I see only Founder edition listed for 10 series :(  I was hoping to get the regular at launch!

I just don't understand why it should cost more?

sahafiec
I just don't understand why it should cost more?

Because they can and it will be available immediately so people will buy it.  When limited supplies of other cards vanish, these will still be around.  A portion of that is the actual shroud itself being metal and not plastic.

sahafiec
I just don't understand why it should cost more?

Reference (now Founder's Edition) is usually a bit more expensive than some AIB cards, because the shroud is made of "expensive" materials. 
 
Source:
EVGA's product pages of 980 and 980 Ti. You'll be able to see that the reference cards costs up to 60 bucks more. 
 
 
You have nothing to worry about, though. Sooner or later EVGA will slap their ACX cooler on it, making it a bit cheaper than 699 dollars. :) 

Sajin
Thoughts?

About?  The fact that the 2X performance was relative only to the VR experience?
 
I guess I don't understand your 'comment'.

I take it you mean the fact that EVGA basically recreates the Nvidia board to a 'T' and performance, specs, and features are identical on both?

I would argue that the board on the Nvidia is notably cleaner in the bus architecture and mounts.  Also some different component manufacturers, but I can't really see much else.  Granted, I am on a really crappy monitor at work and may not see what you are referring to otherwise.
 
Help me out here.  What am I missing?

It is more expensive because they don't want to compete with their board partners. It wouldn't make any sense at all. It will also be offered for the life of the card.

Sajin

CoercionShaman
I would argue that the board on the Nvidia is notably cleaner in the bus architecture and mounts.  Also some different component manufacturers, but I can't really see much else.  Granted, I am on a really crappy monitor at work and may not see what you are referring to otherwise.
 
Help me out here.  What am I missing?

You got it. 

Okay.  Pointing out that they use a better form of plating and coating.  Does cost more and they aren't having to produce the massive numbers of boards like EVGA or ASUS.  Now I'm with you.  Apologies for being daft.

thesynergy
So there are 2 versions, the Founders 1080 and standard 1080.  Founders is 699 while standard is 599.  Why is EVGA only showing the 699?  Or do you think they will list a 599 as well?  My understanding from various press releases is that they will offer both on May 27th, while the 1070's will be June 11th.

The $699 version is built & designed by NVIDIA. The $599 version will most likely be built & designed by EVGA based on NVIDIA reference design. The $599 version will not have the founders edition cooler or backplate.

You can also think of the $599 as the floor price as well, meaning all board partners will charge at LEAST that much for any 1080.

Sajin

thesynergy
So there are 2 versions, the Founders 1080 and standard 1080.  Founders is 699 while standard is 599.  Why is EVGA only showing the 699?  Or do you think they will list a 599 as well?  My understanding from various press releases is that they will offer both on May 27th, while the 1070's will be June 11th.

The $699 version is built & designed by NVIDIA. The $599 version will most likely be built & designed by EVGA based on NVIDIA reference design. The $599 version will not have the founders edition cooler or backplate.

That's fine by me, I stopped buying the extras like coolers/backplates/super high crazy OC capabilities.  I don't see the gains to be worth it personally, plus I am very capable at OC'ing my own cards, even if the headroom is slightly lower compared to "founders" edition.  I'd rather save the extra $100 and lose 1 FPS.  Don't get me wrong, I used to be all speed, even on memory etc... but as I've gotten older, I don't enjoy the tinkering as much, plus, I always found myself worried more about benchmarks and numbers, than actually enjoying the games LOL!!!
 
Anyways, I really hope they have a standard $599 card available at launch like it sounds many will have, otherwise, I guess I shall wait a little longer :(

thesynergy
Also, to clarify my original question, will EVGA have their $599 version available on May 27th?  Or will they only be selling the Nvidia founder edition?  So far, it looks like just the founders edition, which makes me sad :(
 

Yeah I'm not in the market for a founders card what so ever, but was hoping for some nice options on May 27th to purchase.

sahafiec
I just don't understand why it should cost more?

That's easy. First ones in line? You want it badly enough, then you pay the price. While the ones in the far back of the line wait, they will get it discounted in 6 months or so, because the rush is over with.  

Think of it as a black Friday.... You never go shopping on black Friday.

thesynergy

Sajin

thesynergy
So there are 2 versions, the Founders 1080 and standard 1080.  Founders is 699 while standard is 599.  Why is EVGA only showing the 699?  Or do you think they will list a 599 as well?  My understanding from various press releases is that they will offer both on May 27th, while the 1070's will be June 11th.

The $699 version is built & designed by NVIDIA. The $599 version will most likely be built & designed by EVGA based on NVIDIA reference design. The $599 version will not have the founders edition cooler or backplate.

That's fine by me, I stopped buying the extras like coolers/backplates/super high crazy OC capabilities.  I don't see the gains to be worth it personally, plus I am very capable at OC'ing my own cards, even if the headroom is slightly lower compared to "founders" edition.  I'd rather save the extra $100 and lose 1 FPS.  Don't get me wrong, I used to be all speed, even on memory etc... but as I've gotten older, I don't enjoy the tinkering as much, plus, I always found myself worried more about benchmarks and numbers, than actually enjoying the games LOL!!!
 
Anyways, I really hope they have a standard $599 card available at launch like it sounds many will have, otherwise, I guess I shall wait a little longer :(

Founders cards won't have any extra headroom. They're basic 1080/1070 models. They're $100 more because nVida didn't want to slap their board partners in the face.