So what do you guys make of these dark spots on the back of my card?

They are residue like Scarlet Sajin said, if you look at the backplate..there is four thermal pads that go on the back of where the chip is.
edit: as for the other pictures, they do look a bit suspicious.

stevenli1966
They are residue like Scarlet said, if you look at the backplate..there is four thermal pads that go on the back of where the chip is.
edit: as for the other pictures, they do look a bit suspicious.

You mean Sajin
 
Scarlet-Tech Has not yet Posted on this Thread.

Oh right Sajin 

stevenli1966
Oh right Sajin 

We Know Who You Like

RKarov
So what do you guys make of these dark spots on the back of my card?

 
Yeh if thats the same spots as where the pads where, then i wouldn't be too concerned about that area.
The black PCB's tend pick up finger residue easily as-well, i try to handle mine with gloves now whenever
possible. I'd say the largest concern at this point, if no scorching is to be seen, will be your memory
modules. If a gap exists there, its anyone's guess as to how much unseen damage was done. This could
be further exacerbated by the VRM's adding more heat in that area. Any black screens yet ?

NucleusX

RKarov
So what do you guys make of these dark spots on the back of my card?

 
Yeh if thats the same spots as where the pads where, then i wouldn't be too concerned about that area.
The black PCB's tend pick up finger residue easily as-well, i try to handle mine with gloves now whenever
possible. I'd say the largest concern at this point, if no scorching is to be seen, will be your memory
modules. If a gap exists there, its anyone's guess as to how much unseen damage was done. This could
be further exacerbated by the VRM's adding more heat in that area. Any black screens yet ?

No none so far thank god.  I noticed some of the thermal-pad glue on the plate so I assume that they are making contact.  My concern as you just said is that the VRMs are running out of spec and have caused damage already, time will tell.

Yeh hard to say, I'm dreading having to do mine. Not so worried about the job itself, just the nasty surprises
i might find, but that won't be till i have the pads here, then the thing gets a royal treatment. I really like
what i have, so i don't really want to let go of it unless i really have to. I think all this trouble is worth it tho.

I am waiting for a reply from EVGA, it has been a day since I sent the email so hopefully tomorrow they will back to me.  Good luck with your card.  This whole situation is so disappointing. :(

Thanks ! don't let it get you down, you just might have a good card for years to come when you get those pads in. And its nice
to know EVGA will be there to correct any loses if they come our way within the warranty period. I guess its mostly down to how
much your prepared commit yourself to EVGA for the long haul. Goodluck, and keep us updated, i'll post my deconstruction too.