Expert Consulted: Adrian Gardiner. Years of experience buying computers and computer parts for my new customer builds has given me a keen eye for spotting great deals when shopping. In this article, I’ll share my knowledge to help you find the best low profile graphics card.
Not all of us have the luxury of spacious computer cases capable of taking large, full-sized graphics cards.
A lot of PC cases simply can’t take a decent GPU and, therefore, need a low-profile graphics card option. Thankfully, a few such cards are available on the market for just that situation.
Also known as half-height or slim graphics cards, these GPUs are mainly designed for use in SFF (small form factor) computers and are smaller in length, width, and in particular height.
In this review, I’ve located 4 excellent low-profile graphics cards, from a budget option to a high-specification and more recent model, with plenty of choice for every user.
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Best Low Profile Graphics Card – 4 Superb Choices Reviewed
After having a very in-depth look around to see what’s available in the 6-pin GPU world, I found 4 great options for you to choose from, all still currently available on the market and at a good range of prices to suit every pocket.
The following table highlights the Graphics Card options reviewed for you:
GPU REVIEWED | Reason for Selection | |
1. | Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile 8GB GPU | ‘Best Specification’ |
2. | ZOTAC GAMING GeForce GTX 1650 Low Profile 4GB GPU | ‘Mid Range Option 1’ |
3. | MSI GTX 1050 TI 4GB Low Profile GPU | ‘Mid Range Option 2’ |
4. | EVGA GeForce GT 1030 SC 2GB GDDR5 Low Profile GPU | ‘Budget Option’ |
All reviewed cards are excellent, with the RTX 4060 sitting at the top of the pile with its huge specification.
1: Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile 8GB
Best Specification | Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile 8GB
| See full review below |
The recently released Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile 8G Graphics Card is a game-changer for those of us with smaller PC cases.
Boasting NVIDIA’s cutting-edge DLSS 3 and Ada Lovelace architecture, it offers unparalleled visuals and rapid frame rates.
With 4th Gen Tensor Cores delivering up to 4x performance and 3rd Gen RT Cores ensuring up to 2x ray tracing performance, gaming and creative tasks are supercharged.
The card’s 8GB GDDR6 128-bit memory interface ensures smooth operation, while the WINDFORCE Cooling System and Dual BIOS guarantee stability.
In essence, this card is a technological compact marvel, setting new standards in graphics performance in a small, compact package.
The full specification is as follows:
- Video Memory (RAM): 8 GB GDDR6
- Bus Type: PCIe 4.0 x 16
- Clock Speed: 2460 / 2475 MHz
- CUDA Cores: 3072
- DirectX: 12 Ultimate
- Video Output Interface: 2 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 2 x HDMI 2.1a
- LED Lighting: No
- Power Draw (TDP): 115w
- Recommended PSU: 450w
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 182 x 40 x 69 mm / 9.76 x 2.12 x 5.78″
- Power Connector: 1 x 8 Pin
Low Profile space-saving design Powered by NVIDIA DLSS 3 4th Generation Tensor Cores Supports up to 4 displays Power connector increases length
2: ZOTAC GAMING GeForce GTX 1650 Low Profile 4GB
Mid Range Option 1 | ZOTAC GAMING GeForce GTX 1650 LP 4GB
| See full review below |
The ZOTAC GAMING GeForce GTX 1650 LP 4GB is a compact powerhouse.
Leveraging NVIDIA’s Turing architecture and equipped with 4 GB GDDR6 ultra-fast memory, this card is designed for performance.
Its low-profile, super compact 6.30-inch design ensures it fits in 99% of systems, making it ideal for height-restricted spaces.
With a boost clock of 1590 MHz, 4K readiness, and multiple display outputs, including DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0b, it’s versatile for various display needs.
The twin fans ensure optimal cooling, and with a max power consumption of 75w, it’s energy-efficient.
A top choice for those seeking compact yet powerful graphics solutions.
The full specification is as follows:
- Video Memory (RAM): 4 GB GDDR6
- Bus Type: PCIe 3.0 x 16
- Clock Speed: 1590 MHz (boost)
- CUDA Cores: 896
- DirectX: 12 (API Feature level 12_1)
- Video Output Interface: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.0b, 1 x Dual Link DVI-D
- Power Draw (TDP): 75w
- Recommended PSU: 300w
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 160 x 40 x 122 mm / 6.3 x 2.76 x 4.38″
- Power Connector: Not required
Low Profile space-saving design Powered by PCIe bus, no power connector required OC Scanner GPU Set-Up Feature None
3: MSI GTX 1050 Ti 4GB Low Profile
Mid Range Option 2 | MSI GTX 1050 Ti 4GT Low Profile 4 GB
| See full review below |
The MSI GTX 1050 TI 4GB LP Graphics Card is a reliable choice for gamers and professionals alike.
Powered by the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, it boasts 4GB GDDR5 memory, ensuring smooth performance.
With a clock speed of 1290 MHz and interfaces like DL-DVI-D, HDMI 2.0, and DisplayPort 1.4, it offers versatile connectivity.
Its low-profile design, complemented by an optional bracket, makes it suitable for space-limited, small-form-factor desktops.
The card ensures synchronized display refresh for fast, seamless gaming.
Consuming just 75 Watts, it’s energy-efficient, making it a solid choice for those seeking performance without excessive power usage.
- Video Memory (RAM): 4 GB GDDR5
- Bus Type: PCIe 3.0 x 16
- Clock Speed: 1290 / 1392 MHz (Boost)
- CUDA Cores: 768
- DirectX: 12
- Video Output Interface: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1 x Dual Layer DVI-D, 1 x HDMI 2.0b
- Power Draw (TDP): 75w
- Recommended PSU: 300w
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 182 x 35 x 69 mm / 7.1 x 1.38 x 2.7″
- Power Connector: Not required
Low Profile space-saving design G-Sync Support Powered by PCIe bus, no power connector required Low TDP of only 75w Good for 1080p gaming It's starting to show its age a bit
4: EVGA GeForce GT 1030 SC 2GB GDDR5 Low Profile
Budget Option | EVGA GeForce GT 1030 SC 2GB Low Profile
| See full review below |
The EVGA GeForce GT 1030 SC is a game-changer for those seeking a significant boost in their PC experience.
Powered by the award-winning NVIDIA Pascal architecture, this card offers a real base clock of 1290 MHz and a boost of 1544 MHz.
With 2048MB GDDR5 memory, it promises supercharged performance, outpacing Intel Core i5 integrated graphics by an impressive 2x.
Its low-profile bracket ensures compatibility with various space-constrained systems.
Whether you’re into HD video editing, picture editing, or immersive gaming, this card delivers. Plus, with the GeForce experience, excellent driver updates and game optimization become a breeze.
An affordable powerhouse in a compact form.
The full specification is as follows:
- Video Memory (RAM): 2 GB GDDR5
- Bus Type: PCIe 3.0 x 16
- Clock Speed: 1290 / 1544 MHz (Boost)
- CUDA Cores: 384
- Direct X: 12 API
- Video Output Interface: 1 x Single Link DVI, 1 x HDMI 2.0b
- LED Lighting: No
- Power Draw (TDP): Not specified
- Recommended PSU: 300w
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 169 x 38.1 x 68.8 mm / 6.625 x 1.5 x 2.71″
- Power Connectors: Not required
Low Profile space-saving design DirectX 12 support NVIDIA GPU Boost 3.0 Vulkan API NVIDIA GameWorks Technology None
Purchase Considerations for Selecting a Low Profile Graphics Card
When looking to buy a low-profile graphics card, I’d recommend taking the following into account:
- Low Profile Bracket: Check to make sure that a low profile bracket is included – they usually are, but it’s worth checking.
- Power Consumption – Make sure that your PSU can handle the power drawn from your chosen GPU. This would be the TDP specified in watts by your GPU supplier. Many GPU suppliers will usually state the minimum recommended PSU wattage.
- GPU Compatibility with PSU – Check to make sure that the required power connector (if required) on your GPU is supported with the correct power connector cable on your PSU
- Case Support – Whilst all the GPUs offered here are designed for the more compact computer cases out there, you’ll still need to double-check that your selected card will fit, especially if you select the RTX 4060.
Installing the Best Low Profile Graphics Card
Installation of your GPU is usually pretty straightforward:
- If applicable to your GPU, make sure you have your GPU power cable and connector in the right place inside your PC case, ready to connect up.
- If necessary, remove the existing standard size bracket and replace it with the low profile bracket to enable fitting in a compact, space-limited case (this is a simple case of undoing two screws to remove and then using the same screws to re-attach the new bracket)
- Remove the correct number of slot covers at the rear of your PC to suit your graphics card. Most cards take up either 1, 2, or 3 slots.
- Carefully line up your GPU and lower it into its PCIe socket on the motherboard (this will usually be the uppermost PCIe socket if you have more than one). Once it’s lined up and resting in the top of the socket, it will need a firm push to get the card properly seated all the way down. When you apply this final push, try not to let the card move from side to side as you press down. You’ll hear a slight ‘click’ as the card is seated to let you know it’s done.
- Secure the card with the appropriate number of slot screws
- Plug in your power connector cable.
Final Thoughts
Seemingly a bit of a niche product, the availability of low-profile graphics cards has always been a bit limited, especially if you were looking for some serious gaming power. However, there are still a few good choices out there, complemented by the recent release of the superb RTX 4060 OC Low Profile GPU.
All the cards reviewed will provide a nice gaming experience and are aimed at specific budget levels – I think they’re all great value.
So, my top choice is, without question, Option 1, the RTX 4060, with a great price and matching specification, all in such an amazingly compact package.
It’s a clever move from Gigabyte as many eager gamers with small form factor computer cases will be looking for just such a GPU to elevate their gaming experience.