Best Nvidia graphics card that draws less than 150w and requires 1 6+2 PCIe pin connector

[MyKeyblader]

I need suggestions on the best Nvidia graphics card that draws less than 150 watts on the 12v rail. My power supply is 430 watts and comes with 1 6+2 PCIe connector. It would be even better if the card had more than 1 Gigabyte of video ram and or GDDR5 memory. I want to upgrade from my GT 620. Nothing older than the 300 series. Thanks for all the help

 

[robax91]

The Gigabyte 970 Mini is it. Definitely the most powerful card that will fit in any case (because it is only the length of the board). It has a maximum TDP of 145w, but you can just get a program like MSI Afterburner or Asus GPU Tweak to permanently set the power target to 90% which will only lose you 5-10% performance, but give you more headroom on power requirements. It uses one 8-pin connector (or 6-pin + 2-pin).

$340
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OQUMGM0/?tag=pcpapi-20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125706
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1096665-REG/gigabyte_gv_n970ixoc_4gd_gtx_970_mini_itx.html
http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=GA-970IXOC&c=CJ
http://www.microcenter.com/product/441042/GeForce_GTX_970_Overclocked_4GB_GDDR5_Video_Card

**Edit- You could also just get a regular 970, I just like the smaller one because it fits any case. The normal sized cards are much longer but can run a few degrees cooler, but if you plan on reducing the power target at all, the temps will probably be cool either way. Other 970: http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/video-card/#c=186&sort=a8
I would get the Evga ACX 2.0 970 if your case can fit a full sized card. I only recommended the smaller card because your old card is also a small card and because it takes only one 8-pin. The regular sized cards take 2x 6-pin, but the EVGA one comes with adapters that work off molex connectors.

 

[MyKeyblader]

The Gigabyte 970 Mini is it. Definitely the most powerful card that will fit in any case (because it is only the length of the board). It has a maximum TDP of 145w, but you can just get a program like MSI Afterburner or Asus GPU Tweak to permanently set the power target to 90% which will only lose you 5-10% performance, but give you more headroom on power requirements. It uses one 8-pin connector (or 6-pin + 2-pin).

$340
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OQUMGM0/?tag=pcpapi-20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125706
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1096665-REG/gigabyte_gv_n970ixoc_4gd_gtx_970_mini_itx.html
http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=GA-970IXOC&c=CJ
http://www.microcenter.com/product/441042/GeForce_GTX_970_Overclocked_4GB_GDDR5_Video_Card

**Edit- You could also just get a regular 970, I just like the smaller one because it fits any case. The normal sized cards are much longer but can run a few degrees cooler, but if you plan on reducing the power target at all, the temps will probably be cool either way. Other 970: http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/video-card/#c=186&sort=a8
I would get the Evga ACX 2.0 970 if your case can fit a full sized card. I only recommended the smaller card because your old card is also a small card and because it takes only one 8-pin. The regular sized cards take 2x 6-pin, but the EVGA one comes with adapters that work off molex connectors.

those are some interesting suggestions and i would love to look into it. one problem is, my budget is only $200, anything in that price range?

 

[17seconds]

GTX 960 out on January 22.

 

[robax91]

For only $200, Nvidia, and a 140w TDP you have 3 options:

1. Get a 750ti for $100 after rebate. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487025&Tpk=N82E16814487025
It is much less powerful than a 970 but is the only card anywhere near the TDP you need currently available. The 760 is 170w TDP and all of the 600 series are very power hungry in comparison. This is the option for the most immediate results. If you order it today, you'll have it by friday and can plug it in in a few mins and be ready to go.

2. Wait for the 960 to come out in 1-2 months. It will be around $180-220 probably and will have a 100-140w TDP. This is a good option because you can think for a while, and see if that's what you really want or save up even more for the 970. This is the long term plan.

3. You can spend some money to upgrade your PSU and keep saving money for a decent card. For like $50 you can find a decent 700w PSU with at least 80+ silver and some decent features. Plus this kinda goes with the 960. You can get a new PSU and save up for the 960. This is what I would do unless you really need something just for now.