What Are "Low Profile" PCI cards ?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Al Dykes
  • Start date Start date
A

Al Dykes

I'm looking at small cases and just came across the phrase "low
profile" applied to the PCI slots. I've certainly seen small PCI
cards (typically NICs) but the back-panel bracket is still full
height.

Is there a form factor I'm missing ?
 
(e-mail address removed) (Al Dykes) Ran in the back door and shouted [email protected]:
I'm looking at small cases and just came across the phrase "low
profile" applied to the PCI slots. I've certainly seen small PCI
cards (typically NICs) but the back-panel bracket is still full
height.

Is there a form factor I'm missing ?
Click to expand...

The bracket is the same, the cards just conform to a certian max size for
use in small form factor, [mini-itx, etc], cases.
More info:
http://tinyurl.com/sp8m [.pdf document]
An example:
http://www.serial-cards.co.uk/cc-235.htm
HTH
 
the space between the slots appear the same...? I have been considering the term to mean no fan cooled vid cards or no full
'length' PCI cards...haven't seen one since my fireGL3000 pci vid card.
 
Since many servers are running in rack-mount situations, low-profile cards
typically are employed so you can still use the standard PCI slots without
using riser cards. Take a look at the Adaptec 1200A raid card. It is a low
profile card that comes with a shorter interchangeable bracket to fit
smaller height boxes. I think this is what you are refferring to?
 
Can someone show a URL for a NIC card that will go into a Flex
case that requires low-profile cards ?
 
Al Dykes said:
I'm looking at small cases and just came across the phrase "low
profile" applied to the PCI slots. I've certainly seen small PCI
cards (typically NICs) but the back-panel bracket is still full
height.
Click to expand...

Low-profile PCI cards are exactly that. They are much smaller PCBs,
height-wise and usually use a shorter metal bracket. Some PCI cards I've
bought came with the low-profile PCI bracket which I would simply unscrew
the one it came with and install the LP version.

The cards themselves are for use in rackmounted servers.

@drian.
 
I'm looking at small cases and just came across the phrase "low
profile" applied to the PCI slots. I've certainly seen small PCI
cards (typically NICs) but the back-panel bracket is still full
height.

Is there a form factor I'm missing ?
Click to expand...

They're not really an official form factor, as far as I know, so the
meaning for the word may vary. They're basically cards where the
PCboard itself is made shorter in height and length rather than full
length. They're still regular PCI cards, so they'll work in any PC,
but the smaller PC board size makes it fit better inside compact cases
like with ITX PCs, where a full length board could get in the way of
the CPU or drive housings.
 
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