vaN7guard
I bought a 1070 FTW from Newegg on Friday, it's still in transit. If I buy my own thermal pads and install them for the VRAM/VRM etc instead of waiting for a thermal mod from EVGA, would this void my warranty?
 
I've read that installing aftermarket coolers is fine, but that it has to be RMAd with the original cooler in 'factory condition'. I'm not planning on using an aftermarket cooler (at least not yet), just making sure I have good contact with thermal pads on all the critical chips. Does this mean I have to hold onto the original thermal pads too?

No it wouldn't void your warranty as long as you buy the proper size pads and they make the correct contact. No, you do not have to hold on to and install the original pads, that would be kinda silly for them to want you to do, lol. Yes, you can install a aftermarket cooler np, but yes, if you do a rma you have to send the card back in its original condition with the original, stock cooler. The main concept they are trying to get across to you is that, during a RMA/Warranty situation that is, the gcard has to be exactly as you got it the day you opened it. It cant be painted, solder modded, have stickers stuck to it etc..... it cannot be physically changed from the day one look/setup. Of course, light scratches, superficial dings and dents, slight discoloration etc.... are common and not a problem for a rma/warranty cause its a used product. The ultimate goal for them is to be able to test them, fix them and resell them as bstock and use them for RMA orders. Hope that helps. :)

nvm, found a reference at: 
 

• "Narrow" thermal pad for inductors: ~1.8mm x ~27mm x ~109mm
  
• "Wide" thermal pad for rear-side of PCB: ~2mm x ~56mm x ~109mm