Member Avatar for iwantram3n

hi, i wanted to buy an evga 6200 PCI 256MB card from tigerdirect but they say it's "low profile" and that the "low profile bracket" is not included. could you please tell me what low profile means and whether the bracket is absolutely needed? thanks

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Short, practical definition and what matters here.

Low-profile (also called half-height) describes the card’s physical size, not its electronics. A low-profile card uses a shorter I/O bracket and often a shorter PCB so it fits slim / small‑form‑factor (SFF) desktop cases. Functionally it’s the same card as a full‑height version; the change is purely mechanical.

Why the bracket matters. The bracket secures the card to the case, keeps the port plate aligned with the opening, and helps with mechanical grounding. Without the correct bracket the card may power up and work while seated, but it’s easy to jar loose, stress the motherboard slot, or create poor grounding/EMI — none of which are desirable long‑term.

Quick checklist to resolve this thread’s issue:

  • Inspect the case rear: if the expansion slot opening is the slim SFF type, a low‑profile bracket is required.
  • Confirm the interface: PCI and PCI‑Express are physically different; a PCI card will not fit a PCIe slot.
  • Check the product listing/box: some vendors include both brackets, some do not. If the listing says “low profile bracket not included,” request a spare from the seller or the card maker, or buy a low‑profile bracket kit from parts suppliers.
  • Don’t force parts or bend the card plate; temporary fixes (non‑conductive cable ties to hold the card) are only stopgaps.

Notes tying back to the thread: ’s post illustrated the visible size difference and ’s point about SFF cases is correct — low‑profile is about fitting small cases. If moving to a PCIe motherboard (as mentioned by ), plan to use a native PCIe GPU rather than trying physical adapters.

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Member Avatar for DimaYasny

I gather you have been banned from google?

this is normal profile:

this is low profile:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41H99TKGWAL._AA280_.jpg

the difference is in the metal bracket, the one the goes to the computer case back side and has the ports on it

Member Avatar for iwantram3n

I gather you have been banned from google?

this is normal profile:

this is low profile:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41H99TKGWAL._AA280_.jpg

the difference is in the metal bracket, the one the goes to the computer case back side and has the ports on it

Thank you for ur reply but I wanted to know the definition of a low profile, not a picture, and wanted to know whether a bracket was needed. I dont think u answered any of my questions but i posted this same thread on another forum site incase. thanks for the feedback tho :)

Member Avatar for caperjack

Thank you for ur reply but I wanted to know the definition of a low profile, not a picture, and wanted to know whether a bracket was needed. I dont think u answered any of my questions but i posted this same thread on another forum site incase. thanks for the feedback tho :)

Hello ,yes you will need the bracket,it holds the video card in place ,it wold work but you would have to be really careful nevet to move the monitor cable ,because it might un-seat the video card ,low profile video cards are used in desktop ,flat style computer boxes.like a compaq sff[small form factor ]like this .

Member Avatar for iwantram3n

Hello ,yes you will need the bracket,it holds the video card in place ,it wold work but you would have to be really careful nevet to move the monitor cable ,because it might un-seat the video card ,low profile video cards are used in desktop ,flat style computer boxes.like a compaq sff[small form factor ]like this .

oh, ic...thanks for the info i guess ill just buy a new motherboard with pci-e slots xD ty again

Member Avatar for caperjack

oh, ic...thanks for the info i guess ill just buy a new motherboard with pci-e slots xD ty again

there is a big difference between PCI and PCI-E .
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