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Best Low Profile Graphics Card in 2024

Secure yourself a compact GPU with the best low profile graphics cards around
Last Updated on February 6, 2024
Asus offers some of the best graphics cards in the market, including their high-performance models such as the RTX 2080 and GTX 1080Ti. These powerful cards deliver superior gaming performance

Low profile GPUs are a great choice for those who have a smaller PC setup so we’ve outlined some of the best low profile graphics cards in 2023 for you here. These versatile LP GPUs may be smaller than the standard full-height graphics cards, but they can fit into pretty much any PC case. They’re a great space-saving alternative if you want to cram loads of other great components into your setup.

While low profile graphics cards aren’t as powerful or high-end as the more traditional graphics cards, they’re still able to pack a punch in terms of power. Being smaller, quieter, and producing less heat than their full-height counterparts, if you’re building a compact PC, a low-profile GPU is all you need. In this article, we will review the best low-profile graphics cards for your rig, focusing on options that deliver efficient performance without the bulk of standard GPUs.

Products at a Glance

How we picked the best low-profile graphics card

Our selection of the best low-profile graphics cards is based on a comprehensive analysis of performance metrics, size specifications, and cooling efficiency. We take into account publicly available benchmarks, user reviews, and expert opinions to assess the performance of these cards in various scenarios, and of course, we draw on our in-depth knowledge of graphics cards and PC building.

When choosing a low-profile GPU, key considerations include power consumption, thermal design, and connectivity options. Such cards are crafted to minimize power usage, a vital feature in compact cases with restricted airflow. An effective low-profile GPU should possess a proficient cooling system to keep temperatures in check, ideally without relying on loud fans.

The performance-to-size ratio is also a critical aspect. Although low-profile GPUs may not match the performance of full-size models, several are capable of delivering adequate power for casual gaming, graphic design, and video editing tasks. In addition to performance, we focus on the physical attributes that make these cards suitable for small form factor PCs.

Of course, across PC Guide we have a variety of GPU-focused buying guides for different set-ups, brands, and price ranges. For those not constrained by size, it might be worth checking out our picks of the best GPU for 4k gaming, or even the best budget graphics cards.

Our Recommended

Best Low Profile Graphics Card in 2024

1
PROS
  • Solid performance for its size
  • Adequate 8GB GDDR6 memory
  • Compact and fits in small cases
CONS
  • Limited ray-tracing capabilities
  • Lacks RGB lighting for aesthetics
  • Similar design to older generations

The ASUS Phoenix GeForce RTX 3050, powered by NVIDIA’s Ampere architecture, is a compact yet capable graphics card. It comes with 2560 CUDA Cores, a game clock of 1777 MHz, and a boost clock of 1807 MHz, along with 8GB of GDDR6 memory. This card is designed to fit in smaller cases, with dimensions of 177 x 128 x 51 mm, making it ideal for mini-ITX builds or compact gaming systems. Its 550W recommended PSU and single 8-pin PCIe power connector make it a versatile choice for various system configurations.

This card is best suited for gamers and PC builders who are looking to achieve respectable gaming performance in a small form factor. The RTX 3050’s 8GB GDDR6 memory provides ample power for mainstream gaming and multimedia tasks. While its ray-tracing performance might be mediocre, it still offers the essential features of the Ampere architecture, making it a solid choice for those looking for a balance between size and performance.

2
PROS
  • High performance in a compact size
  • Supports advanced DLSS 3.0 technology
  • Efficient power consumption
CONS
  • Pricier than other low-profile options
  • Limited to 8GB of memory
  • No RGB lighting for those who prefer it

The Zotac Gaming SOLO GeForce RTX 4060, with NVIDIA’s Lovelace architecture, offers exceptional performance in a low-profile package. It boasts 3072 CUDA Cores and 8GB of GDDR6 memory, along with an impressive boost clock of 2460 MHz. The card’s dimensions are remarkably compact for its power, measuring 163 x 117.6 x 39.5 mm, and it requires a 500W PSU along with an 8-pin PCIe power connector. Notably, it supports DLSS 3.0, enhancing gaming performance through AI-driven graphics rendering.

This graphics card is an excellent option for those who need high-end gaming performance in a small package. The RTX 4060’s capabilities make it suitable for graphically demanding games and applications, and its low power consumption is a significant advantage for compact builds. Its size and power make it ideal for gamers and professionals working in limited spaces who don’t want to compromise on graphical performance.

3
PROS
  • Solid 1080p performance for its price
  • Unattractive to cryptocurrency miners
  • Suitable for budget gaming builds
CONS
  • Limited by 4GB VRAM
  • Tends to run hot
  • Outperformed by GTX 1650 Super in some tests

The Gigabyte Radeon RX 6500 XT Eagle 4G, based on AMD’s Navi 24 GPU, delivers reliable 1080p gaming performance at an affordable price. It boasts a base clock speed of 1717 MHz and can boost up to 2815 MHz, coupled with 4GB of GDDR6 memory. Its performance aligns well with other graphics cards in its price range, making it an appealing option for gamers who are primarily interested in 1080p gaming.

This GPU is ideal for budget-minded gamers seeking steady performance in standard games. One drawback, however, is its tendency to operate at higher temperatures compared to similar models. While it includes RT cores, these don’t substantially add to its appeal, given the card’s overall limited performance. For those looking to enjoy 1080p gaming without the necessity for top-tier graphics settings, the RX 6500 XT offers a practical solution.

4
PROS
  • Extremely low power consumption
  • Compact single-slot design
  • No external power connector is required
CONS
  • Limited to 4GB of VRAM
  • Not suited for high-end gaming
  • Performance lags behind full-sized GPUs

The XFX Speedster SWFT105 Radeon RX 6400 stands out as a single-slot low-profile GPU, perfect for mini ITX builds and compact systems. It operates under a sub-75W power consumption, eliminating the need for additional power connectors. The card features AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, 768 streaming processors, and 4GB of GDDR6 VRAM. With a game clock of 2039 MHz and a boost clock of 2321 MHz, it offers adequate performance for light gaming and general multimedia tasks.

This graphics card is specifically designed for users who need a compact, energy-efficient GPU that can fit in tight spaces. Its low power consumption and single-slot design make it highly suitable for small form factor PCs where space and power are limited. While it doesn’t match the performance of larger, more power-hungry cards, it’s a great choice for users with specific space constraints looking for basic gaming and multimedia capabilities.

How to pick the best low profile graphics card

There are many factors when it comes to picking the right low profile graphics card for your setup. Let’s take a look at some of the most important..

Size

The size of your chosen low profile graphics card will likely be the most influential factor when choosing the best fit for your PC case.

While these aren’t as fast or high spec as their standard full-sized counterparts, they are a great choice for those who have a smaller PC case or want to pack as many different components into their computer as they can. The smaller stature of these LP GPUs means that they will take up less room, making them a great space-saving alternative if you have your heart set on a smaller PC case.

Take a look at the measurements of your chosen low profile graphics card. Is it small enough to fit into your PC case? Does it give you plenty of space to add all the other components that you want in your computer setup? Some of these may be longer than other LP GPUs, so you should ensure that your PC case has enough room to accommodate your model of choice. It will also be worth double-checking if your chosen LP GPU comes with the low profile bracket you need to fit it into your PC case, as not all of them will include this.

Cooling and noise

One of the best features of a low profile graphics card is that they are so much quieter than their standard, full-sized counterparts. Whereas a standard GPU could potentially make a lot of noise when the fans are whirring to try and cool the unit down, an LP GPU will be able to keep itself cooler at a much-reduced volume. These types of graphics cards don’t tend to produce as much heat as their full-sized counterparts, which could also play a factor in why they’re not as noisy as the fans have less work to do.

However, while most low profile graphics cards come with only a single fan thanks to their smaller stature, some more budget-friendly versions carry passive heatsinks for them to cool efficiently. This will be an important thing to look out for if you want a truly quiet graphics card as they often produce very little noise as a result.

Power

The great thing about low profile graphics cards is that they require less power in order to work efficiently. While this is mostly due to the fact that they tend to be less high spec than their full-sized counterparts, it does make them more energy efficient. This is mostly down to several factors, such as additional features, thermal design, and the LP GPU’s overall makeup.

This helps to reduce the overall cost of your computer build. Because low profile graphics cards consume less power, you’ll need a smaller overall PSU (power supply unit). In fact, most low profile graphics cards don’t tend to use the PSUs to draw power. Instead, they tend to use the PCI-e 16x slot directly. They shouldn’t require any external PCI-e connectors unless the model specifically mentions this.

 

 

 

Is the RTX 3050 low profile?

The RTX 3050 itself is not inherently a low-profile card as it comes in various designs from different manufacturers. Some models of the RTX 3050 are designed as low-profile cards, tailored for small form factor PCs, while others maintain a standard size. It depends on the specific model and design created by the manufacturer.

Our Verdict

Final thoughts

Overall, the ASUS Phoenix GeForce RTX 3050 emerges as the Editor’s Choice as an efficient GPU with an amazing cooling system despite its small size. This RTX 3050’s blend of power, size, and quiet operation makes it an excellent choice for those building small form factor PCs without compromising on performance.

Alternatively, the Zotac Gaming SOLO GeForce RTX 4060 also excels in performance within a compact design. While the Gigabyte Radeon RX 6500 XT Eagle 4G and the XFX Speedster SWFT105 Radeon RX 6400 serve as budget-friendly options for casual gaming and multimedia use, each with its unique strengths.

And so our best low profile graphics card guide comes to an end. The four low profile graphics cards that we’ve chosen as our top picks will be more than a match for your particular computer setup, but we hope you now feel more confident in your purchase.