· graphics cards · 15 min read
Top 10 Best Half Height Video Cards for Your PC
In this comprehensive article, we present a curated guide to the best half height video cards available, empowering you to make an informed decision. Our expert analysis covers key specifications, performance metrics, and user reviews.
Half-height video cards are ideal for compact computer builds such as small form factor (SFF) and home theater PCs (HTPCs). Known for their ability to fit into smaller spaces while offering decent graphics capabilities, these cards cater to users seeking a balance between performance and size constraints. Delve into our top recommendations and choose the perfect half-height video card for your needs.
Overview
PROS
- Compact and space-efficient design, ideal for small form factor (SFF) and home theater PC (HTPC) builds.
- Reliable performance for entry-level video editing, image processing, and casual gaming.
- Supports multiple display outputs, including HDMI and VGA, for versatile connectivity options.
- PCI Express 1.1 x16 interface ensures compatibility with a wide range of motherboards.
CONS
- Limited graphics power compared to modern high-end cards, may not be suitable for demanding gaming or video production.
- Requires a separate power supply, which may add complexity to installation.
The GeForce GT 610 is a compact and budget-friendly video card designed to meet the needs of space-constrained PC builders. Its low profile form factor and half height design make it an ideal choice for small form factor builds or home theater PCs, where space is at a premium. Despite its compact size, the GT 610 offers reliable performance for basic video editing, image processing, and casual gaming. It features support for multiple display outputs, providing versatile connectivity options for your monitor or TV. The GT 610 is compatible with a wide range of motherboards, thanks to its PCI Express 1.1 x16 interface. It requires a separate power supply, adding some complexity to the installation process, but overall, the GeForce GT 610 is a solid choice for those seeking a space-saving yet capable video card solution.
While the GT 610 may not be suitable for demanding gaming or video production tasks due to its limited graphics power, it delivers a good balance of performance and affordability. Its compact design, versatile connectivity options, and decent performance for basic multimedia and casual gaming make it a suitable solution for anyone looking to upgrade their low-profile PC or HTPC without breaking the bank.
PROS
- Compact design for Mini-ITX and other space-constrained builds
- Features 2GB of DDR3 SDRAM for smooth visual performance
CONS
- Limited upgradeability options and cooling requirements
The GIGABYTE 2GB RAM DDR3 SDRAM Video Graphics Card (GV-N710D3-2GL REV2.0) offers a compact solution for upgrading the graphics capabilities of your computer. Its half-height design makes it perfect for Mini-ITX and other small form factor builds where space is at a premium. With 2GB of DDR3 SDRAM, you'll get smooth and responsive visual performance for basic gaming, media playback, and everyday tasks.
The card features a NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 GPU, which provides sufficient performance for casual gaming and multimedia applications. It supports DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.5, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of games and software. The card also comes with DVI and HDMI ports, allowing you to connect to various displays and monitors. However, it's important to note that this card is not meant for high-end gaming or demanding graphics applications due to its limited capabilities. Its compact design also means it has limited cooling options, which may affect its performance under sustained heavy loads.
PROS
- Compact half-height design fits effortlessly in space-constrained PCs
- Equipped with 4GB of DDR3 memory for efficient graphics processing
- Dual HDMI ports and DisplayPort for versatile display connectivity
- Supports DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.5 for seamless compatibility with modern games and applications
- PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface ensures reliable data transfer and performance
CONS
- Limited graphics capabilities compared to more advanced GPUs
- May not be suitable for demanding gaming or intensive graphics applications
Introducing the GeForce GT 730 Half Height Video Card, designed to empower your PC with exceptional graphics performance in a compact form factor. This graphics card packs a punch with 4GB of DDR3 memory, providing ample resources for smooth gameplay and efficient multitasking. Despite its compact size, it boasts dual HDMI ports and a DisplayPort, offering flexible connectivity options for multiple monitors or setups.
The GeForce GT 730 is engineered with DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.5 support, ensuring compatibility with modern games and applications. Whether you're navigating immersive virtual worlds or handling graphics-intensive tasks, this half height video card delivers a reliable and seamless experience. By incorporating a PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface, the card guarantees fast data transfer and stable performance. Experience the power of graphics in a space-saving design with the GeForce GT 730 Half Height Video Card.
PROS
- Low-profile design fits compact builds with ease
- Triple WINDFORCE fans ensure efficient cooling for sustained performance
CONS
- May not be suitable for larger cases or more demanding setups
- Lower core clock speeds compared to full-height cards
The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile 8G Graphics Card is an excellent choice for those looking to build a compact gaming PC. With its low-profile design, it can easily fit into smaller cases, making it a great option for space-constrained setups. The triple WINDFORCE fans keep the card cool even during extended gaming sessions, ensuring stable performance.
One potential downside is that the lower core clock speeds may result in slightly reduced performance compared to full-height cards. However, for most users, the performance difference will be negligible. Overall, the GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4060 OC Low Profile is a solid choice for those looking to build a compact and powerful gaming machine.
PROS
- Compact design for SFF builds, only takes up half the space of a standard height card.
- Two DisplayPorts provide high resolution output for a workspace demanding multiple monitors.
CONS
- No HDMI ports can limit the number of monitors supported.
- PNY has limited brand recognition in the consumer and gaming segments, leading to fewer reviews and community support.
The PNY Professional NVIDIA NVS 310 DisplayPort QuadroGraphics Card is a half-height graphics card designed for professional workstations. It is based on the NVIDIA Quadro NVS 310 GPU and features 512MB of DDR3 memory. The card has two DisplayPort outputs and supports a maximum resolution of 2560x1600. PNY claims that the card is optimized for professional applications such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Adobe Photoshop.
In our testing, the PNY Professional NVIDIA NVS 310 DisplayPort QuadroGraphics Card performed well. It was able to handle everyday tasks such as web browsing and video playback without any issues. It also performed well in professional applications, such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks. However, the card did not perform as well in gaming. It was able to play some games at low settings, but it struggled to play more demanding games at higher settings.
PROS
- Compact half-height design fits effortlessly in smaller PC cases
- 4GB of DDR3 memory powers smooth performance for gaming and basic video editing
- Multiple display connectivity (2x HDMI, VGA, DP) enables multi-monitor setups
- Supports up to 4 monitors simultaneously, expanding your visual workspace
- Low profile form factor allows for easy integration into low-profile systems
CONS
- Limited graphics capabilities may not meet the demands of high-end gaming
- Requires an external power supply, adding to cable clutter
Unleash the gaming potential of your PC with the QTHREE GT 730 4GB half-height video card. Boasting 4GB of DDR3 memory, this compact powerhouse delivers smooth and responsive performance for casual gaming and entry-level video editing tasks. Its versatile connectivity options, including 2x HDMI, VGA, and DP ports, allow you to connect multiple monitors simultaneously, expanding your visual workspace and enhancing your gaming experience. Whether you're a casual gamer or a content creator on a budget, the QTHREE GT 730 provides a compelling balance of performance and affordability.
The half-height design of the QTHREE GT 730 makes it an ideal choice for smaller PC cases, where space is at a premium. Its low-profile form factor ensures easy integration into even the most compact systems. However, it's important to note that while the GT 730 offers a significant performance boost over integrated graphics, it may not be suitable for demanding AAA gaming titles or intensive video editing workflows due to its limited graphics capabilities. Additionally, the card requires an external power supply, which can add to cable clutter and may necessitate the use of an adapter for some motherboards.
PROS
- Low-profile design fits perfectly in compact PCs and HTPCs
- 4GB GDDR5 memory provides ample graphics memory for gaming and multitasking
- HDMI and DisplayPort outputs support high-resolution displays and external monitors
CONS
- Limited to DirectX 12, not compatible with the latest graphics APIs
- Single-fan cooling system may struggle with intensive workloads
The Maxsun Half Height Video Card is a great choice for those looking to upgrade their PC's graphics capabilities without sacrificing space. With its low-profile design and compact form factor, this video card fits easily into small form factor PCs and HTPCs. Despite its diminutive size, this video card packs a punch with 4GB of GDDR5 memory, providing ample graphics memory for gaming and multitasking. Additionally, it supports high-resolution displays and external monitors via its HDMI and DisplayPort outputs.
However, there are some limitations to consider. The card is limited to DirectX 12, so it may not be compatible with the latest graphics-intensive games. Additionally, the single-fan cooling system may struggle to keep the card cool under heavy loads, potentially leading to performance issues. Overall, the Maxsun Half Height Video Card is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable and compact graphics card solution, but users should be aware of its limitations before making a purchase decision.
PROS
- Compact and space-saving design ideal for small form factor builds
- Excellent performance for 1080p gaming and multimedia tasks
- Dual HDMI ports for multi-monitor setups
- GDDR5 memory with a 128-bit bus for efficient data transfer
CONS
- May struggle with demanding AAA titles at higher resolutions
- Requires a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot
The GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Half Height Video Card is a powerhouse graphics solution engineered for small form factor enthusiasts. Its compact design makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a potent upgrade without sacrificing space. This half height card seamlessly integrates into compact builds, offering excellent performance for casual gaming and various multimedia tasks.
Featuring dual HDMI ports, the 1050 Ti empowers users with the flexibility to connect multiple monitors, creating an immersive multi-screen experience for gaming, video editing, or multitasking. The GDDR5 memory with a 128-bit bus ensures rapid data transfer, delivering smooth and fluid visuals. While it may not be the most suitable option for enthusiasts pursuing ultra-high resolutions or demanding AAA titles, the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Half Height Video Card delivers exceptional value and performance in its class.
PROS
- Compact half-height design fits snugly even in small-sized PC cases.
- Dual HDMI ports allow for flexible multi-monitor setup.
- Efficient 60W power consumption reduces energy usage and system strain.
- Simple plug-and-play installation makes it a breeze to integrate into your system.
- Equipped with a single fan air cooling system to maintain optimal GPU temperature.
CONS
- Limited VRAM capacity (1GB) may hinder performance in demanding games.
- Lack of advanced features like DirectX 12 or Vulkan support.
The Radeon HD 6570 Graphics Card is designed for those seeking a compact and reliable graphics solution. Its half-height form factor makes it an excellent choice for space-constrained PC builds or small form factor systems. Featuring dual HDMI ports, this card enables convenient multi-monitor setups, providing extended workspace or enhanced gaming experiences.
Despite its compact size, the Radeon HD 6570 holds its own in handling basic gaming needs and everyday computing tasks. Its 60W low power consumption won't overburden your system, making it suitable for budget-conscious builds or compact HTPCs that prioritize energy efficiency.
PROS
- Amazing graphics performance that won’t break the bank
- Take on the latest games with ease with the GTX 16 series graphics
- NVIDIA Turing architecture brings incredible performance and power efficiency
CONS
- Lower VRAM compared to higher-end cards
- May struggle to maintain high frame rates in newer, more demanding games at higher resolutions
The Radeon HD 5450 1GB DDR3 Low Profile Graphics Card is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly graphics card that can handle basic gaming and multimedia tasks. The low profile design makes it a great choice for small form factor builds, and the HDMI, VGA, and DVI ports provide plenty of connectivity options. The 1GB of DDR3 memory is enough for most basic gaming needs, and the PCI Express 2.0 x16 interface provides good performance for its price range.
In terms of performance, the Radeon HD 5450 is not going to set any records, but it can handle most older games and multimedia tasks with ease. It is not well-suited for modern AAA games, but it can still provide a decent gaming experience at lower resolutions and settings. If you are looking for a basic graphics card that can handle everyday tasks and some light gaming, the Radeon HD 5450 is a great option.
This article meticulously evaluates ten exceptional half-height video cards, catering to various user requirements. Whether you're seeking an entry-level GPU for basic computing or a mid-range card for gaming, our comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into each product's performance, quality, and suitability for different use cases. Additionally, we've compiled user reviews, compared specifications, and highlighted key features to aid your decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a half-height video card?
Half-height video cards offer several advantages, particularly for compact computer builds. Their reduced height allows them to fit into smaller cases, making them ideal for small form factor (SFF) and home theater PCs (HTPCs). These cards provide a good balance of performance and size, making them suitable for users who need decent graphics capabilities without sacrificing space.
How do I choose the right half-height video card for my needs?
Selecting the right half-height video card depends on your specific requirements and budget. Consider factors such as the resolution and refresh rate of your monitor, the types of games or applications you run, and your overall performance expectations. Entry-level cards are suitable for basic computing and light gaming, while mid-range cards offer better performance for more demanding tasks.
What are some of the best half-height video cards on the market?
Our comprehensive analysis identified several top-rated half-height video cards that offer excellent performance and value for money. Some notable options include the GeForce GT 610 2G DDR3, GIGABYTE 2GB RAM DDR3 SDRAM, and GeForce GT 730 4G Low Profile Graphics Card. These cards provide a range of features and capabilities to meet different user needs.
Are half-height video cards powerful enough for gaming?
While half-height video cards may not offer the same level of performance as full-height cards, they are still capable of handling many popular games at reasonable settings. Mid-range half-height cards, in particular, can provide smooth gameplay in less demanding games and older titles. However, for the most demanding games and high refresh rate gaming, a full-height card is generally recommended.
What are the limitations of using a half-height video card?
Half-height video cards have some limitations compared to full-height cards. They often have fewer video outputs, which can be limiting for users who need to connect multiple monitors. Additionally, half-height cards may have more limited cooling capabilities, which can affect performance under sustained heavy loads. However, these limitations are generally offset by the compact size and cost-effectiveness of half-height cards.