Best low-profile video card

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mattyboy2

84 posts

Master Geek

#35222 5-Jun-2009 22:17

Hi guys

Does anyone know what's the best low-profile DX10 video card for around $200? Are there any?

I won a copy of MS Flight Simulator X and my onboard graphics (G45) just don't work.

I found a handy link to Flight Sim X video card benchmarks, but I have no idea if any of the cards listed are available in a low-profile configuration.
http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/gaming-graphics-charts-q3-2008/Microsoft-Flight-Simulator-X-SP2,785.html

Thanks

Edit: a low-profile Geforce 9400 GT 512Mb can be had for around $80. I wouldn't mind spending a bit more if I could find something that would have better gaming performance if anyone has any suggestions.

Edit2: or perhaps a Radeon HD 4350 512Mb for around the same price which looks to have better DX10 performance.

-Matt

meesham

973 posts

Ultimate Geek

#222366 7-Jun-2009 00:16

I have a Radeon HD 4550 in my HTPC: http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=374919

I have a full height case but it comes with 2x low profile backplates - but you can only use one if you want to and disconnect the d-sub connector. The picture shows a composite connector but it's actually a HDMI connector. Another nice thing is it's passively cooled, not extra noise.

It has pretty decent video playback performance, not sure what it's like for gaming though.

Edit: If you want something a bit more powerful, there's a 9600GT available in low profile, it's quite long so you'll need to check the dimensions of your case: http://www.elive.co.nz/galaxy-9600gt-graphics-card-ac0204.php

mattyboy2

84 posts

Master Geek

#222840 8-Jun-2009 22:24

Cool thanks for the tip Meesham. I shall investigate those two models you've recommended, they look better than the ones I found. LOL I see you have both video cards...

-Matt

mattyboy2

84 posts

Master Geek

#222854 8-Jun-2009 22:59

Ah crap I probably should have mentioned this in an HTPC so only has a 350W power supply. Don't think the 9600 will work with that, I think it needs a 400W power supply.

paradoxsm

3000 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#222874 8-Jun-2009 23:55

i had (have it still built-up) a full pc running a 9600GT 512 Silent with a cheap 'n nasty 350w power supply, check the total specs of the system, especially "TDP" on the cpu though I would suggest avoiding that if the total was going to be over 300W as some power supplies have a habit of failing when they approach the max. Ironically, I had it aside to replace the cheapy power supply with something I could entrust more.

AMD-6000, 4GB ram (I never used more then 2GB, thanks to NT limits) two DVD burners, one hard drive and 4 pci cards including a SB Audigy so it wasn't just an empty box either.

mattyboy2

84 posts

Master Geek

#224868 14-Jun-2009 13:05

I ended up going with a Sapphire Radeon HD4650 - $145 from PB Tech.

I was going to go for a low profile 9600GT but the sales guy told me the card would run too hot for my HTPC case.

Looks good, seems to do the job, and the FreeviewHD performance is way better than the onboard G45's was.