EVGA’s 2016 BIOS update addressed a cooling concern on selected GeForce GTX 1060, GTX 1070 and GTX 1080 cards with ACX 3.0 coolers—not every card in those GPU families. The update changed the fan-speed curve to increase cooling. Whether it applies depends on the exact EVGA model or part number.
What the EVGA GTX 1060/1070/1080 BIOS update changed
In 2016, reports raised concerns about PWM and memory temperatures on some EVGA ACX 3.0 cards during extreme stress testing. EVGA said its own testing found temperatures within specification, but it responded to reviewer and customer concerns with a VBIOS update that increased fan speed through a revised fan curve. The concern and EVGA’s reassurance were claims about the issue and its products, not proof that every card in the listed GPU families was unsafe. Tom’s Hardware’s 2016 coverage describes the response.
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EVGA also offered an optional free thermal pad kit as a physical cooling measure. The firmware update changes fan behavior; the kit adds thermal pads and must match the card. Neither remedy is established as universally preferable, and the historical reports do not verify current kit availability or independently test either remedy.
Which EVGA ACX 3.0 models were listed?
The affected-card table published in 2016 included the following product numbers. These identifiers help narrow the search, but confirm your exact card through its product-specific EVGA support information before attempting a firmware change.
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| GPU family | Listed EVGA product numbers |
|---|---|
| GTX 1080 | 08G-P4-6181, 08G-P4-6183, 08G-P4-6284, 08G-P4-6286, 08G-P4-6384, 08G-P4-6386 |
| GTX 1070 | 08G-P4-5171, 08G-P4-5173, 08G-P4-6171, 08G-P4-6173, 08G-P4-6274, 08G-P4-6276 |
| GTX 1060 6GB | 06G-P4-6262, 06G-P4-6366, 06G-P4-6265, 06G-P4-6264, 06G-P4-6267, 06G-P4-6368 |
| GTX 1060 3GB | 03G-P4-6365, 03G-P4-6367 |
A GPU name such as “GTX 1070” alone does not establish whether a card was included. The list concerns EVGA’s ACX 3.0 variants. Tom’s Hardware reported that Founders Edition, blower, Hybrid and Hydro Copper versions were not affected by this particular ACX 3.0 issue.
How to decide whether to take action
- Identify the exact card. Read the product number on the card, its packaging, or the purchase record. Compare the full number—not just GTX model and memory size—with EVGA’s product-specific support information.
- Confirm the cooler and applicability. The reported issue concerns selected ACX 3.0 models. Do not apply a BIOS intended for another product number or cooler variant.
- Use only a matching firmware update. The VBIOS response altered the fan curve. Historical reporting said EVGA had completed the updates for affected cards by November 14, 2016, listing 19 primary BIOS updates and six secondary BIOS updates. Those are counts reported at that time, not a current download inventory; present availability could not be verified from the cited sources.
- Consider the physical kit only if it fits your model. The optional thermal pad kit was a separate intervention. Historical evidence that EVGA offered it for free does not establish that kits remain available or that generic pads fit. Verify the exact model and pad dimensions before any installation.
What EVGA said about temperature and risk
EVGA said the higher temperatures would not damage its cards and described temperatures as within specification. It also said the VBIOS update was not required. Treat that as EVGA’s reassurance about its products, not as an independent safety guarantee for every individual card. The 2016 reporting centers on behavior under extreme stress testing and does not establish a failure rate or show that every listed model experienced damage.
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- Real Base Clock: 1708 MHz / Real Boost Clock: 1847 MHz; Memory Detail: 8192MB GDDR5X
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What the historical update does—and does not—tell owners
The episode is best understood as a targeted response to concerns about selected ACX 3.0 cooling configurations. It establishes that EVGA changed fan behavior in firmware and offered a model-specific physical option. It does not establish that every GTX 1060, 1070 or 1080 needs a BIOS update, that a present-day download or kit is available, or that an update is necessary for safe operation.
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- Real Base Clock: 1569 MHz/Real Boost Clock: 1683 MHz; Memory Detail: 11264MB GDDR5X.Requirements:Windows 10 32/64bit, Windows 8 32/64bit, Windows 7 32/64bit
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- GPU/Memory/PWM Thermal Status Indicator RGB LEDs. Resolution and refresh- maximum monitors supported: 4. Maximum refresh rate: 240Hz , maximum digital : 7680 x 4320
- New vented heatsink fin design and pin fins for optimized airflow
- Safety fuse to protect components from damage due to improper installation or other component failures
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- Real Base Clock: 1480 MHz / Real Boost Clock: 1582 MHz; Memory Detail: 11264 MB GDDR5X
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