If that is the case then I guess that this card isn't a reference design now. This is something we always have trouble with when going for full cover blocks. Most manufacturers of the cooling blocks seem to stop aftewr making a reference design one. The only other way is as you have pictured. It normally works very well to be honest and has the added bewnefit of being able to be moved from one card to the next as you upgrade which is a big downside for the full cover cards! Don't dismiss it out of hand, it works well.