Dell optiplex 980 small form factor - graphics card upgrade

This is a challenge. I look around when I have a few minutes to see if there's anything with more "oomph" to it that's low-profile (<-- Keywords). This is where ATI is probabliy going to shine, and Nvidia has been focus on beefier, performance cards, as of late. Also, does it have a decent power supply on that Dell?

Ok, here you go:

My Pick:
Radeon HD 5670: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814127523

Here's some other options:

Powercolor Radeon HD 5750 1GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814131363

MSI GeForce GT 430: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814127535

Palit GeForce GT 430: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814261084

Regrettably, there's not a lot of lowprofile options that're much beefier than what you have. All these have a more than marginal performance increase, as I didn't want to point you to an upgrade you wouldn't notice. I don't know powercolor, though it's the most powerful card listed, my pick is the MSI which typically makes good parts. Also, be sure you can fit any dual slot cards, as one or two required a second slot for cooling.

In regards to the PSU, you'll likely need more power for the top two cards (my pick and the power color), you'll be cutting close with the remaining two, especially if your computer is active on the network with more than one drive constantly going. You'll want to aim for 350Watts, at the absolute least, as you have a top notch CPU capable of drawing in some pretty numbers in the wattage department. Luckily most parts used in low-profile computers are low power consumption (as most small form factors tend to come with low wattage power supplies). In some cases, you might be able to squeek by, especially if you never fully load the CPU to the max.

The Dell OptiPlex 980 Small Form Factor has a TFX12V form factor power supply unit.

The highest wattage I've seen for a TFX12V form factor power supply unit is 300 Watts. So if you're looking for a replacement consider the SeaSonic SS-300TFX Bronze 300W TFX12V v2.3 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply - OEM for $36.99