Best Low Profile Graphic Cards In 2021 (Expert’s Picks)

Are you looking for the best low profile graphics cards that are available on the market? Just a decade ago, knowing which video card to buy was not difficult; there were only a couple of truly worthwhile models available each year.

These days, however – there are all kinds of options available to you, so picking one is not as easy as you might think. There are all sorts of things you need to take into account – like the performance, your requirements, and a price range that fits within your budget.

So, where do you start? Don’t worry; we’ve got a couple of suggestions on the top-rated low profile video cards here! Also, you can see these video cards under $100 if you have a tight budget for gaming graphics cards.

ModelVRAMCore ClockPrice#1 Gigabyte Geforce GTX 1050 Ti OC 4GB GDDR5 1442/1328 MHz (Base + Boost)
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#2 MSI GTX 1050 TI 4GT LP Graphic Cards 4GB GDDR5 1392/1290 MHz
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#3 GIGABYTE GeForce GT 1030 Low Profile Graphics Card 2GB GDDR5 1506/1468 MHz
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#4 EVGA GeForce GT 1030 SC 2GB GDDR5 2GB GDDR5 1544/1290 MHz
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#5 ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Low Profile Graphics Card 4GB GDDR5 1392 MHz (Boost)
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#6 MSI Gaming GeForce GT 710 2GB Low Profile Graphics Card 2GB DDR3 1600 MHz (Boost)
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Top 6 Best Low Profile Graphic Cards

If you don’t know where to start in your search for a low profile graphics card, don’t worry – we’ve got some options handpicked for you, so we’ll explore them in more detail below.
#1 Gigabyte Geforce GTX 1050 Ti OC Low Profile Graphic Card



The first heavy hitter on our list of the best low profile graphics cards is the Geforce GTX 1050 Ti OC. It’s definitely one of the video cards that you want to keep an eye out for. If you’re someone who wants to dabble in graphic design, gaming, or video animation – this card is sure to fulfill all of your needs.

It was made using the most contemporary technologies available on the market; ensuring efficient, smooth, and lightning-fast frame rates in gaming. On the other hand, it’s low-profile enough that you can easily construct a small-form PC configuration around it.

Still, it is one that can still handle the newest games. One of its biggest boons is its very effective cooling system; an extremely important and sometimes overlooked aspect of graphic cards.

This one has a big heatsink that comes with copper pipes that direct heat, as well as an aluminum fin array for heat transfer. As you might expect considering that this card is on this list, it’s quite efficient when it comes to energy consumption, so you won’t need any auxiliary connectors.

The card’s GDDR5 VRAM is the newest iteration on the market, making sure that your gaming performance is more than optimal. Also, the insanely intuitive Xtreme Engine Utility will come in handy for graphics enthusiasts, as it allows you to overclock your card easily.

Indeed, fine-tuning a card’s performance has never been easier! You won’t need any advanced hardware knowledge to achieve the performance you want; with this utility, it’s no more complicated than changing the light-bulb in your room.
Pros

Extremely compact system for cooling, ensuring minimal heat.
Very low-profile in terms of noise generation.
Excellent video card for gaming and animation.
Low power consumption.
Cons

Somewhat costly in terms of price.
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#2 MSI GTX 1050 TI 4GT LP Graphic Cards



If you’re searching for the best low profile single slot video card, you needn’t look any further than the MSI GTX 1050 TI 4GT card! This is a piece of hardware that will guarantee an unforgettable and truly unprecedented gaming experience.

In order to fully meet the demands of the displays that this hardware generation offers, this card has plenty of features for multiple monitor set-ups and high-resolution screens. So, you can play and enjoy any latest video games.

After thorough testing, the performance that this graphics card offers has remained more than superior compared to its price-range peers. Also, this card can hold its own even in the most extreme gaming conditions. It’s no stranger to overclocking; its base clock is set at 1290 MHZ.

Try this card out if you’re looking for the crispest and sharpest images, offering the biggest possible amount of detail on your screen; any 1080p content will not disappoint. Plus, it’s designed to work great with MSI Afterburners.

This is always a boon, as it gives you the option of changing absolutely every aspect of your graphic cards. We’re talking about an overclocking utility with world renown; which will also provide you with an extensive overview of your computer’s hardware configuration.

Apart from this, you’ll be satisfied with the low-profile and slim design of this graphics card. This one won’t take up too much space, and it will be an easy fit for any kind of system. Its aluminum core design is quite useful, especially in terms of ensuring that the card isn’t too heavy.
Pros

Great choice as a single slot video card.
Existence of a guide for quick set-up, ensuring user-friendliness.
Power consumption never gets out of hand.
Dual fans for thermal cooling design.
Cons

The price is not within everyone’s budget.
The two fans may become dusty over time.
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#3 GIGABYTE GeForce GT 1030 Low Profile Graphics Card



Next up, we’ve got another GeForce card – the GT 1030 model! Even from the design of the box (to speak nothing of the card itself), you can see that this was designed with gaming enthusiasts in mind.

On the other hand, this is definitely a card for the more casual gamer, compared to some of the ones we’ve described above. Nevertheless, it still comes with one of the most modern architectures available on the market.

With the GT 1030, you’ll certainly be able to handle any kind of contemporary game – even the ones that are particularly intensive in terms of graphics. Plus, you’ll be able to run them all in more than decent quality. Indeed, full gaming immersion is only a small step away with this card.

This card is equipped with a specially designed fan cooling system. The above-mentioned fan is there to keep the noise and the speed at an absolute minimum; while still allowing for efficient heat dissipation.

In fact, the design of the blades will ensure that the airflow is completely optimized. The heat distribution throughout and out of the GPU will allow you to enjoy your immersive gaming experience without a single stutter or hiccup.

Furthermore, the card will impress you with its overclocking options – none of your gaming needs is out of reach with this GeForce card. It won’t be complicated to achieve either; using the AORUS graphics engine, you’ll be able to perform the overclocking with only a single click.
Pros

Very powerful graphics card for gaming.
Minimal noise considering its base clock.
Two-year warranty in case of issues.
Minimal to nonexistent overheating risk.
Cons

Less suitable for more demanding games.
Driver updates sometimes a hassle.
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#4 EVGA GeForce GT 1030 SC 2GB GDDR5



With our following recommendation on a list of low profile graphic cards, we’re going to be looking at something a bit different. While many people are searching for a budget gaming video card, and the EVGA GeForce GT 1030 can manage that – it’s got other uses as well.

To be more specific – many hardware experts have found that this is one of the best low profile graphic cards for HTPC. In other words, if you want to uses an older computer and convert it into a home theater station, this is the card for you.

Let’s say that you’ve got an older i5-powered PC that you don’t know what to do with; perhaps you’re on the verge of throwing it out. If you want to connect it to a 1080p projector and make a home theater experience – you’ll need a good graphics card for that.

So, find a good deal on an SSD drive, drop in some more RAM if you don’t have enough. And then, like the cherry on top of this hardware cake – the EVGA GeForce GT 1030. For a passively cooled GPU, you’re not likely to find a better deal and more performance.

Even if we’re talking about gaming thermals, the card will hold its own at the basic factory settings. Unless you play the very latest games on the highest settings, you probably won’t need to perform any overclocking. This is great for a beginner who doesn’t want too much of a hassle.
Pros

Light and compact, perfect for older PC slots.
Great for HTPC set-ups.
Not bad performance in gaming.
Affordable price.
Cons

Intermittent driver updates.
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#5 ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Low Profile Graphics Card



If you want to completely transform your PC into a gaming beast, this is the powerful low profile graphic card that will get you where you need to go. The most important aspect of the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is its advanced architecture.

In fact, we can say without a shadow of a doubt that the NVIDIA Pascal represents the most complex GPU architecture known to mankind. It’s filled with all kinds of innovative technologies that will allow you to experience every game in its full glory.

The solutions present in this card will ensure an extraordinary performance. The card supports much newer iterations of software tech compared to its predecessors. For example, it’s capable of utilizing DirectX 12 to its fullest extent; ensuring power-efficient and smooth gameplay.

And speaking of features – if you like to share and capture screenshots at professional photography level, the NVIDIA Ansel tech that’s run on this card will allow that. Plus, you can use G-SYNC and GameWorks innovations to combine cinematic and gameplay experiences.

This is an incredibly compact GPU solution. Forget thinking about whether the card will fit on your system; it’s designed to work with 99% rigs. And there’s no need to worry about heating, as the dual cooling fan design and its ribbed blades are there to channel airflow expertly.

Plus, the PCI Express 3.0 standard that this card is compatible with will remove the need for external power supply connections so that you won’t be dealing with clutter and more wires.
Pros

Great performance for classic and modern games.
New Pascal Architecture.
Extremely well-fitting with most systems.
High core clock.
Cons

Somewhat too expensive for many people.
Tends to heat up with most intense games.
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#6 MSI Gaming GeForce GT 710 2GB Low Profile Graphics Card



We’ll finish off our list with one of the best low profile video cards for those on a tight budget. The GeForce GT 710 is certainly one of the most budget-friendly options you’ll find in the market. However, you should be aware of one fact – this card isn’t that great for gaming.

These days, this is the most affordable card that you can find if you’re looking to upgrade from onboard or integrated graphics on an older computer. But if you’re expecting to play the latest games with good quality and a decent framerate, you will need to look elsewhere.

This card has 2GB DDR3 memory, and it doesn’t have its own fan cooling; so it’s passively cooled, reducing its performance in high-intensity situations. Though, the card is great in terms of Full HD and HD streaming and video playback.

It will also hold its own with games from a couple of years ago, browser-based games, multiple-screen setups, as well as photo editing and video editing. And the fact that it operates with fanless cooling means that it won’t make too much noise. Plus, it only takes up one slot.

If you don’t want a graphic card that uses up too much power and requires external power connections, the GeForce GT 710 will be a perfect fit for you. And the card does support all the latest technologies, such as OpenGL, DirectX 12, and of course, Windows 10.

Naturally, you may overclock the card to get some more juice out of it, but remember that you mustn’t be too rough on it. After all, the card doesn’t have a dedicated fan, so frying it is easier than some other models on this list. Still, it has HDMI, DVI, and VGA connectors.

All in all, it’s a good budget card for low-intensity users who don’t demand anything too much out of their computer and their GPU.
Pros

Extremely affordable.
Supports latest software technologies.
Quite silent.
Cons

No dedicated cooling.
Less performance-heavy than other cards.
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Why Need a Low Profile Graphic Card? Buying Guide

You may know more or less about a graphics card or video card. Technically, it’s good for smooth video experience, gaming, editing, and so on. But best budget low profile graphics card has its utility also. The LPGC is small and slim and could be installed in any low profile CPU case. The good thing is it’s not the power monster as the first one and come under any budget.

In the article, we are going to talk about the benefits and usability of low profile video cards. Also, you will get a clear idea about how to choose it. So keep on reading.
Benefits of Low Profile Graphics Cards:

Using graphics cards will help you a lot on high-resolution gaming, editing video, and watching videos better, and so on. Also,

Proportions:

Low profile graphics cards are smaller than the standard graphics card. Roughly the first one is half as long as the second one. Usually, SGC could be 4.2 inches, whereas LGC is around 2.536 inches. So, it can be fit in a small space in your low profile PC.

Power:

Low Profile Graphics Cards draw less power from the motherboard because they are frequently slower. A standard graphics card uses 75 watts of current. But a low profile graphics card uses 25 watts.

Budget-Friendly:

This type of graphics card is mostly used in regular PCs for standard gaming. Many gamers who are not professional use this to make an affordable PC. Mostly low profile graphics cards are used in slim SFF cases. Also, building an HTPC is possible with it.

Temp Control:

All graphics cards need a small fan to remove excess heat. A low profile graphics card uses the small fan to cool down the heat that it produces. Due to its low power requirement, it does not create any noticeable temperature. So the light fan is excellent for the job, which does not draw much power or create sounds that could bother you.

Compatibility:

Using a low profile graphics card is relatively easy. Usually, it fits the standard graphics card slot inside the motherboard. But that does not mean you can mount a Standard Graphics Card inside a Low Profile Graphic Card’s slot. The space of the LPGC is usually small then the STGC.
How to Buy a Low Profile Video Card?

Many factors are behind that determine the performance of a low profile video card. However, here are some that you should look for.
Performance

As we said earlier, low profile graphics cards are for enhancing your video experience. But yes, not all have the ability to do everything. Like the cheapest one is not for gaming. If you need to upgrade your old computer, then yes, you can have a cheap one. So, according to your budget and requirement, check the basic offerings of your graphics card.
Physical Size

The size of low profile graphics cards may vary brand to brand. But the width is usually the same between 69 to 70 mm. cheap LPGC are is small, but mid-range is a bit long. It applies to powerful ones too.

Video card consists of double system memory as much its size. A 4GB GC has 8 GB system memory. However, the low profile graphics cards are available out there is a single slot. Dual slot designs are available in powerful LPG comes. This type of card attachable with all mini-ITX cases, almost.

However, before buying, make sure your PC case has space to include another graphics card where it will not get hot quickly. That means you need space for cooling. To check the measurement, take a tape and see how much space you left. If your graphics card is 5 inches long, make sure you have 6-8 inches left.
Power Consumption

Low profile graphics card usually use less power. It can be used in the connection power of PCL. That is a standard graphics card use too. The connection comes with six or eight pins verities. Usually, some cards have one of the connectors. Some have both or six-and eight pint port on the same card.

So check your power supply; either it has the facility or not. If not, you will need to get an adapter to get power supply from the couple of Molex or SATA. Also, some system can be upgraded to use it.
Noise Output

Just because low profile graphics cards are the half size of a standard graphics card, that does not mean it gentle too. Like the Zotac. It’s a great video card that can play anything between 1080p resolutions with medium settings. Cheap yet easy to go with option includes the small fan and create noise. Even if it’s not working still, it will make a sound that anyone feels bothered.

So if you want a smooth performance along with noise-free service goes for a high-end GC card with a big fan. The fan could be one or two, but it needs to be gentle to create minimal sound.
The Price

The cost of low profile graphics card varies a lot. If you go for a super cheap one, it will cost you around 30 dollars and for high-end models 1000 dollars or more. So as you can see, you have all the options available from low to high. But in this case, the more is better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What does low profile mean on a graphics card?

Answer: It means there is a smaller graphics card which either single slot or shorter than usual GPU.

Will a low profile video card fit in a regular case?

Answer: Yes, with the help of a standard profile mount bracket.

Are low profile graphics cards good for gaming?

Answer: Yes, it is good for any latest video games.
Conclusion

As you might have gathered up until now – if you’re in the market for the finest and best low profile graphic cards, there are more than a few options readily available. However, the specific model you’ll opt for depends on a couple of different things.

Namely, you’ll need to figure out what your specific needs are; the card that’s good for video animation may not be the best one for gaming, and vice versa. Of course, there are all-around good cards out there, but you’ll need to make a compromise in terms of performance.

And finally, and perhaps most importantly – you’ll need to decide on a fixed budget before you set out to purchase a GPU. The kind of money you’re willing to invest will largely determine the models you should look at.