Best Graphics Cards for Compact PCs of 2024: Top Choices

Overview

Small form factor computers were previously prohibited from installing any gaming graphics cards. Additionally, AMD and Nvidia focused on producing graphics cards for large PC cases. And back then, it was challenging to locate a good GPU that would fit inside a constrained PC box. However, there is currently a considerable market need for SFF graphics cards.

Additionally, if you have a mini-ITX or tiny form factor PC case, you need a graphics card with reduced dimensions so that it may fit in the chassis. Standard size GPUs are difficult to cram into a smaller computer case. Selecting a graphics card with a lesser length and width (up to 211mm) is an alternative.

The maximum length of a card in the case of tiny form factor GPUs is 211mm, which makes them the ideal fit for compact and small PC cases.

Based on our research, we have compiled a list of the best Graphics Cards for compact PCs. With these cards, you can play games at a higher resolution, but don't expect them to function as well as high-end gaming graphics cards.

Top Picks

Check out our list of Best Graphics Cards for Compact PCs suggested by Experts.

• Best Overall: ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Twin

• Best for 4K Power in Recent AAA Games: MSI Gaming Radeon RX 6700 XT 

• Best for Budget 1080p Gaming: Zotac GeForce GTX 1650 Super Twin Fan

• Best for Mainstream 1080p Gaming: Zotac GeForce GTX 1660 Super Twin Fan

• Best for High-Refresh 1080p Gaming (Plus Ray-Tracing): EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Black Gaming 8G

• Best for 1440p Gaming: XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX 6600  

• Best for 4K Gaming: MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3070

Reviews

1. ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1080 Mini

Until now, PC gaming has been dominated by graphics cards with the Nvidia Pascal architecture. The performance of the GTX 1080 Mini is roughly identical to that of a larger GTX 1080 graphics card. Although the GTX 1080 Mini is squeezed into a smaller space, its performance is comparable to that of larger GTX Series cards.

With 8GB of GDDR5X memory and 2560 CUDA cores, this tiny GTX 1080 can handle any demanding workload you throw at it. This GPU also boosts clock speed up to 1759 MHz to match the performance of powerful gaming CPUs.

With 8GB of memory, this graphics card enables trouble-free 1080p gaming play. With this graphics card, we could play Fortnite on Epic settings with an average frame rate of between 100 and 144. Furthermore, it is out-of-the-box VR compatible. You may play at 4K by changing the game settings, even in some AAA games.

Additionally, this is one of the most energy-efficient GTX 1080 graphics cards available today. A 500W power source could easily power this beast.

This graphics card can be overclocked to 1870 MHz with lots of headroom.

The heat on this graphics card fluctuates around 30 degrees Celsius when idle. Furthermore, even under maximum load, the temperatures remain below 70 degrees Celsius, which is unusual for a graphics card with a small form factor. However, when you overclock this GPU, there is a tiny bit of fan noise, but it won't at all interfere with your gaming experience.

The GTX 1080 Mini is a respectable processor for compact form factor PC cases. The performance for gaming, and other workloads are comparable to larger-sized 1080s, although lacking some bells and whistles. This GPU has a large amount of power for its small size.

Pros

• delivers superior gaming performance for a compact card.

• Despite size, a slight out-of-the-box overclock.

• In our tests, it primarily matched or outperformed the GTX 1080 Founders Edition.

Cons

• For some compact PC cases, 8.3 inches is still big.

2. EVGA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti SC

A low TDP graphics card based on Nvidia's Pascal Architecture is the GTX 1050 Ti. This GPU is around 5.7 inches long and 4.4 inches tall. This graphics card is the ideal choice for PC cases with limited space because of its small dimensions.

The GTX 1050 Ti performs 10 to 15% better than the standard GTX 1050. It has 4GB of GDDR5 visual memory, comparable to contemporary entry-level graphics cards available on the market. This GPU should be able to handle less demanding games at 1080p settings.

On the GTX 1050 Ti, we put a couple of games through testing with medium-high settings. When playing high settings, this GPU increased frame rates above 50 in titles like GTA V, Fortnite, Witcher 3, and Unreal Tournament. The GTX 1050 Ti is the perfect tiny form factor GPU to start PC gaming without breaking the bank.

The GTX 1050 Ti might be the best option if you require a little graphics card that fits your PC case without upgrading your PSU.

It's a fantastic offer for HTPC fans or budget gamers who don't want to shell out a lot of extra money for a dedicated GPU with a respectable performance.

Pros

• Generally outperforms the XFX RX 460 at a comparable cost.

• Very effective ACX 2.0 cooling.

• Out of the box, GPU Boost 3.0 has amazing overclockability and performs as promised.

• Well-built, gorgeous looks, and takes up less room than rival cards.

• 3-year warranty.

Cons

• Nothing.

3. Nvidia GeForce GT 1030 OC Mini ITX

Despite being an obsolete graphics card to take into account for the list, the GT 1030 still has a lot to offer mini-ITX setups with limited room for additional peripheral installation. This graphics card is specifically designed for someone who wishes to go from an integrated chip to a dedicated one because not all of us are gamers.

You cannot anticipate high-end gaming performance from this GPU because it only has 2GB of GDDR5 video memory and a 64-bit interface. However, you can play a few Esports games from five years ago at medium-high settings without any problems. You may anticipate this graphics card to keep over 60 frames per second at medium-high settings in games like Borderlands 2, DarkSouls 3, Fallout 4, and War Thunder.

This may be the least expensive graphics card for an SFF PC construction, but when handling a light graphic workload. This chip is ideal for watching 4K films on YouTube and Netflix without wasting money on expensive graphics cards.

Additionally, because of its thin thickness, this GPU only needs one slot on your motherboard, freeing up more room for additional peripherals to fit.

Furthermore, your PSU's external power connector is unnecessary for this tiny form factor GPU. Therefore, you can run this graphics card without problems even if your PC only has a 240W PSU.

For the best value for your money, consider the GT 1030 if you don't have much extra cash to spend on a powerful graphics card for your HTPC or mini-ITX setup.

Pros

• Super affordable.

• Remarkably low 30W TDP.

• Excellent eSports and DirectX9/11-based game performance.

• Single-slot/low-profile form factor.

• Completely quiet but also decently cool.

Cons

• Probably nothing on this price segment.

4. EVGA GT 710

The most affordable graphics card for a small PC enclosure is the Nvidia GT 710. Compared to an AMD or Intel integrated graphics chip, the GT 710 performs ten times better. This inexpensive graphics card is adequate to handle your basic computer requirements. Compared to a GT 610 1GB video card, it performs better.

It is impossible to play current AAA and Esports games with this graphics card because it only has 2GB of GDDR3 RAM. However, it is worthwhile to upgrade to this GPU if you are merely replacing an onboard graphics processor because you will notice a slight boost in your video playback and content creation duties.

This is the best video card with an ultra-SFF desktop, such as the Dell PowerEdge r610. It has a low profile bracket that simplifies installing it on an ultra-SFF or mini-ITX setup. With this graphics card, you may simultaneously drive two to three monitors.

The GT 710 offers the best value at this time for a single-slot GPU if you're on the lookout for one at a reasonable price. The GT 710 is the one to choose if you require a graphics card that is much less expensive and faster than your onboard graphics card.

Pros

• Nvidia’s driver support and enhanced features.

• Affordable.

• Completely silent. 

• Compatible with almost all PC hardware.

• Can handle 3D Blu-ray content

Cons

• Not suitable for gaming.

5. ASUS AMD Radeon R9 Nano

The performance of this AMD beast for gaming and graphical workloads is ideal for a mini-ITX setup. It is protected with 4096-bits of HBM (high bandwidth memory) and 4GB of video RAM for smooth performance. If you are a skilled video editor, you may make the most of this GPU using higher bandwidth RAM.

Although purchasing this small form factor card is pricey, it effectively gives your mini-ITX PC a few years of upgrade-free operation. Compared to Nvidia's entry-level GTX 1660 graphics card, the AMD R9 nano performs better.

AMD R9 Nano is small enough to fit your setup if you need a dependable graphics card for your HTPC. This graphics card will not disappoint; it can handle everything you throw, even at a higher resolution.

The AMD R9 Nano's 158mm length is significantly less than our 210 mm limit for mini-ITX configurations. However, when you place this graphics card inside your PC case, it switches dual slots. So make sure there is a spare space behind for this GPU to fit in.

Pros

• Impressive performance.

• Outperforms graphics cards of comparable size.

• Friendly form factor for mini-ITX.

• 4GB VRAM.

Cons

• Lacks HDMI 2.0.

FAQs

Q: Can a GPU fit a Mini-ITX?

Well, that largely relies on the clearance inside your mini-ITX PC case. In some mini-ITX chassis, there is not enough room for large graphics cards. Thus you must use single-slot GPUs. Some compact form factor PC cases, meanwhile, do have adequate space to accommodate dual-slot GPUs.

Q: Does the GTX 1060 fit in Mini-ITX?

The GTX 1060 is a little graphics card that works well with mini-ITX desktops. To accommodate the length of the GTX 1060, your mini-ITX PC chassis must have at least 6.85 inches of clearance before the graphics card can be installed.

Q: Can you fit an RTX 3060 in a mini-ITX PC case?

The RTX 3060, which has a length of up to 7.94 inches, is a dual-slot graphics card. A typical RTX 3060 graphics card cannot be installed in small PC boxes. The RTX 3060 may consume up to 170W of power from your PSU and requires a single 12-pin power connector. High-wattage PSUs that can power large graphics cards are not typically found in mini-ITX PC cases.

Final Thought

You've just read about a few of the best Graphics Cards for compact PCs. You can select the one that best meets your needs in terms of budget and SFF construction space.

Before installing a compact graphics card inside your compact PC chassis, consider the GPU's size, power, and cooling requirements. To check if there is adequate room for your GPU, it is preferable to measure the interior space of your computer case roughly.

Power supplies in certain ultra-compact PC cases lack PCIe power connectors. Make sure the card you select in that situation doesn't require an external power connection. We advise choosing the GT 710 or GT 1030 OC edition if you aren't interested in gaming. Both CPUs fit perfectly in constrained PC casings and easily handle typical computing tasks.