With the talks about the Ampere architecture being released in mid-September, if I were to purchase a 2080 Super FTW3 Ultra would I be able to step-up to an RTX 3080 FTW3 Ultra (or equivalent) if the Nvidia release is truly in September? I’ve read some of the other threads but was unsure and wanted some clarification. Thanks

Probably not.
 
The RTX 3xxx is being speculated to be announced and launched in September by Nvidia because that is usually when they announce\launch their new line but not a guaranty.
 
Even when Nvidia announces it and "launches" it, it will be a paper launch with no real inventory of it available at launch.
 
EVGA will not be able to tell you anything about the RTX 3xxx until the Nvidia NDA is lifted which would be when Nvidia announces and launches the line.
 
Even if you made the step-up window, you would only be able to step-up to the reference board design model EVGA lists for step-up of your current model (EVGA never uses custom PCB models for step-up, only reference PCB models and then usually the lowest model in that line.

jonkrmr
Probably not.
 
The RTX 3xxx is being speculated to be announced and launched in September by Nvidia because that is usually when they announce\launch their new line but not a guaranty.
 
Even when Nvidia announces it and "launches" it, it will be a paper launch with no real inventory of it available at launch.
 
EVGA will not be able to tell you anything about the RTX 3xxx until the Nvidia NDA is lifted which would be when Nvidia announces and launches the line.
 
Even if you made the step-up window, you would only be able to step-up to the reference board design model EVGA lists for step-up of your current model (EVGA never uses custom PCB models for step-up, only reference PCB models and then usually the lowest model in that line.
 

Alright thanks. Appreciate it.

EVGA does occasionally release custom PCB to the step up program, but it is extremely rare, and typically happens when there is extenuating circumstances behind the release of the custom PCB.

The highest custom pcb model I can remember seeing was an SC2, but I can not recall any FTW, Classified, or K|ngp|n models going onto the step up program.

If you are interested in the FTW series of the next gen, it is advisable to save your money until the next generation comes out and go directly for that purchase.

I kind of need a new build since I have to give my system to my kids who have to stay home for school.  If I buy $1000 card now do you think by the 90 days (Nov 8) there will be stock in the step up program?  How was it the last few launches how many weeks/months went by before they were fully stocked? 

TraumaDisaster
I kind of need a new build since I have to give my system to my kids who have to stay home for school.  If I buy $1000 card now do you think by the 90 days (Nov 8) there will be stock in the step up program?  How was it the last few launches how many weeks/months went by before they were fully stocked? 

It’s not a question of “stock” in the step up program. If there is an available card to step up, and people sign up to do the step up, then as cards arrive EVGA will set aside a designated amount of new cards for step up. There will never really be “stock” for the program as the new cards will come in, be designated, and then the next person in queue gets a notification to continue their step up.

Once you are in the step up queue, it is just a waiting process for a card to be designated for your step up number. That can take anywhere from a couple of days to many months. You get to use your “old” card in the meantime, so you aren’t missing out on gaming.

the_Scarlet_one

TraumaDisaster
I kind of need a new build since I have to give my system to my kids who have to stay home for school.  If I buy $1000 card now do you think by the 90 days (Nov 8) there will be stock in the step up program?  How was it the last few launches how many weeks/months went by before they were fully stocked? 

It’s not a question of “stock” in the step up program. If there is an available card to step up, and people sign up to do the step up, then as cards arrive EVGA will set aside a designated amount of new cards for step up. There will never really be “stock” for the program as the new cards will come in, be designated, and then the next person in queue gets a notification to continue their step up.

Once you are in the step up queue, it is just a waiting process for a card to be designated for your step up number. That can take anywhere from a couple of days to many months. You get to use your “old” card in the meantime, so you aren’t missing out on gaming.

Thanks for the info!  It seems like I should go for it but I'm worried I won't get an upgraded card and then I'd be stuck with last gen.  I'm new to the program so I'm a little scared to pull the trigger. thanks

there is no way to know what cards or when - new generation cards-  will be Added to the Step-Up program
 
Then it can be even longer before you actually get "your" Step-Up - even if you file the request within the timeline of this promotion
 
details:  EVGA Step-Up
 
 

Not a great idea to roll the dice on such a purchase - but it's up to you .
Good luck .

I am not sure why everyone is so down on this program.  I think it is an excellent offering by EVGA.  I stepped up from my 1080ti FTW model to a 2080 TI XC Black (Founders edition in EVGA wrapping), and then water blocked it.  From my standpoint, if you know that you are going to water cool the card, the model makes only a marginal(~5% on air best to least) difference, and the Nvidia reference boards are typically well made.  Take the reference board and add EVGA's world-class service and warranty, and you have a definite winner.  The funny thing is that I am considering buying a new 2080 Super or TI right now so that I can remove and sell my current one before the market slides on the 20 series.  Knowing that every dollar I invest minus tax will go toward at least an Nvidia founders edition or better reference board is not a bad thing, in my opinion, so I thought I would share my experience for balance.
 
TLDR:
There are some excellent points here, but if you have or plan to water cool your card, most of the differentiation goes away for real-world usage. Outside of extreme benchmarking and bragging rights(which are real), there are few ways to utilize all of the enhanced VRM, fan cooling, and voltage monitoring points of the well designed upmarket cards.  Within a given category they are all (EVGA variants) excellent choices.