It's 7 days since I applied for an RMA and the decision is still pending approval.
I've had a 980 Ti securely packed up and ready to go for a week and I can still smell the burning from the box.
If I'd know the process was so slow I would have gone for the Advanced shipping option.
Any way to change this?

RMA rates slow down while stock is exhausted. I would guess that they are trying to obtain more stock, prioritize how the stock is allotted, and determine which replacement card to offer you. 980 Ti video cards have been dieing at a rapid rate recently, so they probably don't have any more 980 Ti video cards in stock except for ones returned from RMA which still need to be tested and verified defective. So, unless they find a 980 Ti which is easy to repair, they are probably considering upgrading you to a 10 series card, which is also currently suffering a lack of stock. Hang in there! EVGA probably hasn't contacted you about it because they want to be professional and not alert you about their current stocking issues. The longer it takes, the more likely that your replacement will be a brand new, probably soon to be announced, 20 series card. The 10 series is End Of Life, is no longer being manufactured, and 10 series stock is mostly depleted -- other than 3rd parties/scalpers. The 20 series has been in the manufacturing process for a number of months, stock is increasing, but no one is allowed to officially talk about it or announce it yet.

Muleman59
It's 7 days since I applied for an RMA and the decision is still pending approval.
I've had a 980 Ti securely packed up and ready to go for a week and I can still smell the burning from the box.
If I'd know the process was so slow I would have gone for the Advanced shipping option.
Any way to change this?

hang in there bud... i sent in my card, they received it on the 2nd. I am still waiting for a card to be shipped. 
like others have posted, the card stocks seem to be low which is causing longer waits than usual. 
EVGA has our backs and will get the rma process moving once stocks are back to good. while not a fan of the waiting game, i know it's not their fault. 
I have a back up 7950 to get me through until. 
Also don't let this reflect any negatives on EVGA as they are still the best in business when it comes to their customer service. 
 

Those “stains” are just the oil from the thermal pads usually. It is non-conductive and can not damage the components. The failure was probably just a capacitor that failed.

I am in the same boat, my 980ti caught on fire and sent it in to EVGA RMA. I have been waiting since February 1 for a replacement.
 
Since the wait was too long I bought a 1080ti the other day. It was sold out within 10 minutes. 

Hello,
 
I apologize for the long wait, EU RMAs are handled differently than US in terms of approvals and have longer waiting periods for review and approval. 

I sent my 980ti Hybrid back and the replacement has been preparing to ship since 2/6/18.  I spoke to a rep yesterday and they said they are behind on their RMA's so i guess the shortage issue is real.  Waiting patiently, LOL.  I'm in the US by the way.
 
Update:  My card is still being prepared for shipment but they are replacing my 980ti hybrid with the  08G-P4-6288-KR (1080 FTW Hybrid).  I guess the 980ti's are gone, but I'm OK with that :).

Thought best to update and people often moan on forums but then don't praise when due.
It took a week to get approval but once accepted I posted the 980ti next day delivery.
Within 48 hours the RMA had been accepted and a replacement was on it way.
Top service.

am looking to purchase an EVGA card in the near? future so its good to read positive feedback on their after sales care!