There are other forum threads of people from the 23rd already moving ahead of you... i dont think the queue is in order as they say... some weird shenanigans going on with these 980's. To make it worse, evga support is watching the forums but just ignores this..

I also got the queue complete email. Was for a reference 980.

Sounds like they got a shipment of 980s in

TheStrictNein
Sounds like they got a shipment of 980s in

haha ironically goes against exactly what I said in my last post

I submitted for an ACX 2.0 EVGA GTX 980 on September 22nd, I got my notice last night and am on Step 2, I have submitted payment and I am awaiting shipping directions at this time so the queue is indeed moving. Whether it is in order or not, I have no idea. 

Sep 19 & reference for me.. still not a peep, still "Pending" on StepUp page.
 
 
That's fine if I'm not up in the queue yet like others that started on the 19th too(weird, but whatever..), but how in the hell are people that did it on the 23rd getting their notices?
 
 
This is getting ridiculous.  Waiting was fine, but now I feel like I'm being skipped entirely.  What the hell, EVGA?  At least break the silence and explain? Please?

wezlypipz
I submitted for an ACX 2.0 EVGA GTX 980 on September 22nd, I got my notice last night and am on Step 2, I have submitted payment and I am awaiting shipping directions at this time so the queue is indeed moving. Whether it is in order or not, I have no idea. 

I'll take this as good news, :)

I didn't apply for step-up until Sept. 26th..so I'll stay patient.

nicka19
Same here, the 19th, and nothing... I think at this point the queue is being worked at random.  So you have the same odds if you placed on the first day, or placed today.  
 
I bought my first 3 evga cards because of this program.  I will never again buy evga just for this program.  I now have such a bad taste in my mouth.

 
Honestly, this is why I switched my order from reference card to the ACX 2.0 as soon as it was placed on the Step Up list because I knew that reference models would be in high demand and short supply, but EVGA would keep making the ACX 2.0 model for a while. I would strongly suggest switching over the an ACX 2.0 if you are still within the 90 day window or if not, call EVGA and ask them to switch it for you without killing your step up. 
 
As for this program, I can't say the step up program is going to sway me towards one brand over another. I got EVGA because they are a reliable brand, the step up was just a cherry on top that I ended up getting to eat. I'm currently waiting for my card as I just shipped out my old one. My total completion time will be about roughly two months time for my step up from start to finish. 

Did mine on the 7th of Oct, I've heard nothing but reading this thread that seems to very normal. I stepped up to two 980 non-references from a pair of 780 ti's. I hope sometime next week I hear something or at least the week after, I mean even a "We're low on stock but we're trying" would be nice to hear from EVGA. No other company does this kind of thing and I for one am grateful for it. I mean if I would've bought ASUS like I was planing on, I would be left out in the dark....wouldn't be able to upgrade/

Either way, I'll continue to buy EVGA, great customer service and great cards, can't really say anything bad about them but that I wish they would communicate a little better, you don't have to give us the answer we want, just let us know what's going on, people hate to be left out in the dark.

shandy706

wezlypipz
I submitted for an ACX 2.0 EVGA GTX 980 on September 22nd, I got my notice last night and am on Step 2, I have submitted payment and I am awaiting shipping directions at this time so the queue is indeed moving. Whether it is in order or not, I have no idea. 

I'll take this as good news, :)

I didn't apply for step-up until Sept. 26th..so I'll stay patient.

i'm the 24th myself so i suppose it will be sooner than later.

Looks like the queue for the GTX 970 FTW is starting to move. I've just been notified I'm at stage 2 today.

Edit: Now stage 3.

Queue complete today, now on Step 2 after starting step up on September 19.  Jeez, finally!

andrewc513
Queue complete today, now on Step 2 after starting step up on September 19.  Jeez, finally!

Same here. 

Notified, and I submitted payment today.  980 Reference.  I'm excited.  Just what I need for 1600p.

thanks for the update guys, i may get lucky next week.