Speaking of the 7970....certainly a lot of supposedly reference models from XFX and others showing up voltage locked unlike at launch. Seems like this isn't an Nvidia only issue at this point.
They are non reference models that have voltage lock. They are omitting the CHiL CHL8228G Controller to save $$$$$. Unfortunately most 1 year + graphics cards AMD and Nvidia are on non reference boards now to cut costs even further.