Hi all, this is my first post here. I had built a new setup and opted for EVGA 970SC as graphics card. Once I noticed that the gfx fan was making a lot of noise and I thought the issue was with the fact that the weather was getting warmer. I live in Malta (Europe) and it can get pretty warm even inside. However I noticed that the issue was that one fan only was working. Since the 2 year warranty provided by seller I opted for RMA, and sent the card over.
 
EVGA were kind enough and sent me a GFX970SSC (upgrade) but this card failed within one week. No display, and the fans not turning, hence sent this card back for RMA...
 
This time EVGA were nicer and I got an FTW+.... (yeaaahh). Well I was so happy for 5 weeks... as I was playing Fortnite and the pc crashed... (screen froze). I rebooted and the pc just hangs on trying to load windows. EVGA support told me to check card on another system since it could be an issue with my PSU or motherboard, but I tried it on 3 different computers and same error. I could only boot in safe mode, and when I try to install the Nvidia driver the system hangs. EVGA  support told me to submit ticket since I qualify for RMA, but since I was desperate I tried to flashed a custom firmware to the card, hoping to bring it back to life... end result NOTHING.
 
So I would like to kindly ask whether you think that if send the card back to EVGA and they see there is a non-default firmware, will this void the RMA??
 
Thank you.

But the card did not work even in other sytems...
 
My spec:
CPU Intel i-5 4690
Mobo: Gigabyte ga-z97p-d3
PSU: beQuiet! System Power 7 700W
NZXT Kraken x31 water cooling
RAM 8GB Ballistix
Samsung SSD 840 250GB

While I agree with Dr.Death, that it's very uncommon to have to 3 cards fail within that short of time, it's also not uncommon to see refurbished cards fail hours to weeks later, after receiving them. I've personally had 2 replacement cards fail in a similar fashion. The last being a 660 Ti, which lasted a few weeks before failing. I baked in the oven for about 8min(card was no longer under warranty) which brought it back to life for another week before it finally gave up the ghost for good. My personal experience with refurbs is a hit or miss. Now whether OP got a refurb, return, or a new card who knows. But again, very unlikely, i'd also be aiming towards PSU or Motherboard.

RicoF74
So I would like to kindly ask whether you think that if send the card back to EVGA and they see there is a non-default firmware, will this void the RMA??
 
Thank you.

Yes, it will void the warranty. You need to flash the original vbios back onto the card before sending it in.

bob16314
Last I knew, you can RMA as long as one BIOS is an original/approved BIOS, unless that's changed now.

Where did you see that?

Sajin

bob16314
Last I knew, you can RMA as long as one BIOS is an original/approved BIOS, unless that's changed now.

Where did you see that?

Poked around for a little bit and found Post #3 here..Can't right off find a couple other posts I seen from EVGA Techs that I thought they said it's okay.

From our Warranty Page, under Product Condition: 

• Unauthorized changes to the BIOS or Firmware on graphics card that do not have a Multiple BIOS option may cause this warranty to be null and void.

As long as at least one of the BIOSes is stock there shouldn't be any issues. 

maybe add/ footnote that in the warrantee support / terms page  ?? 
 
that's not as said '' The product must be returned to EVGA in the original factory configuration and condition ''  change any bios and that's a change to that  '' original factory configuration and condition'' clause  or a scapegoat item , cause its not  original ??  [opinion] 
 
in the end as long as your approved that's all that maters