1) Did I miss the issue of getting a free powerlink? My case won't shut..
 
2) How can I see if my 1080 FTW had the thermal pad installed? I just bought it this weekend.
 
3) Should I return my 1080 FTW to microcenter and just get a MSI?
 
EVGA cutting corners will get there clients to move to other companies.
 

1) not sure what you are asking. What issue are you referring to?

2) look at the back of the card, you will see the thermal pad through the backplate.

3) noone can tell you what to do, that is up to you.

EVGA didn't cut corners. They have been using the same design for years. The only change was the fan speed being much lower than normal. Set the bios to the slave bios switch and your card will be fine. I'm using an FTW on the slave bios and have zero issues with the fan running at 50% rather than the master bios 30%.

Thanks! I guess is it too late to get a "free" powerlink? My issue is the case won't shut.
 
 

What case is it?

The power link offer ended yesterday. Where are you located and when did you our chase your card? Go to your respective region and search the PowerLink offer and then scroll to the bottom of the offer page, and you should see if you have a qualifying product.

Make sure your card is registered and your invoice is uploaded.

NZXT S340.   I bought the card on Friday at MC - I will upload my receipt. That is great news.
 
The Ship date of the GPU was 9/20 - Maybe I got lucky and had the thermal pad installed.