Looking for budget small form factor graphics card that can play games

darksteel

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Nov 20, 2010
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A friend of mine is looking to upgrade his desktop but has some very specific criteria. I'm not particularly an expert in this area, so I thought maybe someone here might have some suggestions. The criteria is as follows:

■Can play Skyrim and Dragon Age Inquisition. Ideally at 60fps on a reasonable setting.
■Is small form factor. He has a Dell Optiplex 790 which won't fit a standard-sized card. I don't know which version of it, just that it's not the mini tower.
■He doesn't want to spend too much, so around 100-150 is where he'd like to be.
■Needs to support dual monitors. Doesn't have to be the same connector type, so HDMI+DVI is okay, for example.
■Doesn't want to have to upgrade other components like the PSU. But hopefully with SFF he shouldn't need dedicated power pins.

Thanks.
 

darksteel

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Nov 20, 2010
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18,530


I can't say whether he could fit a double slotted card, and it's also a bit pricier than he was aiming for. But I guess with specific needs, that might be the best option? I was looking at this: http://www.amazon.ca/XFX-Profile-Boost-Graphics-R7250AZLF4/dp/B00FS6ABEG
 
I can see the dilemma you have. Your 250 is also a 2 slot cards, so you better check the case, I think it is good for 2 slot cards.

You are also right that the 750ti cost more than the 250, but the performance may make up for it.

Here is a benchmark chart that gives you an idea between the 2 cards. Please note you will see higher resolution than you would play at as well as higher settings than you would use on a mid level card. It should non the less still give you an idea of how the cards compare.
=on&prod[7209]=on]http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/2015-vga-charts/compare,3669.html?prod[7245]=on&prod[7209]=on

It is a shame you are stuck needing a low profile card because the 250's can be found for under 100 after rebate in normal size.

With SFF getting more popular, I am surprised we do not have more options(and better prices).