Best available pci-e low power gpu no pci-e power needed?

[evanesce]

Basically all in the title, looking to max out an old system. Don't want to spend a fortune, either.

Edit: also forgot to mention, just single slot width, the system can't handle double slot.

 

[ELopes580]

I was in the same boat with a Core 2 Quad Shuttle box. The only thing that matched the same criteria was a Radeon HD 7750. It works well enough since I'm only playing older games right now.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

Since you're limited to a single slot cooler, the best choice would a Radeon HD7750. The only alternative is the Geforce GT640, and its a fair bit slower then the 7750.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814131481

 

[joshhedge]

I'd say a 7750 low profile, such as this Sapphire one. http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-307-SP&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1699

Edit: Got there just before me Insert_Nickname!

 

[evanesce]

a Radeon HD 7750.

I like it, and thanks for the link!

 

[evanesce]

You're all saying the same thing, HD7750 it is! Love these forums, what a lightning fast x3 response

EDIT:

Actually, got another question... What is the next best card? I've seen these 7750's are the top of the line for what I'm trying to do, and the price is pretty stable at around >=$80, is there something in the HD6xxx range? I've heard also a 6xxx card would have better hackintosh compatibility.

 

[coffeejunkee]

HD6670, but it's quite a bit slower.

 

[evanesce]

HD6670, but it's quite a bit slower.

I just checked the Graphics Card Heirarchy on that card, it's about 3 tiers (1 generation give or take) down from the other card, are you sure it's THAT much slower? More than a generation you think? Thanks for the advice

 

[coffeejunkee]

Yes, or rather 7750 is really fast for a card without extra pci-e connector. But it depends on your resolution and the games you want to play. For 1080p and games less than 3 years old I'd definitely go for the 7750. For 720p and older games 6670 is fine.

 

[evanesce]

Is there anything between the 7750 and the 6670 that doesn't require PCI-E power? Those are basically my two choices? I think if this is so, I should just probably fork out the extra $15.

 

[joshhedge]

Is there anything between the 7750 and the 6670 that doesn't require PCI-E power? Those are basically my two choices? I think if this is so, I should just probably fork out the extra $15.

While it may be an extra $15, the card will remain relavent for longer, saving you money through purchasing a new card sooner. I think also due to the 28nm process vs 40nm the 7750 might also use less energy, although don't quote me on that.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

Is there anything between the 7750 and the 6670 that doesn't require PCI-E power? Those are basically my two choices? I think if this is so, I should just probably fork out the extra $15.

The 6670 is actually less efficient then the 7750 (66W vs 55W TDP). Plus that the 7750 has the newer GCN architecture. There is not much in between, that makes sense to purchase. The GT640 is also more or less equal to the 6670, so that's a possibility too. Anything higher then a 7750 seems to require a double slot cooler unfortunately...

 

[svenge]

Is there anything between the 7750 and the 6670 that doesn't require PCI-E power? Those are basically my two choices? I think if this is so, I should just probably fork out the extra $15.

I'm pretty sure that ASUS makes a GTX 650 that doesn't require a PCIe connector.

 

[notty22]

http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=ZT-650LP1G#

The gtx 650 gddr5 models don't need external power and there is a half-height model.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

I'm pretty sure that ASUS makes a GTX 650 that doesn't require a PCIe connector.

You're right. Well spotted. But that looks like a two slot cooler (though it does look more like a one and a half slot cooler on closer inspection... ), and the 650 and 7750 is roughly equal in performance. But it is an alternative, if the OP can use it with the slightly out-sized cooler.