Simon Belmont
Did I read that right?   If we update VBIOS on card we don't need thermal pads or do we need both new vbios update and pads?

Supposedly not. But at Gamer Nexus they tested a 1080 FTW with and without the thermal mod. With the VBIOS update (higher fan speed) alone, the VRM read 95c (they tested at a nice ambient temperature of 22c mind you). With the VBIOS update plus the thermal mod the VRM went down to 81c. So that's a pretty substantial difference.

EVGA_JacobF

EVGA GeForce GTX 1080/1070 PWM Operating Temperature Update
 
11/1/2016 - Recently, it was reported from several sources, that the EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 FTW PWM and memory temperature is running warmer than expected during Furmark (an extreme stress utility).
 
EVGA has investigated these reports and after extensive testing, below are our findings:

• On ACX 3.0, EVGA focused on GPU temperature and the lowest acoustic levels possible. Running Furmark, the GPU is around 70C +/- and the fan speed is running approximately 30% duty cycle or lower.
• However, during recent testing, the thermal temperature of the PWM and memory, in extreme circumstances, was marginally within spec and needed to be addressed.

Conclusion: EVGA offers full warranty support on its products, with cross-ship RMA*, and stands behind its products and commitment to our customers.
 
To resolve this, EVGA will be offering a VBIOS update, which adjusts the fan-speed curve to ensure sufficient cooling of all components across all operating temperatures.  This VBIOS will be released in the next few days and users can download it and update their cards directly.   This update resolves the potential thermal issues that have been reported, and ensures the card maintains safe operating temperatures.
 
For those users who want additional cooling beyond the VBIOS update, EVGA has optional thermal pads available.  This update is not required, however; EVGA will make it available free of charge to any customer who is interested. To request the thermal pad kit, please visit www.evga.com/thermalmod 
 
Any customer who is not comfortable performing the recommended VBIOS update, may request a warranty cross-shipment* to exchange the product to EVGA for an updated replacement.
All graphics cards shipped from EVGA after 11/1/2016 will have the VBIOS update applied.
 
*The EVGA EAR(Advanced RMA Program) and Cross Shipping options are available in the Continental United States, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, EU, UK, Norway, and Switzerland.  EVGA offers Standard RMA replacement options in the Middle East, Africa, India or outside of the before mentioned supported areas.
 
FAQ
 
Q. Which cards are supported by these updates?
A. EVGA ACX 3.0 GeForce GTX 1080, 1070 or 1060 cards with the following part numbers:

 
*Founders Edition, Blower type, HYBRID, and HYDRO COPPER cards do not need these updates.
 
Q. If my Graphics Card is not an ACX 3.0 design is it affected?
A. No, all other GPUs sold by EVGA including Founders Edition, Blower type, HYBRID, and HYDRO COPPER editions are unaffected.

 

Q. Does the VBIOS fix the temperature issues?
A. Yes, the VBIOS update will fix the temperature issues.
 
Q. Is my card damaged from running at a higher temperature?
A. No, but should any future warranty service be needed, EVGA stands behind its products.
 
Q. What happens if my card is accidentally damaged during the optional thermal pad installation?
A. EVGA will stand behind its customers with full warranty and cross-shipment.*
 
Q. What if I am not comfortable updating my VBIOS?
A. While EVGA has very user friendly ways to update VBIOS’s, if you still do not feel comfortable, we will support you with and advanced RMA and ship you a replacement card with the latest VBIOS.  

Jacob, 

I have an unusual question for you on these. If someone converted their FTW to the hybrid kits, would they have to go back and install these new thermal pads on the VRM?  Would it help the temperatures on those cards?  I see from the installation PDF, they had a much thicker pad on the backside so I would think this would be helpful with those cards.
 
Zalster

shannonjpower 
I'm slightly confused tho, I just looked at the instructions again and we are meant to apply the pad ontop of the chokes??? Is this correct? Chokes don't normally get hot and require active cooling? Is the pad meant to go behind the chokes towards the back of the card where the mosfest sits as this is where most heat would be generated. Seems a tad odd to be using the chokes to carry heat from the VRM section considering they also don't make any contact with the midplate itself.

I don't think the pad should be installed on top of the chokes. Looks like an error in the instructions to me. The pad should be installed where the mosfet's are located.
 

Simon Belmont
Did I read that right?   If we update VBIOS on card we don't need thermal pads or do we need both new vbios update and pads?

That is correct. You don't need the pads unless you want to make the card even cooler.
 

jamexr
Great, thanks. I still ordered them in case I ever sell the card and put it back to stock so I don't pass the problem to another owner. So when is the BIOS being released?

Next few days.
 
 
 
 

nvm got my answer in the post above

My 1080 ftw run hot in some games.. In gears of war 4 it reach 77 degree.. I'm already using an aggressive fan profile, do you think that it's better to open an rma? Thermal pads will not change operating temperatures.. So maybe there's something strange on my card :(

Seen 2 different versions of installing the thermal pads while browsing this forum. One covering the chokes and the other fitted on the right side of the exposed chokes. Mmm

Nice to see a bios update but I have some questions

Does this bios also includes the fix for micron vram?

How many days is the norm for the thermalmod approval?
Mine is stuck at Your request is awaiting approval for 4-5 days now.

Jacob Freeman :
nowhere in the OP does it say that cards coming from factory from now on will have thermal pads preinstalled.
 
What is the case with rma cards, will they have the pads pre-installed?
 
I am waiting to send my rma in because support did not yet indicate whether this was the plan or not.
Can you clairfy once and for all, if rma cards will ever get the thermal pads factory installed please?
 
Thanks, so I can rma now or wait.......?

If you RMA, they send you a new one with pad or they will just install pads for you ?

I'm confused here as EVGA stated in the other GTX 1080 FTW thread that the black screen/100% fan issue was a result of out of spec components and not related to the VRMs getting too hot (which is what the thermal pads are for).
 
Now I read this article: http://www.guru3d.com/news-story/evga-gtx-10701080-cards-almost-all-of-them-have-overheating-issues.html and then come on here to find that the default fan profile my new replacement card is using may not be sufficient to cool the VRMs after all since there will a new vBIOS that will increase the fan speeds (so I'm guessing no more 0% fans until the GPU hits 65 C).
 
That actually makes sense because when I used a custom fan profile in MSI Afterburner I did not see any further black screens while I waited for my replacement card to arrive.
 
So does my card have this issue or is it safe to continue using as is with the default fan profile?