See below for updates
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This is the sixth issue or gripe I've had with this card. 

• I didn't mind the lack of stickers and booklet in the box
• I didn't mind the random loss of signal (tested other card and drivers, no issue)
• I didn't mind the higher-than-average GPU temperatures (but within specifications)
• I didn't mind the card, on rare occassions, producing a black screen and the fans spinning up (RMA started)
• I didn't mind the thermal pad "mod" to fix an issue EVGA overlooked
• I DO mind the card exploding, causing the inside of my case to change to a brilliant white colour, as well as the loud bang and 'sizzle' noise
• I DO mind smell so obnoxious that I needed to leave my apartment
• I DO mind other components now semi-working or not working at all
• I DO mind the USA lack of care (Germany was helpful)

 
What Happened
I was playing CS:GO - hardly a stressful game for a 1080 FTW - and the following happened:

1. Off work due to stress, trying to relax.
2. Start CS:GO with EVGA P XOC stats displayed
3. Temperature shows 65°C or so
4. Play one match, no issues
5. Mid-way through second match and see (from under my desk) the entire inside of the case brighter than the Sun, closely followed by a very loud bang
6. Computer makes a noise and then turns off
7. Remove card
8. Test spare PSU and PC won't boot
9. Use original PSU and PC boots then turns off
10. Try again and PC turns on
11. Notice marks near the PCI-E slot on the motherboard (the damage in the photos is on the PCI-E side of the card).

 
Overclock (ignore signature)

1. EVGA P XOC 
2. Core + 50
3. Memory + 400
4. NO voltage
5. Fan Curve 45°C=70%, 55°C=80%, 65°C=90%, 75°C=100%
6. BIOS 2 was in use at the time

Photos
Notes:
- the metal grill had a couple of bits that fell off when taking the photo - it was not completely burnt but the supports around it were
- notice the discolouration on the board
- notice the 'crispy' parts of the board
- The backplate was removed after the event. No modifications or changes had been made to the card prior to the 'blowing up' incident.
 



 

 

 

 
Additional
EVGA's US reply: "there's no proof that the card caused damage to the rest of the computer."
EVGA's DE reply: "sorry, please send photos followed by the card and we'll see what we can do."
UK Consumer Advice bottom line: "if true, the damage to other parts appears to be caused by the faulty component (1080)"
Overclockers advice: "Asus and other manufacturers are unlikely to replace the parts due to a component 'blowing up', this falls under Consequential Loss and it's odd that EVGA would not offer a 'goodwill gesture' to avoid negative press and restore the customer's faith"
 
Thanks, EVGA! 
 
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UPDATE 17-11-2016
Jan from EVGA called and we spoke about my concerns and damage caused. He's working on rectifying the issue to my satisfaction.
 
The card is being collected tomorrow. 
 
10/10 for Jan's phone call, I'll see if this helpful, friendly, and caring attitude continues and keep you updated.
 
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UPDATE 18-11-2016
An man came to collect the item, but did not bring suitable packaging (a bag and label, as I understood he would) so the collection has been delayed until Jan is able to re-arrange it.
 
I will continue to post updates for those interested.
 
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UPDATE 18-11-2016
The PCI-E slot appears to be dead.
 
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UPDATE 21-11-2016
The card has been collected and will be sent to Taiwan.
 
I have spoken with Jan about the motherboard and a solution is being worked out. We are due to talk on Wednesday or Thursday.
 
A suitable replacement for 1080 has been agreed upon and I'm happy with that.
 
So far, 8/10 (the -2 is the for the North American call centre).

Ouch! So you took off the FTW backplate and left it off? That sucks badly... it *might* have kept the popped components from hitting the other stuff in your case.
 
Edit: what PSU are you using and do you use an UPS? I'm just curious.

arestavo
Ouch! So you took off the FTW backplate and left it off? That sucks badly... it *might* have kept the popped components from hitting the other stuff in your case.

Sorry, I should have added that I removed the backplate AFTER the incident to inspect the damage. I've not modified the card at all or removed any part since owning it.
 
Edit: I have a Corsair RM850x PSU and a surge protector. I live in an area with stable power and the electrics are only six-years-old

clear case to prove how good Evga's support really is. thumbs down for EVGA's US reply, that's a no go imo.

sahafiec
clear case to prove how good Evga's support really is. thumbs down for EVGA's US reply, that's a no go imo.

Yes, that left my fuming. I'm already off work due to high stress and I could do without this right now. 
 
I also can't get rid of the burnt plastic and electronics smell from my apartment. I've moved the tower into another room, opened windows and doors, and I can still smell it.

I'm sure EVGA will step up and make this right. 

This is really unfortunate. I'm really sorry for you and your PC. This really stinks. I don't know what EVGA was thinking selling cards worth $500, $700 +  without pads that cost at the most $10.
They are also taking weeks to ship the thermal mod pads and I was just thinking the other day.... WHAT IF a card blowup so bad that it burns the entire rest of the PC???
Welp there we have it. Now again EVGA customer support is great and the CEO said that they will stand behind their customers. Try to bring this to their attention and I'm pretty sure they will make it up for you.
There could be legal problems if they don't.
Selling a product to a customer that has factory issues, setting his apartment with smoke and blowing the rest of his computer is not exactly what they want behind the EVGA reputation ;)
 

orlando2542
This is really unfortunate. I'm really sorry for you and your PC. This really stinks. I don't know what EVGA was thinking selling cards worth $500, $700 +  without pads that cost at the most $10.
They are also taking weeks to ship the thermal mod pads and I was just thinking the other day.... WHAT IF a card blowup so bad that it burns the entire rest of the PC???
Welp there we have it. Now again EVGA customer support is great and the CEO said that they will stand behind their customers. Try to bring this to their attention and I'm pretty sure they will make it up for you.
There could be legal problems if they don't.
Selling a product to a customer that has factory issues, setting his apartment with smoke and blowing the rest of his computer is not exactly what they want behind the EVGA reputation ;)
 

I hope EVGA does make this right. The US office's reply certainly did anger me somewhat. I'll also point out that the price difference (GBP->USD) means this card cost ~$820. A $700 card in the US is generally a £650 card in the UK.

First and foremost, a resistor could still pop with the thermal pads on it. The most it will do is contain the flash/arc and make things smell even worse.

Second, sorry to hear about the loss. Hopefully EVGA EU is able to help you out. When outside of the US, contacting the us support team will usually push you over to the EU team.

It is also important to note that modt manufacturers do not replace components that arent theirs when something happens.. Asus sometimes wont even replace their own components.

Give EVGA a chance and let them see the pictures you took.

Also, not all support staff work in an EVGA office. Some work through satellite locations, and do not always have the correct answer.

I am going to forward this up to an EVGA Tech and try to get you some help.

I just hope this doesn't go the same road as  the Galaxy Note 7 and EVGA ending up recalling the entire  FTW  lineup.