Good budget-friendly single slot pcie x16 gpu?

[melissa.mityok]

My computer only has one x16 pci-e slot. What are the best gpus that will fit under $200?

Power supply is 365W

 

[clutchc]

Need to know the exact PC. Pre-built? Dell Optiplex 755 MT?

 

[melissa.mityok]

Need to know the exact PC. Pre-built? Dell Optiplex 755 MT?

Hey there, the PC is a hp dc7900 CMT, so the largest size of the dc7900 models. I just glanced in the reference guide and it seems in the CMT model there is a pci-e 16x and a pci-e 4x (16x connector) slot, so I think I may be mistaken that I need a single slot gpu.

Given that model, will this low-profile gpu work if I'm correct in assuming I can use the 16x connector as the second slot?

https://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX65132


Sorry for the confusion there, it's been a long time since I fiddled with PC upgrades.

Also for reference, the PC has an Intel Core 2 Quad Q9950 processor @ 2.83 GHz, a 365W psu, and 8GB of ram.

 

[dontlistentome]

You'd use the pci-ex x16 slot for the videocard, the x4 slot is for other pci-ex devices you might use, such as a wi fi card. So with a dual slot card you'll lose access to that slot. A 1050 is a good choice for that computer.

 

[Kisianik]

You'd use the pci-ex x16 slot for the videocard, the x4 slot is for other pci-ex devices you might use, such as a wi fi card. So with a dual slot card you'll lose access to that slot. A 1050 is a good choice for that computer.

Sorry mate, bad news - this is CRAPPY BTX FORMAT - look at pictures below.

So, which one of PCIE x16 slots is wired as X4, I am suspecting the White one, if it is, you can instal only Single Bracket video card into PCIE x16 (wired as x16) Black Slot.
In this case you are limited to GT 1030, because GTX 1050 and above uses double bracket..

The only way around it is to find GTX 1050 or GTX 1050TI card where there is no connectors on the one side of the bracket.

Let me try to explain.

You would have to disassemble the card and remove Dual Bracket, then use metal saw and cut bracket along the line, assemble card back - and now you have GTX 1050 TI single bracket.
Next, you might have to change case exhaust fan for something more skinnier, because GPU fan shroud might push against exhaust fan.
Or we need to find GTX 1050 (or TI) with different, more skinnier (at the bracket) shroud.

If you ready to do all this, I will start looking for more appropriate GTX 1050 TI model.

If you don't want to do all this cutting and fitting, the only option is GT 1030.

What is your choice?

 

[melissa.mityok]

You'd use the pci-ex x16 slot for the videocard, the x4 slot is for other pci-ex devices you might use, such as a wi fi card. So with a dual slot card you'll lose access to that slot. A 1050 is a good choice for that computer.

Sorry mate, bad news - this is CRAPPY BTX FORMAT - look at pictures below.

So, which one of PCIE x16 slots is wired as X4, I am suspecting the White one, if it is, you can instal only Single Bracket video card into PCIE x16 (wired as x16) Black Slot.
In this case you are limited to GT 1030, because GTX 1050 and above uses double bracket..

The only way around it is to find GTX 1050 or GTX 1050TI card where there is no connectors on the one side of the bracket.

Let me try to explain.

You would have to disassemble the card and remove Dual Bracket, then use metal saw and cut bracket along the line, assemble card back - and now you have GTX 1050 TI single bracket.
Next, you might have to change case exhaust fan for something more skinnier, because GPU fan shroud might push against exhaust fan.
Or we need to find GTX 1050 (or TI) with different, more skinnier (at the bracket) shroud.

If you ready to do all this, I will start looking for more appropriate GTX 1050 TI model.

If you don't want to do all this cutting and fitting, the only option is GT 1030.

What is your choice?

So is single vs/ dual slot referring to the metal piece that connects to the back of the case, or is it the black/white 'plug-in' that connects to the actual motherboard? The gpu I linked does connect to the motherboard using only one of these 'plug-ins' (sorry, I dont know how to differentiate between that and the back slot). Could I not just connect this to the one black plug in and have it work?

If not, would this gpu be a better solution?

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/produc...d-low-profile-bracket-included/10753358.aspx?

As far as I can tell it is a single slot and has a better benchmark than the 1030 GT,

EDIT TO ADD: as far as I can tell through scanning other forum posts, all gpus connect using one pci-e plug-in, the slots refer to the brackets on the back end of the tower? So couldn't I just take out two brackets instead of one for the 1050? It's a low profile gpu and according to its measurements should fit without interfering with other aspects.

 

[Kisianik]

You right.
RX 550 is about 14% faster than GT 1030 (I am not AMD GPU fan, my bad) and the card you found seems to be a perfect fit. You might have to still trim some from MSI fan shroud part, which is close to the bracket, because of exhaust FAT fan (picture).
But this particular MSI RX 550 so is the best choice (I did not check all choices yet, you are very quick) as of today.

regarding SLOTs (motherboard connectors). You have a choice of PCIE x16 (wired as x16) and PCIE x16 (wired as x4).
If PCIE x16 (x16) was white slot, you would have no restrictions in GPU size.
So far I can not find your motherboard diagram with detailed explanation of components, which is weird. WTF, what is the secret here, Dell is much more easier in this matter.

 

[melissa.mityok]

You right.
RX 550 is about 14% faster than GT 1030 (I am not AMD GPU fan, my bad) and the card you found seems to be a perfect fit. You might have to still trim some from MSI fan shroud part, which is close to the bracket, because of exhaust FAT fan (picture).
But this particular MSI RX 550 so is the best choice (I did not check all choices yet, you are very quick) as of today.

regarding SLOTs (motherboard connectors). You have a choice of PCIE x16 (wired as x16) and PCIE x16 (wired as x4).
If PCIE x16 (x16) was white slot, you would have no restrictions in GPU size.
So far I can not find your motherboard diagram with detailed explanation of components, which is weird. WTF, what is the secret here, Dell is much more easier in this matter.

Yeah I've been trying to find a decent GPU for this pc for a few days, I've been between the 550 and the 1050. I've also been (unsuccessfully) searching for which of those slots is the x16 one, even in the reference guide it's pretty unclear.

Would it be worth trying the 1050 in the white slot? I can purchase that one on store and return it if need be and then order the rx 550. I prefer nvidia gpu's so if theres some way I can swing it, I'd like to.

What are the issues that may arise using the x4 connector instead of the x16 slot?

 

[Kisianik]

too much to write, and I don't want to simply plagiarize, so read this http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-3524964/pcie-x16-wired.html

 

[melissa.mityok]

too much to write, and I don't want to simply plagiarize, so read this http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-3524964/pcie-x16-wired.html

Thank you for the quick response! That helped clear it up for me. I think I'm going to try and see if I can figure out which slot is which and go with the best card that will actually fit. I have a feeling itll be the 550.

 

[Kisianik]

I just deleted my just typed post, because I found the Answer to Black and White PCIE x16 dilemma.

Thanks going to French site. You could actually figure it out yourself if you inspected your motherboard with magnifying glass.

Look at small writing between Black and White PCIE slots.

I was right, Black is PCIE x16 wired as x16.
When video card installed, video card shroud with fan will face up, see my previous pictures (or in this picture face left toward the rest of motherboard) - this is CRAPPY BTX motherboard format.

In regular ATX motherboard format, video card fans in shroud are facing toward other PCIE slots, thus there are plenty of room for Dual Bracket cards.
Example of ATX motherboard (any) with Dual Bracket GPU

Example of BTX mothrboard (any) with single bracket GPU:

And look at this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BzMW0DT6yc&feature=youtu.be

This is crappy picture, but you can see single bracket GPU in your PC

Am I good?

 

[melissa.mityok]

I just deleted my just typed post, because I found the Answer to Black and White PCIE x16 dilemma.

Thanks going to French site. You could actually figure it out yourself if you inspected your motherboard with magnifying glass.

Look at small writing between Black and White PCIE slots.

I was right, Black is PCIE x16 wired as x16.
When video card installed, video card shroud with fan will face up, see my previous pictures (or in this picture face left toward the rest of motherboard) - this is CRAPPY BTX motherboard format.

In regular ATX motherboard format, video card fans in shroud are facing toward other PCIE slots, thus there are plenty of room for Dual Bracket cards.
Example of ATX motherboard (any) with Dual Bracket GPU

Example of BTX mothrboard (any) with single bracket GPU:

And look at this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BzMW0DT6yc&feature=youtu.be

This is crappy picture, but you can see single bracket GPU in your PC

Am I good?

I was just coming here to post pretty much this! I took a proper look and this is correct, the black slot is the x16, white is the x4. Looks like I'll be going with the rx 550!

Kind of a bummer, but the pc was cheap and I don't intend to play demanding games, so this isn't terrible news, at least.

Thank you all very much!

 

[Kisianik]

Or you can cut dual bracket on GTX 1050TI in half and get yourself a beast solution?!
It will void a warranty, of course. But, if it was me, I would do this in a heartbeat.

 

[melissa.mityok]

Or you can cut dual bracket on GTX 1050TI in half and get yourself a beast solution?!
It will void a warranty, of course. But, if it was me, I would do this in a heartbeat.

This is also very very tempting lol. Any videos on how this is done?

 

[Kisianik]

Or you can cut dual bracket on GTX 1050TI in half and get yourself a beast solution?!
It will void a warranty, of course. But, if it was me, I would do this in a heartbeat.

This is also very very tempting lol. Any videos on how this is done?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cjdv4e6vt3E

Cutting starts around 12 min mark.

It will involve Dremel rotary tool and it is dangerous, if handled improperly. So, if you know someone with this tool (good friend car mechanic or similar repair shop), you can proceed and do this MOD, if not, stick with RX 550.
I do have Dremel, so I know the dangerous part of this job, it is not a joke.

 

[melissa.mityok]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cjdv4e6vt3E

Cutting starts around 12 min mark.

It will involve Dremel rotary tool and it is dangerous, if handled improperly. So, if you know someone with this tool (good friend car mechanic or similar repair shop), you can proceed and do this MOD, if not, stick with RX 550.
I do have Dremel, so I know the dangerous part of this job, it is not a joke.

I just found this single slot 1050 ti, would this work?

I don't think I'm confident enough in my skills to do all the modifications necessary to use a dual slot card, so unless this guy works I'll be going with the rx 550

Also would it be best to get a 4GB version of the 550, or will that not make much difference compared to the 2GB version?

THank you again!

 

[Kisianik]

Inno3D

I know this option, but it is sold typically in Europe, hence the high price tag.

Is the price jump worth the performance? And it is above of your $200 budget, LOL

You never mentioned your CPU, am I right? Spending that much on the card, which possibly, will be bottlenecked by CPU is unwise.

Regarding 4GB VRAM vs 2GB. It is not going to affect the speed of the card, but rather will give you ability to connect to larger PC monitor or provide higher resolution.
So, if you have 24-27 inch screen, it is not as important, as if you connect your PC to large screen TV.

 

[melissa.mityok]

Inno3D

I know this option, but it is sold typically in Europe, hence the high price tag.

Is the price jump worth the performance? And it is above of your $200 budget, LOL

You never mentioned your CPU, am I right? Spending that much on the card, which possibly, will be bottlenecked by CPU is unwise.

Regarding 4GB VRAM vs 2GB. It is not going to affect the speed of the card, but rather will give you ability to connect to larger PC monitor or provide higher resolution.
So, if you have 24-27 inch screen, it is not as important, as if you connect your PC to large screen TV.

I realized after I posted that I couldn't ship it to Canada 🙁

My cpu is an intel core 2 quad q9550 @ 2.83GHz, and I'll be playing on a 22" monitor, so I suppose the GBs aren't as important!

 

[Kisianik]

This view is nice

Perfect fit.
Searching for the card length...211 mm http://www.inno3d.com/products_detail.php?refid=297

Just for the sake of argument, can you measure the distance from the rear case panel to the first obstruction, straight line, how much is that? I prefer metric system, but inches will do as well, will convert.

 

[Kisianik]

Since no shipment to Canada, RX 550 then. Oh well, you tried hard.

I saw similar cards for sale from Taiwan, but is card arrives DOA, what to do? Send it back? Price wise is similar to Inno3D.

 

[melissa.mityok]

Since no shipment to Canada, RX 550 then. Oh well, you tried hard.

I saw similar cards for sale from Taiwan, but is card arrives DOA, what to do? Send it back? Price wise is similar to Inno3D.

Exactly my thoughts. Not worth the hassle. RX 550 it is!

Thank you again for all your help.

 

[Kisianik]

Since no shipment to Canada, RX 550 then. Oh well, you tried hard.

I saw similar cards for sale from Taiwan, but is card arrives DOA, what to do? Send it back? Price wise is similar to Inno3D.

Exactly my thoughts. Not worth the hassle. RX 550 it is!

Thank you again for all your help.

 

[dontlistentome]

Every time I start to think "The quirks of pre-built computers aren't so bad..." I get a reminder of just how quirky they can be.

 

[Kisianik]

Every time I start to think "The quirks of pre-built computers aren't so bad..." I get a reminder of just how quirky they can be.

If you can do it yourself and you have plenty of time - DIY.

If time is money, and there is not much of both - prebuilt.

I can do it myself, but time is money for me, so I purchased all my PCs. Today I have time, tomorrow who knows.

 

[flyercan]

Have you ordered the 550 yet? Because there is one 1050 that only requires the one slot but still take up two over the mobo. Just remove that tiny fat fan on the back. The 1050 is 1/3rd faster than the 550 so paying near 200 for that is not a good thing. An older 650 or 750 Nvidia are faster than a 550 and might be available for single slot and cheaper than the 550 Radeon.
This is the 1050 though in Cdn $
https://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500412&cm_re=gtx_1050-_-14-500-412-_-Product
or
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/NEW-NVIDIA-GTX750Ti-2GB-Desktop-Video-Card-128-Bit-GDDR5/123349028157?hash=item1cb82ccd3d:g:qV0AAOSwowtbjUoa
or
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/DELL-GTX650-1GB-GK107-128Bit-GTX-650-1G-4K-Graphics-Video-Card-HDMI-DP-DVI/142766745969?hash=item213d8fa971:g:nuYAAOSwHdVa3FEK

You can also upgrade the PSU in that tower I think. Seems to be the same size as most standard PSU's