Best low profile card

damasvara

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Personally, I set my purchase target on the HD5570. But since there are so many experienced members here, I guess it would be best to ask their opinion on this issue. So, any suggestions, anyone?
 

Helltech

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I don't think the 5770 is even out yet, is it? I've also heard that its not a true low profile card, becuase it it takes up one and a half slots.

EDIT - Why did I think you said 5770, must be tired?, Yeah +1 to what jyjjy said.
 

Helltech

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Oh I see, I know they were made for slimmer cases (obviously), but I thought they were supposed to be half height as well.

And yeah, I misread his first post, not sure how that happened... my mistake. Regardless there IS a 5770 in the works if you can wait.
 

damasvara

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Well, as far as I know low profile GPU means the PCB size is smaller than the normal one. Bracket height is optional, they usually give 2 sizes of bracket, based on the case type.

The 5670 low profile???..wow!!!.. But what about the power consumption?
 

infernox_01

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I know we were discussing this in another thread but do you think I could use it with that be quiet 300w psu?
 

damasvara

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I'm not so sure about that. The 5570 is the 3rd most low power consuming GPU in the 5xxx series after the 5450 and 5550. The 5670 power requirements are significantly above the 5570. Even more compared to the 5750.

Power wise, low profile cards don't really have a significant decrease over the regular ones. I agree with jyjjy on this issue. A low profile GPU's main purpose is to fit in to slim cases. That's why only relatively low powered and "weak muscled" GPUs are made low profiled. A 5670 already surprised me, since it would be quite difficult to limit the heat with such small PCB. Guess that's why MSI put the twin frozr as the cooling system.

5750 with a 300W PSU? I wouldn't trust my $150 graphic card with such low power PSU.

This is what AMD say about the card:

"450 Watt or greater power supply with one 75W 6-pin PCI Express® power connectors recommended (600 Watt and two 6-pin connectors for ATI CrossFireX™ technology in dual mode)"

Maybe you're confused between the low profile and low power consumption. If only both advantages can be acquired from the 5750. But unfortunately, the only way to have a lower power consumption card is to make the green series as in the Biostar lineup. With a passive cooling that huge, that would be like the complete opposite of this thread's topic.






 

infernox_01

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the 5670 has a max power draw of 61w while the 5750 has a max power draw of 86w. I used 1 of those power supply calculators and it says with a 5750 in my system it has a minimum power supply of 213w and a recommended power supply of 263w. maybe the low profile version will use less power then the normal. with the 5670 the minimum goes to 186w and the recommended is 236w. even when using the cpu at 100% load and system at 100% load the recommended psu wattage for my system using a 5750 is 293w.
 

Exactly what power supply will you be using?
 

infernox_01

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unfortunately i was using the lite version of the power supply calculator so i couldnt check about the amps etc. for reference sake the power supply im thinking of buying has a continuous output rating of 300w. the voltage load on the rails are: +3.3V: 20A • +5V: 22A • +12V1: 14A • +12V2: 16A • -12V: 0.5A • +5Vsb: 2A. Max. combined current 12V (A):20.83. Max. combined power 12V (W) 250w. Max. combined power 3,3V + 5V (W) 110w. The reason I can only go for a 300w psu is because of my slim case which only allows TFX psus.
 

damasvara

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I am currently using a 405W Sirfa High Power Plus active PFC with 80+ standard efficiency. Plus, a semi-slim case Powerlogic Allegra 200 with the side panels installed with 1 intake fan and 1 exhaust fan which eliminates the possibilty of a regular sized GPU.

That's why, based on my research, the 5570 would be my best bet. Especially since I'm aiming for a "Jack of All Trades" rig. My rig should have a decent quality in both performance and power efficiency (with price as my top priority!..lol). The HD3300 integrated GPU is pretty okay. But for graphic intensive gaming, it just doesn't have the muscle power to run it.
 

Those specs are decent for a 300w(Dell PSU I assume?), it may be able to handle an HD5750. However there are no low profile HD5750s, at this point at least, which is what you would need for a slim case.
 

damasvara

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Still,pushing a PSU to its max load is like whipping a horse to maintain its max speed. It would be bad for the PSU's life term and risky for the GPU itself. There's a reason why AMD recommend a 450W PSU for the 5750.

By the way, for the MSI 5670 recommendation and personal considerations, the best answer goes to you. Cheers!
 

infernox_01

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well my pc is a dell inspiron 530s which comes with a 250w psu. im looking to upgrade it to a better psu, the specs are provided are for a fsp power supply i am looking at. there isnt a low profile 5670 at this point either. its a bit stupid to make a low profile card which can't run on a slim system because it uses too much power. the powercolor low profile 5770/5750's apparently need 1 6-pin pci-e connector, something most slim power supplies don't come with. if they do come out, I would have to use a 4-pin molex to 6-pin pci-e connector to use them. to relieve some stress I could always disconnect the memory card reader and start charging stuff from a plug instead of USB.