Honestly, I'm not going to worry about the BIOS update or adding thermal pads.. just going to use evga precision and set it to aggressive fan speed. The only change I made to the fan curve is keeping the fans at 5% around 30C (it idles this when I'm doing nothing). Should I be ok since the first thing I do after a restart is open precision for the temperature reading right in the info bar?
 
 

octy96
HI!
 
How do I know if my BIOS is in Primary?

Check with GPU-Z, if the bios version contains a "00", you're on the primary, if it's "01", you're on the secondary bios.

With all the images, peoples views, it does look like a defect in the application of the pads. The Bios update is just fan curves, not solving the defect which will remain. It is hardware, not software.

I am tempted to do an advanced RMA as my card is brand new in the box although it says I need a ticket for my registered card.

Big question is how would I be able to see the difference between an EVGA fixed GPU or a person who has done it via DIY (more likely good if not better as the care involved) by looking at the box? Is there a new code or change to some description that lets the buyer know it is an EVGA fixed card?

Lastly, would I receive back a new card or a refurbished one?

Really do need some help and guidance on this Ladies and Gents.

Thank you!

Im just curious why I havent received any update on my thermal pad request .

Yeah, me too. What is going on? You have 2mil pads to ship??? And what about all those people who bought your card but not browsing forums?? 

Did anyone noticed that there are 2 different thermal pad application guide? 
When you click on the link provided in the 2nd message from your cell, the guide is quite different than what we see in evga's statement. The one on the phone is more extensive with 5 more steps and it has 3 more thermal pads called VRM pads. 
 
I think it asks you to replace VRM pads which are already in place as far as I understand from steps.
 
EVGA,
what are you trying to do?? 
 

 
 

the above extended guide is about VRM chip pad mod. Someone in reddit had mentioned that thermal pads on VRM chips are not pressed between baseplate and card. 
In the post, you will see 3 different link. You can check those and read comments. 
 
 
I am applying thermal pads tomorrow and will definitely check these VRM chip pads. thank god I bought extra thermal pads.
 
 
 
 
 
 

To be honest this whole thing has left a pretty sour taste in my mouth. Spend $620+ on a GPU, and find out that it's prone to overheating/burning, then apply the BIOS patch, only to now have a card that runs noisy anytime a game is open. I can also choose to try and disassemble the card myself and apply some hacky pads, or send it in and get a refurbished GPU back to me with them applied.
 
This was not the product I originally paid for. I opted for the EVGA ACX 3.0 card because of the supposedly quiet and better cooling. Come to find out that it's now become noisier than when I bought it, and the thermals are actually worse and the card may be prone to burning unless I either modify it myself or accept a used/refurbished product. EVGA should just wipe the egg from their face on this situation and issue a recall.

That would be a good idea, but doubt that will ever happen.

 
Got my new replacement card and the pads are pre-installed with new bios.
The first thing i notice is that the GPU heat is somewhat higher then my original card. So far i'm playing Diablo3 which isnt that heavy. Before i was max at 55 but now i reach 60ish.
Not a huge deal as the fan goes to 1000RPM and keep it stable. Just never reached 60 with this game.
Will try some more heavy games during weekend.
Still very impressed with the fast delivery and the support. They respond very fast. No other brand is this good in term of customer support as far as i know. So kudos to EVGA for this.