EVGA Pascal cards hotspot problem

[bakes0310]

pretty sure it was only the acx 3 cooled cards that were affected so your hybrid should be fine unless something else has popped up that am not aware of.

Thanks, just building a expensive itx system and I would hate for it to go wrong.

 

[Buckster]

Only bought my 1070 from here on 26th September so just out of the window to return it. Pretty annoying.

Is there a window for return if there is a known fault ?

Worth checking the rules

 

[mikeo]

Hi

Is there a window for return if there is a known fault ?

Worth checking the rules

No real "window" ... It's really up to an individual as to what they want to do. EVGA have offered a range of options for owners:
- install the latest VBIOS for your card with the amended fan curve.
- fit the "optional" thermal pads
- RMA your card (free postage)
- do an advanced RMA at no cost to the owner

Or do nothing if you should so wish.

Some folks have also managed to get a refund.

Yes, it shouldn't have happened... But it did. Now up to peope to decide what they want do do. **** happens sometimes in life.

PS. Worth noting (once again) that the new fan curve for the 1070 at least, isn't that aggressive at all and is still inaudible over the case fans. Anything below 60% fan speed is stiill pretty quiet. I listed the changes a few posts back. Don't know about the 1080 though.

 

[Drollic]

Having done the mod this morning (both vrm & vram pads 5 in total), I'd think twice about returning the card. The instructions are detailed and providing you're careful, it's very simple.

I only found removing the LED connector slightly tricky in that it appears to come away easier if you're pushing towards it slightly. The guide suggests using a small flathead in the groove, but this is too narrow to hold the flathead in place and you risk the screwdriver scratching something unless you sellotape the end. This was with the heatsink slightly raised all screws out - still awkward.

I've seen quite a few posts on various sites suggesting the re-connection of the fans & LEDS to be awkward. This isn't the case at all and is one of the easier parts. You can hold the heatsink angled close enough for re-connection of the fans and then just close enough directly above to be able to use your hands for the LEDS.

One point worth noting is that the screw above the one highlighted in gold in the guide (no need to remove) also needs to be removed in order to complete the VRAM pad mod. The mid plate won't come off without taking out this screw, which is a mistake in the guide. I imagine at least one person to damage their mid plate/card from not spotting this

The default TIM in my case was applied quite thickly - overly so in my view as there were ridges on the heatsink where it had come away upon removal. Using Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut and some quick testing, my core temperature has dropped under load by 5-7c.

The pads themselves seem to be an ideal thickness. The fins on the heatsink don't cut into them as I've seen commented. The new VRAM pads seemed barely any thicker than my stock ones - perhaps I had a later batch.

I'll now consider replacing the TIM on every future graphics card purchased having expected only a 2-3c under load. For an air cooled card, it's now very impressive.

 

[Boomstick777]

Yeah for sure, GPU's catching fire is a sign of a great NVIDIA partner.

Samsung had problems with some of their products too. Doesn't mean I won't buy anything from them in the future. This kind of stuff does happen (That's life) nothing is perfect lol.

If anything this has shown that the EVGA warranty really is worth it. They are looking after their customers. So yeah imho EVGA still a great Nvidia partner.

 

[Dervious]

The fins on the heatsink don't cut into them as I've seen commented.

I made that comment.

It looks like the fins come very close to the thermal pad that covers the chokes next to the VRMs. I can't see the advantage of fitting that thermal pad to be honest. It blocks a bit of airflow that would go under the baseplate, although it does add a bit of "mass" to the baseplate. I think the top of that thermal pad is going to be a dust magnet.

 

[Drollic]

I made that comment.

It looks like the fins come very close to the thermal pad that covers the chokes next to the VRMs. I can't see the advantage of fitting that thermal pad to be honest. It blocks a bit of airflow that would go under the baseplate, although it does add a bit of "mass" to the baseplate. I think the top of that thermal pad is going to be a dust magnet.

Lots of people have. They touch it, but I wouldn't say cut in. The pad will get dust on it over time and is one of the negatives. Without a plate under the fins there is no way round this. It won't be at all visible to most if not all users though, unless the card is out the case. As for cooling performance, as a few people have said, unlike the core I couldn't care less if my VRMS run at 75c or 85c. 95c+ is unacceptable though.

 

[Dave2150]

Samsung had problems with some of their products too. Doesn't mean I won't buy anything from them in the future. This kind of stuff does happen (That's life) nothing is perfect lol.

If anything this has shown that the EVGA warranty really is worth it. They are looking after their customers. So yeah imho EVGA still a great Nvidia partner.

Err, No.

Your comparison is flawed - the Samsung note 7 problem affected less than 0.1% of all Note 7's. Samsung recalled them all due just to protect their brand name.

Meanwhile, EVERY single EVGA 1070 and 1080 have absolutely no active cooling on their VRMS, which was a deliberate decision to save money. Every other vendor actively cooled their 1070 and 1080 VRMS, even the founders edition.

 

[Simon Belmont]

Samsung had problems with some of their products too. Doesn't mean I won't buy anything from them in the future. This kind of stuff does happen (That's life) nothing is perfect lol.

If anything this has shown that the EVGA warranty really is worth it. They are looking after their customers. So yeah imho EVGA still a great Nvidia partner.

Agree.

At first I wasn't happy,but after bios update my card is much cooler and just as quiet as before. They sent out pads quickly too. (If I ever decided to install them) I will still buy EVGA for sure.

 

[jonathan_phang]

I've not yet installed the vBIOS updates, and already have a custom fan profile, but it is interesting that some people seem to say its really loud, whilst others say its not really audible over case fans, and hence not a problem. Could be down to how hot the core runs, as the top end (which I never get to) will probably end up sounding very loud.

Glad to hear that the experiences have been positive. I've really got to get round to changing mine, need to pick up some Iso Alcohol to clean off the GPU. Also deciding if I should get some other TIM too.

Once done, will be good to leave all the hyperbole behind.

 

[Dicehunter]

I've not yet installed the vBIOS updates, and already have a custom fan profile, but it is interesting that some people seem to say its really loud, whilst others say its not really audible over case fans, and hence not a problem. Could be down to how hot the core runs, as the top end (which I never get to) will probably end up sounding very loud.

Glad to hear that the experiences have been positive. I've really got to get round to changing mine, need to pick up some Iso Alcohol to clean off the GPU. Also deciding if I should get some other TIM too.

Once done, will be good to leave all the hyperbole behind.

I went a little overboard and bought some of Thermal Grizzlies Kryonaut for it ^_^

 

[jonathan_phang]

I went a little overboard and bought some of Thermal Grizzlies Kryonaut for it ^_^

I do keep hearing about it. I have some MX4 kicking about, so was probably going to use that, as thats half decent too. If only Amazon did a prime version (yeah I'm lazy, want it NOW!!!).

That said the stuff it came with did a decent job on the core, so using theirs (presuming its the same) wouldn't be the end of the world I guess

 

[Simon Belmont]

Well just installed the thermal pads on my EVGA GTX 1080 FTW. It was easier then I thought. 15 mins to install. dead easy.

I used MX4 and wow my temps went down nearly 10c. Ran Heaven for 30 mins and it never went over 63c where as before I was getting 74c or higher.

Very pleased with the instructions EVGA provided. Every step went perfect. Glad I did it now. This now has to be the coolest air GPU I've ever owned now thanks to the pads.

Thanks EVGA

 

[Nelly]

Well I got my refund for my card, ended up with the 10% restocking fee, which equated to a £42 loss plus shipping back for £26, I could have used a cheap courier - special delivery ended up the cheapest via post office.

My only consolation is I sold the Gears of War 4 code for £30, still at a loss of £38 for EVGA's own doings. Definitely won't be using that retailer again.

I did send an email to the retailer:

Dear *** *****,

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, I have a legal right to reject goods that are of unsatisfactory quality, unfit for purpose or not as described, and get a full refund

I returned the item due to the fact the item is of unsatisfactory quality and unfit for purpose. The reason being, the manufacturer in this case EVGA did not supply the graphics card with thermal pads installed. This results in the VRMs on the card itself running at temperatures beyond what is deemed safe. I did take this up with EVGA when requesting a full refund, but they said to me that the responsibility is with the retailer to provide a full refund.

I have proof of this with the following well known legitimate websites:

• http://www.gamersnexus.net/news-pc/2661-evga-mosfet-failure-possible-from-thermal-runaway-scenario
• http://wccftech.com/nvidia-gtx-1080-1070-evga-cards-dying/
• https://www.pcper.com/news/Graphics-Cards/EVGA-Overheating-VRM-Issue-GeForce-ACX-Coolers
• http://www.eteknix.com/evga-gtx-10701080-gpus-catching-fire-due-to-vrms-overheating/
• http://www.guru3d.com/news-story/ev...most-all-of-them-have-overheating-issues.html

Having sent the product back, I noticed that I was given a refund today less 10% restocking fee, however, as mentioned, I am returning the item due to it being of unsatisfactory quality and unfit for purpose Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. By law I am eligible for a full refund.

The reply I got back today:

Hi,

We are aware of the act but also EVGA has provided a fix for the issue in this case, Customer can request thermal pads to install and also cover the warranty should any customer make an error when installing, The card itself does work fine it is not unsafe, Whilst it does get hot it still operates normally and we had no issues during testing.

EVGA also issued a bios fix in regards to the temperature and settings, details here http://www.evga.com/thermalmod/

This card is not unfit for purpose.

 

[mikeo]

I do keep hearing about it. I have some MX4 kicking about, so was probably going to use that, as thats half decent too. If only Amazon did a prime version (yeah I'm lazy, want it NOW!!!).

That said the stuff it came with did a decent job on the core, so using theirs (presuming its the same) wouldn't be the end of the world I guess

I picked up some grizzly in the end. But decided to save it and used the Tim that came with the pads. Temps are identical to before the mod. High 50's during gaming using my own custom fan curve.

IMHO... I suspect that people seeing a noticeable drop in temps by using different Tim, is because it probably has not been applied very well in the first place. Only my personal opinion here. Though maybe with the 1080 running a bit hotter than the 1070, it "might" provide a noticeable difference. Whatever you are happy with really

 

[jonathan_phang]

....My only consolation is I sold the Gears of War 4 code for £30....

When the card goes back, will they revoke the digital license for GoW4 though? Which might leave the buyer with a problem? This might be different due to the RMA, but thats effectively what scams were doing with cheap Nvidia codes before release - buying cards, getting and selling the codes instantly, then returning the cards which then revokes the code. Worth thinking about incase the buyer gets in touch.

I picked up some grizzly in the end. But decided to save it and used the Tim that came with the pads. Temps are identical to before the mod. High 50's during gaming using my own custom fan curve.

I'm probably going to just use what they give, as my core temps have been good with my custom profile, at least in normal gaming scenarios, with temps between 65-70 tops, and usually 55-60 normally when I glance to the top corner.

 

[Nelly]

When the card goes back, will they revoke the digital license for GoW4 though? Which might leave the buyer with a problem? This might be different due to the RMA, but thats effectively what scams were doing with cheap Nvidia codes before release - buying cards, getting and selling the codes instantly, then returning the cards which then revokes the code. Worth thinking about incase the buyer gets in touch

I haven't a clue, but the rate this is going I might put the retailer through the small claims court. Other people have got a total full refund and I'm being shafted something chronic.

 

[jonathan_phang]

I haven't a clue, but the rate this is going I might put the retailer through the small claims court. Other people have got a total full refund and I'm being shafted something chronic.

Not arguing, but just a heads up chap. I know first hand, as I bought one of the codes from ebay, and then it went. A google then informed me of the scam. They might waive it, they might say that the code comes with the card, and you've returned it so no longer are entitled. Might be worth asking the question, thats all

 

[gilljoy]

So anyone that have replaced theres what did you go for? I'm thinking an Asus or MSI 1070.

I've just had my refund authorised with the rainforest.

Though tbh I'm tempted to just install the thermal mod and keep the card myself. I'm afraid of getting stung with a restocking fee

 

[southernorth]

Have any of you refunded a 1060 SC?