Garandhero
Hey,
 
So I am running 2 780 "FTW" cards, and they have different BIOS versions.
 
The first one I got has version 80.80.21.00.80
 
The second one came with 80.10.3A.00.80
 
They are both running the same clocks, but the second card has a slightly higher voltage.  
Is this an issue at all, should I update the first card I got to the second cards BIOS or vice versa?  Does it even matter?
 
I've been using it for a week no problems, just wondering what I should do about it long term
 
 
 
 
ALSO, why no water-blocks for the 780 "FTW" edition (Quoted abbreviated bad language deleted.)
ALSO, do the back-plates really do anything for temps, or is it a gimmick?

Different vBIOS versions indicate that the cards have different memory brands installed on the PCB. e.g. one card is running samsung while the other is running hynix. There are three different memory brands your cards could be running which are samsung, hynix or elpida. The card with slightly higher default voltage will overclock lower on air cooling but higher on water cooling, the card with lower default voltage will overclock higher on air cooling but lower on water cooling.
 
Answer to waterblock question: http://forums.evga.com/tm.aspx?m=2069380
 
A backplate will not really help temps at all... maybe 1c if you're lucky. A backplates main purpose is to protect the back of the PCB from damage and to make the card look awesome. 
 

Sajin

Garandhero
Hey,
 
So I am running 2 780 "FTW" cards, and they have different BIOS versions.
 
The first one I got has version 80.80.21.00.80
 
The second one came with 80.10.3A.00.80
 
They are both running the same clocks, but the second card has a slightly higher voltage.  
Is this an issue at all, should I update the first card I got to the second cards BIOS or vice versa?  Does it even matter?
 
I've been using it for a week no problems, just wondering what I should do about it long term
 
 
 
 
ALSO, why no water-blocks for the 780 "FTW" edition  (Quoted abbreviated bad language deleted.)
ALSO, do the back-plates really do anything for temps, or is it a gimmick?

Different vBIOS versions indicate that the cards have different memory brands installed on the PCB. e.g. one card is running samsung while the other is running hynix. There are three different memory brands your cards could be running which are samsung, hynix or elpida. The card with slightly higher default voltage will overclock lower on air cooling but higher on water cooling, the card with lower default voltage will overclock higher on air cooling but lower on water cooling.
 
Answer to waterblock question: http://forums.evga.com/tm.aspx?m=2069380
 
A backplate will not really help temps at all... maybe 1c if you're lucky. A backplates main purpose is to protect the back of the PCB from damage and to make the card look awesome. 
 

That's not really true I have 2 GTX 780 classy and one got Hynix and the other one got samsung and they both have the same bios :)

This differences in the bios files could be the cause of the problem with my cards, I'm getting an error in the system management "This device cannot start error code (10)" I haven't check the bios in any of the cards, the weird part comes  when both cards are connected, one of the cards show this error, then I switch them and it's the same, try with different systems and it's the same.
 
EVGA tech support told me to try a BIOS flash for both cards, if this doesn't solve my problem the it's RMA :(
 
Any suggestions?

The told me they have to ask for the files to taiwan (and that is not a joke), after they receive the files the will send it to my with instructions, apparently this process will take three to four days :'(
 
 

Sajin

thageek
The told me they have to ask for the files to taiwan (and that is not a joke), after they receive the files the will send it to my with instructions, apparently this process will take three to four days :'(

You can download and use  to see if your vBIOSes match. 

yeah, I'll do that, thanks :)
I hope the change in the BIOS fix this problem, here in México the RMA process is a nightmare :(

Sajin

thageek

Sajin

thageek
The told me they have to ask for the files to taiwan (and that is not a joke), after they receive the files the will send it to my with instructions, apparently this process will take three to four days :'(

You can download and use  to see if your vBIOSes match. 

yeah, I'll do that, thanks :)
I hope the change in the BIOS fix this problem, here in México the RMA process is a nightmare :(

No problem. Let me know if they don't match. I can help you flash the cards.
 
 

thanks a lot man :D
You think this problem was caused by my MOBO? if they send me new cards I don't wanna suffer the same problem because of that :(

Sajin

thageek

Sajin

thageek

Sajin

thageek
The told me they have to ask for the files to taiwan (and that is not a joke), after they receive the files the will send it to my with instructions, apparently this process will take three to four days :'(

You can download and use  to see if your vBIOSes match. 

yeah, I'll do that, thanks :)
I hope the change in the BIOS fix this problem, here in México the RMA process is a nightmare :(

No problem. Let me know if they don't match. I can help you flash the cards.
 
 

thanks a lot man :D
You think this problem was caused by my MOBO? if they send me new cards I don't wanna suffer the same problem because of that :(

No, I think there is something wrong with the cards. We will find out soon. 

I did check the BIOS version using the GPUZ this are the screens:
 
apparently both cards share the same BIOS the weird part is in the 3rd and 4th screen, one of the card doesn't show the info and the amount of V-ram is higher, I don't know what that means :( I tried both PCI-E ports just to be sure, and switch the cards between ports, both PCI-E seams to function well, should I try with other cards and connect them in SLI just to be sure?
Sigh* 
 
Thanks for your help :)

Sajin
Looks like you don't have any drivers loaded. Are you sure you installed the correct drivers? Try installing these drivers right > <

Hi, I actually install the drivers, and they seams to work fine, as long theres only one card running, but if I install the drivers and use both cards the video signal goes off, then I tried to cheat, installing the drivers only with one card in the system, then put the other card, using that method allows me to maintain my video signal, but the Nvidia control panel doesn't show the second video card installed. :'(
 
Right now I just received the mail with the new BIOS from EVGA tech support, I'm gonna try it tomorrow.
 
Thanks for your attention man, i really appreciate your help :)
 
Good night.

Sajin

ilgeek

Sajin
Looks like you don't have any drivers loaded. Are you sure you installed the correct drivers? Try installing these drivers right > <

Hi, I actually install the drivers, and they seams to work fine, as long theres only one card running, but if I install the drivers and use both cards the video signal goes off, then I tried to cheat, installing the drivers only with one card in the system, then put the other card, using that method allows me to maintain my video signal, but the Nvidia control panel doesn't show the second video card installed. :'(
 
Right now I just received the mail with the new BIOS from EVGA tech support, I'm gonna try it tomorrow.
 
Thanks for your attention man, i really appreciate your help :)
 
Good night.

Let us know how it goes tomorrow. 

Well the file came, and the system show me this error:
"No display Adapters were found that are compatible with this update"
 
I tried the installation without the Nvidia drivers and with the drivers installed, the same message appears, I don't know if the sent me the wrong file or truly this is the result of the cards being faulty.
 
Sigh... the RMA it's gonna be a nightmare :(