PCI express; low profile

[Seeker]

I've just got a new PC; with PCI express slots.

To complicate the picture; it's a small form factor box; which only accepts low profile cards.

A quick search on the net shows that most low profile cards are only 64 Mb RAM; and that the most common models are based on Nvidea Geforce FX 5200 or Nvidea Quadro4 chip sets.

I'm unfamiliar with these cards; is a 64 Mb video card going to cut it these days?


I take it that low profile is purely a physical spec; and that in fact; there's nothing preventing me from taking tin snips to the case and fitting a full size PCI express card.

Any opinions?

[StarOfAfrica2]

A quick search on newegg popped up an ATI X300, but it uses the new "Hypermemory" thing, which is (I believe), ATI's answer to the Nvidia Turbo Cache card.  Stay far far away from these.  Not that the X300 is a hot performer anyway, but this just makes it worse.  

And yes, low profile is simply a space consideration due to the limited size of the box.  It has nothing to do with performance restrictions.  What you suggested is exactly what I'd do.  Either cut up the case, or just take the side off completely and live with it.  Low profile cards are usually hard to find, and give up something in performance somewhere to the full size ones.  Even if it's just a fan.

[Krusty]

Suggestion: You can get a new ATX-sized case for as little as $30.00 (or less depending where you look). Simply take everything from the small case and put them into the large case, as-is, and you should be all set for some time to come.