Review: MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X

Conclusion

The GeForce GTX 1060 is a capable GPU aimed at the upper mid-range market. Forged from the highly efficient 16nm Pascal architecture, it delivers a performance level well suited to gaming at FHD or QHD resolutions, while keeping power consumption down to an admirable level.

A sensible fit for a mid-to-high-end build? Perhaps, yet there are a few finer details that muddy the buying decision. A lack of SLI support is a surprise omission, particularly when you consider that Nvidia's offering is in many cases pricier than the CrossFire-enabled Radeon RX 480 with which it competes. And if energy efficiency isn't high on your list of priorities, it's worth noting that the similarly priced GeForce GTX 980 still comes out ahead in most benchmarks.

GTX 1060, then, isn't a clear-cut winner in the sub-£300 arena, but it does have variety on its side. Whereas custom RX 480s have been slow to materialise, retail listings are already crawling with third-party GTX 1060s.

Prices start from a competitive £230 but rise steeply for cards outfitted with high-end coolers. MSI's GTX 1060 Gaming X is already among the coolest, quietest and best-looking options, but such an elaborate design fetches a significant premium and at £300 it's anything but cheap.

MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X

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The MSI GeForce GTX 1060 Gaming X graphics card is available to purchase from Scan Computers, Ebuyer and Overclockers UK.

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