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.
Neither of those is low-profile. Low profile means they're about half-height except right at the back plate.
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Reply to jtt283
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.
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
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Reply to kpo6969
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?
or u can pay $50 and get a cheap mid case and not have that problem anymore... im sure u can even get them cheaper than that...
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.
Message edited by yayacool_sc on 03-18-2009 at 08:59:13 PM
"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.
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
WTF?!? power supply has nothing to do with pci-e 16x slot, does it???
WTF?!? power supply has nothing to do with pci-e 16x slot, does it???
http://support.dell.com/support/ed [...] #wp1141061 and to correct my last statement. It is also a full-height card now the low-profile card, I just confirmed with Dell. Because it is so unclear on the spec.
1. the 8600GT does not need a 350w PSU, i ran one on a 300w with no issues.
2. whatever your thoughts are on Dell's, they do have very good PSU. I know people who ran the 9600GT and 9800GT on the Dell 305w PSU. The Dell 350w PSU will run 9800GTX (and re-brands) and ATI 4850. Check the dell forums to see what cards people have installed in their systems.
^ +1. A Dell 280W PSU in a slimline system can run a 9600GT.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
My Galaxy 9600 is still running beautifully. I did also here about the low profile/low power. I hunted down my card before the low power one came out (I think).
A PICe power adapter (4 pin / 6 pin, etc) comes with the Galaxy card.
It really was dead simple, just whack it in. It means I can still feal good about my Dell C521 ;-)
I've had the Galaxy for nearly a year now, I did discover a potentially better low profile card a few months back. I think it was from Sparkle.
Hi, I have a Dell c521 pc, too, and I have ordered the low power galaxy 9600 gt from Circuit city. If I am not mistaken the 9600 gt card uses a DVI-I (dual link) port. My dell monitor is LCD as a VGA. I've searched other forums about compatible issues.
It's a quiet little card, too, with plenty of power. Rarely do I hear it and when on a full load I doubt I'll even hear it then since I'll have sound coming from my games.
Brought life back into my C521. Plays Aion just fine with all settings set to full.
UPDATE: After a few days the fan acted up and I am currently working through Galaxy to get it replaced. I have looked on the internet about the fan problems with this graphics card and it seems only one other person had any issues with the Galaxy version and it was months after he had purchased it. Hang onto that receipt.
Another thing, Circuit City has just recently added a rebate offer on the Galaxy 9600 gt low power card. So from $79.99 after rebate; $30 off the original price of $109.99. Began 11/1/09 and ends 12/13/2009. I just ordered happenstance on Nov 1st.
Overclocking, I do not know much about, yet, but Galaxy has a software program called Extreme Tuner that allows overclocking and fan control options and other features. A couple of links to download it from: