Hi all,
EVAG 1080 Ti SC2 runs at 85c at 90% fan speed while gaming, no OC. Not sure if this is normal. I have two 140mm intake at the front and 2 exhausts in my Meshify C. Other wise, when no load is applied, it's dead silent. 
 
I am suspicious the thermal paste has not been applied adequately. However, upon unscrewing the four screws (silver ones with springs) on the back of the GPU and the 3 that hold the cooler in place, I cannot take the entire cooler off due to one of the heat pipes being blocked by the screw stand off. The only solution is to unscrew the I/O shield of the GPU but I do not know how to do that. 
 
Picture attached for reference. 80C at 1850-2000RPM in War Thunder lobby menu... Any tips? 
 
Edit: image link https:// imgur. com/a/VZCET
CPU: 1700 @ 3.7GHz with Noctua D15
RAM: Corsair LPX 3200Mhz
Case: Fractal Design Meshify C
GPU: 1080 Ti SC2 iCX
 
edit Cool GTX link: https://imgur.com/a/VZCET
 

Assuming you have good intake and exhaust on your case, and the fans are indeed spinning properly, I would personally reapply the paste as well (also ensuring all the screws are on all the way). It shouldn't be too hard to do, but you haven't listed what card you have.

Sorry the card is in the title, I will make more clear in OP. Yes I have double checked and fans are in correct orientation. Two intakes front (140mm), two exhaust top, one exhaust back.
 
I have tried but it's impossible to take the whole shroud off without undoing the IO shield as well. The shield blocks the silver shroud which cannot move laterally because of a screw stand off. Would you suggest spreading the paste or line method? 

DRY_ICE
Ah, yeah I missed that. There should be more screws behind the backplate that you're missing in order to get the heatsink off. You're just missing those screws.
 
As far as TIM method I've done numerous and find best results with a decent blob in the center and the 4 corners with tiny dots, but they're all close in performance tbh as long as you put enough on.
 
edit: I've attached an image showing a couple of the points you probably missed... They're small black screws roughly around 10 I believe.
 

The fan does come off, its that the shroud is stuck between the rear IO shield and a stand off. I have linked a picture I marked up. https:// imgur. com/a/CiWXx

DRY_ICE
It's hard to tell from that picture but it looks as if there's still a screw holding that part in place. You flipped to the back and took out all the small black screws?
 
Also, is there a reason you want to strip it down further? If you want to reapply paste you can do it from there and just make sure all screws are fastened tightly without stripping.

Undoing the black screws would mean taking off the GPU's back plate and everything else. I do not want to strip it further, the issue is that is in the way of me removing the cooler. I just have to lift the cooler right now but that is placed between a head pipe. I would be able to reapply it but with only one hand while the other hand is holding the cooler. 
 
If you can find a high resolution picture, I'd be happy to show you haha. 

DRY_ICE
If you need to get closer I think you'll need to fully strip it as I stated before by taking off the back screws. If you want to apply paste the way you have it broken down in the picture it'll be fine as long as you clean off the old paste and drop a pea sized amount in the middle of the chip and squish it down. Pretty much your two options I believe.

EVGA told me that 80C is normal to them and it does not really warrant an RMA. Guess taking it apart is my only real option?

DRY_ICE
You won't void the warranty just be sure to put it back the way it came. If your low load gaming temps are a result of bad paste/placement or poor contact between the heatsink and the chip you'll be able to tell by reapplying the paste and re-securing all the screws properly. I've had more than one gpu that had significant heat issues due to paste application (though never EVGA cards).
 
Also, in my opinion replacing the TIM on the chip with quality compound such as thermal grizzly should be done anyway if you want the best temps.

I heard that liquid metal eats away at the surface of the GPU. Hearing 50/50 opinions from forums etc. What do you think?

DRY_ICE
I would absolutely not use liquid metal for your GPU. There's not much room for error and cleanup is very difficult. I'll personally only use liquid metal underneath the IHS of a cpu if you decide to delid as that can be contained and resealed.
 
If you're looking for a paste recommendation I believe I last used Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut for my water cooled 1080Ti and it rarely goes above low 40sC.

Thanks for the help mate. I will attempt to reapply the thermal paste before going through EVGA's RMA process. Heard they would send back a refurbished product which it sometimes hit and miss. Also $75 AUD shipping..