The inside of a PC case can be quite a hot and hostile environment, especially if you're running a number of performance components as part of a gaming rig. That's why desktop cases have big air vents, and why your CPU, PSU, and graphics card all have their own heatsinks and fans.
However, this cooling only works if manufacturers have taken the time to test their products thoroughly before placing them in the hands of consumers. In the case of graphics card manufacturer EVGA, that certainly hasn't been the case with its latest range of Nvidia GeForce cards.
EVGA's GeForce GTX 1080, 1070, and 1060 graphics cards are catching fire when put under stress, for example, while running benchmark software or any number of games. The cause is a lack of cooling components installed on the cards.
Reports of smoke, burning, and fires starting inside PCs are appearing, with the image above courtesy of Reddit user Mydst whose GTX 1070 "killed itself."
WccftechTv managed to find video footage of one of EVGA's 1080 cards catching fire, which you can watch below:
The problem stems from the design of the Voltage Regulator Modules (VRM) which seem to lack the required thermal pads allowing the card to operate within an acceptable temperature range. According to Tom's Hardware Germany, the cards can reach temperatures as high as 107 degrees Celsius (224 degrees Fahrenheit).
EVGA has been quick to acknowledge and respond to the problem, releasing a list of affected cards:
A BIOS update has been released, which tweaks the way the cards use their fans so as to keep the temperature down. This will no doubt mean faster spinning fans and therefore more noise.
Additionally, EVGA is offering to send owners thermal pads free of charge to install on their card. This is optional, and if any customer wants the pads but isn't comfortable fitting them, they can instead request a "warranty cross-shipment" and send their card back for a replacement with them already fitted.
EVGA has updated its manufacturing line for all these cards to add the thermal pads as standard. However, it seems likely many consumers will now avoid EVGA's cards for fear of them overheating despite their reassurances and swift response to the problem.