MSI Gaming X GTX 1060 Review: Gaming + Software Testings

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Zakriya Amir

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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Experience an incredible gaming upgrade with the MSI GeForce GTX 1060. Loaded with Nvidia’s Game Works, it boasts the latest DirectX 12 API support for Microsoft Windows 10. The Pascal architecture delivers a remarkable power-to-performance boost, backed by 6GB GDDR5 memory and a 192-bit bus width. Let’s start the test!

Key Takeaways

• MSI GeForce GTX 1060 is a high-performance graphics card with Pascal architecture, 6GB GDDR5 memory, and DirectX 12 support for an immersive gaming experience.
• It is ideal for gamers seeking a powerful and reliable GPU with excellent overclocking capabilities, efficient cooling, and customizable RGB lighting.
• It is less suitable for users looking for a budget-friendly or entry-level graphics solution, as it offers high-end performance features.

Detailed specifications are as below:

Packaging and Unboxing

The MSI Gaming X has a dual fan and dual-slot design, so its package is somewhere between the two package sizes of Asus Strix and Gigabyte Mini. The box is made of cardboard.

Box Contents

The following goodies are provided with the box:

• Quick Guide
• A Driver Disk
• Sticker Set
• Setup Walkthrough Comic

Design

MSI’s Twin Frozr VI, the successor to Twin Frozr V, maintains the traditional look with added RGB lights illuminating the MSI logo in various colors. The RGB lights can be controlled using the MSI MysticLight software that comes with drivers, allowing users to customize light patterns and colors.

While it may not be as cool as Aura, supported by the Asus ROG Strix variant, Twin Frozr VI impresses with its fluent and sharp design. The black matte backplate features an MSI Dragon blend, and the build quality remains uncompromised. The material feels majestic, providing a graceful experience when fingers slide across it.

Twin Frozr VI builds upon its predecessor with a design that seamlessly combines tradition and innovation. The RGB lights not only illuminate the MSI logo but also enhance the overall aesthetics of Twin Frozr VI. The inclusion of MSI MysticLight software gives users control over the spectrum of lights, offering a dynamic and visually appealing experience.

Twin Frozr VI consists of five layers, easily observable with the naked eye. At the front, there are fans and the iconic shield of Twin Frozr VI. Below that, an intelligently designed heatsink mesh dissipates heat effectively. Beneath the heatsink, a metallic shield cover adds another layer of protection. Further down, the main board and GPU unit can be found. On the backside, a smooth backplate aids in spreading out the temperature.

Testing

The following test build setup was used to test the performance of the graphics card:

• Intel Core i5 6600k @ 4.1Ghz
• Gigabyte Z170-HD3 DDR4
• Corsair Vengeance LPX LED 8GB @ 3000MHz
• Antec 650 Watts semi-modular PSU
• Samsung 840 120GB SSD for OS
• Samsung 2TB HDD
• Samsung 23″ @1920×1080 60hz
• Cooler Master Masterbox Lite 5

Gaming Performance

I played a bunch of different games on this GPU, and here are the FPS results:

• Batman Arkham Knight: Batman Arkham Knight was played on Ultra presets at 1080P. The Resultant average FPS is 66 and 41 as a minimum.
• Call of Duty Black Ops 3: Call of Duty Black Ops 3 was played on Ultra presets @1080P. The Resultant average FPS is 80 and 74 as a minimum.
• Grand Theft Auto V Redux + MVGA: Grand Theft Auto V Redux + MVGA was played on Ultra presets with Advanced settings at medium and MSAA X2 @1080P. The resulting average FPS is 57.
• Call of Duty: WW2 Call of Duty: WW2 was played on High presets with MSAA max and Ambient Occlusion to HBAO+ @1080P. The Resultant average FPS is 62, and the minimum is 44.
• Doom: Doom 2016 was played on ultra presets with Vulcan mode: On @1080p, the Resultant average FPS is 78 and 65 as a minimum.
• Gears of War 4: Gears of War 4 were played on ultra presets at @1080p. The Resultant average FPS is straight 60 and 55 as a minimum.
• Forza Horizon 3: Forza Horizon 3 was played on High to ultra presets setting, Texture to high, MSAA to X8, and Shadows to ultra @1080p; the resultant average FPS is 60 & minimum is 47
• Just Cause 3: Just Cause was played on ultra presets with Max AntiAliasing @1080p. The Resultant average FPS is 95 and 74 as a minimum.
• Need For Speed Rivals: Need For Speed Rivals was played on ultra presets with  @1440p (Upscaled/Nvidia DSR). The Resultant average FPS is straight 60! (FPS Cap)
• Need For Speed Payback: Need For Speed Payback was played on ultra presets with  @1080p; the average FPS is 60 and 51 as a minimum.
• Mortal Kombat XL: Mortal Kombat XL was played on ultra presets @1440p (Upscaled/Nvidia DSR). The Resultant average FPS is straight 60! (FPS Cap).
• Tekken 7: Tekken 7 was played on ultra presets @1080, a resolution Scale 200; the Resultant average FPS is straight 60! (FPS Cap).
• Sniper Elite 4: Sniper Elite 4 was played on ultra presets at @1440p. The Resultant average FPS is 55 and 52 as a minimum.
• Vampyr: Vampyr was played on ultra presets @1080. The Resultant average FPS is 66 and 58 as a minimum.
• Resident Evil 7: Biohazard: Resident Evil 7: Biohazard was played on ultra presets @1080p; the Resultant average FPS is 77 and 56 as a minimum.
• Assassins Creed Origins: Assassins Creed Origins was played on ultra presets @1080p; the Resultant average FPS is 49 and 31 as a minimum.
• Injustice 2: Injustice 2 was played on ultra presets @1080. The Resultant average FPS is straight 60! (FPS Cap).

Overclocking & Temperature

The GTX 1060’s default boost clock is 1746MHz. When I overclocked it, the boost clock reached 1.97GHz, memory clock hit 2025MHz, with +100MHz on both the core and memory clock. Temperatures ranged from 45 at idle, 55 during regular rendering, to 65-67 during gaming. 

We tested the temperature with Furmark V1.13.0.0, manually overclocking up to 100Mhz. The highest recorded temperature was only 66C!

Software

MSI lets users customize their experience by overclocking the GPU with MSI Afterburner, adjusting lights with MysticLight, setting clock modes, toggling VR Mode, and enhancing colors through the bundled software on the included disk.

Unigine Engine Heaven Benchmarks

Heaven Benchmark tests PC hardware like video cards, power supply, and cooling systems for performance and stability.

Unigine Valley Benchmarks

Valley Benchmark tests PC hardware like video cards, power supply, and cooling systems in stock and overclocked modes.

Should You Buy It?

After a detailed assessment of MSI GeForce GTX 1060, my conclusion is:

Buy It If

✅ You Are Gaming Enthusiast: For a gaming enthusiast seeking high performance, the MSI GeForce GTX 1060, with Pascal architecture and 6GB GDDR5 memory, delivers an incredible gaming experience.

✅ You Want Reliable GPU Performance: If you prioritize reliable GPU performance and overclocking, the MSI Gaming X’s efficient Twin Frozr VI design ensures stability.

✅ You Need Sleek Design: For a sleek design and top-notch build quality, the MSI GeForce GTX 1060’s Twin Frozr VI design combines tradition and innovation.

Don’t Buy It If 

❌ You Are On Tight Budget: The MSI GeForce GTX 1060 is geared for high-end performance and might be too costly.

❌ You Have Basic Gaming Needs: If advanced gaming features like DirectX 12 support and Pascal architecture aren’t a priority, consider more basic models.

❌ You Have Brand Preference: If you prefer brands like Asus or Gigabyte or need specific features, explore alternative options in the market.

Final Words

MSI’s GPU is the best among competitors like Asus ROG Strix and Gigabyte Aorus. MSI perfected it without unnecessary features, improved the Twin Frozr design, and upheld its reputation for choosing the best. If you love PC charm, this revamped GPU could be your top pick, even though MSI has other superior cards like Lightning, Trio, and Sea Hawk for GTX 1070 or better models.

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Zakriya Amir

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com