Previous thread, somewhat unrelated but details the temps that I was seeing: https://forums.evga.com/2...-m2979940.aspx#2979940
TL;DR: 83 C in an open case (side panel off). Might go higher if it weren't throttling at that point.
 
Stock: (notice the lack of paste in the upper part of the die)

 
Reapplied with line method (GC Extreme): (after screwing as tight as possible without damaging the PCB)

Unfortunately same result.

 
I have copper shims but unfortunately they don't fit the rectangular size of this particular RTX die and part of it hangs over the metal parts around the die, way too risky.
 
I thought it might have been the thermal pads right above the die but I got the same result even when all thermal pads on the VRM plate were removed. Sigh.
 
I also inconveniently ran out of paste after taking that last picture so I can't test if putting more paste around the upper part of the die would fix it, though I presume it would help. I don't think it would solve the high temps completely though because of how uneven the mounting pressure is.
 
I just wanted to share this information because I've had unreasonably high temps with this card and telling other owners that it might be worth reapplying TIM on this card. Also, EVGA please don't ignore QC on budget cards.

The whole GPU die Needs to be covered ---> replacing TIM should Help 

Actually quite like this paste. Very easy to spread unlike GC Extreme.
 
I used a T method on the die (vertical line + horizontal line along the upper part of the die) and wow my temps are okay now. I got max of 78 C doing a super intensive test using Talos Principle with SGSSA x4 and MSAA x8 to stress the GPU. I can finally relax my fan curves and achieve livable noise levels. Dishonored 2 is now averaging 74 C so pretty great stuff. Not amazing but something more in line of what I was expecting when I bought a 3 slot card.
 
Side note: It really bothers me that the thermal performance is still worse than my stock 780 Ti. From just looking at the card it looks very well designed for thermals. The shroud is minimal with lots of holes and doesn't cover the sides of the heatsink, allowing more airflow. The heatsink is 2 1/2 slots thick and the base has three copper heatpipes. The heatsink is at least 2x larger than the one on the stock 780 Ti. Maybe the thermals are bottlenecked by the fan? I really wish EVGA didn't glue/solder/whatever the metal plate connecting the shroud and the heatsink so I could attach my own 120mm fan (or two) to this card.