Why are Graphics cards advertised with a different picture?

[ErraticFox]

Why are Graphics cards advertised with a different picture? Usually when I'm in the market looking, then look up a review on it on YouTube, they're always different looking than the advertised picture. For an example, if you look up the 980Ti on NewEgg you're presented a ton of different branded 980Ti graphic cards. Most of them have the same display picture, but actually do not look that way at all.

To be honest, I know the look really has nothing to do with performance (other than the fans, but that's not what I'm talking about). Though, I really like the design of the one advertised in the pictures. (Which if I'm correct is the EVGA brand one), but that design by EVGA is always out-of-stock. Is this like a special type of card, like the first batch of that card or something?

The picture I am referring to is this one:

 

[Gam3r01]

With the 980Ti nvidia signed special licensing agreements with their board partners. For the most part, you will only see reference models (see picture).
If that card is what is being advertised, you are getting the reference card regardless of brand.
There are some non ref models out there.

 

[dudeman509]

Most vendors design their own cooler for them. That's why you may pay a little bit more for a card over the "reference card" price (e.g. some of the GTX 970 models).

The blower-type cards like they used on the reference card designs like you show above are usually very noisy and run hot.

 

[bignastyid]

With the 980Ti nvidia signed special licensing agreements with their board partners. For the most part, you will only see reference models (see picture).
If that card is what is being advertised, you are getting the reference card regardless of brand.
There are some non ref models out there.

That's mainly only with the Titans. There are several non reference 980 Tis on the way from Gigabyte, MSI, Asus, Inno3D and Zotac.

 

[geofelt]

I might disagree about noisy and hot.
The titan blower cooler is excellent and quiet.
Plus, it gets heat directly out of the case, helping cpu cooling.

 

[ErraticFox]

With the 980Ti nvidia signed special licensing agreements with their board partners. For the most part, you will only see reference models (see picture).
If that card is what is being advertised, you are getting the reference card regardless of brand.
There are some non ref models out there.

Most of the ones I looked up reviews on, they were always different than the reference card. Though the actual reference card always seems to be sold out. Any reason why?

 

[DasHotShot]

Reference cards have stock clocks (lower) and cooling (worse than third party mostly)...meaning they are more affordable.

Once a thirdparty has done their work factory OCing and putting upgraded own bran cooling on, the cost rises.

Cheap is popular as you are getting good hardware anyway and so they sell out.

Also number can be limited sometimes too.