Best video card for Dell GX280 SFF case?

[Greg04]

I have a GX280 SFF case and wnat to make it a passable HTPC.

Dell points me to this:

1300?

I have been building computers for 20 years, but have never delved into SFF or low profile land.

My intended use is for HTPC. I have a 52" Sammy LCD to feed. I don't care about gaming as much as video quality.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[somethingsketchy]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...toreType=&srchInDesc=#

My only experience in any video card that would fit a SFF case was the GeForce 8400 GS. To my knowledge it had a small fan/heatsink but I hardly noticed any additional noise coming from the card. Since you won't be delving into gaming, this card would be a nice one to use. It supported a 22in LCD monitor playing video games at 1680x1050, just to give you an idea of what the card can do.

However if you are limited in terms of a power supply or motherboard connections, the link I provided above should give you an idea in the right direction for small factor video cards. I haven't used ATI cards, but I would imagine they would also suit your purpose just as well. It would be a matter of brand choice, price, power supply wattage and video connections you want to make. You can pick up a decent card for less than $100

Hope this helps ya.

 

[Denithor]

Originally posted by: Greg04
My intended use is for HTPC. I have a 52" Sammy LCD to feed. I don't care about gaming as much as video quality.

That's a good thing, because there's not a single LP card available that's worth a crap for gaming. HD video playback, now, that's a different story.

Diamond 2400pro LP $68 + shipping (Low Profile brackets included)

Radeon HD2400 Pro review at techpowerup

Just like NVIDIA's GeForce 8500, the HD 2400 Pro is not a big performance upgrade, but comes with a ton of new features. Certainly very interesting is support for DirectX 10 and Shader Model 4.0. But let's be honest, which serious gamer will try this on a $60 graphics card? Personally I think the more interesting feature is the new UVD video acceleration which lets you watch full HD content, even with weak CPUs. Personally I have tried this card in my media PC which uses an Athlon64 3000+ processor. As you can imagine without acceleration, watching 1080p content is impossible. Once the 2400 Pro was installed, HD playback was very smooth. Also it is important to note that you will have support for HDCP and fully digital audio.
If you are building a media PC system and need a card that can handle playback of any video you can throw at it, the Radeon HD 2400 Pro is a great choice for you. If you are mainly an office user, the low price of $59 will certainly appeal to you. Especially if you consider that this card will run Windows Vista Aero very well.

EDIT: Looking around, this is probably a (much) better deal.
Asus HD3450 $20AR (also includes LP brackets)
Only thing here - PCIe 2.0 may not be compatible with the "ancient" motherboard in your Dell. PCIe 2.0 is backwards compatible with PCIe 1.1 but sometimes has issues with 1.0 (which your Dell almost certainly is). However, at $20 I think it would be worth it to try, if it works this card will be better than the 2400pro and if it doesn't, RMA it and get the 2400 instead.

 

[s44]

ATI 4550 -- prior-gen ATI cards don't give you PCM sound over HDMI
or,
S3 Chrome 530GT -- slower (fast enough for decoding tho) but even better HDMI audio support

Note that the only Nvidia solution with full PCM sound over HDMI is the 8200/8300/9300/9400 IGP... None of their discrete cards do it.

 

[yh125d]

You can get 9600GT in low profile, denithor 😉

The best options really are HD4350, 4550, 9400GT/9500GT/9500GT. All can be had low profile with HDMI. Previous series ATI cards don't support LPCM over HDMI

 

[Denithor]

Assuming, as referenced above, that PCIe 2.0 cards are compatible with the PCIe slot on his GX280 (remember, this is a single-core P4 box).

Also keep in mind you want a low power card, the PSU in the GX280 (especially the SFF version) is weak.

 

[Greg04]

Originally posted by: Denithor

Originally posted by: Greg04
My intended use is for HTPC. I have a 52" Sammy LCD to feed. I don't care about gaming as much as video quality.

That's a good thing, because there's not a single LP card available that's worth a crap for gaming. HD video playback, now, that's a different story.

Diamond 2400pro LP $68 + shipping (Low Profile brackets included)

Radeon HD2400 Pro review at techpowerup

Just like NVIDIA's GeForce 8500, the HD 2400 Pro is not a big performance upgrade, but comes with a ton of new features. Certainly very interesting is support for DirectX 10 and Shader Model 4.0. But let's be honest, which serious gamer will try this on a $60 graphics card? Personally I think the more interesting feature is the new UVD video acceleration which lets you watch full HD content, even with weak CPUs. Personally I have tried this card in my media PC which uses an Athlon64 3000+ processor. As you can imagine without acceleration, watching 1080p content is impossible. Once the 2400 Pro was installed, HD playback was very smooth. Also it is important to note that you will have support for HDCP and fully digital audio.
If you are building a media PC system and need a card that can handle playback of any video you can throw at it, the Radeon HD 2400 Pro is a great choice for you. If you are mainly an office user, the low price of $59 will certainly appeal to you. Especially if you consider that this card will run Windows Vista Aero very well.

EDIT: Looking around, this is probably a (much) better deal.
Asus HD3450 $20AR (also includes LP brackets)
Only thing here - PCIe 2.0 may not be compatible with the "ancient" motherboard in your Dell. PCIe 2.0 is backwards compatible with PCIe 1.1 but sometimes has issues with 1.0 (which your Dell almost certainly is). However, at $20 I think it would be worth it to try, if it works this card will be better than the 2400pro and if it doesn't, RMA it and get the 2400 instead.

The 3450 seems to be the front runner - cheap, and less likely to smoke my PS than the others. As long as it plays 1080, and doesn't blow up, I'm happy.

Thanks to all for all the footwork and ideas.

 

[yh125d]

Originally posted by: Greg04

Originally posted by: Denithor

Originally posted by: Greg04
My intended use is for HTPC. I have a 52" Sammy LCD to feed. I don't care about gaming as much as video quality.

That's a good thing, because there's not a single LP card available that's worth a crap for gaming. HD video playback, now, that's a different story.

Diamond 2400pro LP $68 + shipping (Low Profile brackets included)

Radeon HD2400 Pro review at techpowerup

Just like NVIDIA's GeForce 8500, the HD 2400 Pro is not a big performance upgrade, but comes with a ton of new features. Certainly very interesting is support for DirectX 10 and Shader Model 4.0. But let's be honest, which serious gamer will try this on a $60 graphics card? Personally I think the more interesting feature is the new UVD video acceleration which lets you watch full HD content, even with weak CPUs. Personally I have tried this card in my media PC which uses an Athlon64 3000+ processor. As you can imagine without acceleration, watching 1080p content is impossible. Once the 2400 Pro was installed, HD playback was very smooth. Also it is important to note that you will have support for HDCP and fully digital audio.
If you are building a media PC system and need a card that can handle playback of any video you can throw at it, the Radeon HD 2400 Pro is a great choice for you. If you are mainly an office user, the low price of $59 will certainly appeal to you. Especially if you consider that this card will run Windows Vista Aero very well.

EDIT: Looking around, this is probably a (much) better deal.
Asus HD3450 $20AR (also includes LP brackets)
Only thing here - PCIe 2.0 may not be compatible with the "ancient" motherboard in your Dell. PCIe 2.0 is backwards compatible with PCIe 1.1 but sometimes has issues with 1.0 (which your Dell almost certainly is). However, at $20 I think it would be worth it to try, if it works this card will be better than the 2400pro and if it doesn't, RMA it and get the 2400 instead.

The 3450 seems to be the front runner - cheap, and less likely to smoke my PS than the others. As long as it plays 1080, and doesn't blow up, I'm happy.

Thanks to all for all the footwork and ideas.

Be aware, 3xxx series cards won't carry 8 channel LPCM over HDMI, so plan to use S/PDIF out for your audio

 

[Greg04]

Originally posted by: yh125d

Originally posted by: Greg04

Originally posted by: Denithor

Originally posted by: Greg04
My intended use is for HTPC. I have a 52" Sammy LCD to feed. I don't care about gaming as much as video quality.

That's a good thing, because there's not a single LP card available that's worth a crap for gaming. HD video playback, now, that's a different story.

Diamond 2400pro LP $68 + shipping (Low Profile brackets included)

Radeon HD2400 Pro review at techpowerup

Just like NVIDIA's GeForce 8500, the HD 2400 Pro is not a big performance upgrade, but comes with a ton of new features. Certainly very interesting is support for DirectX 10 and Shader Model 4.0. But let's be honest, which serious gamer will try this on a $60 graphics card? Personally I think the more interesting feature is the new UVD video acceleration which lets you watch full HD content, even with weak CPUs. Personally I have tried this card in my media PC which uses an Athlon64 3000+ processor. As you can imagine without acceleration, watching 1080p content is impossible. Once the 2400 Pro was installed, HD playback was very smooth. Also it is important to note that you will have support for HDCP and fully digital audio.
If you are building a media PC system and need a card that can handle playback of any video you can throw at it, the Radeon HD 2400 Pro is a great choice for you. If you are mainly an office user, the low price of $59 will certainly appeal to you. Especially if you consider that this card will run Windows Vista Aero very well.

EDIT: Looking around, this is probably a (much) better deal.
Asus HD3450 $20AR (also includes LP brackets)
Only thing here - PCIe 2.0 may not be compatible with the "ancient" motherboard in your Dell. PCIe 2.0 is backwards compatible with PCIe 1.1 but sometimes has issues with 1.0 (which your Dell almost certainly is). However, at $20 I think it would be worth it to try, if it works this card will be better than the 2400pro and if it doesn't, RMA it and get the 2400 instead.

The 3450 seems to be the front runner - cheap, and less likely to smoke my PS than the others. As long as it plays 1080, and doesn't blow up, I'm happy.

Thanks to all for all the footwork and ideas.

Be aware, 3xxx series cards won't carry 8 channel LPCM over HDMI, so plan to use S/PDIF out for your audio

Well, that's annoying...🙂...my struggle is with the weak PS --- the search continues.

I'm looking at
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...121281&Tpk=4550%20hdmi

and even the chrome cards...

 

[yh125d]

Get the 4550. There may be nothing wrong with the S3's, but theres really no point in buying such an obscure product

 

[Greg04]

Originally posted by: yh125d
Get the 4550. There may be nothing wrong with the S3's, but theres really no point in buying such an obscure product

Sold on the 4550 - 25W is fine for this PS and the cost/benefit is right.

 

[yh125d]

Originally posted by: Greg04

Originally posted by: yh125d
Get the 4550. There may be nothing wrong with the S3's, but theres really no point in buying such an obscure product

Sold on the 4550 - 25W is fine for this PS and the cost/benefit is right.

:beer:

 

[Greg04]

Originally posted by: yh125d

Originally posted by: Greg04

Originally posted by: yh125d
Get the 4550. There may be nothing wrong with the S3's, but theres really no point in buying such an obscure product

Sold on the 4550 - 25W is fine for this PS and the cost/benefit is right.

:beer:

Update: Install was a bit tough, because I had to get the pliers and blowtorch out pulp-fiction style to mod the case ever so slightly. The half height card doesn't quite work with Dell's case, but 5 minutes later and problem solved. If you have the case and want to put this card in, prepare to do some futzing.

That said, the card looks amazing, is silent, and even allow me to break out Pacific Fighters at 1600x1200 on the big screen. Good stuff for 25W and $50AR. The HDMI out is a nice bonus. Together with a Rosewill USB 2.0 network dongle, and the Adesso wireless keyboard, the Old Dell makes a decent little HTPC and is smaller than my old VCR.

 

[undamned]

Originally posted by: Greg04
That said, the card looks amazing, is silent, and even allow me to break out Pacific Fighters at 1600x1200 on the big screen.

I'm working on a the same system model and am running a GeForce 9500 GT. My gripe is that the system fan winds up significantly louder when I'm playing a game. Have you noticed this with your 4550 card?

Thanks!
-ud

 

[pineappl3]

Hi guys,

I am having the same dillema here. Exact same system, but I have no intention on displaying it on large screens etc.

I am merely more interested in actual maximising hardware performance for 3d modelling suites etc.

The only issue is power consumption, I'll measure tonight if the LP 9600GT fits but the power consumption is a concern for me....

Obviously the above user seems to suggest no such issue with the 9500GT so maybe it is not.

Eitherway, is the 9500/9600GT still the best suited LP Video card based on performace alone (as I am not interested in HDMI out) ?

Thanks in advance for your time guys !

 

[undamned]

Welcome, pineappl3!

I was doing some reading on the LP 9600GT (by Galaxy) on NewEgg. Some folks said that they were able to run it on a 280W supply (my SFF Dell has a 160W), so I'm going to guess that the 9600 GT is out of range for this PC. My 9500 GT is made by XFX and based on a review I read, runs from 30-103W (XFX didn't have info avail. on their website). It runs quiet and I am pleased, I just need to find a way to quiet my CPU fan when under heavy load, now.

-ud

 

[pineappl3]

Originally posted by: undamned
Welcome, pineappl3!

I was doing some reading on the LP 9600GT (by Galaxy) on NewEgg. Some folks said that they were able to run it on a 280W supply (my SFF Dell has a 160W), so I'm going to guess that the 9600 GT is out of range for this PC. My 9500 GT is made by XFX and based on a review I read, runs from 30-103W (XFX didn't have info avail. on their website). It runs quiet and I am pleased, I just need to find a way to quiet my CPU fan when under heavy load, now.

-ud

Oh, forgot to add, I've got the Small Dektop Version which runs a 210W Power supply so I've got a bit more room to move then you possibly do.

Is the 9500GT still the most favourable performance wise out of all the possible video cards to choose from ? I do not require any HDMI outputs etc, but do want to take off as much load of the CPU/Memory etc as possible.

Any different suggestions ?

 

[undamned]

Originally posted by: pineappl3Oh, forgot to add, I've got the Small Dektop Version which runs a 210W Power supply so I've got a bit more room to move then you possibly do.

Is the 9500GT still the most favourable performance wise out of all the possible video cards to choose from ? I do not require any HDMI outputs etc, but do want to take off as much load of the CPU/Memory etc as possible.

Any different suggestions ?

Your 210W might be able to swing a 9600 GT, but being as the 280W guys were a little worried and both cards call for 400W supplies, I'd steer clear :/

Also, from my readings on NewEgg, not only do you need a beefy supply, but many people mentioned that their 9600 GT was pretty loud.

If you are determined to pursue the 9600 GT, there are two low profile versions that I know of:
The Sparkle SX96GT512D3L-NM
The Galaxy 96GFF6VIFCXX

And for kicks, here's a comparison of the GeForce 9600 GT vs. 9500 GT

My 9500 GT is used mostly for playing Falcom action RPG games. These aren't super intense, like running the latest first-person-shooters on highest detail, but they are full 3D environments and at highest settings and resolutions above 1280 x 1024, they'll run 50+ fps when there's a lot going on and typically 60+ fps.

Jaton, Galaxy, Sparkle, Pine, Zotac, Leadtek, and XFX all make a low profile 9500 GT. Like I mentioned earlier, mine is made by XFX and comes in 512MB (PV-T95G-YALG) and 1GB (PV-T95G-ZAFG) versions. I had a coupon for SuperBiiz for $10 off (basically covered shipping, heh) and got mine for $56.

For reference, here's a comparison of the GeForce 9500 GT vs. the Radeon HD 4550
-ud

 

[pineappl3]

Thanks for the reply. Yes I've decided to stick to the 9500GT from Galaxy since that comes in DDR3. 🙂

EDIT: Having trouble finding a Galaxy 9500GT LP.... does anyone have any idea where I could find one ?

 

[Greg04]

Originally posted by: undamned

Originally posted by: Greg04
That said, the card looks amazing, is silent, and even allow me to break out Pacific Fighters at 1600x1200 on the big screen.

I'm working on a the same system model and am running a GeForce 9500 GT. My gripe is that the system fan winds up significantly louder when I'm playing a game. Have you noticed this with your 4550 card?

Thanks!
-ud

No - my PSU speeds up, but not my video card.

 

[bluemax]

NCIX is now selling the Radeon 4650 if you want some gaming...

If not, there's lots of NON-Sapphire 4350 cards that don't extend upwards.

The 4350 is a little cheaper than the 4550 and 3D speed is the only real difference between the two.

Stick to the Radeon 4xxx series over 3xxx for the better HDMI audio.

 

[edplayer]

Originally posted by: pineappl3
Oh, forgot to add, I've got the Small Dektop Version which runs a 210W Power supply so I've got a bit more room to move then you possibly do.

How many amps on the 12V line?


a "green" version of the 9600GT just came out (lower power consumption) but I don't know if there is a LP version for sale (yet)