We have taken it upon ourselves to bring to you some of the best low-profile & compact graphics cards GPU models in the market in 2022, just for you. That was possible by considering the factors like performance & the price of the GPU models.
It was pretty easy to select the GPU units that come with a low profile present in the market. Then we reviewed them with the other models that are present in terms of value for money and performance.
Our winner is the MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1650, which comes infused with 4GB of GDRR5 RAM, DisplayPort, and HDMI support. The model comes with a 1695MHz clock speed. When you are searching for the specifications of other models, then we have taken the pricing also to judge the options that are considered the best.
What is a low-profile graphics card?
The low-profile graphics card is similar to the standard gaming graphics card. It is primarily responsible for providing you with a wide range of output images on your display device. These are the main components for your gaming PC that affects performance.
The low-profile graphics cards are smaller in size than the regular GPU models. Usually, they come having a single slot in it, making the GPU units ideal for smaller PC designs. For a GPU model to be low-profile, it should have a length of 167.64mm 6.6″ and a height of 64.41mm 2.5.”
The low-profile GPU models are much cheaper than the regular GPU units. Besides the cheaper price quote, they also come with a low-end performance. You may not want to become frustrated due to the low-end GPU models that we have mentioned in this review.
Though they are low-profile, it does not make them incapable of doing most of the tasks that high-end, expensive models can do. You would be delighted to know that some of the models, like MSI and Nvidia, are better than their standard-sized competitors.
When you have minimal space within your PC case, going with the low-profile GPU model should be a wise decision. A low-profile GPU model is a good choice for mild gamers and users. But they are not ideal for professional gamers who expect breathtaking experiences from the GPU.
Benefits of using a low-profile & compact GPU
It consumes low power
Overall, the size is small, and that means it should not consume more power. These GPU models do not need external power connectors. It can operate on the power that is provided to them through the PCI Express x16 slot.
Small form factor
They are compact in size compared to most of the standard-size graphics cards. It gives an additional benefit for you to make use of low-profile graphics cards. You can use them on the ATX PC case when you have sufficient room inside for proper airflow.
They also come with a single slot. However, you can choose the power option having the dual-slot design. They can fit inside the mini-ITX PC case. You can learn & understand more by looking at the best small form factor designed for such cases.
Affordability
The low-profile graphics cards are quite affordable. You can get them for less than $200 or even $300. Though they come priced somewhat higher, these price rates are more than sufficient to meet your needs.
However, these graphics cards are not required to cost more than your traditional GPU units because some of them are priced at less than $500. That is why you would want to make use of the cheaper variants of the GPU models.
Factors to consider before choosing the best low-profile graphics card
Physical size
The size of the low-profile GPU model should be adhered to. You would want to ensure that the model can fit inside your PC case. Though most of the units are small, some might be large. However, they are designed such that they can fit inside compact PC cases too.
Noise
Nobody likes to hear the GPU model grind and toil inside your PC case, giving out some weird noises. Is it not? These GPU models come infused with passive heatsinks & a single fan that ensure that they remain cool when they are put to work.
Power consumption
The power consumption using the low-profile GPU model is another factor that can help you work peacefully. This is when compared to standard-sized graphics cards. You will notice that your power consumption is not significantly affected because of it.
The best low-profile & compact graphics cards (GPU)
Below are some of the best low-profile & compact graphics cards (GPU) models you can find in 2022. Our team has gone through all the feedback, reviews, and features of the units. Let’s get started in our quest for the best GPU model in the market without further ado.
1. MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1650
We begin our search for the best low-profile GPU model with MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1650. Though Nvidia & AMD have dominated the market over the last 5 years or so, MSI is making small inroads in the form of this marvelous GPU model.
The model has the ability to do quite well during low-intensive AAA game titles in 1080p at 60FPS. Its performance is average for the size of the card. But it gets the job done. It has a boosted clock speed of 1695 Mhz that offers you with quick options.
If you are a gaming PC developer, then you would delight in this kind of GPU model as it comes with a small form factor. Its design is based on the Turing GPU architecture, mainly found on top-end GPU units.
It is equipped with 896 CUDA cores and 4GB of GDDR5 VRAM, and that GPU model comes having amazing grith. The model is relatively fast than other low-profile GPU units, the 1050 Ti. Besides, there is also a dual-fan thermal design providing an efficient cooling solution.
What do users say about this model? Users are pleased & satisfied with it. A user suggests that you use it with a top-end PC model like the Dell Optiplex 9010 (Low Profile) office desktop. He found the installation relatively easy and recommended that you need a tiny screwdriver.
When you want to play top-end games, then you will want to have a lot of RAM space in your PC device. The product is priced under $200, making it somewhat costly. When you are looking for a scorcher of a low-profile GPU model, then you may not find any better than this.
PROS
- The model is elegantly designed.
- It has the ability to perform 1080p gaming at 60FPS.
- It comes with a decent dual-fan cooling solution.
- The unit consumes low power.
- The product has amazing overclocking potential.
- It is quite an energy efficient.
- The unit is able to regulate temperature properly.
CONS
- The model is pretty expensive.
| Key Specs | |
|---|---|
| Name | GeForce GTX 1650 Gaming X 4GB GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 Graphics Card |
| Brand | MSI |
| GPU Chipset Manufacturer | NVIDIA |
| GPU Boost Clock Speed | 1860 megahertz |
| Video Memory Capacity | 4 gigabytes |
| Type of Memory (RAM) | GDDR5 |
| Maximum Number of Displays Supported | 3 |
| Interface(s) | PCI Express 3.0 |
| Slot Size | Dual slot |
| Cooling System | Fan |
| Product Height | 1.65 inches |
| Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
The MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1650 has put MSI right back on track. Though it may not be a budget design model for you, it comes with incredible features like dual fans and Twinfrozr revision. There is a 6-pin power connector for tweaking.
2. MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
Second on our list of the best low-profile GPU models would be the MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti. This model has to be on anybody’s mind when you are in search of a low-profile unit. The model is manufactured on the Pascal architecture, having 4GB memory.
It is a GPU model that has dual fans for immense cooling solutions. This GPU model comes with the ability to fit inside the PC case of most of PC devices. Additionally, it is a phenomenal GPU model that enables you to play 2022 games effortlessly.
You might want to make use of the high settings at 1080p. It consumes low power. The GPU model has a low 300-Watts power supply. There are plenty of connectivity ports on the unit. The product is priced under $230. At the time of writing, the unit is priced under $186.
PROS
- The unit comes designed opulently.
- One can play the 2022 games.
- It consumes significantly less power.
- The model works silently.
- The product has the TwinFrozr VI cooler.
CONS
- You require a six-pin power cable.
| Key Specs | |
|---|---|
| Name | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GAMING X BV 4GB GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 |
| Brand | MSI |
| GPU Chipset Manufacturer | NVIDIA |
| GPU Clock Speed | 1379 megahertz |
| GPU Boost Clock Speed | 1493 megahertz |
| Video Memory Capacity | 4 gigabytes |
| Type of Memory (RAM) | GDDR5 |
| Maximum Number of Displays Supported | 3 |
| Interface(s) | PCI Express 3.0 |
| Slot Size | Dual slot |
| Cooling System | Fan |
| Product Height | 5.2 inches |
| Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
The MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti should be on your list when you seek a budget-friendly model. The unit comes with LED lights, powerful overclocking capabilities, and a cooling system. There is also a 6-pin PCI power connector making it suitable for gaming PC design.
3. Gigabyte Geforce GTX 1050 Ti OC
Next on our list of the best low-profile GPU model would be Gigabyte Geforce GTX 1050 Ti OC. Gigabyte has been producing spectacular GPU units for the market for several years now. They know how to attract their users and bond with the masses.
It comes with 4GB VRAM and has an exceptional choice for those of you who plan on designing a small form factor gaming PC. The PC device can easily manage multiple diverse games. It is compatible with 4 display outputs, 2 HDMI ports, dual-link DVI-D ports, and 1 DisplayPort.
Having so many connectivity options make it flexible. You can just about use it on any PC setup that you want to do so. Yes, the unit comes with a single fan that might not be suitable for the latest games in the market.
Moreover, it is pretty long at around 167mm, having a good clock speed. You do not have to be concerned about the BIOS for added performance issues. With the Xtreme engine utility, you can now switch to the OC mode, which can enhance the clock speed to a good 1442Mhz.
The product is priced at less than $190. This model is stunning in many ways. When you want to make use of a budget model, then you can choose this because of its astonishing aesthetics, fantastic performance, and excellent cooling system, which makes it a perfect option.
PROS
- The model has a small form factor and compact cooling mechanism.
- The unit is embedded with minimal power consumption.
- It operates silently.
- It comes with exceptional performance.
- The unit can manage simple games in Full HD.
- The product does not need an additional power connector for making upgrades.
CONS
- It is bulky compared to other units.
| Key Specs | |
|---|---|
| Name | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti SSC Gaming 4GB GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 |
| Brand | EVGA |
| GPU Chipset Manufacturer | NVIDIA |
| GPU Clock Speed | 1366 megahertz |
| GPU Boost Clock Speed | 1480 megahertz |
| Video Memory Capacity | 4 gigabytes |
| Type of Memory (RAM) | GDDR5 |
| Maximum Number of Displays Supported | 3 |
| Interface(s) | PCI Express 3.0 |
| Slot Size | Dual slot |
| Cooling System | Fan |
| Product Height | 4.376 inches |
| Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti |
| Warranty | 3 years |
The Gigabyte Geforce GTX 1050 Ti OC is quicker than the earlier GTX 1050 GPU model. This works quicker, silently, and much better than most of the low-profile units in the market. You can make use of the VRAM capacity when you are worried about the quality of the picture.
4. ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
Fourth on our list of the best low-profile GPU models is the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1050 Ti. When you are on the lookout for a GPU unit that has a short height, then you will want to make use of the model.
You don’t have to make use of the high-end GPU options present in the market. However, professional gamers might not be drawn towards this model. But it comes with a decent performance capability, and you can play simple games on 1080p image quality.
The unit has powerful cooling technology as well, with the help of the dual-fan cooler in it. Feature-wise it comes at 6.9″ in length and 2.8″ in height, which is ideal for small PC cases. Gamers can also use it for top-end resolution gaming purposes.
You can opt for the 1440p 144Hz monitor if you want to. When you own a 1080p resolution monitor, then you will be delighted with the image quality achieved through it, and you get sublime picture quality at low speeds. The product is priced under $180.
PROS
- The model is compact in size.
- There is no need for additional power.
- The unit consumes significantly less power.
- It comes with a small form factor.
- It is designed on the Pascal architecture.
- It has a pre-overclocked graphics card.
- The unit is affordable and comes with an extended warranty.
CONS
- The product has manual OC performance & there are no RGB lights.
| Key Specs | |
|---|---|
| Name | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti |
| Brand | ZOTAC |
| GPU Chipset Manufacturer | NVIDIA |
| GPU Clock Speed | 1366 megahertz |
| GPU Boost Clock Speed | 1480 megahertz |
| Video Memory Capacity | 4 gigabytes |
| Type of Memory (RAM) | GDDR5 |
| Maximum Number of Displays Supported | 3 |
| Interface(s) | PCI Express 3.0 |
| Slot Size | Dual slot |
| Cooling System | Fan |
| Product Height | 4.376 inches |
| Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
The ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1050 Ti can simply outperform the earlier GTX 950 GPU model that extracts the power from the PC system. However, you may not want to use this unit for VR purposes or high-resolution images, but it comes as an excellent option for 1080p.
5. Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030
We have another exciting product in the form of the Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030. This is the second Gigabyte GPU model on our list of the best low-profile GPU models. You would be surprised to know that the GeForce GT 730 model was a top-selling unit in the market.
The maker went on to produce another entry-level GPU, the Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030. This model is an entry video card from Nvidia that is based on the Pascal architecture. That means the unit consumes low power and is cost-effective.
It is based on the GP108 chip and produced using the 14nm technology with 284 cores. While the base clock is 1,227Mhz, the turbo clock is 1,468 MHz. The model uses a 64-bit bus that comes with 2GB RAM memory at 6 GHz.
There is also a bandwidth of 48 GiB/s. It is just not meant for top-end gaming purposes. So, we may tell you to see elsewhere if you are looking for that. It is a low-profile GPU model. The TDP of the unit is 30Watts, and the model does not need another connector.
Unfortunately, it can’t support Game Stream, G-Sync, SLI, multi-projection technologies, and VR Ready. This makes use of the standard clocks in normal mode, which is a good choice. When you have a tight budget, then this unit is useful. The product is priced under $132.
PROS
- It comes elegantly designed.
- There is low power consumption.
The performance is good on - DirectX9/11-based games.
- It has a one-slot/low-profile form factor.
- It has an excellent cooling system.
The model is affordable.
CONS
- The product marks AMD’s Radeon RX 550 in mid-range games.
| Key Specs | |
|---|---|
| Name | NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 2GB GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 |
| Brand | GIGABYTE |
| GPU Chipset Manufacturer | NVIDIA |
| Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 |
| Maximum Digital Resolution | 8K (4320p) |
| Advanced Graphics Rendering Technique(s) | None |
| GPU Clock Speed | 1252 megahertz |
| GPU Boost Clock Speed | 1506 megahertz |
| Video Memory Capacity | 2 gigabytes |
| Type of Memory (RAM) | GDDR5 |
| Maximum Number of Displays Supported | 2 |
| Interface(s) | PCI Express 3.0 |
| Slot Size | Single slot |
| Cooling System | Fan |
| Product Height | 2.7 inches |
| Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
The Gigabyte GeForce GT 1030 has been produced to serve you for many years for a low price. We are pretty impressed with the performance and the small form factor of the GPU model that makes it directly accessible to any PC device having a PCIe slot.
6. Yeston Radeon RX550 Gaming Graphics Cards
Our final product is the Yeston Radeon RX550 Gaming Graphics Cards. The Yeston Radeon RX 550 is the ideal middle GPU model if you are looking for performance and reasonable pricing. The unit has a simple design, has a single fan, and is pink in color.
Most of the other GPU units available in the market are in black & white design. Though the color of the model might annoy some of you, when you have a PC case with no transparent panels, then you may not be able to view it.
We don’t feel that this minor feature should break the deal, but it comes with a barrage of connectivity ports and fantastic specifications. You can notice it has a VGA, DVI, and an HDMI port for making use of on a resolution of 4K at 60Hz.
It is a low-profile GPU model that has a 128-bit memory bus width, 6000 MHz, and a 4GB VRAM. Users were quite surprised at just how phenomenally this video card could work. Gamers might want to play games having highly recommended specifications.
The GPU unit is able to work amazingly, look fantastic, and provide you with sharpness. Your PC machine would be able to, and it is a great little video card. Some of the users thought the unit could have come with the DisplayPort instead of the detachable VGA port.
The product is priced at less than $190. We tested the RX 550 while playing different games, GTA V, PUBG, and Battlefield 5. Battlefield 5 managed to get 50 FPS, and PUBG & GTA V were only able to get 45 FPS in various scenarios.
PROS
- The chassis of the model is durable.
- The cooling technology found on the unit is really unique.
- It has top-notch electrical components and PCB plates.
- The product has a low power consumption.
- It comes with a 4K HD resolution offering support for Blu-ray HD.
CONS
- The unit can be used for playing simple games.
| Key Specs | |
|---|---|
| Name | AMD Radeon RX 550 Core Edition 4GB GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 |
| Brand | Yeston |
| GPU Chipset Manufacturer | AMD |
| Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) | AMD Radeon RX 550 |
| GPU Clock Speed | 1203 megahertz |
| Video Memory Capacity | 4 gigabytes |
| Type of Memory (RAM) | GDDR5 |
| Maximum Number of Displays Supported | 6 |
| Interface(s) | PCI Express 3.0 |
| Slot Size | Single slot |
| Cooling System | Liquid |
| Product Height | 4.8 inches |
| Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) | AMD Radeon RX 550 |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
The Yeston Radeon RX550 Gaming Graphics Cards are perfect for a casual gamer that wants to be able to enjoy a range of different titles at a decent level of performance. However, for the pricing of the model, it does everything nicely.
FAQs
A good low-profile graphics card is the MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1650. It comes having a decent memory of 4GB of GDRR5 RAM, DisplayPort, and HDMI support. If you are keen on using the DVI, then you may want to, and it also has a clock speed of 1695MHz.
We don’t think so that the producers will do that. The last two to three months have seen a massive dip in the price. But now, in September, they have started to increase their price of them. It was meant to happen due to the shortage of components and various other reasons.
The GTX & RTX are good GPU models. However, the RTX cards have the upper hand for the moment. They are ideal for graphics and rendering performance as well. When you want to make use of the right gaming capability from the Nvidia model, then choose the RTX 3090.
The minimum GPU for gaming purposes would be around 2GB of video memory and close to 4GB for use on 1080p in 2022. You can get these GPU models for less than $300. The graphics memory ranges from 1GB to 8GB.
Both Nvidia and AMD are beginning to reduce the pricing of their GPU models, which are now even below the list price. The last 2 years had a massive reduction in the supplies due to no parts. But things are picking up, and you can find a good deal with GPU models in 2022.
In Conclusion
We have ended our review on some of the best low-profile & compact graphics cards (GPU) for your needs in 2022. We hope that you benefitted from the post. The low-profile GPU models are an excellent option for users who are on the lookout for a genuine unit for themselves.
This choice would be ideal for you when you want to develop a small gaming PC. They are perfect for maximizing the performance of your device to be able to get the most out of the smallest package.
We highly recommend the MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1650 for its distinctive capabilities. However, we can assure you that all the models mentioned in the above post are reliable. Today, you have the right kind of technology to make use of in the market.
That is extremely useful for your needs. We felt that the suitable GPU models for this cause would be from MSI, Nvidia, and AMD. They do not take up a lot of space in your PC case and are suitable for various tasks like video editing and photo-taking capabilities. check out our list of Best GPU for Video Editing and Rendering.
Moreover, they come with 1080p playback features, giving you the ability for gaming options as well. Did you like something that you read in the above post? Have you used any of the above GPU models earlier?
Do write to us telling us all about your experience in the comments section. We would love to hear all about it.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.