Funny how the NVIDIA base design and all other board partners use pads in those places. And now that a major problem has been revealed, they are going to be included on all future EVGA cards being manufactured.
 
...but remember, they are totally optional.

EVGATech_ChrisB
Hi Everyone,
 
We are sorry for any confusion as the thermal pads are shipping out as they do become available to assist our customers.  We appreciate everyone patience while we process these requests and please keep in mind that these pads are optional and in no way required.
 

are you guys going to send pads for stock pads replacement too?


 

I think it's ridiculous the world is blowing up over these thermal pads. Turn your fans up. "I don't like noise" well I prefer keeping my card cooler for better ocing and also the fans aren't even that loud at 60%.

GloR1ouS_
I think it's ridiculous the world is blowing up over these thermal pads. Turn your fans up. "I don't like noise" well I prefer keeping my card cooler for better ocing and also the fans aren't even that loud at 60%.

Unfortunately you can't cool components with direct airflow anymore, thanks to the design philosophy of putting "cool looking" middle plates between the pcb and the cooler and a backplate on the back. You can spin your fans to 100% all the time, but the middle plate will prevent any direct air flow. That's why it's important that the plate is properly connected to the hot components by a thermal pad. Then the heat goes from component to pad to plate and the plate gets the airflow and the heat gets moved away. No thermal pad or thermal pad too thin? You now have an air gap between hot component and middle plate. In this gap the air heats up but can't move away. That is the worst case scenario. That is exactly why you see pictures of burned cards.
 
And no, the world isn't blowing up, but in case you haven't noticed: people bought a 400-600 Dollar / Euro graphics cards that is literally burning itself up, because EVGA didn't place a thermal pad that costs a few cents. That justifies a few angry forum posts in my opinion.

acxcoolerssuck
are you guys going to send pads for stock pads replacement too?

I'd like some replacement pads for the RAM too, in case they are not properly connecting to the plate. Which seems to be the case for a lot of people.

GloR1ouS_
I think it's ridiculous the world is blowing up over these thermal pads. Turn your fans up. "I don't like noise" well I prefer keeping my card cooler for better ocing and also the fans aren't even that loud at 60%.

Sorry i paid premium for a premium product and what is offered with it and i want it fixed as fast as possible I am having the fans running all the time but that is no solution as i don't feel comfortable stressing my card as is, I get it **** happens but at least we need communication from EVGA. Which just happened so i hope the pads will ship soon.