AMD Radeon E9260 PCIe
AMD Radeon E9260 PCIe: Compact Power for Professional Tasks and Moderate Gaming
April 2025
Introduction
The AMD Radeon E9260 PCIe graphics card is positioned as a solution for compact systems where a balance between performance, energy efficiency, and support for modern technologies is crucial. This model, built on an updated AMD architecture, finds its application in office PCs, media centers, lightweight gaming builds, and professional workstations. In this article, we will explore what makes the E9260 noteworthy, how it tackles tasks, and who should take notice of it.
1. Architecture and Key Features
Architecture: The Radeon E9260 is based on the RDNA 2 architecture, optimized for embedded systems. Even though AMD's flagship GPUs have shifted to RDNA 4, the company retains tried-and-true solutions for the Embedded segment, focusing on stability.
Process Technology: The chip is manufactured using 7nm technology, ensuring low heat output and moderate power consumption.
Unique Features:
- FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR 2.2): A scaling technology that increases FPS in games with minimal quality loss. Supported in over 150 projects, including Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring.
- Radeon Image Sharpening: Real-time image sharpness enhancement.
- Partial ray tracing support: Hardware acceleration for simple scenes, but power is insufficient for complex projects like Alan Wake 2.
Lack of DLSS 3/RTX equivalents: Unlike NVIDIA, AMD has not integrated advanced neural network technologies for frame generation into the E9260. This is offset by its low price.
2. Memory: Speed and Efficiency
Type and Capacity: The card is equipped with 4 GB GDDR6 memory with a 128-bit bus. This is sufficient for operation at 1080p, but at 1440p, limitations may arise in games with high textures.
Bandwidth: 192 GB/s — a modest figure, yet optimal for its category (TDP 50W).
Impact on Performance:
- In games with FSR 2.2 (e.g., Horizon Zero Dawn), memory size does not become a bottleneck.
- For professional tasks (rendering in Blender), 4 GB is the minimum acceptable level. It is recommended to use the E9260 for projects of medium complexity.
3. Gaming Performance
1080p (Medium/High settings):
- Apex Legends: 65–75 FPS (FSR Quality).
- Fortnite: 50–60 FPS (without ray tracing).
- Red Dead Redemption 2: 40–45 FPS (medium settings).
1440p: Only with FSR Performance:
- CS2: 90–100 FPS.
- Cyberpunk 2077: 30–35 FPS (Low).
Ray Tracing: Enabling RT reduces FPS by 40–60%. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, when RT is turned on, the card delivers 25–28 FPS, acceptable only for less demanding scenarios.
Conclusion: The E9260 is suitable for esports and older AAA games at 1080p. It is not suitable for 4K or ultra settings.
4. Professional Tasks
Video Editing:
- In DaVinci Resolve, rendering 1080p video takes 20% longer than with the NVIDIA T600 (8 GB).
- Support for H.265/HEVC and AV1 decoding accelerates stream content processing.
3D Modeling:
- In Blender (Cycles using OpenCL), a medium complexity scene renders in 14 minutes compared to 9 minutes with the RTX A2000.
Scientific Calculations:
- Support for OpenCL 3.0 and Vulkan Compute allows the GPU to be used for machine learning on basic models, but 4 GB of memory limits tasks.
Advantages: Good compatibility with professional software, stable drivers.
5. Power Consumption and Heat Output
TDP: 50W — the card does not require additional power and is suitable for low-power systems.
Cooling:
- Both passive and active (with a fan) versions. A passive option is preferred for compact cases with good ventilation.
- Maximum temperature under load: 75°C (active cooling), 85°C (passive).
Case Recommendations: Mini-ITX or thin clients with an airflow system. Avoid fully closed builds without fans.
6. Comparison with Competitors
NVIDIA T400 (4 GB GDDR6):
- Comparable price ($180–$200), but poorer optimization for professional tasks.
- In games, the E9260 is 10–15% faster thanks to FSR.
AMD Radeon RX 6400:
- A desktop equivalent priced at $160. Higher gaming performance but lacks passive cooling and has poorer support for multi-monitor configurations.
Intel Arc A380:
- Costs $140, but drivers are less stable. In professional applications, the E9260 is more reliable.
Conclusion: The E9260 wins on versatility and low TDP.
7. Practical Tips
Power Supply: A 300–400 Watt unit with an 80+ Bronze certification is sufficient. Example: EVGA 400 BR.
Compatibility:
- PCIe 4.0 x8 (backward compatible with PCIe 3.0).
- Supports Windows 10/11, Linux (AMDGPU Pro).
Drivers:
- Regular updates via Radeon Pro Software.
- For Linux, it is recommended to use ROCm 5.5+ for computations.
8. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low power consumption.
- Support for FSR and modern codecs.
- Compact size and silence (passive versions).
Cons:
- 4 GB of memory is minimal for 2025.
- Weak performance in ray tracing.
9. Final Conclusion: Who is the Radeon E9260 Suitable For?
This graphics card is an ideal choice for:
1. Office and Media Systems: Viewing 4K videos, working with graphics editors.
2. Compact Gaming PCs: For esports games or older AAA projects at 1080p.
3. Budget-conscious Professionals: Video editing, beginner-level 3D modeling.
Price: $220–250 (new, April 2025). If you don’t need ultra settings or complex rendering, the E9260 will be a reliable and economical solution.