Question Req: Recommendation on low-end graphics card

Jan 24, 2023
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Here are the things I'm looking for, in no particular order.
  • No PCIe power required.
  • Single fan.
  • Small enough to fit in ITX case.
  • 4GB or more RAM.
  • Occupies 2 PCI slots.
  • Would be great if PCIe 4.0, but PCIe 3.0 is OK as well.
  • Not playing demanding games.
  • Previously owned card is OK.
An integrated GPU would more than enough for my needs, but I already have a CPU that doesn't have an iGPU, so I do need a graphics card. I'd appreciate any suggestions.
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sol
 
Last edited:

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
Your list ends up a little conflicting in some places, unfortunately.

Which "ITX case"? That doesn't really narrow it down (some ITX cases will support huge cards, others max 2 slots, single fan etc).

For new, I think you'd be limited to an RX6400 or some variants of the GTX 1650 based on your "No PCIe power" requirement, or a 1630.

Only an RX6400 would meet your "PCIe 4.0" ideal, but has it's own limitations and may do more harm than good. Are you actually running a PCIe 4.0 capable CPU/motherboard? If not, the cut down four PCIe lanes on an RX6400 would cripple the card on a 3.0 slot.


Even pre-owned, there's very few, modern(ish) cards without supplemental PCIe power requirements. GTX 750/750TI, 1030 etc come to mind, but most won't hit (or utilize) your 4GB VRAM.
 
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Jan 24, 2023
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The case is just big enough to fit a 2-slot, single fan card. I should have been more clear about that, because there are indeed a large variety.

RX 6400 did look like a contender, although I wasn't sure it would provide a good value for the money, simply because it seems to cut a lot of corners.

The motherboard (ASRock B550M-ITX/ac) says it supports PCIe 4.0, so that must be where I got the idea. But then again, it most likely won't matter for my use case.

I'll check out the options you suggested. Thanks for the help.
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sol
 

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
For a single fan, dual slot.... You're really down to an RX6400 or a few of the 1650s out there for anything 'modern'. Despite the compromises of the 6400, it's probably the strongest card that meets your requirement, and is readily available.
 
The case is just big enough to fit a 2-slot, single fan card. I should have been more clear about that, because there are indeed a large variety.

RX 6400 did look like a contender, although I wasn't sure it would provide a good value for the money, simply because it seems to cut a lot of corners.
Your requirement that the card have no supplemental power connectors means that you have only three options. The RX 6400, the GTX 1630 and the GTX 1650. They are ALL bad values when compared to cards like the RX 6500 XT, RX 6600 and RX 6600 XT but if you want a card that only has a TDP of 75W or less, this is your lot.
The motherboard (ASRock B550M-ITX/ac) says it supports PCIe 4.0, so that must be where I got the idea. But then again, it most likely won't matter for my use case.
Nevertheless, it's a good thing because it means that the RX 6400's PCI-E v4.0 x4 main connector won't be throttled by a PCI-E v3.0 slot.

There's no question that the RX 6400 is the best buy when it comes to cards that don't require supplementary power. It matches the performance of the GTX 1650 but for less money.

The GTX 1650 costs US$170+
The RX 6400 costs US $135+

According to the TechPowerUp GPU Database, the difference in performance is within 1% of each other which means equal despite the GTX 1650 being 26% more expensive.

If someone offers me something that costs an extra 26% for the same performance, I'm telling them to take a hike and so should you. :giggle:
 
Jan 24, 2023
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I suspect my needs aren't as demanding as the needs of the folks who frequent here. I'd be perfectly contented with an iGPU, but the ones I considered (i.e. Ryzen "G" series) would be limited to PCIe 3.0, so I went with 5800X instead. The SSD is happy, but I have no video, thus hunting for a basement bargain.

Anyhow, now I have a few suggestions I can look more closely. Thanks everyone for taking time to share your thoughts.
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sol
 
Last edited:

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
Occupies 2 PCI slots AND is single fan?
That does not exist

Of course they do? Just not on the higher end (although 2 slot barely exists on the higher end, period)

Zotac 1650:
fca8f9fe51d6006b0ae3fe886cf91bfb.1600.jpg

https://www.pc-canada.com/item/zota...tm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=pcpartpicker

ASUS Phoenix 1650:
vuugo-asus-PH-GTX1650-O4GD6-P-300x300.jpg

https://www.vuugo.com/asus-video-cards-PH-GTX1650-O4GD6-P.html?tracking=5108053939762

Powercolor RX6400 ITX
21007.jpg

https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=43_557_558&item_id=219137

MSI Aero ITX RX 6400
c44fe134983047e334951615a7cde573.1600.jpg

https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=43_557_558&item_id=219137