Best 'low profile' graphics card

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dblyth2007

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Hi,

I have a DELL Dimension C521 (yes the slimline one), with an ATI X1300 Pro graphics card.

Like many others, I didn't realise when I made my purchase that I'd be limited on choice for graphics card upgrades.

My real question is what is the very best 'low profile' graphics card available ?

I purchased an HD 2400 Pro from ebuyer but that turned our to be half the speed of my X1300, despite all the boast about DX10, Shader model 4 and HD ready. My Vista gaming score dropped from 4.2 to 4.0 and other graphics testing utilities showed a significant drop in fps on 3D graphics. So I sent it back.

If anyone can help, I'd really appreciate it.

regards

dblyth2007
 

Gravemind123

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The 8600GT is the most powerful low profile card, behind that probably the 8500GT by MSI and then the X1650Pro. The 8600GT is at least good enough to play current games, although not at high settings.
 

dev1se

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i like all these people who buy these low profile cases who then complain they cant upgrade anything in them.

thats the sacrifice you make when you buy something like that.

make sure your power supply is upto the job too... 350W minimum for a 8600GT
 

kpo6969

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Get the 8600GT it's the best you can do at the present time.
You psu is fine. 700w psu for a 8600GT would be way overkill.
8600GT = 300w@18amps
 

dblyth2007

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Thanks for all the replies. I'd gone to many other forums and got no where. Just found out about this one yesterday.

The stats on the 8600GT looks spot on.

Thanks

dblyth2007
 

yayacool_sc

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Hi,

I just jump into the same situation as you.
I have this optiplex 320 with PCI-e x16 slot. And it has 25W power limitation.
So now I figure it out it is because it is for low-profile?

I know you post it long time ago, and i am just wondering if you or anyone has good suggestion for current best low-profile graphic card?

thx
 

yayacool_sc

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Hi,
Can you elaborate a little bit more about the "mid case" you are referring to?
I mean it still didn't solve the fact that the PCI-e x16 only supply 25W for low-profile graphic card, if I understand it correctly.
 

magicbullet

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http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=7&name=Computer-Cases
anything that said "mid tower" or "full tower" is fine. as long as you know how does regular case look like, then you should be fine.

"I mean it still didn't solve the fact that the PCI-e x16 only supply 25W for low-profile graphic card, if I understand it correctly." I'm confused. i've never heard of pci-e x16 only supply 25 watts. I know that all micro atx and regular atx mother board supply 75watts max.

 

magicbullet

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WTF?!? power supply has nothing to do with pci-e 16x slot, does it???
 

dblyth2007

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The video card posted by 'palmfern' looks pretty cool but if your having trouble finding a local seller, you can also look at the:

Galaxy 9600GT 512MB DDR3 low profile.

This is what I've been running for the last 6 months ok. My PSU is only rated 280W, but all the levels check out fine.
 

cmacd

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How is your Galaxy 9600GT 512MB DDR3 low profile holding up with that 280w psu? Wanting to purchase one soon for my dell 745.

Thanks.... CMAC
 

instant90

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I have a dell vostro 220s slim tower, it says it's a 250w psu, but I heard that dell underrates their psu's and it should actaully be 300w, but will a 9600 gt low profile run on it? I'm not sure about the amps/rail on it, so I'm not sure if it'll work.
 

dblyth2007

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Hi,

Sorry for late reply, a few months back I did a lot more research into the DELL mother board and how many Amps the Galaxy 9600GT pulls through the PCIe power connector and the through the mother board and decided I should upgrade my PSU to a comfortable 700W (for just £45.00).

With the DELL Psu removed there is now much better air circulation and the temperature of the card does not sky rocket. The new PSU sits quiely on floor behind the base unit as it has very long cables.

Hope this helps.



 

stepmac1

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hey,
I have a dimension C521 as well and i have been wanting to upgrade my graphics card for some time. I read that you have the same and have tried the galaxy 9600 gt low profile for some time. I looked into this card and i like it a lot. Did it hook up to the computer with now problem and no adjustments? Also, i found that this card comes as low profile and low profile low power. To clarify, which one do you have? will both work? Thanks so much in advance.
 

stepmac1

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hey,
I have a dimension C521 as well and i have been wanting to upgrade my graphics card for some time. I read that you have the same and have tried the galaxy 9600 gt low profile for some time. I looked into this card and i like it a lot. Did it hook up to the computer with now problem and no adjustments? Also, i found that this card comes as low profile and low profile low power. To clarify, which one do you have? will both work? Thanks so much in advance.
 
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