Do I need a low profile graphics card?

[quantum_singularity]

I have just ordered a Gateway SFF Computer (see the specs here: http://tinyurl.com/2ehwhl6). All the specs are great except the graphics card (integrated GeForce 9200) which is junk. However, I saw a CNET review that did say (on a similar model with the same form factor) that I would be limited to a budget-level half-height 3D cards due to the narrow case. I am not sure what exactly budget level half height 3D card means (CNET review is here: http://tinyurl.com/2bl2k9c). Is this a low profile graphics card? If so what is the top of the line low profile graphics card and would it play a game like Starcraft II decently?

Thanks

 

[hunter315]

This is a half height card,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127481&cm_re=5570-_-14-127-481-_-Product

this is a full height card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150474&cm_re=5570-_-14-150-474-_-Product

You will need the half height one, the metal bracket on the back can be changed for the shorter one it comes with and the VGA port disconnected so it can fit into smaller cases.

A 5570 is the strongest low profile one i know of, it wont do well on high res and high detail levels for SC2 but at medium resolution and low detail settings it will be playable.

 

[infernox_01]

depends on your power supply which low profile card you can get. the best low profile cards around are the gts 450 and the HD5750.

 

[quantum_singularity]

The spec says 220W which is quite low. Plus I don't have 2 PCI slots available so it can't be gts 450 or HD 5750 low profile. I think I am gonna for hunter315's suggestion get a MSI R5570-MD1G Radeon HD 5570, it only needs a single slot and has very low power consumption.

 

[quantum_singularity]

Best answer selected by quantum_singularity.

 

[quantum_singularity]

This is a half height card,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127481&cm_re=5570-_-14-127-481-_-Product

this is a full height card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150474&cm_re=5570-_-14-150-474-_-Product

You will need the half height one, the metal bracket on the back can be changed for the shorter one it comes with and the VGA port disconnected so it can fit into smaller cases.

A 5570 is the strongest low profile one i know of, it wont do well on high res and high detail levels for SC2 but at medium resolution and low detail settings it will be playable.

5570 is definitely the best for me, though it appears the gts 450 and HD5750 are more powerful.

 

[hunter315]

Hadnt seen a low profile 5750 or GTS 450 before, there dont seem to be many of them, but they would both require more power than your system's PSU can handle so i still stand by the 5570 which doesnt take much power at all.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey