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EVGA GeForce GTX 1080/1070/1060 BIOS Update

Kadin

Member
Please note: This only applies to ACX 3.0 SC+FTW cards.

Looks like they have the bios update available now along with a process to RMA the card (cross shipping) if you don't want to do the update and/or install the free (optional) thermal pads yourself.

http://www.evga.com/thermalmod/

edit: reddit thread to sift through if the info isn't here along with a video about this and installing the thermal pads (starts at the 4:45 mark).
edit2: If you choose to RMA your card, you need to log in to your EVGA account and start a support ticket to initiate the process. You'll need to pay for the card before they ship and they'll refund when they get back your existing card.

Updates:
Updated fan curve for reduced PWM temperature

FAQ

Q. Do I need to reapply this update every time I update a driver or reinstall the O.S.?
A. This update is attached to the card, no matter where it goes. If you update the driver, the EVGA BIOS update is still applied.

Q. How can I tell what version I firmware I currently have?
A. There are multiple ways to do this, one way is to right click on desktop and go to NVIDIA control panel. Click on Help, then System Information. Scroll to the bottom of the Details window and it will show your "Video BIOS version".

Q. I just bought my card, will it have this updated firmware?
A. Chances are yes, as new firmware is released, new products shipping from EVGA will also have this firmware version applied.

EVGA GeForce GTX 1080/1070 PWM Operating Temperature Update

Recently, it was reported from several sources, that the EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 FTW PWM and memory temperature is running warmer than expected during Furmark (an extreme stress utility).

EVGA has investigated these reports and after extensive testing, below are our findings:
On ACX 3.0, EVGA focused on GPU temperature and the lowest acoustic levels possible. Running Furmark, the GPU is around 70C +/- and the fan speed is running approximately 30% duty cycle or lower.
However, during recent testing, the thermal temperature of the PWM and memory, in extreme circumstances, was marginally within spec and needed to be addressed.
Conclusion: EVGA offers full warranty support on its products, with cross-ship RMA*, and stands behind its products and commitment to our customers.

To resolve this, EVGA will be offering a VBIOS update, which adjusts the fan-speed curve to ensure sufficient cooling of all components across all operating temperatures. This VBIOS will be released in the next few days and users can download it and update their cards directly. This update resolves the potential thermal issues that have been reported, and ensures the card maintains safe operating temperatures.

For those users who want additional cooling beyond the VBIOS update, EVGA has optional thermal pads available. This update is not required, however; EVGA will make it available free of charge to any customer who is interested. To request the thermal pad kit, please visit www.evga.com/thermalmod.

Any customer who is not comfortable performing the recommended VBIOS update, may request a warranty cross-shipment* to exchange the product to EVGA for an updated replacement.

All graphics cards shipped from EVGA after 11/1/2016 will have the VBIOS update applied.
 

rtcn63

Member
The 1060 SC (ACX 2.0) supposedly isn't affected, but at least one person has had theirs explode in the VRM area. I'm really hoping this entire thing is just within normal defect rates and overblown.
 

Intru

Member
I have an EVGA GTX 1080 founder's, I imagine the VRM issue doesn't apply to me? Since it's on Nvidia's cooler.
 

Jebral

Member
I looked up a video on how to apply the pads. I'd rather put in a few minutes work than send off my card so... pads ordered. I suppose I'll apply the bios update as well.
 

Dark-VIII

Member
as i understand the update solve the problem but if i want more cooling i should use the optional thermal pad, am i correct?
 

Kadin

Member
as i understand the update solve the problem but if i want more cooling i should use the optional thermal pad, am i correct?
Yeah they've added the thermal pad offer for additional peace of mind but according to them, the bios update itself is enough.
So it's just adjusting the fan curve? What if you have a custom one like with Afterburner?
I assume that if you use a custom one, this probably won't do much if anything. At least from what I've read. I've created a custom one as well.

I'm considering sending mine in so they can install the thermal pads and do the update. I know I can do both of these myself but my 1070 has a weird whining noise as well so hoping that might go away too.
 
By cross-shipment for RMAs do they mean they're sending me a replacement first before I send my current 1080 back?

Also I wonder if they'll send one with the thermal pads installed or if it is only for the BIOS update.
 

Iced

Member
By cross-shipment for RMAs do they mean they're sending me a replacement first before I send my current 1080 back?

I read on another forum that they put a hold on funds in your bank account or credit card for the full amount of buying the card new, and once they receive your old card the amount gets refunded. I think this was on Reddit though, so take that for what it's worth.

I will be flashing my GPU for sure, but I don't really want to mess around with installing thermal pads, unless it's a super simple process. Have they released anything yet showing how to perform the installation?

This whole thing just makes me really uneasy.

Also I wonder if they'll send one with the thermal pads installed or if it is only for the BIOS update.

I am really curious about this too. Their own wording seems to imply that only the bios update is being applied.
 

Corpekata

Banned
By cross-shipment for RMAs do they mean they're sending me a replacement first before I send my current 1080 back?

Also I wonder if they'll send one with the thermal pads installed or if it is only for the BIOS update.

They send it to you first but they put a hold on your debit/credit card for the value.
 

Kadin

Member
By cross-shipment for RMAs do they mean they're sending me a replacement first before I send my current 1080 back?

Also I wonder if they'll send one with the thermal pads installed or if it is only for the BIOS update.
They'll install the thermal pads as well on the new card.

Apparently you have to pay for the new card when they ship it to you and then it gets refunded when they get yours back according to this post on reddit. You also have to log in to your EVGA account to start the RMA process.

edit: double beaten
i found update only for the primary bios (my card is FTW)
is it ok to update only it and use it?
Sorry I'm not sure about that. I don't see anything stating you shouldn't use it after the primary is updated and to wait for the secondary so I imagine you should be fine.

I will be flashing my GPU for sure, but I don't really want to mess around with installing thermal pads, unless it's a super simple process. Have they released anything yet showing how to perform the installation?
There's a video here which was also posted in the reddit thread I linked above. Not an EVGA video but still helpful.
 
I read on another forum that they put a hold on funds in your bank account or credit card for the full amount of buying the card new, and once they receive your old card the amount gets refunded. I think this was on Reddit though, so take that for what it's worth.

I will be flashing my GPU for sure, but I don't really want to mess around with installing thermal pads, unless it's a super simple process. Have they released anything yet showing how to perform the installation?

This whole thing just makes me really uneasy.



I am really curious about this too. Their own wording seems to imply that only the bios update is being applied.

They send it to you first but they put a hold on your debit/credit card for the value.

They'll install the thermal pads as well on the new card.

Apparently you have to pay for the new card when they ship it to you and then it gets refunded when they get yours back according to this post on reddit. You also have to log in to your EVGA account to start the RMA process.
Thanks for the answers.

Guess I'll just go ahead and start the RMA.
 

Kadin

Member
I got about 30 seconds into him showing what will be needed to install them and decided, nope, EVGA can just send me a new card.
Yeah I don't trust myself enough to not screw something up even though it doesn't look too difficult. Thermal compound always drives me crazy trying to get it perfectly applied yet not too much.
 

rtcn63

Member
This an issue for the 1050? I have an evga 1050 coming in the mail.

It may be a problem for the 1060 SC, so honestly, I'd send it back. (I have a 1060 SC) I've been keeping up with this from the start and... cards are definitely smoking.
 

Iced

Member
Just performed the bios update. It was a little confusing because after I typed "y" to start the update and heard a beep from what I'm assuming was my gpu, the command prompt was open for only about a second longer and then closed on its own. I have a dual-monitor setup, and my secondary monitor was shut off. Wasn't sure if the update was finished or not, so after waiting for several minutes I decided to reboot and all appears to be normal.

aLj7xUo.jpg
 

Valtýr

Member
Just performed the bios update. It was a little confusing because after I typed "y" to start the update and heard a beep from what I'm assuming was my gpu, the command prompt was open for only about a second longer and then closed on its own. I have a dual-monitor setup, and my secondary monitor was shut off. Wasn't sure if the update was finished or not, so after waiting for several minutes I decided to reboot and all appears to be normal.

Same thing happened to me. Except I reinstalled my graphics drivers after and rebooted. Everything looks good for me too.
 

nstine

Member
Are all EVGA 1070 FTW's effected by this issue? My part number G411 0020 isn't mentioned anywhere :/

I believe this issue effects any card with ACX 3.0 fans/heatsinks purchased prior to Nov 1st (and possibly afterwards depending on how long it takes for retailers to clear out their old stock).
 

dr_rus

Member
1050 isn't pascal, it's a seperate thing "GP107"

GP107 is Pascal, note the P in GP107. It's built on a different process than the rest of Pascal family, yes, but this isn't an issue of process or even Pascal, it's an issue of EVGA's badly engineered cooling solution.
 

Iced

Member
I'm really not noticing much of a difference with this new firmware. Booted up Witcher 3 and let it sit for 10 minutes. Checked in on it and the gpu temp was at 75 with the speed sitting around I believe 50%. [Edit: 59%] I could barely hear the fans.
 
I'm really not noticing much of a difference with this new firmware. Booted up Witcher 3 and let it sit for 10 minutes. Checked in on it and the gpu temp was at 75 with the speed sitting around I believe 50%. I could barely hear the fans.
Considering all that changed was their internal fan curve I'm guessing it won't make a difference for those using custom fan curves through Afterburner or Precision. The real change would be from the thermal pads.
 

luxarific

Nork unification denier
Do you think people who do the cross-ship will get refurbished cards with the new bios installed? Or new cards with the new bios? (Obviously, the latter is preferable.)
 

LQX

Member
Ugh, I'm now so glad Newegg was sold out of the FTW when I had the impulse to buy one. I really do not like headaches like this after spending hundreds on a product.
 
cheers OP will have to grab the update

and yea this effects any card with a ACX 3.0 cooler i take it ?

mines a 1080 , i put in an order for the pads

if i have to ship this back i wonder if they will chip in for shipping considering im outside the US( and it is there fault)
 

The Flash

Banned
Just performed the bios update. It was a little confusing because after I typed "y" to start the update and heard a beep from what I'm assuming was my gpu, the command prompt was open for only about a second longer and then closed on its own. I have a dual-monitor setup, and my secondary monitor was shut off. Wasn't sure if the update was finished or not, so after waiting for several minutes I decided to reboot and all appears to be normal.

aLj7xUo.jpg

Yeah same thing happened to me
 

Iced

Member
Considering all that changed was their internal fan curve I'm guessing it won't make a difference for those using custom fan curves through Afterburner or Precision. The real change would be from the thermal pads.

I don't use a custom fan curve, though. I have Afterburner installed, but I only use it to overclock. I have it set to apply my settings at startup, but otherwise it's not even on.

I would think the fans would be more aggressive with my gpu temp sitting at 75 degrees. I actually kept Witcher 3 on for the past hour, and the fan speed never went above 59%.
 

SoulUnison

Banned
1070 GTX FTW ACX 3.0

Just did the update, was successful, restartered the computer and hit Windows + P to switch my second monitor back on.
Now Windows is only drawing a black screen and the cursor, no matter what.
I restart and the login screen is a black screen with the mouse cursor over it.
I can feel that the computers still on in the background, so to speak, but I just have a blank screen with a mouse cursor over it.

EDIT: Yep, this update killed IGD Multi-Monitor. Disabled in BIOS I boot fine, but with it enabled Windows boots to a black screen on every monitor.
 

MrOogieBoogie

BioShock Infinite is like playing some homeless guy's vivid imagination
The 1060 SC (ACX 2.0) supposedly isn't affected, but at least one person has had theirs explode in the VRM area. I'm really hoping this entire thing is just within normal defect rates and overblown.

This is the card I have. Let's hope I'm alright.

But how do I even go about telling if I have a problem? My temps have never exceeded 78 degrees during gameplay. I've seen the card idle to as low as 28.
 

rawrbot

Neo Member
I called EVGA support today to inquire about my GTX 1070 ACX 3.0 (non SC):

A few details from the support rep:
  • They confirmed that ALL ACX 3.0 1070/1080 cards are affected by this
  • Firmware update is available for most cards that will update the cards hardware controlled fan speed (basically the stock Auto fan mode without a fan curve applied).
  • Customers have can order free heat pads for application themselves. If you manage to screw up your card applying the heat pads, EVGA will provide an RMA.
  • OR EVGA will cross-ship RMA cards at to customers (basically they send you a new card and put a small $1 hold on a credit card as collateral)


I went with the cross-ship option as that seemed like the least amount of hassle.
Although I'm pretty annoyed that I'm spending time dealing with this issue after spending $400+ on a card, the rep was very helpful and the process was smooth.
 

brau

Member
So... i have the EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 FTW GAMING ACX 3.0. I also have the curve set to aggresive. Should i still update my card with the BIOS update and get the therm pads? The card runs pretty cool on idle at around 39-42 degrees and will go up to 70-75 degrees on a demanding game. I don't think i have ever seen it go up more than that.

Should i be concerned?
 

Corpekata

Banned
I called EVGA support today to inquire about my GTX 1070 ACX 3.0 (non SC):

A few details from the support rep:
  • They confirmed that ALL ACX 3.0 1070/1080 cards are affected by this
  • Firmware update is available for most cards that will update the cards hardware controlled fan speed (basically the stock Auto fan mode without a fan curve applied).
  • Customers have can order free heat pads for application themselves. If you manage to screw up your card applying the heat pads, EVGA will provide an RMA.
  • OR EVGA will cross-ship RMA cards at to customers (basically they send you a new card and put a small $1 hold on a credit card as collateral)


I went with the cross-ship option as that seemed like the least amount of hassle.
Although I'm pretty annoyed that I'm spending time dealing with this issue after spending $400+ on a card, the rep was very helpful and the process was smooth.

Wait it's only a 1 dollar hold?
 

rawrbot

Neo Member
Wait it's only a 1 dollar hold?

Yes, I confirmed with the rep that it is not for the full card amount. Checked with Chase and only see a pending $1 charge from EVGA.

He also added that replacement cards for RMA should start shipping out next week.
 

rtcn63

Member
This is the card I have. Let's hope I'm alright.

But how do I even go about telling if I have a problem? My temps have never exceeded 78 degrees during gameplay. I've seen the card idle to as low as 28.

You can't unless you have a way to measure VRM temps. Basically, just hope no more exploding/overheating 1060 SC's appear.
 

Hari Seldon

Member
Does cross ship mean I just wait for it to come in before sending it back? Also I don't understand this dual BIOS thing.
 
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