When you are building your perfect gaming system for your PC, you might consider a ton of amazing features in the process. One of these most important components is the kind of GPU that you will purchase. Contrary to popular belief, your GPU does not have to be huge and that’s why a lot of people consider low profile graphics cards as well.
One of the main justifications behind this choice is that they are compact and can fit into any PC case you might own. This means that you won’t have to buy new parts and will have a lot of space saved. While it is believed that low profile graphic cards do not have the best technological advancements, today’s review has been compiled to debunk that exact myth!
Contents
Low profile graphic cards
We are starting today’s list of the best low profile graphic cards with the Asus GT 1030 Graphics Card which comes with an amazing thermal design and comes fitted with heatsinks that have a larger surface area as well. When you have reviewed our top 8 products, be sure to go over our FAQ section as well.
Low profile graphic card | Features | Price |
MSI GT 710 Graphics Card | Space-saving design | Check Price |
Asus GT 1030 Graphics Card | ASUS-designed heatsinks | Check Price |
MSI GT 1030 Graphics Card | Pascal graphics | Check Price |
VisionTek Radeon 7750 Graphics Card | Multi-display | Check Price |
Asus GTX 1660 Graphics Card | Compact | Check Price |
Gigabyte RTX 2060 Graphics Card | DirectX 12 features | Check Price |
ZOTAC RTX 2070 Graphics Card | IceStorm 2.0 | Check Price |
EVGA GT 1030 Graphics Card | Intel Core i5 integrated graphics | Check Price |
1. MSI GT 710 Graphics Card
Series | GT 710 1GD3H LPV1 |
Brand | MSI |
Graphics Coprocessor | Nvidia GeForce |
Video Output Interface | VGA |
Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
Quick Features
- Solid capacitors
- BIOS update
- PCI Express x16 slot
- Motherboard compatibility
The first product in today’s list down of the best low profile graphics card is the MSI GT 710 Graphics Card and its strongest feature is its ability to easily be compatible with any motherboard. It achieves this with a BIOS update, however, this might not work and you might have to end up changing your motherboard.
Luckily, this will most probably not happen since it is uncommon and that’s because this GPU is a PCI Express x16 graphics card which runs on all motherboards that are compatible with it. The only catch here is that the performance might vary.
With the inclusion of solid capacitors, you get a GPU that is long-lasting. Since this is a low profile card, it is best for your smaller systems as it is excellent at saving space.
Pros
- Space-saving design
- For smaller systems
Cons
- Fewer upgrades
2. Asus GT 1030 Graphics Card
Series | GT1030-2G-CSM |
Brand | ASUS |
Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 |
Video Output Interface | DVI, HDMI |
Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
Quick Features
- 0dB thermal design
- AUTO-EXTREME Technology
- GPU Tweak II
- Cooler design
The next contender is the Asus GT 1030 Graphics Card which has been designed to be efficient thanks to its 0dB thermal design, which allows for better dissipation of heat.
It also comes with its latest AUTO-EXTREME Technology which makes this one of the most reliable GPUs you can invest in. the device is made of premium quality materials and while there is no warranty, you do get specialized features such as the GPU Tweak II which allows for performance tweaking.
Even though the ASUS-designed heatsinks are larger in the area and are better at cooling, they still work with an entirely quiet operation which means that you can work and game away in peace. This also makes it the best pick for home entertainment systems.
Pros
- ASUS-designed heatsinks
- Quiet performance
Cons
- No warranty
3. MSI GT 1030 Graphics Card
Series | GeForce GT 1030 2G LP OC |
Brand | MSI |
Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 |
Video Output Interface | DisplayPort, HDMI |
Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
Quick Features
- Excellent design
- Larger heatsink
- Pascal graphics architecture
Our next contender for the best low profile graphics card is the MSI GT 1030 Graphics Card which comes with NVIDIAs own Pascal graphics architecture which ensures that you get excellent quality performance.
What’s even better is that this is such an affordable GPU, that along with space-saving capabilities, it also is a great way to save your money. It can be combined with larger systems but it works best with smaller ones.
This card has been designed in a way that ensures that you get a larger surface area heatsink with barely any noise. If you want peace while you watch movies, play games, or work, then this is the best low profile card from the LP series.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Affordable
Cons
- None really
4. VisionTek Radeon 7750 Graphics Card
Brand | VisionTek |
Graphics Coprocessor | AMD Radeon |
Video Output Interface | Mini DisplayPort |
Chipset Brand | AMD |
Graphics RAM Type | GDDR5 |
Quick features
- AMD Eyefinity
- 5×1 landscape
- Stereo 3D
- Universal bezel compensation
- GCN Architecture
Moving on, we have the VisionTek Radeon 7750 Graphics Card which comes with a ton of exciting and interesting features for a low profile graphics card. This includes the AMD Eyefinity.
This presents a new set of opportunities such as the universal bezel compensation, a wider landscape, stereo 3D sound, and much more, making this an exemplary multi-display gaming system.
There are also video features such as noise removal and color correction, which makes this GPU great for movie nights. Thanks to the inclusion of its GCN Architecture, this device makes processes faster.
Pros
- Multi-display
- Image sharpening
- Color correction
- Noise removal
Cons
- None
5. Asus GTX 1660 Graphics Card
Series | PH-GTX1660S-O6G |
Brand | ASUS |
Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce GTX1660 SUPER |
Video Output Interface | DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI |
Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
Quick features
- Auto-Extreme Technology
- Has rendering power
- Different bearing types
- Eco-friendly
- Sturdy housing
The Asus GTX 1660 Graphics Card comes with auto-extreme Technology which is completely automated to ensure that all soldering is done in a single pass. It alsolessens the thermal strain on components and therefore doesn’t require anyharsh cleaning chemicals.
This makes it way better for the environment as well while reducing the power consumption simultaneously. This GPU also has powerful rendering power which is all within a compact frame which ensures that it can be combined with just about any chassis.
Finally, the blades are super easy to maintainhowever when it comes to the fan, it is not easy to remove. To make this better, however, the body of this GPU is quite sturdy and secure.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Compact
Cons
- Not easy to remove a fan
6. Gigabyte RTX 2060 Graphics Card
Series | GV-N2060IXOC-6GD |
Brand | Gigabyte |
Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 |
Video Output Interface | DisplayPort, HDMI |
Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
Quick Features
- Comes with VR features
- Has the lowest latency
- Plug-and-play compatibility
- 360-degree image capture
The Gigabyte RTX 2060 Graphics Card is the best low profile GPU if you are looking for the best VR experience within your existing PC. This comes hooked with VR performance in terms of VR haptics and audio which ensures that you get a truly immersive experience. Other than this, users will also benefit from both plug and play compatibility and lower latency.
This GPU comes fitted with the new NVIDIA GameWorks technologies which have an impressive 360-degree image capture and offer seamless gameplay even when you are working with VR. This GPU will also make it easier for you to get a multi-monitor system which means it can keep up with the overclocking demands as well.
Pros
- Next-generation GDDR6 memory
- DirectX 12 features
- Smoother gameplay
Cons
- Slightly expensive
7. ZOTAC RTX 2070 Graphics Card
Series | ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER MINI Graphics Card |
Brand | ZOTAC |
Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 |
Video Output Interface | DisplayPort, HDMI |
Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
Quick Features
- Comes with a simple button click
- Has neutral white LED lighting
- Fitted with better heat pipe layout
- Has stronger aluminum array heatsinks
- Quieter operation
Moving on, our next contender for the best low graphic card is the ZOTAC RTX 2070 Graphics Card which gets the user maximum speed performance with the aid of a simple button click design. This removes any chance of error as well.
Other than this, users get to benefit from the advanced new layout of the heat pipe and are fitted with aluminum array heatsinks which are strongerwhich improves the dissipation of heat. In terms of the construction, users will love the protection and coverage that the metal backplate and the full board die-cast metal jacket brace provide.
This GPU comes with neutral white LED lighting, which means that you can pair it with any PC system. Since it comes with the Icestorm 2.0, users can be sure that thesegraphics cards have the strongest, quietest, and coolest performance yet.
Pros
- Full board die-cast metal jacket brace
- Metal backplate
- IceStorm 2.0
Cons
- None really
8. EVGA GT 1030 Graphics Card
Series | Graphic Cards 02G-P4-6333-KR |
Brand | EVGA |
Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 |
Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
Graphics RAM Type | GDDR5 |
Quick Features
- Has NVIDIA Pascal architecture
- Comes with powerful graphics engine
- Fitted with state-of-the-art technologies
- Affordably priced
- Friendly architecture
Finally, to end off our review of the best low profile graphics card, we have the EVGA GT 1030 Graphics Card which comes with the best upgrades that you could imagine. This includes a high-performing graphics engine, new advanced technology, and NVIDIA Pascal architecture.
You get to work with both HD video and picture editing abilities which are all possible with the inclusion of the Intel Core i5 integrated graphics which works twice as fast.
That is not all as this GPU is both budgets friendly and also comes with architecture that saves power. However, in terms of its performance in graphics, we are slightly disappointed and expected more.
Pros
- Impressive HD video and picture editing
- One-click game optimization
- Intel Core i5 integrated graphics
Cons
- Not as high performing
FAQs:
What is the best low profile graphics card for gaming?
Many products fit the bill for the best low profile graphics card meant for gaming, however, we recommend 1050 as it comes with very minimal VRAM and in turn offers the same features that its competitors and predecessors can manage.
The one real drawback that this GPU has is that while earlier products came with 4GBs, this one can only manage around 2GB of GDDR5. This is quite a bit of a difference even though it may not seem like it. It might affect the card’s performance in a few ways.
However, if you play your cards right and smartly adjust the settings, then this GPU can easily manage to play decent frame rates in many games.
How do I install a low profile graphics card?
While it is quite simple to install a low profile graphics card, for newbies and beginners, this might be quite a daunting task so this FAQ is especially for those readers who need some guidance. To successfully install it, you will need these 3 things; a screwdriver, a new graphics card, and your PC.
The first step, of course, is to shut down your computer and unplug it for safety reasons.
If you need to get rid of the GPU which was already in your PC, get that done before this process. If that has already been done, then proceed to find the PCI-E x16 slot which is in the vicinity of your processor’s heat sink. This is where you check your motherboard as it can be either your first or second expansion slot.
You must disconnect and unplug any wires or cables that might be loose or connected to the existing graphics that if it is there. This is important because these might be blocking the slot. Next, make your way to the end of your PC case to find the retention bracket and remove the screw. Once this is done you will easily remove the card.
On closer inspection, you will find that many motherboards come with a tiny plastic latch at the rearof the PCI-E slot and this is excellent way to make sure the graphics card stays put in one place. This is where you should come to remove your older GPU if it is still connected. Make sure to keep the bolts for later use.
Since the PCI-E x16 slot is now clear, you can proceed to install your new low profile GPU. Be sure that you add in the card properly inside and push the plastic latch down hard so that it stays in place. In the same way, as you unscrewed the retention bracket of your GPU, now it is time to screw it back on tight with the bolts you held onto earlier.
Conclusion
To conclude this review of the best low profile graphic cards, we would advise users to figure out exactly how much space they need to save and what their PC requirements are because you don’t want to buy a GPU that can’t keep up with the demands of their specific gaming or overclocking needs.
In the end, we have done our best to provide you with a fair and unbiased review of each of these products, now it is up to you to make the best choice.
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