Thank you to everyone who responded and give me suggestions! I decided to still use my gpu but only to a minimal where I'm not intensely gaming or putting stress to it. I have already updated my bios and I will still wait for the thermal pads that will be shipping to me! 

EVGATech_ChrisB
Dear Athena,
 
EVGA has always tried to be there for our customers and we understand that the cooler the product runs the better the performance when overclocking.  Due to this we have not only offered the recommended VBIOS update, but also have gone one step further and are offering the optional Thermal Mod to help lower temps even further.  
 
It does appear that there is some confusion out there, but the information is very simply put on our thermal mod page at: http://www.evga.com/thermalmod/  for anyone to review.  Since we had some customers wanting to replace their VRAM thermal pads we started including those in the Thermal Mod kit as a accessory along with the Thermal Grease which is also optional to replace.
 

Athena
If it is "completely fine" why is EVGA bothering to fix it?  Seems strange, to me completely fine means just that, completely fine, not blasting the fans should help cover the heat but if the card does burn EVGA support will honor the warranty.

Hi, I thought the metro last light test loop exposed temperatures of ~96°C on the memory modules? is that ok? I thought the data sheet said 95°C operational maximum?

Hi Chris,
 
I am also worried about using my 1070 SC without the thermal pads. Actually what worries me most is that won't the continual use of the cards at high temps drastically reduce it's lifespan?
 
What's worse is that we won't even see the problem coming as you cannot monitor those temps. It's a really bad feeling when you want to be enjoying a game but you're constantly looking through the case window to look at the card hoping that it hasn't spontaneously combusted. I got this card just a week ago and instead of trying out all the games I couldn't crank all the way up, here I am worrying about even launching demanding games. A few days ago I got a hard lock while quitting out of Doom which could only be remedied by literally pulling the plug from the wall socket.
 
Maybe I am overreacting but that's how it is. I have never felt like this with any of my previous GPUs. Only time will tell if the supposed "optional" fixes are really optional. Let's hope it's not too late. I was expecting this card to last for at least 3 years.

EVGATech_ChrisB
Hi WrappedCorn,
 
Welcome to the Forums!
 
There seems to be some confusion here.  We do recommend to install the VBIOS update from http://www.evga.com/thermalmod/, but please keep in mind that everything else is optional.  
 
The Thermal Mod is optional and can help the product to run a little cooler, but it is not in anyway required.  The graphics card is within spec even without these updates, but just a little warmer than preferred in some circumstances and the recommended VBIOS addresses this concern.  
 
There is no need to change voltage or anything else on your product.

I thought that it is also enough to either do the thermal mod or install the new BIOS. Do I understand it correctly that installing the new BIOS is necessary any way?

Seriously, for those who dont want to use their gpu, can you imagine how much graphic cards evga sold in the world... if there was a so big issue, in that moment, we would have a lot and a lot of dead cards...

Is not the case ! If you dont overclock and have a good airflow in your computer, just play games and it will be fine !

ilyama
Seriously, for those who dont want to use their gpu, can you imagine how much graphic cards evga sold in the world... if there was a so big issue, in that moment, we would have a lot and a lot of dead cards...

Is not the case ! If you dont overclock and have a good airflow in your computer, just play games and it will be fine !

Ignorance is bliss...you sound exactly like someone who smokes cigarettes, they always say "Im fine, just keep smoking, nothing is going to happen"....

EVGATech_ChrisB
Dear Athena,
 
EVGA has always tried to be there for our customers and we understand that the cooler the product runs the better the performance when overclocking.  Due to this we have not only offered the recommended VBIOS update, but also have gone one step further and are offering the optional Thermal Mod to help lower temps even further.  
 
It does appear that there is some confusion out there, but the information is very simply put on our thermal mod page at:   for anyone to review.  Since we had some customers wanting to replace their VRAM thermal pads we started including those in the Thermal Mod kit as a accessory along with the Thermal Grease which is also optional to replace.
 

Replacing original VRAM thermal pads with gaps between VRAM chips and thermal pads by other ones thicker than original IS NOT OPTIONAL, IT'S HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

diegopl2

EVGATech_ChrisB
Dear Athena,
 
EVGA has always tried to be there for our customers and we understand that the cooler the product runs the better the performance when overclocking.  Due to this we have not only offered the recommended VBIOS update, but also have gone one step further and are offering the optional Thermal Mod to help lower temps even further.  
 
It does appear that there is some confusion out there, but the information is very simply put on our thermal mod page at:   for anyone to review.  Since we had some customers wanting to replace their VRAM thermal pads we started including those in the Thermal Mod kit as a accessory along with the Thermal Grease which is also optional to replace.
 

Replacing original VRAM thermal pads with gaps between VRAM chips and thermal pads by other ones thicker than original IS NOT OPTIONAL, IT'S HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

+1  also i will leave this here h t t p s://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCuEUqHj_cU

diegopl2

EVGATech_ChrisB
Dear Athena,
 
EVGA has always tried to be there for our customers and we understand that the cooler the product runs the better the performance when overclocking.  Due to this we have not only offered the recommended VBIOS update, but also have gone one step further and are offering the optional Thermal Mod to help lower temps even further.  
 
It does appear that there is some confusion out there, but the information is very simply put on our thermal mod page at:   for anyone to review.  Since we had some customers wanting to replace their VRAM thermal pads we started including those in the Thermal Mod kit as a accessory along with the Thermal Grease which is also optional to replace.
 

Replacing original VRAM thermal pads with gaps between VRAM chips and thermal pads by other ones thicker than original IS NOT OPTIONAL, IT'S HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Don't even bother listening to the mods and admins of this forum. They have lost all credibility.

I love this "fiasco". Just bought a second EVGA card, brand new 1070 FTW for 25% off cuz the seller crapped his pants reading articles on the interwebs  We will know in the future who made a bad deal, him or me