Hi guys, I was looking at ordering a backplate when I order my 780 since I've heard it helps strengthen the card.  Looking at the backplate info page in the store it mentions it can also reduce temps by up to 3C?  I'm curious how that works since it would seem like it would close the card in more.

Ah ok that would make sense.  I downloaded and looked at the install instructions but the pictures and instructions didn't mention anything like having thermal pads/etc. to help conduct heat.  Ok, off to order :)

Here's a photo of my Titan Black backplate (lower right corner).  You can see the thermal pads which are positioned over various components on the back.
 
" />
 

As mentioned, the cooling is entirely passive.  In the past, I believe foam was used on some backplates.  Currently, the backplates mostly use thermal pads to draw off additional heat and avoid direct shorts/grounding.  With decent airflow in the system, it can pull a bit more heat off the metal of the backplate.  If you have a card overheating, this would not likely be a potential fix, but could take a couple degrees off your temps if you want it lower.  Really, though, it's more about the looks of the backplate than anything else.

Interesting, I wanted to know the same thing.