Sandwich refers to the layout of the case. Dan A1, Formd T1 and Ghost S1 are all sandwich layouts. Which means you have the GPU on one side and the mobo, cpu etc on the other.
I'm pretty sure Optimum Tech tested the ref design in an SFF case (the T1 I believe).
I would avoid reference in a sandwich layout, personally.
Edit: oh, 3070. Does that cooler blow through like the 3080s and 3090s?
Cold War has allocated all available VRAM on every system/GPU I've ran it on. 11 on 1080Ti, 10 on 3080 (with 4K pack), 6GB on 1060 and 8GB on 580. Every single time. 3440x1440, 1080p. Even 720p IIRC.
We built a rig for my wife spring 2018 and I remember paying a little over 400 CAD for a 1060. Felt absolutely gutted back then. Sold it for 300 a couple weeks ago (almost 3 years later).
Edit: RAM prices were also batshit crazy IIRC. As in almost double year-on-year (had built mine a year before).
Got 3 emails from EVGA so far. Only signed up for the initial 3080 models (no Hybrid, WC or Kingpin) and the initial 3060 Tis for a buddy.
Got a mail for a 3080 XC3 Ultra which I have in my rig. The model I wanted, too, after FE... Nov 16th.
Also got a mail for 2 3060Tis, the 2 fans XC version...
I contacted them via email during Xmas time about unusual whining with my card (which turned out being an issue with the electricity in the room I moved my office in) and they replied the next day or the one after with an RMA ticket already opened and everything if I ever wanted to go that...
Since both will use the same drivers it shouldn't be too much trouble.
You also have the iGPU option (make sure it's activated in bios) as a last resort.
My first GPU I bought was a 8500LE 128MB, instead of IIRC a 9600 or something.
I, however, had the excuse of being 13 and having no smartphone at that time😅
Just got the email from EVGA for the 3060Ti. 2 fans model. We ultimately found one in store on release day so I don't need it but they are sending emails for the queue.
Did they flat out stopped Turing production or did they keep making them but for OEMs? Can't remember.
I guess it's not impossible either that such OEMs as Dell still have stock of Turing.