This is what I see on my Pre-Installed Cards.
 

 

@bcavnaugh did you mod your card? how are you hitting 413w? 
 

I don’t know what EVGA support considers “normal” for a HC card, but the OPs temps are much higher than what I would expect for a full cover waterblock. 45c is higher than I would expect.

There are a few threads here regarding the HC blocks and high temps.

Info here: https://forums.evga.com/S...-ti-ftw3-m2927051.aspx

Spreading a thin layer over the GPU Die and the Water Block is best.
Are you using XL5 Performance Coolant?
In iCUE what are you setting the Pump to and what is the Flow Rate?

Thanks for the info guys!  I've removed the block.  Check out the TIM in these photos!  There's a big gap in the middle.  Does everyone agree that's the source of my issue?  I plan to use the spread method.  How thin should it be applied?  And what's the best method for spreading the TIM?
 
 
 

No, because its the sum of the two halves that matter. The gap in the middle is made up for by the greater quantity on the die. 
 
@ Cool GTX
 

Those spring screw assemblies do not exert much force by design.

 
How do you figure that a screw spring assembly which is fully tightened exerts less force? A spring/screw assembly which is fully collapsed isn't going to exert less force than a screw. I mean, these are all like M2 screws, you aren't going to be able to exert that much force at all without breaking them. 
 
I can't see when the manual for the HC blocks says to use the spring screws anyway. 
 
https://www.evga.com/support/manuals/files/400-HC-1589-B1.pdf
 
On the KPE cards, the spring screws mount the AIO cold plate. This uses the inner 4 mount holes. With the HC blocks, these holes are now the bracket which surrounds the die. The large holes on the backplate along the innder 4 mount holes would allow for the larger heads of the spring screws. This is not present on the outer mount holes. 
 
 

jrwininger
After reapplying TIM and re-seating the block, I'm now seeing max temps around 42 C.  I took care to first tighten in an X pattern around the GPU and work outward as suggested.  Noob mistake on the initial install I suppose.  Just wanted to thank everyone for their insightful input!

bp7178
No, because its the sum of the two halves that matter. The gap in the middle is made up for by the greater quantity on the die. 
 
@ Cool GTX
 

Those spring screw assemblies do not exert much force by design.

 
How do you figure that a screw spring assembly which is fully tightened exerts less force? A spring/screw assembly which is fully collapsed isn't going to exert less force than a screw. I mean, these are all like M2 screws, you aren't going to be able to exert that much force at all without breaking them. 
 
I can't see when the manual for the HC blocks says to use the spring screws anyway. 
 
https://www.evga.com/support/manuals/files/400-HC-1589-B1.pdf
 
On the KPE cards, the spring screws mount the AIO cold plate. This uses the inner 4 mount holes. With the HC blocks, these holes are now the bracket which surrounds the die. The large holes on the backplate along the innder 4 mount holes would allow for the larger heads of the spring screws. This is not present on the outer mount holes. 
 
 

 
 
* Screws are included for the Hydro Copper water Block - Do Not use the Stock spring Screws - be careful when tightening
 
 
 
Glad you got a better contact & temp 
 
*edit for clarity


edit 2 EVGA Hydro Copper manual
 
 

bp7178
With a 42c GPU temp, what is your ambient? That's still higher than one would expect for a water cooled GPU. 
 

The Springs presses the Block against the GPU die .... NOT the screw .... keeping it flat is key

 
That really didn't answer the question. How would a fully collapsed spring exert less force?

Ambient is around 23c. Are you sure my load temps should be lower? What are your temps? Also, the person that replied first to my post gets 45c on factory installed blocks.