I would say it's largely personal preference to upgrade from 780ti to 980, at this point. If you can do it, I say go for it, but there have been reports of which certain 780ti's are not eligible for the step-up to the 980. Still, I say try for it, because then you'd not only have the best MAxwell currently has to offer, but you'd also know beyond the shadow-of-a-doubt that your 780ti's are good for the step-up.
 
Check out the thread "Bought a 780 Ti 30 days ago. Worth it to Step Up to 980?" for some perspective and input on the debate.
 
Edit: Forgot about me being new and no links allowed, etc.

Hey Mike,
 
The 980 boasts some technology that you're not going to find on the 780ti sc, even though they're near even-footing in terms of benchmark performance. To add, if you're running at 120hz across multiple displays, then I'm definitely going to recommend the step-up. The improvements in the 980 technology, architecture, and chipset will really translate well in SLI setups. Ultimately, if you have the means to get these cards moved through the step-up process, I really can't find a good reason to hold back on it.
 
Cheers

3eta what 780ti's do you have? SC with acx cooling?

OverHaze

zqa20
3eta what 780ti's do you have? SC with acx cooling?

Are those the ones causing the upgrade problems? (SC ACX here)

not sure, i have the same which is why I'm asking XD

Thanks for the feedback everyone.  I had made the decision to Step-Up to the 980, but now it looks like EVGA changed their Program over the last few days.  They were offering the reference design, but now it looks like the ACX 2.0 version is the only one available to step-up to.
 
This doesn't work for me, I need the reference cooler for my setup.  I'll call them to see if they will add the reference card back into the program.  When I checked with them on Friday, they said they ONLY offer reference cards, and that the ACX 970 was only offered as there is no reference card.  This is fairly frustrating.

Stephenk291
Hmm interesting. on Friday I started my step-up to the reference version of the 980, now its gone from the step-up list and only the ACX cooler is showing. Wonder why they switched.
 
Could someone from EVGA chime in?

 I was wondering the same thing, except I'm more interested in seeing if they'll add the FTW editions and Classified Editions to that list as well? Or even the SC? I currently am waiting for Step-Up to the 980 ACX's, which like said above will be good overclockers anyways. This new architecture looks amazing. Can't wait for the 20 nm versions to surface... 

I'm running evga gtx 780 Ti SC ACX in SLI.

Currently i can step-up to 970 ACX, but not 980 of any variant.

I'm EU.

Hoping i can upgrade to 980 SC at least...

Stephenk291
Hmm interesting. on Friday I started my step-up to the reference version of the 980, now its gone from the step-up list and only the ACX cooler is showing. Wonder why they switched.
 
Could someone from EVGA chime in?

I second this. Thanks in advance for official EVGA comment.  I'm ready to initiate the Step Up process as soon as the 980 reference cooler is available again for US customers.

Stephenk291
If there is issues with the 2.0 ACX cooler as some people have pointed out, I'd rather get the reference card I originally had chosen to step-up from. EVGA starts at 9AM PST so about another 2 hours before they arrive to perhaps start commenting.

I had not heard there were issues with the ACX 2.0 cooler but I prefer the reference for the rear-exhaust as my case has terrible airflow (NZXT H440).
 
I'll wait patiently and I'm sure they will respond 

Stephenk291
Hmm interesting. on Friday I started my step-up to the reference version of the 980, now its gone from the step-up list and only the ACX cooler is showing. Wonder why they switched.
 
Could someone from EVGA chime in?

 
I stepped up last week from a GTX 770 to 980 with reference cooler.  Now I see that the reference has been eliminated and the 980 with ACX 2.0 available as an option.  Just curious why you prefer the reference?  I was thinking about cancelling my step up and starting over to get the ACX 2.0.  Not sure if it's worth the hassle.  I do like the reference design tho, but I also like the ACX 2.0 design too...

Stephenk291
well the reason why I'm hesitant now is because the issues people are posting regarding the cooler. I don't care design wise, but if there are problems with cooling..then that's an issue for me and I'd rather stick with the reference card.  My issue is since they've removed the reference card entirely does that mean my step-up automatically changes or will I get the reference one?
 
Guess I'll email EVGA or wait for a post here.

I would think that we would get the reference card.
As for the issues with the heat pipes, how do we know that wasn't an issue with just the 970, and just a few of them, not widespread?
I saw the pics of the 970, but is there evidence of the 980 having the same issue - again, widespread?

Stephenk291
Well I guess its speculation at this point, all the photos are 970's only but we'll see. I'll certainly post whatever reply from them from email/phone conversation.

Yeah, please do. I notice you're active on here, you're knowledgeable and you're pushing the issue with cs.  
Really appreciate it on behalf of all of us in a similar position. 

Here is the CS Response I received regarding my original step-up.
*using my step-up for the reference model and having it be removed from the step-up list*
 
 
"You should be locked in for the reference 2980. We simply ran out of stock on that model, so we switched the model to the 2981 in order to facilitate more step ups. If you prefer the ACX 2.0 model, you can always cancel your step up and resubmit for the 2981 as long as you're still within your step up period."

Probably just stick with the reference at this point. I don't feel like cancelling my step-up and getting put at the end of the line plus I'm a bit leary on the ACX issues until its sorted out I won't fully make my decision.

If you live in US/Canada then you should do it.