Fans revved to 100% for about 30 seconds .. monitor went blank . Computer would NOT boot afterwards. Pulled gpu ... computer boots now. I have to borrow a gpu to test everything else just to be sure . I can almost guarantee temps had nothing to do with this. I was browsing Thingiverse for STL FILES when it happened. Time to set up an RMA I guess. 
-I JUST DID THE THERMAL PAD MOD 2 WEEKS AGO..
 
edit... just installed my sons evga 1080 gaming sc to test my pc and everything works !
 
-It's official ... another evga 1080 bites the dust!
 
 
test pic : GPU on desk is the bad 1080.... one in rig is my son's . 
 

From what you wrote I gather that this is the second card to stop working in your system? How is the power delivery at your house? (brown outs, spikes - might be worth investing in an active PFC compatible UPS)
 
I noticed what looks like custom power cables going to the GPU. Any chance that you have a different set to plug in?

Yeah the power cables are fine. I tried 2 other sets and it was still a no go on the dead gpu. I also tried the dead 1080 in 2 other pc's ...
 
BTW -  this is the first and only gpu to die in this system. I have 2 evga gtx 1080's , one is in my sons rig . I only used his to see if my pc would boot. I use a high end back up system which has a surge suppressor bult in . This pc along with my 3d printer are the only two things on this 110 outlet . As of now , I'm currently using a spare 980 out of my media center and my pc is running fine.
-No other way around it ... just a faulty EVGA CARD. :(