Best 'low profile' graphics card

Hi,

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.

If anyone can help, I'd really appreciate it.

regards

dblyth2007

Neither of those is low-profile. Low profile means they're about half-height except right at the back plate.

how about this card? check it out. pretty weak card tho.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814103055

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.

i like all these people who buy these low profile cases who then complain they cant upgrade anything in them.

thats the sacrifice you make when you buy something like that.

make sure your power supply is upto the job too... 350W minimum for a 8600GT

Thanks for all the replies. I'd gone to many other forums and got no where. Just found out about this one yesterday.

The stats on the 8600GT looks spot on.

Thanks

dblyth2007

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...

http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCat [...] uter-Cases
anything that said "mid tower" or "full tower" is fine. as long as you know how does regular case look like, then you should be fine.

"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.

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.

The video card posted by 'palmfern' looks pretty cool but if your having trouble finding a local seller, you can also look at the:

Galaxy 9600GT 512MB DDR3 low profile.

This is what I've been running for the last 6 months ok. My PSU is only rated 280W, but all the levels check out fine.

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.

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.

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.

I believe you need the 4 pin to 6 pin adapter to plug into the back of the Galaxy GeForce 9600 GT to make it work properly

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.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] alaxy-9600

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.

http://www.circuitcity.com/applica [...] CatId=3670

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:

http://www.techpowerup.com/downloa [...] Tuner.html
http://files.aoaforums.com/I3711-XtremeTuner.EXE.html