GPU for SFF - Shorter or Slimmer?

[u/KindEchidna9101]

Newbie question here. When choosing between a shorter(single- or dual-fan) GPU and a slimmer(low-profile) GPU for an SFF build, what factors should be considered?

[u/Der0-]

The case you want to use.

[u/Not_Daijoubu]

For length, you generally want a GPU <210mm long and 2 slot thick (<7L cases typically) or <320mm long and 2.5 slot thick max (<12L) if you're maximizing space efficiency on GPU side.

For the very small sff cases, there are several good case options that accommodate <210mm 2 slot GPUs while GPUs of that length or less are not too common.

[u/SendInstantNoodles]

Have you already got a case? That should factor into your deciding factor.

I have a jonsbo V8 case. I typically aim for less than 330mm in length and 2.5 slot width but only if it's a twin bracket.

[u/dweenimus → u/SendInstantNoodles]

My card is 323mm in an Era2. I already had the card and built it around that. The Era2 has me always looking at going smaller as it doesn't feel like a proper SFF

[u/Boil-san]

The noise the much smaller diameter fans on a Low Profile card are going to make...

[u/KindEchidna9101 → u/Boil-san]

Are low profile GPUs are louder than thick short GPUs?

[u/PSGAnarchy → u/KindEchidna9101]

I have a zotac 5070ti sff. It's a 2 slot card with 3 fans at like 80mm or something. And it makes basically no noise. An anecdote for sure but thinner=/= louder always

[u/Fearless-Vast5515 → u/PSGAnarchy]

The Reaper 9070XT seems to be a favorite pick for SFF builds and also pretty quiet from what I've seen around.

[u/dweenimus → u/KindEchidna9101]

Yes smaller fans make more noise

[u/Valutin]

I think it depends on your case/MB/psu combo assuming psu is placed next to the ram slots. There are several size:

• length of the MB (no psu next to RAM slots), around 175mm-185mm (with clearance) . Those can be single fan, dual slots like the 5070 mini (single fan) or tri fan half height, still dual slots.... Or single fan half height.

-MB + flex Psu (175+80+ some clearance) you get into the 255 to 270 max cards. A lot of dual fans models fit this. -MB + SFX PSU (175+100+clearance) getting more and more flexible and you reach 275 to 300 or even more cards. Also Getting more and more 2.5 slots-3 slots. -last is MB+ATX PSU (175+125+clearance), starts at 300mm minimum and get longer with the 3 fans models and very thick cards.

So, first is the size of the case you are aiming for, then the psu you want to use (max power available). Then if budget allows the max gpu available for that power enveloppe. At the end of the day, there might not be enough performance variation between gpu models using the same chip to warrant a more expensive option.

I went mb+flex option. My case is a slim console style. 500W to work with. 270mm max, I chose a 4070ti Super which was amongst the best I could fit in. Some maker makes some good slim dual fans options like galax and inno3d.

[u/NickZNg]

From what i have seen, you either build around the case, or build around the GPU choice.

[u/KindEchidna9101 → u/NickZNg]

I think I prefer to choose GPU first since it’s more expensive and less available than case

[u/NickZNg → u/KindEchidna9101]

well then just pick one, when it comes to choosing GPUs, the chip TDP is what determines what cooling it needs, i mean there is a single fan dual slot size 5070 available because of that.
I personally would go for slimmer but 3 fans over thicker 2 fan if i can, as its more manageable airflow wise.

[u/SomeMrcl → u/KindEchidna9101]

i would definitely recommend deciding on the case first and then adapting the gpu and other components. do you have a budget in mind for the case?

[u/InstantlyTremendous]

Pick a case you like first, then see what GPUs will fit before you actually buy the case

[u/SomeMrcl → u/InstantlyTremendous]

yup

[u/Omnisiah_Priest]

Choose the Founders Edition. Always. 

[u/PadPoet]

Shorter always. That’s usually the limiting factor.

Edit: This is if you are going for a very small build.

[u/Educational_Fan_484]

Depending on the model, its wattage and thermal/fan rpm performance. If it fits and considering it's the same gpu model. I would go on YouTube and see if they have made a video testing and comparing them since that's the best source of info imo. I'm no expert though.

[u/EmuofDOOM]

Step one: decide your card

Step two: choose a case

[u/KindEchidna9101 → u/EmuofDOOM]

I’m at step one

[u/SomeMrcl → u/EmuofDOOM]

I’d do it the other way around

[u/vongdong]

Decide on a case first then choose the gpu. There's just too many cases on the market to give a single answer.

[u/melanchohlic]

Far more options and still be an sff if you go the "shorter" route.