thumb is the lower ASIC you find the better is should clock. Nevertheless one thing is for sure when upgrading your behemoth GPU with a full cover block is that the operating temperatures will be far lower than even the air cooler can deliver when running at full speed.

A few screws later and one can remove the TIM residue off the 780 Ti graphics core. Removing the back plate takes a bit more time, though is again pretty straightforward to achieve. Just take your time, it will be very rewarding in the end. Below are two pictures of the stripped ASUS GTX  780 Ti DCII/OC card.

Assembly is facilitated by the pre-cut thermal pads for the ram ICs; secondly cover the VRM area with the other thermal pad type. Afterwards apply the included thermal grease on the GPU core and position the splendid EK full cover water block. It is just a matter of half an hour max to get everything properly done. Sadly the original ASUS back plate can't be re-used after installing the full cover water block, hence why we strongly emphasize to directly opt for the EK black back plate too.