Overall and Final Verdict
Now that we have had a chance to check out the Gigabyte GTX 1070 G1 Gaming in addition to the MSI 1070 that I had already covered I’m starting to get a better idea of the different options you have available when looking at GTX 1070’s. Just like the other card, the 1070 G1 Gaming is a monster and can handle anything you toss at it at both 1080p and 1440p with the exception of Ashes of the Singularity that none of the single card configurations can handle at max settings. The G1 Gaming stands out over the MSI Gaming X because the Gigabyte card actually has higher clock speeds in both the Gaming and OC Modes, our benchmarks, however, don’t completely reflect that due to MSI setting their review sample to OC Mode by default.
I was also impressed with the software that Gigabyte is bundling with their cards now as well. They have integrated the same Xtreme Engine that they use with their mice and keyboards, so if you have their peripherals you only need to run one program. Even if you don’t I have a feeling you will want to run it if for nothing other than getting in and changing the RGB settings for the RGB lighting on the top edge of the G1 Gaming. It makes me sad inside to say it, but I have to give Gigabyte props for sticking with a normal card height as well. I know it puts them at a disadvantage in overall heatsink size, but cards are getting extremely tall and the MSI Gaming X was a great example of that.
Sadly the shorter cooler design did give problems in some of my testing. Specifically, in my cooling testing, the Gigabyte card was outperformed by the MSI. The Windforce cooler is still a big improvement over a Founders Edition for cooling, but it was clear that the MSI cooler had more headroom. The triple fan design was also noisier in both of my decibel tests as well.
So is the Gigabyte GTX 1070 G1 Gaming the 1070 to get? Well it does have one of the highest clock speeds available right out of the box (especially in its OC Mode) and you know it’s going to perform. I would really like to see it run a little cooler and quieter but frankly, it is still going to run cooler than a Founders Edition card and it is shorter than the MSI offer so it will actually fit in most cases. In other words, it's not perfect, but you aren’t going to regret getting it as well. Given that availability is still an issue with all of the GTX 1070’s, I would jump on it if you find one available. That said later on when availability isn’t an issue, it will depend on if you want a higher clock speed or better cooling.
Live Pricing: HERE
