Compared to the previously tested low profile video card, the Sparkle GTS 250, this one was not downclocked, but was functioning at the recommended Nvidia stock clocks.

I have appreciated the inclusion of the low profile bracket along with the standard one, for us to be able to use the card in small HTPC cases.

The high speed fan can be no doubt heard in 3D applications, depending on the load levels, but in 2D office work or high definition movies, the card remains silent. The hot air is exhausted out of the case, which is a good thing considering that HTPC enclosures are not very big and if the air is recirculated, all the components inside would get more than warm.

By installing this card in a HTPC, we can boost it in terms of 3D performance and can even play the latest DX11 titles (with lower resolutions like 1600x1200). The card performance is very near to the Inno3D GTS 450 tested previously, which has a small factory overclock. The Palit card is easy to clean up if dust accumulates inside: we simply have to remove the two screws from the shield and another two little screws from the back of the card; the plastic shroud is then easy to remove, to be able to access the aluminium heatsink.

Palit Geforce GTS 450 Low Profile Recommended for HTPC Users

The low profile GTS 450 from Palit costs about 10 Euros more than the stock clocked standard sized card, 109,9 EUR. That said, the Palit GTS 450 is the most powerful low profile video card to date in low profile format, so it is definitely a recommended product for HTPC users if 3D performance inside a small case is a priority.

I would like to thank again to CaseKing.de and Palit for making this review possible.