no it doesn't, backplate is just for aesthetics.
the 970 sli ran hotter.
I don't get why people say these things are hot.,
Single 390X runs hot already so if 970 SLI is already hot, then you know. Although Crossfire > SLI generally and the 390X dominates a 970 (390 beats a 970) in performance, so your performance gains must make it worth.
This is kinda madness isn't it, companies putting 8GB on 4GB cards then locking via BIOS..... Maybe I will pick up a 4GB card that can do this sometime in future just to have a play around.
it doesn't run that hot, its all fud.
ive heard its only the first batch of cards before they started ramping up the production for the 4GB chips
RX480 or GTX1060, benchmarks and pricing will tell.