Cheapest Low Profile OpenGL 3.0 Graphics Card - And Where To Buy?

[ashleylewisms92]

Hi All,

 

We're looking to purchase Google Sketchup Pro 2018 for 60 PC's...but the downside is that the current graphics adapter (Intel Q43/Q45 Chipset) cannot support OpenGL 3.0 - meaning Sketchup Pro 2018 will not run on it.

 

Therefore, I'm looking for the cheapest OpenGL 3.0 compatible graphics card, but it has to be low profile, and ideally not have a large heatsink - as the Lenovo PC's we have don't give much GPU heatsink room inside, as the Hard Drive caddy is fairly large.

 

Can anyone recommend a make/model and the best place to purchase from?

I'm budgeting up to £25 inc. VAT per graphics card.

 

Thanks.

[3s-gtech]

Hmmm, with that budget you'll need to speak to ICT Direct. You can't get a new card for that money, at least without it being a relic model. £30, maybe.

[ashleylewisms92]

Hmmm, with that budget you'll need to speak to ICT Direct. You can't get a new card for that money, at least without it being a relic model. £30, maybe.

 

Thanks, I actually managed to get the quantity needed from eBay in the end :-)

[3s-gtech]

Good work. Used or refurbed makes sense for that job - looked after, graphics cards (especially low end ones) can last ten years without problems (I have some in use older than that!)

[ICTDirect_Dave]

Damn! I missed this!

 

I have nVidia Quadro NVS300 cards that fit the bill perfectly.

 

£15 each with splitter cable and warranty.

[Arthur]

I have nVidia Quadro NVS300 cards that fit the bill perfectly.

Out of interest, do your NVS300 cards have 512MB or 1GB VRAM?

 

https://help.sketchup.com/en/sketchup/sketchup-hardware-and-software-requirements

 

[ICTDirect_Dave]

The NVS300 comes with 512Mb as a rule.

 

I've also got 350 Quadro K600's with 1GB RAM.

 

They're with Full height brackets but could be swapped to low profile easily enough.

 

They're a similar sort of price, £18 each.