Woof, this thread. Tone: I wouldn't just shoot the messenger here. Until my card died, I honestly was that simpleton "warranty? BAH!" As my card died and I panicked wondering if Zotac would cover it since I removed the stock cooler to throw on my EKWB whatever they call them now block, I faintly remembered removing one of those "Warranty Void if Removed" stickers. But then I remembered those aren't legally enforceable in the States. Which lead me down the rabbit hole of "is it still covered?"
Basically, I don't know. I found a few posts (some from Zotac's own staff) posting, yes they'll cover the warranty long as you return it OEM and they can validate it wasn't user error, or whatever.
TL
R; I don't think I ever looked at warranties before, mostly because I never modified my cards. I always just assumed they came with a 3+ year warranty (what use to be norm.) Someone mentioned mining causing changes, I can understand that.
On Topic: 1 year warranty on a video card just seems weak. I'm sure AMD will change this with enough pressure, but overall when AIBs are offering 2 years base with 1+2 if you register (found this out for Zotac so register your cards folks), but it's non-transferable.
End of it, I think for NV I might just stick to EVGA. Their warranties seems the most user-friendly.