83 replies to this topic

[jeremy_smitty5]

I'm use VGA right now but the monitor I'm using supports both VGA and DVI, and from what I understand DVI is a much clear image right? it is a HDMI connection.to link it to your TV and use it as a monitor. I'll probably pull the 56K bps data/fax modem to save on psu usage. I'll never use it anyways.

[jephree]

D-sub = VGA. Yes DVI is preferable. If a 4550 would work I don't see why that 4650 would not. If there is any major alteration they would have changed the designation to say a 5000 series. If I was trying this I would go with that 4650 and if it does not work well than do a minor upgrade on the PSU.

[jeremy_smitty5]

so why would you pick the 4650 over the 4550

[jephree]

At first glance: Basically as it is already set up to install into your case. No bracket mod. Plus active fan whereas the 4550 has only a passive heatsink. And again I doubt the wattage requirement is much different. The fan may add 1 watt. I don't mind doing a detailed comparison but that won't happen tonight as I am about to crash. Will be back tomorrow.

[Troy]

Just a quick point to add... I installed a new 4350 card in a customer's computer today. Nowhere on the box or on my supplier's website (I didn't check the manufacturer's) did it say anything about the half-height bracket that was included in the box... So I could have used it in a slimline case. For the record, it was a Gigabyte 4350 OC edition. So it may be worth fully scoping out all the specifications to see if a half-height bracket is included in the box instead of having to purchase one separately. If it helps. Troy

[jeremy_smitty5]

thanks i'll look into that

Edited by jeremy_smitty5, 15 April 2009 - 10:25 AM.

[jephree]

Here is the Sapphire page on the

SAPPHIRE 100252HDMI Radeon HD 4550 512MB 64-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Low Profile Video Card - Retail

Low profile bracket included

http://www.sapphiret...r...d=271&grp=3

Although it claims to use less than 25 watts it still recommends a minimum 300 watt PSU.

The Sapphire link was taken direct from Newegg under the Manufacturer Info tab.

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814102819

There is also a discrepancy in the photos as the Sapphire site shows that card with an active fan.

There are also negative Newegg reviews regarding the drivers.

All that being said it is still the card listed on the Slimline thread as one that has worked for others.

As you noted this was the ATI page on the basic card:

http://ati.amd.com/p...4500/index.html

Different manufacturers will take the same GPU and chipset from ATI and produce their own cards but they are all basically ATI Radeon™ HD 4550 graphics cards.

Your original link is an Asus version and again is pictured with a fan:

http://cgi.ebay.com/...em=380111636177

Here is a review of said card:

http://www.pcstats.c...?articleID=2381

Half-Height HDMI

How does a full size videocard fit into a book-size PC chassis? The answer is simple, it doesn't unless you have a half-height videocard.

ASUS have thoughtfully supplied a half-height metal I/O bracket along with the EAH 4550 videocard so you can swap out the brackets yourself. The analog VGA port is mounted via flexible cable to the videocard PCB, and the half-height bracket is two-slots wide to accommodate it.

Nice pictures as you scroll through this review.

So yes it has the proper bracket and has a nice fan and is the same card listed in the Slimline thread.

Actually all the above are as the thread only notes the 4550 "series" in general.

[jeremy_smitty5]

Sorry about not getting back to you. A few long late nights at work. So which one of the 4550 should i go with. With or without fan?

[jephree]

No problem. We are here.

An active fan is definitely preferable to a passive heatsink.

The above Asus you linked at eBay is no longer available but here is a Google of the same card with some retailers:

http://www.google.co...R...mp;aq=f&oq=

New Newegg with bracket included:

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814102799

[jeremy_smitty5]

http://cgi.ebay.com/.....=tab=Watching

[jephree]

Looks good.

[jeremy_smitty5]

I'm gonna with that one and see how it goes, if it doesn't work then upgrade the psu. I'll post back and let you know how it's working out.

[jephree]

Cool. Looking forward to the update!

[jeremy_smitty5]

Alright got the card today. So far so good but haven't done anything hard core yet so I'll have to post back. but here is my windows experience index score Before Processor 4.9 Memory 5.9 Graphics 3.3 Gaming Graphics 3.0 Primary Hard Disk 5.9 Over All Score 3.0 After Processor 4.9 Memory 5.9 Graphics 4.8 Gaming Graphics 5.2 Primary Hard Disk 5.9 Over All Score 4.8

[jephree]

Sweet!

Thanks for the update.

One nice tool / benchmark / tester you can get for free is 3D Mark 06 although it is a large download @ 580MB.

http://www.futuremar...ark06/download/

Some great effects and benchmark scores if you do not mind the disk space or download time required.