What did you decide to do? I am debating MSI R9 270 vs Gigabyte R9 270. Have a Gigabyte mobo. I can't find any reviews of the Gigabyte cards. Critics love the MSI card. Not sure who makes a better cooler. Folks love the 3 fan version of windforce. It sounds like most of these cards are 'voltage locked', so I don't know if the gigabyte's extra 6 pin connector would help much. It may just drive the fan. MSI comes with afterburner which is a plus.