Low-profile graphics cards have become a popular solution in recent years for users who need powerful graphics performance in a small form factor. These cards are designed specifically for compact systems such as mini PCs, HTPCs (Home Theater PCs) or other computers where space is an issue. Let’s take a closer look at what low-profile graphics cards are, what advantages they have, and which models are worth paying attention to.
What are low-profile graphics cards?
A low-profile graphics card, also known as a low-profile graphics card, is a specially designed type of graphics card that has a reduced footprint to meet the requirements of compact computer cases. These cards have a specific design that differentiates them from standard graphics cards, focusing on efficiency, versatility and compactness.
Low-profile cards have a smaller PCB (printed circuit board – the base of the gpu) and a height that does not exceed the limits for compact computer cases. They are often supplied with an adapter bracket (low-profile bracket), which allows for easy installation.
They are designed with compact dimensions, often with a shortened length, making them an ideal choice for mini ITX enclosures. They feature a low TDP, so they consume less power and usually do not require additional power supply.
Cooling can be passive (fanless) for quiet operation, or active with small, quiet fans.
Advantages of low-profile graphics cards
The main advantages of low profile cards are:
- Compact design: lower height and length – fits in small spaces such as mini PCs or HTPCs.
- Low TDP: Lower power consumption and compatibility with smaller power supplies.
- Quiet operation: passive or efficient active cooling systems for quiet work environments and multimedia centers.
- Versatility: Multi-output support(HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI).
- Efficient cooling: guaranteed even in small cabinets.
- Affordability
Ideal for multimedia, office work and low-maintenance gaming applications.
Cons
Despite the many advantages, low-profile graphics cards also have their limitations, which users should be aware of before choosing them:
Low-profile cards have limited performance, which means they can’t compete with full-featured models in demanding games or graphics applications. Their compact design also limits cooling options, which can lead to higher temperatures under heavy loads.
Some models do not support advanced technologies such as ray tracing or DLSS, reducing their usability in current games and applications. In higher performance categories, the choice of low-profile cards is limited, and their price/performance ratio may be less favourable.
While suitable for low-end games, these cards can fall short in modern titles with high graphical demands, especially at higher resolutions and details.
The best low-profile graphics cards
ZOTAC GeForce GT 1030 2GB GDDR5 Low Profile
The ZOTAC GeForce GT 1030 is an entry-level low profile graphics card that offers an ideal solution for casual tasks, multimedia work and casual gaming.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 |
| Number of CUDA cores | 384 |
| Memory | 2GB GDDR5 |
| Memory bus | 64-bit |
| Base frequency | 1227 MHz |
| Boost frequency | 1468 MHz |
| Memory frequency | 6.0 GHz |
| Power consumption | 30 W |
| Dimensions | 172.5 mm x 111.15 mm x 16 mm |
Key Features
- Efficiency and flexibility: low-profile design and low power consumption make the card suitable for small setups and quiet environments.
- The single-slot design with heat sink and quiet fan ensures efficient cooling without disturbing noise
- Support for modern technologies: support for DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.5 ensures compatibility with modern applications.
- Flexible installation.
Connectivity
- SL-DVI-D: For traditional displays.
- HDMI 2.0b: Support 4K resolution at 60 Hz.
- Support for multiple displays: Simultaneous connection of up to two monitors.
ZOTAC GAMING GeForce GTX 1650 Low Profile
The ZOTAC GAMING GeForce GTX 1650 Low Profile is a compact graphics card designed for small PCs. It delivers reliable performance for 1080p gaming.
Compared to the ZOTAC GeForce GT 1030 Low Profile, the GTX 1650 delivers significantly higher performance, making it a better choice for Full HD gaming and more demanding tasks.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
| Number of CUDA cores | 896 |
| Memory | 4GB GDDR6 |
| Memory bus | 128-bit |
| Base frequency | 1410 MHz |
| Boost frequency | 1590 MHz |
| Memory frequency | 12 Gbps |
| Power consumption | 75 W |
| Maximum resolution | 7680×4320 @ 60Hz |
Key Features
- Low profile: Includes both full and low profile brackets for flexible installation.
- Efficient cooling: Dual 40mm fans provide efficient heat dissipation.
- Multiple displays: Support for up to three displays simultaneously with DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0b and DVI-D Dual-Link outputs.
- Energy Efficiency: The card draws power exclusively through the PCIe slot, without the need for additional connectors.
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1650 D6 OC Low Profile 4G
The Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1650 D6 OC Low Profile 4G is a low-profile graphics card that offers improved specifications over the standard GTX 1650.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
| Number of CUDA cores | 896 |
| Memory | 4GB GDDR6 |
| Memory bus | 128-bit |
| Boost frequency | 1620 MHz (OC mode) |
| Memory frequency | 12000 MHz |
| Memory bandwidth | 192 GB/s |
| Maximum resolution | 7680×4320 @ 60Hz |
| Dimensions | 167mm x 69mm x 39mm |
Key Features
- Optimized cooling: GIGABYTE’s proprietary cooling system ensures efficient heat dissipation even under higher loads.
- Premium components: low-resistance MOSFET technology, metal chokes to reduce EMI, and solid capacitors for longer life.
- Flexible connectivity: Three outputs including DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI and DVI-D allow up to four displays to be connected simultaneously.
- Software support.
Comparison with previous models
Compared to the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1650 Low Profile, this card offers a higher clock speed and wider memory bandwidth, providing better performance in games and more demanding applications.
XFX SPEEDSTER SWFT105 RADEON RX 6400 Gaming
The XFX Speedster SWFT105 Radeon RX 6400 is a newer low-profile graphics card designed for 1080p gaming. It combines modern RDNA 2 architecture with a streamlined design.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GPU | AMD Radeon RX 6400 |
| Architecture | RDNA 2 |
| Manufacturing process | 6nm |
| Stream processors | 768 |
| Memory | 4GB GDDR6 |
| Memory bus | 64-bit |
| Clock frequency | Base: 1923 MHz, Gaming: 2039 MHz, Boost: 2321 MHz |
| Memory speed | 16 Gbps |
| Dimensions | 155 mm x 68 mm x 15 mm |
Key Features
- Compact design: single-slot card with low-profile design is perfect for small PC setups.
- Advanced technology: support for AMD FidelityFX, Radeon Anti-Lag and Radeon Image Sharpening improves image quality and reduces latency.
- Includes DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 for maximumflexibility.
- Lowpower consumption of 43W with recommended 350W power supply.
Low power consumption with low power consumption of 1.5W with low power consumption of 2.0W
- Gaming at 1080p: Handles casual games at medium settings.
- eSports titles:
- League of Legends: 360 FPS
- Valorant: 570 FPS
Comparison with previous models
Compared to the Gigabyte GTX 1650 D6 OC Low Profile, the Radeon RX 6400 offers greater power efficiency and advanced AMD technologies, but the GTX 1650 has the advantage of a wider memory bus and slightly higher performance in more demanding games.
MSI Intel Arc A380 Low Profile
The MSI Intel Arc A380 Low Profile is a basic low-profile graphics card designed for compact PC builds. It combines modern architecture with a streamlined design, making it ideal for multimedia applications and low-maintenance gaming.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GPU | Intel Arc A380 (ACM-G11) |
| Number of CUDA cores | 1024 |
| Memory | 6GB GDDR6 |
| Memory bus | 96-bit |
| Clock frequency | Base: 2000 MHz, Boost: 2050 MHz |
| Memory speed | 15.5 Gbps |
| Power consumption | 75 W |
| Dimensions | 169 mm x 69 mm |
Key Features
- Advanced technology: support for DirectX 12 Ultimate and AV1 hardware encoding/decoding
- Energy Efficient: The card draws power exclusively through the PCIe slot, with no need for external power.
- Flexible connectivity.
- Cooling: Dual-fan configuration with aluminum heat sink ensures stable temperatures under load.
Performance tests
- 3DMark score:
- Night Raid: 28,966
- Fire Strike: 9,694
- Time Spy: 4,485
- Gameplay:
- FIFA 2019: 190-210 FPS at ultra settings
- Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood: 55 FPS at high settings
- Far Cry 5:
- Minimum: 58 FPS
- Average: 67 FPS
- Maximum: 85 FPS
Comparison with competitors
Compared to the RX 6400:
- A380 offers 50% more VRAM (6GB vs. 4GB), which improves performance in memory-intensive applications.
- The RX 6400 has a 22.9% higher performance score and 41.5% lower power consumption.
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile 8G
In 2025, there is a clear winner with the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile card. The GPU delivers exceptional performance in a compact design, making it the ideal choice for small PC builds and users demanding the latest technology for gaming, content creation or multimedia use.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 |
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace |
| Number of CUDA cores | 3072 |
| Memory | 8GB GDDR6 |
| Memory bus | 128-bit |
| Clock frequency | Base: 1830 MHz, Boost: 2475 MHz (OC) |
| Memory speed | 17 Gbps |
| Memory bandwidth | 272 Gbps |
| Dimensions | 182 mm x 69 mm x 40 mm |
| Power consumption | 116 W |
Key features
- Advanced technology: support for 3rd generation Ray Tracing cores for realistic ray tracing and DLSS 3 for image generation enhances performance while maintaining image quality.
- AI features: 4th generation Tensor cores deliver enhanced AI capabilities that optimize performance and image quality.
- Flexible connectivity: Includes 2x DisplayPort 1.4a and 2x HDMI 2.1a, supporting up to 8K resolution.
Performance and Usage
- Gaming in 1080p and 1440p: The card offers excellent performance at high settings in 1080p and stable frame rates at 1440p at medium to high detail.
- Ray Tracing: Full-featured ray tracing with DLSS support for a smooth gaming experience.
- Content Creation: optimized for video editing, 3D modeling and more demanding creative applications.
Cooling and thermal properties
- Efficient cooling system: Composite copper heat pipes and alternative rotating fans ensure optimal heat dissipation.
- Semi-passive mode: Fans stop at low load, reducing noise and saving energy.
- Performance optimization: The card can operate at a 90% power limit, reducing temperatures without significantly affecting performance.
Compatibility and build requirements
- Cabinet Requirements:Requires a 2-slot space and includes a low-profile bracket.
- Ventilation.
- Power: 550W power supply and 8-pin power connector recommended.
Comparison with previous models
Compared to the XFX Speedster SWFT105 Radeon RX 6400, the RTX 4060 delivers significantly higher performance, ray tracing support and DLSS technologies, making it more suitable for gamers and creative professionals.
Where do low-profile graphics cards find their application?
Low-profile graphics cards are particularly popular in the following situations:
HTPC systems: low-profile graphics cards are ideal for multimedia centers, offering high-definition video playback with minimal noise. Their compact design allows them to be easily placed in any space in the home.
Compact office PCs: With low power consumption and quiet operation, they provide reliable performance for office work without the need for bulky cabinets, making them ideal for work environments.
Casual Gaming PC: These cards allow less demanding games to be played at a stable FPS on medium or low settings, while being suitable for gamers preferring smaller gaming setups.
Workstations: They offer enough performance for professional applications such as design or visualization tools, without the need for a large and expensive hardware infrastructure.
Servers: Low-profile cards are suitable for servers and data centers where space is limited, while their low power consumption reduces the overall cost of operation.
Conclusion
Low-profile graphics cards are a great choice for anyone who needs to balance performance and compactness. Whether you’re building an HTPC, a workstation or a smaller gaming PC, you’ll find a wide range of models on the market to meet your requirements. If you’re looking for a flexible solution with an excellent performance-to-size ratio, a low-profile graphics card is the way to go.
However, before choosing a specific model, it’s important to consider your needs and the limitations of your system, including the size of the case, the available power supply and the required performance. With thorough research, you’ll find the ideal solution that will meet all your expectations, whether it’s for gaming, work or multimedia use.