Low profile graphics cards are perfect for small computers where space is tight. These compact cards fit into slim desktop cases or small form factor PCs without taking up much room.
Unlike their bigger cousins, low profile cards have a shorter bracket and smaller overall size, making them ideal for home theater PCs or office computers.
We’ve found that power consumption and cooling are the most important factors to consider when buying a low profile graphics card. Since these cards go in smaller cases, they need to run cool and use less electricity.
The connection type matters too – make sure your card has the right ports (HDMI, DisplayPort) for your monitor setup and that it fits your motherboard’s PCIe slot.
When shopping for low profile cards, it’s also important to check the actual card dimensions and power requirements.
After testing numerous options, we found the NVIDIA GTX 1650 low profile stands out for its balance of performance and size. We spent weeks benchmarking and comparing the top low profile graphics cards to help you find the perfect fit for your compact PC.
Best Low Profile Graphics Cards
We’ve put together this list of the best low profile graphics cards for small form factor PCs. These compact cards fit in slim cases where regular-sized GPUs won’t work, making them perfect for mini-ITX builds or pre-built systems with limited space.
While they sacrifice some power compared to full-sized cards, today’s low profile options still deliver impressive performance for their size.
GIGABYTE RTX 3050 Low Profile
The GIGABYTE RTX 3050 Low Profile is a perfect solution for gamers with small form factor PCs who need modern graphics capabilities without external power requirements.
Pros
- Fits perfectly in small form factor cases
- No external power connector needed
- DLSS support boosts performance in compatible games
Cons
- Limited cooling potential due to compact size
- Only 6GB VRAM might not be enough for future games
- Higher price compared to standard-sized alternatives
We recently installed this card in a compact office PC, and were impressed by how easily it slipped into the small case. The low profile design is a lifesaver for small form factor builds where space is tight.
GIGABYTE has managed to pack impressive power into a tiny package.
The dual WINDFORCE fans did a surprisingly good job keeping temperatures in check during our testing. While playing some demanding games, the card stayed cool enough without making much noise.
This balance between cooling and noise is rare in the low profile category.
One thing we really appreciate is the lack of external power requirements. Many small PCs don’t have extra power connectors, so being able to run this card straight from the PCIe slot is huge.
We tested several games at 1080p and got smooth framerates with medium to high settings.
The 6GB of GDDR6 memory handles current games well, though you might need to adjust texture settings in the most demanding titles. For productivity tasks like video editing or 3D modeling, this card offers great value with its CUDA and Tensor cores supporting AI-accelerated workflows.
Connection options are generous with two HDMI 2.1 and two DisplayPort 1.4a outputs. We connected multiple monitors with no issues. The build quality feels solid, with a protective backplate adding durability and preventing board flex.
Perfect for upgrading small form factor PCs without needing a new power supply!
ASUS RTX 4060 Low Profile
The ASUS RTX 4060 LP BRK OC Edition is a powerful yet compact graphics card that’s perfect for small form factor PC builds without sacrificing gaming performance.
Pros
- Fits easily in small cases with low-profile design
- Impressive performance with modern games at 1080p
- Runs cool and quiet even under load
Cons
- Limited to 8GB VRAM for future-proofing
- Premium price compared to regular-sized cards
- May require power supply upgrade in older systems
We recently got our hands on this little powerhouse, and we’re genuinely impressed by what ASUS has packed into such a compact design. This low-profile RTX 4060 is a game-changer for small form factor enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise on graphics performance.
The two-slot design slid perfectly into our compact test system. What surprised us most was how the card handled demanding games without breaking a sweat. We tested several AAA titles at 1080p with high settings, and the frames stayed smooth throughout. The 8GB of GDDR6 memory proved more than adequate for current games.
Noise levels were another pleasant surprise. Even during intense gaming sessions, the dual ball bearing fans kept things cool without creating a racket. We could barely hear it running in our test setup, which is crucial for small PCs that often sit closer to users than traditional towers.
Performance Note: The OC mode’s 2520 MHz boost clock gives this card extra punch compared to standard RTX 4060 models, making it perfect for high-refresh-rate 1080p gaming.
The NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture really shines here. DLSS 3 support helped us squeeze extra frames in supported titles, and ray tracing performance was noticeably better than previous generation cards of similar size. For creative work, the card handled video editing tasks with ease.
We did notice the 8GB VRAM limitation could potentially become an issue down the road for memory-hungry games, but it wasn’t a problem in our current testing. The card’s power efficiency is impressive too – it didn’t put much strain on our power supply despite its performance capabilities.
Installation was straightforward with just a single 8-pin power connector needed. The card’s build quality feels premium, with ASUS’s Auto-Extreme Technology providing reliable performance. For anyone building in a compact case who needs serious graphics power, this RTX 4060 deserves a spot at the top of your list.
PowerColor Radeon RX 6400
The PowerColor Radeon RX 6400 is an ideal budget-friendly low profile graphics card for small form factor PCs that need a decent performance boost without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Fits perfectly in compact PC cases
- Runs cool and quiet even under load
- No external power connector needed
Cons
- Limited for high-end gaming
- Only has two display outputs
- Performance drops in PCIe 3.0 systems
We recently installed this card in a small form factor office PC, and were impressed by how easily it fit. The low profile design is perfect for slim cases where space is tight. At just 6.1 x 4.72 x 0.71 inches, it’s one of the smallest dedicated GPUs we’ve worked with.
Performance-wise, this card handles everyday tasks with ease. The 4GB of GDDR6 memory provides enough headroom for light gaming at 1080p. We tested it with some popular titles and got solid framerates at medium settings. Don’t expect to run the latest AAA games at high settings, but for casual gaming, it’s surprisingly capable.
The thermal performance really stood out during our testing. Even under load, the card stayed cool and quiet. This is a big plus for small systems where heat buildup can be an issue. We also loved that it doesn’t require any external power connections – it draws all it needs from the PCIe slot.
For connectivity, the card offers one HDMI 2.1 and one DisplayPort 1.4 output. While we wish it had more outputs, these should be sufficient for most users. Just keep in mind that if you’re using an older system with only PCIe 3.0 slots, you’ll see a small performance hit compared to newer PCIe 4.0 systems.
At its price point, we found the PowerColor RX 6400 offers excellent value. It breathes new life into older systems and works great in home theater PCs or compact office builds where a full-sized card won’t fit.
Glorto GT 730 Low Profile Graphics Card
The Glorto GT 730 offers excellent multi-monitor support at a budget-friendly price point for users who need basic graphics performance in small form factor PCs.
Pros
- Supports up to four monitors simultaneously
- Works well with Windows 11 without compatibility issues
- Fits perfectly in small form factor and HTPC cases
Cons
- Not powerful enough for modern gaming
- Some users report driver installation challenges
- A few reliability concerns with long-term use
We’ve been testing this Glorto GT 730 in our small form factor test system for the past few weeks. The card’s low profile design is exactly what we needed for our compact PC build. Installation was straightforward thanks to the included half-height bracket that matched perfectly with our case.
Setting up four monitors was surprisingly easy with this budget card. The dual HDMI ports plus VGA and DisplayPort connections give plenty of options for multi-screen setups. We connected three 1080p monitors and one 1440p display without any performance issues for basic office work.
The 4GB DDR3 memory isn’t going to impress gamers, but it handles everyday tasks smoothly. We noticed stable performance with web browsing, document editing, and video playback. The card runs cool and quiet even after hours of use.
Windows 11 compatibility is a major plus here. Many older graphics cards struggle with the newer OS, but this GT 730 worked immediately after installation. The drivers updated automatically, saving us time and headaches.
For anyone building a compact HTPC or needing to upgrade an office PC with multi-monitor support, this card delivers good value. Just don’t expect to play modern games or run graphic-intensive applications.
Display Support: The GT 730 can handle four screens at once with resolutions up to 2560×1600 (HDMI/DP) and 2048×1536 (VGA).
We did notice occasional screen flickering when waking from sleep mode, but a driver update seemed to fix this issue. The card’s 902MHz core frequency provides enough power for HD video playback and light photo editing.
GIGABYTE GT 1030 Low Profile Card
The GIGABYTE GT 1030 delivers solid performance for basic computing and light gaming in a compact form factor that fits perfectly in small PC cases.
Pros
- Super compact 150mm length fits in tiny cases
- Easy one-click overclocking with AORUS software
- Low power consumption works with smaller power supplies
Cons
- DDR4 memory limits gaming performance
- Struggles with newer, demanding games
- Limited to 2GB of video memory
We installed this card in an older Dell Optiplex system last week, and the low profile design was perfect for the small case. The 150mm card length meant we didn’t have to remove any drive bays or cables to make it fit.
Installation took less than five minutes, and Windows recognized it immediately without driver issues.
For everyday tasks like video streaming, web browsing, and basic photo editing, this card performs admirably.
We connected it to a 4K TV through the HDMI port, and video playback was smooth with no stuttering.
The card runs quietly too – we barely noticed any fan noise even when pushing it with multiple monitors.
The overclocking feature through AORUS Graphics Engine is surprisingly simple to use.
With just one click, we boosted the core clock from 1151 MHz to 1177 MHz, giving a small but noticeable improvement in performance. Keep in mind that this is the DDR4 version of the GT 1030, which isn’t as powerful as the GDDR5 variant that costs a bit more.
For light gaming, we managed to run older titles like CS
The 2GB memory limit becomes apparent when trying to run anything more demanding. Still, for the price, this is a solid upgrade for basic systems that need HDMI output and a graphics boost.
Perfect for: Home theater PCs, office computers, and entry-level gaming on older titles.
Buying Guide
Finding the right low profile graphics card can be tricky. We’ve put together this guide to help you make a smart choice.
Size Matters
Low profile cards are designed for small spaces. Make sure to measure your case before buying. A card that’s too big won’t fit!
The standard low profile bracket is about half the height of regular cards. Some cards come with both low profile and standard brackets in the box.
Power Requirements
Check how much power the card needs. Most low profile cards don’t need extra power connectors, but it’s always good to check.
Power Tip: Your power supply should have at least 300W capacity for most low profile cards.
Memory and Performance
Look for cards with at least 4GB of VRAM for decent performance. More memory helps with higher resolutions and newer games.
Cooling Solutions
Low profile cards have limited cooling options. Cards with better cooling will run quieter and last longer.
| Feature | Why It Matters | What To Look For |
| Form Factor | Must fit your case | Half-height bracket, correct length |
| [Memory](https://bytebitebit.com/tips-tricks/why-do-graphics-cards-have-memory/) (VRAM) | Affects gaming performance | 4GB minimum, 6GB+ preferred |
| Ports | Connect to monitors | HDMI, DisplayPort options |
Ports and Connectivity
Check which ports you need for your monitor setup. Most cards offer HDMI and DisplayPort, but older cards might have DVI.
Make sure the card supports the resolution you want to use. This is especially important for 4K displays.