gsrcrxsi
I run my 3080Ti XC3 hydro copper “backwards” using the right as inlet and left as outlet since it was better for tube routing. There’s little difference in temps that I can see. Stays around 45-50C.

Component temps will be more influenced by total loop heat load, rad area, and airflow than by if you piped your HC “right” or “wrong”. 

Would it be okay to have both fittings on the front side of the hydro copper or do they need to face opposite directions? (back and front)? https://imgur.com/a/6d00C9h

deaistar

gsrcrxsi
I run my 3080Ti XC3 hydro copper “backwards” using the right as inlet and left as outlet since it was better for tube routing. There’s little difference in temps that I can see. Stays around 45-50C.

Component temps will be more influenced by total loop heat load, rad area, and airflow than by if you piped your HC “right” or “wrong”. 

Would it be okay to have both fittings on the front side of the hydro copper or do they need to face opposite directions? (back and front)? https://imgur.com/a/6d00C9h

Yep, as long as you're using one side as inlet and the other side as outlet, it doesn't matter if you choose the front, back or top/middle ports. I have mine vertically mounted and used the rear ports for both sides to keep the tubing behind the GPU.

I am running a 3080ti HydroCopper plus an X570 Motherboard block covering the VRM's and a x5950.
For radiators I use a 280 X 45 mm and a 360 X 60 mm in push pull with dual D5 pumps.
 
When gaming full on (OC'd) I generally see: 
Ambient < 23 degrees C
GPU temps are < 50 degrees C
CPU temps are < 70 degrees C
Sound levels are below 30 db
 
I trust that give you an additional data point