Half height/low profile graphics cards, where & what one?

[wilt]

Just got a new system and it's slim line so only accepts half height/low profile graphics cards.
I'd like something more powerfull than the radeon hd2400 inside it.
What would you recommend? as i can't find any, and if i did i wouldn't know if it's better than what i have.

[PhilEnfield]

If this is the Dell PC, you mentioned in your other thread, have a read here (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=700167), it may be of help to you.
The stock PSU in the Inspiron 530 is 300w, so if you intend upgrading the graphics card, this will probably need upgrading too. You cant just grab any old PSU, as mentioned in the thread.

[Van Nugent]

The HD 2400 is a real nice video card that supports DX10 for excellent HD video playback. Unless you play the high end games and want to get better fps @ high resolution, I don't think you need to get a better video card. As Phil said, you'll also need to upgrade the PSU to run a video card that's better than the HD 2400. My suggestions:

- ChainTech GSV86GT 512MB (http://www.chaintechusa.com/a2111_product_spec.php?serno=425) : Around $80 US + Shipping. This is a GeForce 8600GT. You may need to buy a low profile bracket separately to use it in a slim case.

- PNY VCG86512D2GXWB : Same as the ChainTech above. I think it does come with a low profile bracket. However, this card has long been discontinued and I am not sure you can find it in your location.

More powerful cards do not come in low-profile form because they need to have lots of space on the PCB for electronics and cooling components. If you really need more powerful video in a compact case, I would suggest you go with a uATX case that accepts full PCI brackets like these (http://www.apevia.com/Products_Level3.asp?CID=1&CID2=2&CID3=1).

[wilt]

It's not for games much, more video editing AVCHD.

[Van Nugent]

Then the HD 2400 is a good card for that. I don't think you need a better card unless you want to :). However, if you don't mind spending some extra money for a case that can take a regular video card, you will have more options and better chance to get a more powerful video card @ cheap price. For video editing/viewing, the only justifiable reason for upgrading the HD 2400 is to get an HDMI output that the existing one does not have.

[Van Nugent]

If you please tell the reason you need to upgrade the video card, perhaps I will have better solution.