What is the best video card?

what is the best low profile video card out there as of 2009. i need 1 to fit into my Inspiron 531s(slim model) price doesnt matter|||the best low profile graphics card with PCIe x16 interface (what fit in the Inspiron 531s) is the SPARKLE SX96GT512D3L-NM GeForce 9600 GT hands down.



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as…



be aware that you have probably to upgrade the PSU too, as the 531s only has a 250W PSU what is likely too weak. i would recommend to get a 400W PSU. the problem with Dell computers is that they use proprietary PSU's for the slim PC models, therefore standard PSU's won't fit.|||If by low profile you mean only takes up one PCI express slot, then go for the nVidia Geforce 280. On a budget, get an ATI Radeon 4850. Dunno of any good smaller cards. Newegg.com is the best place to shop.



EDIT: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as…

That one looks decent for its size.|||Well the Best card right now is the GTX295



http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.asp…|||Alexius is correct that the 9600GT is the best low profile video card, period. However the Dell Insprion 531s has only a 250w power supply, 18A 12v rail, and not enough molex connectors for the extra power needed. If you are not interested in upgrading your power supply which most likely would require switching to a full size case, you are left with either of these:



JATON GeForce 9500 GT 1GB $96

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as…



This does not require an additional power connector and has 1GB of memory. The picture is regular profile however it is designed for low profile and includes the low profile bracket. If you wanted less expensive this is almost as good



PNY GeForce 8600 GT 512MB DDR2 $60

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/…



Again no additional power connector needed and even though picture as regular profile it includes low profile bracket. This is just as fast as the 9500gt but with less memory it is recommend for resolutions under 1650x1080. And finally



ASUS Radeon HD 3450 256MB $30 ($20 w/10 mail in rebate)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as…



A decent card for casual computer use and light gaming. No gaming at high resolution or high details of course. Great just for internet surfing and maybe a little Sims.



All 3 of these are low profile and do not require an external power connector. All 3 are the best of their price tiers depending on your budget. I have the 8600GT in my case and it runs everything I need it to. Again if you want the best, the 9600GT (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as… you'll need a new power supply at least 300w and 26A on the 12v rail. And most likely upgrading the power supply would require switching to a full size case due to manufacturers not making many slim style power supplys.