Best SFF GPU for Overwatch

[shovenose]

I want my HTPC/Server to be able to play Overwatch. It is a Lenovo ThinkCentre M92p "Small" (not the Tiny one, but not the full-size tower) with a 240W PSU and according to Lenovo's detailed specs the PCI-E x16 slot can provide 45W. Obviously it should be as cheap as possible, trying to keep the budget like $100 or so, and if it can do GTA V that's a bonus (but I know I'm asking a lot). Used/refurb is A-OK by me.

 

[GoldenX]

Not much you can do with 45w.
The 1050, my first option for SFF needs 75w, no negotiation. Same with a 1650.
That leaves us with 2 options, a GT1030 (30w), good enough for low details in Overwatch (my brother has it and plays Overwatch with it), or more complex and only possible if the HTPC is standard ITX, change the build to an AM4 one, current Ryzen APUs have the performance of a 1030, more or less, but future Zen 2 based ones with Navi IGPs should be a lot better. Problem is, they seem to be a year away.
There's not much more options, for Overwatch you need to get away from Intel IGPs, and AMD GPUs consume even more than the 1050.

Ah, important, if you need low power and good performance, don't look for older cards, stay as recent as possible.

 

[oxrufiioxo]

I agree with GoldenX your only option is gonna be a 1030 and you probably need to update to the latest Bios if you haven't already.

Anything higher end requires much more power than your Pcie slot can provide.,

 

[londiste]

Where did you find that the PCI-e x16 in these machines can only provide 45W?
I have seen the same machines with GTX1050/GTX1050Ti cards in them.

The other part of the problem is SFF. These machines only fit low-profile cards.
The best you can go for in that form factor is GTX1650 (MSI has power connectorless LP card or two). GTX1050/GTX1050Ti are the alternatives. RX560 is the one after those.

 

[IceShroom]

I think there is RX 560 with 45W from sapphire. SKU is 11267-01-41G. Though it not widely available.

 

[silentbogo]

Obviously it should be as cheap as possible, trying to keep the budget like $100 or so, and if it can do GTA V that's a bonus (but I know I'm asking a lot). Used/refurb is A-OK by me.

In the past few years there were very few half-height GPUs. Basically your options are:
1) stretch your budget to ~$150 and get a low-profile GTX1050 (non-Ti). You may be able to find a used card in a $100 ballpark.
BTW, just found an option for you right in Cali

Nvidia GTX 1050 Low-Profile, 2GB Vram,used, normal and Low-Profile brackets | eBay

<p>The Nvidia GTX 1050 in Low-Profile form factor, Made by Zotac. Has been used, but is still in perfect working condition. Great for people on a budget, can play most new games (The Witcher 3, Dark Souls 3) in 1080p at medium settings. Does not require any additional power from the...

www.ebay.com

2) GTX950 LP. This is an interesting one, cause AFAIK only Galax and KFA made LP versions, while the usual suspects like MSI and GB skipped this gen (most likely cause they had no time or desire to optimize it for sub 75W power cap).
3) GTX750Ti. Still a viable card for GTA5 and Overwatch in 1080p LOW/Medium, but I doubt it can do anything other than mainstream MMO/MOBA stuff and old games. This is the easiest half-height card to find, and they are dirt-cheap nowadays.

 

[shovenose]

Thanks all, looks like LP is a waste of time. I'll go a different route!

 

[WhiteNoise]

I think there is RX 560 with 45W from sapphire. SKU is 11267-01-41G. Though it not widely available.

I have an RX 560 in my sons computer and it does play Overwatch without issue.