I'm a new member, a new purchaser, and have in fact never previously purchased any kind of "high"-end video card. In fact, as I stated in another post, my 1080 FTW is still shrink wrapped on my parts shelf waiting for some other couple of things to arrive for my first ever "rig" to come together.
I considered a few other cards but in the end I chose EVGA's implementation - admittedly, primarily because of the promised slow spin up profile of the fans that it ships with; but just as important was the community's perception of this company's customer service. That last bit is what sold me.
I'm within my window to return this card, but I'm going to keep it. I'm going to apply the thermal pads and I'm going to check the VRAM pads as well....and indeed have already ordered an after market thermal pad product from a manufacturer in Germany (from a distributor in the USA but still a ridiculously expensive shipping proposition, not to mention the silly exchange rate and exorbitant cost of the thermal mitigation product in the first place) at my own expense. Why?
Because I really like companies that stand behind their products. I find that to be honourable and that makes me proud to be an owner.
Everyone makes mistakes. Learning from them is what makes us good human beings. :)
Btw, that hybrid water cooler for the card looks pretty darn sweet. I wish I'd known about it earlier...anyway, I'm taking a good hard look at that once my wallet inflates a bit again.