Why are the reference GTX 980s so expensive?

[IQlgihtness]

Hello!

I'm planning to build a small form factor pc into a Bitfenix Phenom case, with 2 gtx 980s. After a bit reading on the matter, i found out I should buy reference (blower type cooled) cards, because they would exhaust the generated heat out of the case directly, giving the whole system a cooler atmosphere.

Now looking at the prices, I thought reference cards would be less expensive than the custom cooled ones, since they run on lower frequencies, run a bit warmer than the custom cooled ones, yet cost at least the same or more...

Is there any explanation behind the numbers, reasons why these types of card are so higly priced?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Undying89]

Becouse Nvidia likes money. 😀

 

[bmoretoga]

cause dat slick coola son,lol
but no seriously though,the reference design coolers may not be the best for cooling and overclocking,but damn there sexy 😛.

 

[bishopi5]

The real answer is they are MUCH thinner for SLI / XFire, Motherboards will not fit 2-3 non reference cards without risers, hence why they keep there price

 

[17seconds]

Supply and demand, especially demand, always the answer to the question: "Why does this card cost so much?" or "Why are these cards so cheap?"