If you’re a fan of small form factor (SFF) PCs, you know how challenging it can be to find a powerful graphics card (GPU) that fits within the limited space of your case. You don’t want to compromise on performance, but you also don’t want to deal with overheating, noise, or compatibility issues.
That’s why you need a low profile graphics card. These are specially designed cards that have a shorter height and a narrower width than standard cards. They can fit in most SFF
cases without any problems. Some of them even have a single-slot cooler, which means they only take up one slot on your motherboard.
But how do you choose the best low profile graphics card for your SFF PC in 2024? There are many factors to consider, such as performance, features, compatibility, power
consumption, and price. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process and give you some of the best options available on the market.
Top 10 Low Profile Graphics Cards
| Rank | Graphics Card | Performance Level | Memory | Cooling | Price Range (USD) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile 8GB | High-End (Limited Availability) | 8GB GDDR6 | Dual Fan | High | 1080p & some 1440p Gaming |
| 2 | ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4060 8GB Solo | Mid-Range | 8GB GDDR6 | Single Fan | Mid-High | 1080p Gaming |
| 3 | MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 AERO ITX | Mid-Range | 6GB GDDR6 | Blower Style | Mid | 1080p & some 1440p Gaming |
| 4 | ASUS GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER Phoenix OC 6GB | Mid-Range | 6GB GDDR6 | Dual Fan | Mid | 1080p Gaming |
| 5 | PowerColor RX 570 Red Dragon 4GB GDDR5 | Budget-Friendly | 4GB GDDR5 | Dual Fan | Low | 1080p Gaming (Older Titles) |
| 6 | Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1650 LP 4GB | Budget-Friendly | 4GB GDDR5 | Single Fan | Low | Basic 1080p Gaming & Multimedia |
| 7 | ZOTAC GAMING GeForce GTX 1650 LP DDR4 4GB | Budget-Friendly | 4GB GDDR4 | Single Fan | Low | Basic 1080p Gaming & Multimedia |
| 8 | MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti LP 4GT OC | Budget-Friendly | 4GB GDDR5 | Single Fan | Low | Older Games & Less Demanding Titles |
| 9 | Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 Ti OC Low Profile 4GB | Budget-Friendly | 4GB GDDR5 | Single Fan | Low | Older Games & Less Demanding Titles |
| 10 | ASRock RX 550 Challenger ITX 4GB | Budget-Friendly | 4GB GDDR5 | Single Fan | Low | Basic 1080p Gaming & Multimedia |
Why Use a Low Profile Graphics Card?
There are many benefits to using a low profile graphics card for your SFF PC. Here are some of them:
1. Limited Space:
If you have a very small case, a low profile card might be the only option that fits physically. You don’t want to force a full-sized card into your case and risk damaging it or your other
components.
2. Portability:
One of the main reasons to choose an SFF PC is portability. You can easily carry your PC around for gaming on the go. A low profile card helps you maintain this advantage, as it
adds less weight and bulk to your system.
3. Lower Power Consumption:
Many low profile cards are designed with lower power consumption in mind. This is ideal for SFF PCs, which often have limited power supplies. You don’t want to overload your PSU or
cause unnecessary heat and noise.
4, Silent Operation:
Due to their smaller size and lower power consumption, low profile cards often run quieter than their full-sized counterparts. This is great for SFF PCs, which are often used in living
rooms or bedrooms. You don’t want to disturb your family or neighbors with loud fan noises.
What to Consider When Choosing a Low Profile Graphics Card
While low profile graphics cards are a great solution for SFF builds, they also have some drawbacks. Here are some things to consider when choosing one:
1. Performance:
Low profile cards generally offer lower performance than full-sized cards. This is because they have less space for cooling and powerful GPUs. You might not be able to play the
latest games at high settings or resolutions with a low profile card.
2. Features:
Some low profile cards may lack advanced features like ray tracing or DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) found in high-end cards. Ray tracing is a technology that simulates
realistic lighting effects in games, such as shadows, reflections, and ambient occlusion. DLSS is a technology that uses AI to upscale lower resolution images to higher resolution
ones, boosting performance and image quality. These are some of the most advanced and stunning graphics technologies, and you might miss out on them with a low profile card.
3. Compatibility:
Not all low profile cards will fit in your SFF case. You need to double-check the dimensions of your case and the card and make sure they are compatible.
You also need to make sure your SFF motherboard has a compatible PCIe slot for the card.
4. Power Supply:
Not all low profile cards will work with your SFF PSU. You need to verify that your PSU has enough wattage to power the card and your other components. You also need to make sure
your PSU has the right connectors for the card.
Best Low Profile Graphics Cards
The low profile graphics card market offers a variety of options depending on your needs and budget. Here are some of the best contenders for 2024:
High-End Performance (Limited Availability):
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile 8GB:
This powerhouse card boasts the latest Ampere architecture and offers excellent performance for 1080p and even some 1440p gaming at high settings. It also supports
ray tracing and DLSS, which can make your games look more realistic and run faster. However, it may be difficult to find due to ongoing supply chain issues.
Mid-Range Performance:
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4060 8GB Solo:
This single-fan design offers a good balance between performance and size. It can handle most modern games at 1080p with high frame rates. It also supports ray tracing and DLSS, which can enhance your gaming experience.
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 AERO ITX:
This card utilizes a blower-style cooler, which efficiently exhausts heat outside the case. It’s a good choice for SFF PCs with limited airflow. It can handle most games at 1080p and
1440p with high settings. It also supports ray tracing and DLSS, which can improve your graphics quality and performance.
Budget-Friendly Options:
ZOTAC GAMING GeForce GTX 1650 LP 4GB:
A reliable option for basic 1080p gaming and multimedia tasks. It offers good value for the price. It can handle older games and less demanding titles at 1080p with decent frame
rates. It doesn’t support ray tracing or DLSS, but it has a low power consumption and a silent operation.
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GT LP:
This well-established card delivers decent performance for older games and less demanding titles at 1080p. It doesn’t support ray tracing or DLSS, but it has a low power
consumption and a silent operation.
Extra Guide for Building with a Low Profile Graphics Card
Building an SFF PC with a low profile graphics card can be a rewarding experience, but it also requires some careful planning and preparation. Here are some additional tips to help
you with your build:
1. Cooling:
Due to the smaller size and potentially limited airflow in SFF cases, ensuring proper cooling is crucial. Consider high-quality case fans and additional airflow channels. You can also use
thermal paste and pads to improve the heat transfer between the components and the cooler.
2. PSU Choice:
Select a power supply unit with sufficient wattage to handle the low profile card and your other components. You can use online calculators to estimate your power consumption
and choose a suitable PSU. You can also look for SFX or SFX-L PSUs, which are smaller than standard ATX PSUs and fit better in SFF cases.
3. Motherboard Compatibility:
Ensure your SFF motherboard has a compatible PCIe slot for the chosen low profile card. You can look for mini-ITX or micro-ATX motherboards, which are smaller than standard ATX
motherboards and fit better in SFF cases. You can also look for riser cables or adapters, which allow you to mount the card in a different orientation or location.
What is a low-profile graphics card, and why would I want one?
A low-profile graphics card is a small-sized card that fits in tiny computers. It’s great for making computers that don’t take up much space or for upgrading small, ready-made computers.
What factors should I consider when choosing the best low-profile graphics card for my PC?
Think about how well it performs, if it fits your computer’s parts like the power supply and motherboard, how much space you have, and how much money you want to spend.
What are some popular brands that offer low-profile graphics cards?
Some well-known brands are Nvidia, AMD, Gigabyte, MSI, ASUS, and Zotac. They all make small graphics cards.
How do I know if my PC supports a low-profile graphics card?
Look at your computer’s details to see if it has the right slot (PCIe), enough power, and space for a small card.
What are the performance differences between low-profile graphics cards and full-size ones?
Small cards are not as powerful and don’t cool down as well because they are smaller and use less power than big cards.
Can I use a low-profile graphics card for gaming?
Yes, you can play games with small cards, but they might not be as good as the big, fancy cards.
What types of ports do low-profile graphics cards typically have?
They usually have ports like DisplayPort, HDMI, and sometimes DVI or VGA to connect to monitors.
How do I install a low-profile graphics card in my PC?
Open your computer, find the right slot (PCIe), put the card in, screw it tight, and plug in any cables needed.
Are low-profile graphics cards compatible with all motherboards?
No, they need a specific slot (PCIe x16) and might not work with some special or ready-made computers.
Can I use a low-profile graphics card in a standard-sized PC case?
Yes, if there’s enough room and it fits with your computer’s parts, you can use a small card in a big case.
What are some examples of popular low-profile graphics cards on the market?
Some common small cards are the Nvidia GeForce GT 1030, GTX 1650 Low Profile, and AMD Radeon RX 550.
How do I ensure that a low-profile graphics card will fit in my PC case?
Measure the space inside your computer and make sure the card’s size matches.
Can I use a low-profile graphics card in a prebuilt PC like a Dell or HP?
Yes, if the ready-made computer has the right slot and enough power, you can add a small card.
Do low-profile graphics cards require additional cooling compared to full-size cards?
They might need extra fans or coolers to keep them from getting too hot in tight spaces.
Are low-profile graphics cards suitable for video editing and other GPU-intensive tasks?
Yes, they can work for video editing and other heavy tasks, but they might not be as strong as bigger cards.
What are some potential drawbacks of using a low-profile graphics card?
The downsides of a small card are that it’s not as strong, you can’t add much to it later, and it might not fit or work well with some computer cases or ready-made computers.
How do I know if my power supply can support a low-profile graphics card?
Look at how many watts your power supply can give and if it has the right power connectors (PCIe) for the card you want.
Can I overclock a low-profile graphics card for better performance?
You can make some small cards run faster (overclock), but remember they can get hot and might have limits on how much power they use in small computers.
Are there any specific drivers or software I need to use with a low-profile graphics card?
Yes, you need the newest software from the card maker’s website to make sure the small card works right and does its best.
Where can I find reliable information and reviews about the best low-profile graphics cards?
Good places to learn about small cards are websites that talk about computer parts, online discussion groups, and YouTube channels where tech people tell you what they think and suggest good cards.
Conclusion
Choosing a low profile graphics card for your SFF PC in 2024 can be a challenging task, but it can also be a fun and rewarding one. You can enjoy the benefits of a
compact and portable PC without sacrificing too much on performance and features.
The best low profile graphics card for your SFF PC in 2024 depends on your needs and budget. You can choose from high-end, mid-range, or budget-friendly options,
depending on what resolution, games, and features you want to play with. You can also consider factors like compatibility, power consumption, and cooling.
FAQs
What’s a low profile graphics card?
It’s a special graphics card designed for small form factor (SFF) PCs. They’re shorter and sometimes thinner than regular cards to fit inside compact cases.
Why would I use one?
There are a few reasons:
- Limited Space: Gotta fit the card in your tiny SFF case!
- Portability: Low profile cards keep your PC light and easy to move.
- Lower Power: Many use less energy, perfect for SFF PCs with smaller power supplies.
- Quieter Operation: Smaller size often means quieter fans.
Do they perform well?
They can! But generally, they aren’t as powerful as full-sized cards due to size limitations. However, they can still handle many modern games at 1080p with good settings.
What should I consider when buying one?
- Performance: Think about the games you play and what settings you want.
- Features: Fancy features like ray tracing might not be available on all low profile cards.
- Compatibility: Double-check the size of your case and the card you choose!
- Power Supply: Make sure your PC’s power supply can handle the card.
Can you recommend any good low profile cards?
Sure! Here are some options based on needs:
- High-End (Limited Availability): Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile 8GB (great for 1080p and some 1440p gaming)
- Mid-Range: ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4060 8GB Solo (good balance of size and performance for 1080p) or MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 AERO ITX (efficient cooling for tight spaces)
- Budget-Friendly: ZOTAC GAMING GeForce GTX 1650 LP 4GB (basic 1080p gaming) or Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GT LP (older games and less demanding titles)
Any other tips for building with a low profile card?
- Cooling: Keep your SFF PC cool with good fans and airflow.
- Power Supply: Choose one with enough wattage for all your components.
- Motherboard: Make sure it has a compatible slot for your low profile card.