DnBrn

jgonz

stalinx20

NordicJedi
 It's pretty clear that members are talking about their experiences with the GTX 980 FTW - for better or for worse - and any discussion over whether somebody is doing things correctly should only occur in a constructive manner, and not in a generalized suggestion that the members in this thread ought to have their PC's examined at a Geek Squad.
 
Carry on.

Never take your PC to Geek Squad, unless you want your PC to be a bigger brick than what it already was. lol

 
Wow I am really concerned with the lack of a real response from EVGA on the 980FTW issues. Down clocking a FTW card should never be a solution. Why bother paying a premium for a factory overclock that is not stable. 980Ti step ups are nice (if you had any in stock). I was just thinking of upgrading my 680s to something new and shiny. But not with this current generation. "Titan X with out thermal pads" and now 980FTWs. So come on EVGA step your game up, this is un acceptable.
 
A Concerned Customer

As far as I can tell they don't seem to know what the issue is.  What would you suggest they do?  A Recall?  What about all the people the cards seem to work fine for?  This isn't to say I don't agree, because I do.  There should be more information from them on what's going on with the cards 100%.

DnBrn

jgonz

DnBrn

jgonz

stalinx20

NordicJedi
 It's pretty clear that members are talking about their experiences with the GTX 980 FTW - for better or for worse - and any discussion over whether somebody is doing things correctly should only occur in a constructive manner, and not in a generalized suggestion that the members in this thread ought to have their PC's examined at a Geek Squad.
 
Carry on.

Never take your PC to Geek Squad, unless you want your PC to be a bigger brick than what it already was. lol

 
Wow I am really concerned with the lack of a real response from EVGA on the 980FTW issues. Down clocking a FTW card should never be a solution. Why bother paying a premium for a factory overclock that is not stable. 980Ti step ups are nice (if you had any in stock). I was just thinking of upgrading my 680s to something new and shiny. But not with this current generation. "Titan X with out thermal pads" and now 980FTWs. So come on EVGA step your game up, this is un acceptable.
 
A Concerned Customer

As far as I can tell they don't seem to know what the issue is.  What would you suggest they do?  A Recall?  What about all the people the cards seem to work fine for?  This isn't to say I don't agree, because I do.  There should be more information from them on what's going on with the cards 100%.

 
My suggestions:
 
1. RMA
2. If after RMA problem still exist offer a Refund, how complicated is that.
 
Step up to 980Ti is wonderful if you can wait for a card. But there are guys out there on their 3rd RMA with this card. Some don't have the luxury of waiting for stock or cross shipping replacements every other week.
 
I want to defend EVGA as I have had nothing but good experience with every purchase but this to me screams "RED FLAG" and I am no longer eager to upgrade.
 
 
 
 

It's about as complicated as one of them coming to the forum and talking about the problem.  That isn't happening either.  I've had good discussions with EVGA, Nvidia and a game developer.  EVGA says ultimately said RMA, but forums tell me that it will take multiple RMAs to get one that doesn't crash.  Nvidia says it's likely not the card at all, blamed other hardware malfunctions.  The game developer said it seems to be a combination of build quality variations and how some games cause the cards voltages to fluctuate in a way that the card inevitably doesn't like, making the over clock unstable.

It does seem clear that EVGA and the Game Developer agree that it's the card.  Where the latter lends more to the "very bad card" idea, for the previous, it's just standard practices.  Makes me wonder if RMAs aren't just downclocked and sent off.

It is concerning, but other than not buying from them in the future, how do we get them to say or do something about it?  They are offering as much support as they are obligated to do already.

wickedwayne
Sadly, there is not going to be any response to this. No company i know of would willingly confirm a failure as this on their part, not until lives are at stake (car manufacturer for example). 
 
As this isn't such as grave an issue, there will be no admission of anything from EVGA. What bothers me though is that they even refuse the option to allow 980FTW owners to effectively downgrade to an SC version (reference board) with an additional back plate as an added bonus for coping with that solution via RMA (price should be about the same), which would cost them nothing.
 
I will be honest. From everything i have read, what ultimately made me go with EVGA this time (awesome customer support/step up) i would have expected such an option.
 
Now i know better. I am still running my 980FTW massively underclocked (reference stock values) because i even started to get issues while only mildly underclocking (-105). 
 
Support offered RMA on the two support tickets i opened but as step up is still an option for me, i decided against it because i don't want to send (and pay) packages back and forth until i am able to get the 980ti. 
 
I would prefer that people with issues on their card get pushed to the top of the line but i realize this would be massively unfair to anyone who stayed awake/prepared to be ready for the time step up was available.
 
All i know is that after this, my first EVGA purchase, i am pretty sure it will in all likelihood be the last. The 980Ti may be really good but seeing as its an reference board with only ACX 2.0+ added there is nothing that could convince me otherwise.
 
 
Probably MSI next time again, only had one problem with them while owning 4 of their cards and that issue could be resolved by updating the bios. 

Step up is a nice option but only a fluke limited by the 90 day to be able to apply for it. I pretty much only bought the 980FTW because i expected to be able to step up (release rumors etc.). I could have simply waited for the 980Ti, same difference less problems.
 

stalinx20

Jshiver90

wickedwayne
Sadly, there is not going to be any response to this. No company i know of would willingly confirm a failure as this on their part, not until lives are at stake (car manufacturer for example). 
 
As this isn't such as grave an issue, there will be no admission of anything from EVGA. What bothers me though is that they even refuse the option to allow 980FTW owners to effectively downgrade to an SC version (reference board) with an additional back plate as an added bonus for coping with that solution via RMA (price should be about the same), which would cost them nothing.
 
I will be honest. From everything i have read, what ultimately made me go with EVGA this time (awesome customer support/step up) i would have expected such an option.
 
Now i know better. I am still running my 980FTW massively underclocked (reference stock values) because i even started to get issues while only mildly underclocking (-105). 
 
Support offered RMA on the two support tickets i opened but as step up is still an option for me, i decided against it because i don't want to send (and pay) packages back and forth until i am able to get the 980ti. 
 
I would prefer that people with issues on their card get pushed to the top of the line but i realize this would be massively unfair to anyone who stayed awake/prepared to be ready for the time step up was available.
 
All i know is that after this, my first EVGA purchase, i am pretty sure it will in all likelihood be the last. The 980Ti may be really good but seeing as its an reference board with only ACX 2.0+ added there is nothing that could convince me otherwise.
 
 
Probably MSI next time again, only had one problem with them while owning 4 of their cards and that issue could be resolved by updating the bios. 

Step up is a nice option but only a fluke limited by the 90 day to be able to apply for it. I pretty much only bought the 980FTW because i expected to be able to step up (release rumors etc.). I could have simply waited for the 980Ti, same difference less problems.
 

Well, I've owned two EVGA cards so far, and my previous one also had to be RMA'd (once I get the 980ti, I will have gone through 5 GPUs for 2 PC builds). Luckily, EVGA is pretty thorough with their support, and while they may not immediately offer an RMA, it's mostly in your best interest for them to actually diagnose your problem to determine if it is or isn't your GPU. However, with that said the last two purchases I've made with EVGA haven't worked as advertised; with my current situation of having a $600 paperweight with no solution other than to wait several weeks and pay an additional $100+ ... I'm not likely to make another attempt with EVGA.
 
I'd still say EVGA has great support, and overall people seem to be happy with them; even the posters here in this forum are very helpful, thankfully. It's just unfortunate that they haven't offered another solution to the problem for people who are having this issue. I certainly don't expect to be moved to the front of the step-up line, but I also don't expect to be told I have no other options. I really hate having to go through my credit card company to resolve the issue and I won't; however, I could see why other people might choose to do so.

Just be glad once you get rid of that FTW, and you do get that 980ti in your hands, you best be prepped to rock out.

stalinx20

wickedwayne

stalinx20

Jshiver90

wickedwayne
Sadly, there is not going to be any response to this. No company i know of would willingly confirm a failure as this on their part, not until lives are at stake (car manufacturer for example). 
 
As this isn't such as grave an issue, there will be no admission of anything from EVGA. What bothers me though is that they even refuse the option to allow 980FTW owners to effectively downgrade to an SC version (reference board) with an additional back plate as an added bonus for coping with that solution via RMA (price should be about the same), which would cost them nothing.
 
I will be honest. From everything i have read, what ultimately made me go with EVGA this time (awesome customer support/step up) i would have expected such an option.
 
Now i know better. I am still running my 980FTW massively underclocked (reference stock values) because i even started to get issues while only mildly underclocking (-105). 
 
Support offered RMA on the two support tickets i opened but as step up is still an option for me, i decided against it because i don't want to send (and pay) packages back and forth until i am able to get the 980ti. 
 
I would prefer that people with issues on their card get pushed to the top of the line but i realize this would be massively unfair to anyone who stayed awake/prepared to be ready for the time step up was available.
 
All i know is that after this, my first EVGA purchase, i am pretty sure it will in all likelihood be the last. The 980Ti may be really good but seeing as its an reference board with only ACX 2.0+ added there is nothing that could convince me otherwise.
 
 
Probably MSI next time again, only had one problem with them while owning 4 of their cards and that issue could be resolved by updating the bios. 

Step up is a nice option but only a fluke limited by the 90 day to be able to apply for it. I pretty much only bought the 980FTW because i expected to be able to step up (release rumors etc.). I could have simply waited for the 980Ti, same difference less problems.
 

Well, I've owned two EVGA cards so far, and my previous one also had to be RMA'd (once I get the 980ti, I will have gone through 5 GPUs for 2 PC builds). Luckily, EVGA is pretty thorough with their support, and while they may not immediately offer an RMA, it's mostly in your best interest for them to actually diagnose your problem to determine if it is or isn't your GPU. However, with that said the last two purchases I've made with EVGA haven't worked as advertised; with my current situation of having a $600 paperweight with no solution other than to wait several weeks and pay an additional $100+ ... I'm not likely to make another attempt with EVGA.
 
I'd still say EVGA has great support, and overall people seem to be happy with them; even the posters here in this forum are very helpful, thankfully. It's just unfortunate that they haven't offered another solution to the problem for people who are having this issue. I certainly don't expect to be moved to the front of the step-up line, but I also don't expect to be told I have no other options. I really hate having to go through my credit card company to resolve the issue and I won't; however, I could see why other people might choose to do so.

Just be glad once you get rid of that FTW, and you do get that 980ti in your hands, you best be prepped to rock out.

I sincerely hope so. First, i have to get to step 2 though. :X

It is unfortunate to say, but, at a realistic standpoint, AND for you to still enjoy whatever it is you do on your PC, just downclock the card until EVGA sends you a notice they are ready for you to mail your card in. That's all there is left in this game. If they want to call it that.

Vlada011
People you talk like cards are space ship and they don't know what is issue, what can be,...
Graphic processors build in are not properly tested... Same situation is when someone finish 5 tests and say my graphic card is stable on 1500MHz, but when tomorrow start PC he is not stable in other applications, or when install new graphic driver and she force GPU usage 2% better and she crash... Can't resist. 

Vlada011
I only think how much shipping of RMA cost them... Because EVGA not use cheapest shipping options.
Everything could prevent with better testing.
There are small chance that something is wrong with PCB or VRM but it's very small chance for that and if card work on lower clock than situation is clear.

stalinx20

Vlada011
I only think how much shipping of RMA cost them... Because EVGA not use cheapest shipping options.
Everything could prevent with better testing.
There are small chance that something is wrong with PCB or VRM but it's very small chance for that and if card work on lower clock than situation is clear.

Exactly, now they have to RMA 4x, or more, all because the manufacturer (EVGA) will not authorize them to receive an SC or reference model. So, after $$ spent on multiple shipping/RMA (That couldn't have been cheap), the only explanation EVGA has to tell them is they need to go with the step-up and get the 980ti. I would be very disapointed in hearing that.
No, you're supposed to go out of your way and satisfy the customer. The decision to tell the customer they need to put down another $150 for step-up (is that what it costs?) (not to mention the amount of money they spent on shipping the RMAs) is not a justifiable answer, in my eyes. I understand the 980ti is "better", but shouldn't be abused to cop out of the situation.
 
(I hope they don't send me a cheap step-up 980 after writing that...lol)

AlexisRO
^ This is exactly what happend with the initial x79 boards (sli, ftw, classified). "we can't fix the initial problem, just pay more to get a working product (dark)"

Stephenk291

stalinx20

Vlada011
I only think how much shipping of RMA cost them... Because EVGA not use cheapest shipping options.
Everything could prevent with better testing.
There are small chance that something is wrong with PCB or VRM but it's very small chance for that and if card work on lower clock than situation is clear.

Exactly, now they have to RMA 4x, or more, all because the manufacturer (EVGA) will not authorize them to receive an SC or reference model. So, after $$ spent on multiple shipping/RMA (That couldn't have been cheap), the only explanation EVGA has to tell them is they need to go with the step-up and get the 980ti. I would be very disapointed in hearing that.
No, you're supposed to go out of your way and satisfy the customer. The decision to tell the customer they need to put down another $150 for step-up (is that what it costs?) (not to mention the amount of money they spent on shipping the RMAs) is not a justifiable answer, in my eyes. I understand the 980ti is "better", but shouldn't be abused to cop out of the situation.
 
(I hope they don't send me a cheap step-up 980 after writing that...lol)

As I said in the other thread, EVGA telling people to step-up to ''resolve'' the problem is exactly that and I'm some what surprised there hasn't been a bigger EVGA response to some of these threads outside of typical responses that are playing it safe.  I kept at it to get my refund offered to me and this was after 4 cards and a few weeks of back and forth troubleshooting, shipping, testing, replacing, etc. Heck I even replaced my displayport cables and RMA'd my monitor at cost to me on shipping ($70) and still nothing. You have to press the issue and tell them you're not going to settle for that. Even if EVGA has a shipping contract with UPS I'm certain their still paying probably $10 to ship each of these RMA's out and after awhile you'd think just giving someone a refund or the opportunity to step-down to a different card would be more optimal. Getting a case resolved and closed should be the priority..not dragging something out trying to save face hoping someone will get a stable card after a few tries.

stalinx20

DnBrn
Well, if I've learned anything, it's don't pay for the stock overclock models.  Pretty much spot on, I assumed that a stock overclock would be stable and that they had rigorously tested it.  It is so odd though that it's not outright unstable, it's just in certain games.  Boosts to 1455mhz in 3d mark and doesn't crash, but crashes in Elite Dangerous.  Runs Wither 3 on Ultra with no crash, but crashes in The Repopulation.  This is why Nvidia themselves say it's not the card but when game developers then blame the card and EVGA wants to do an RMA, what are you supposed to think?  I don't know, I'm not a GPU tech or guru, so I'd expect EVGA to know and fix it.  Instead we just RMA RMA RMA until one finally works or pay more for a different card.  I'm sorry but I didn't pay all that money for a refurb within 3 months of purchase and I hate that I have to now step up for an additional cost.  Doesn't seem I have a choice though, I've really thought about it, and it seems like it's just the best course of action to upgrade in order to avoid further instability while I have the opportunity.

Never again.  I'll have to keep an eye on how future products go now, may have to switch brands if it continues to work like this.  I hope this is just a fluke and they made a mistake this time since I've been all about EVGA for years.

You're better off just buying reference models and overclocking yourselves. The good part about this is, if your overclock doesn't work, at least you can go back to reference clocks, and start over. You can't start over on an already overclocked card by the manufacturer, you're stuck.