AMD Radeon HD 7720 OEM
AMD Radeon HD 7720 OEM: Review and Analysis of the 2025 Graphics Card
Is it worth considering this model in the era of the RTX 50 series and RDNA 4?
Introduction
Despite being released over ten years ago, the AMD Radeon HD 7720 OEM still appears in budget builds and office systems. In 2025, its relevance raises questions, but for certain use cases, it may still be a practical solution. Let’s explore who this model is suitable for and what compromises one might need to make.
Architecture and Key Features
Architecture: The HD 7720 OEM is based on AMD's first generation of GCN (Graphics Core Next). It was revolutionary for its time, yet today it is hopelessly outdated.
- Manufacturing Process: 28 nm (for comparison: modern cards use 5-6 nm).
- Compute Units: 512 stream processors, 32 texture units, and 8 ROP units.
- Unique Features: None. Technologies like FidelityFX, Ray Tracing, or DLSS are not supported.
Key Feature: Low power consumption and passive cooling in some versions.
Memory
- Type: GDDR5.
- Capacity: 1 GB or 2 GB (depending on the variant).
- Bus Width: 128-bit.
- Bandwidth: 72–80 GB/s.
Impact on Performance: For games in 2025, even 2 GB of video memory is insufficient—high-resolution textures and modern effects will cause FPS drops. However, it is adequate for office applications or video playback.
Gaming Performance
The HD 7720 OEM was designed for running games from the 2010s at medium settings. In 2025, its capabilities are extremely limited:
- Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Low): 10–15 FPS (without Ray Tracing).
- Fortnite (1080p, Low): 20–25 FPS.
- CS2 (720p, Low): 40–50 FPS.
Resolutions:
- 1080p: Only for less demanding titles (indie games, older AAA).
- 1440p/4K: Not recommended—the card will struggle even with rendering the interface.
Ray Tracing: No hardware support available.
Professional Tasks
- Video Editing: Suitable for use in DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro at resolutions up to 1080p, but rendering will be slow.
- 3D Modeling: Blender and AutoCAD will run, but complex scenes will cause lag.
- OpenCL: Supported, but performance in scientific calculations is on par with basic integrated GPUs.
CUDA: Not supported—select NVIDIA GTX 16 series for tasks requiring CUDA.
Power Consumption and Heat Generation
- TDP: 50 W.
- Cooling Recommendations: A passive heatsink or an 80mm fan is sufficient.
- Case: Even a compact Mini-ITX case with basic ventilation is suitable.
Tip: If the card is used in dense builds, avoid obstructing ventilation openings.
Comparison with Competitors
AMD:
- Radeon R7 250: Similar performance, but often found with 2 GB of memory.
NVIDIA:
- GeForce GT 1030: 20–30% faster in games, supports HDMI 2.0.
Intel:
- Arc A310: 2-3 times more powerful but requires 6-pin power.
Prices (new):
- HD 7720 OEM: $50–70 (rare new units).
- GT 1030: $90–110.
Practical Tips
- Power Supply: A 300 W unit is sufficient (e.g., EVGA 400 N1).
- Compatibility: PCIe 3.0 x16. Works with motherboards based on Intel 10th generation or newer, as well as AMD Ryzen 3000+.
- Drivers: Support from AMD has ended. Use the latest available versions (2023) or universal drivers.
Important: There may be issues with card recognition on Windows 11.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low price.
- Energy efficiency.
- Quiet operation (in passive versions).
Cons:
- Weak performance in modern tasks.
- Lack of support for modern APIs (DirectX 12 Ultimate, Vulkan 1.3).
- Limited availability of new units.
Final Conclusion: Who is the HD 7720 OEM Suitable For?
This graphics card is an option for:
1. Office PCs: Running browsers, office applications, and playing videos in 4K (with CPU decoding).
2. Retro Gamers: Enthusiasts of games from the 2000s to 2010s will appreciate compatibility with DirectX 11.
3. Temporary Solutions: While saving for an RTX 5060 or RX 8600.
Alternatives: If your budget allows spending $100-$150, consider the Intel Arc A380 or AMD Radeon RX 6400—they will provide 3-4 times more FPS in games.
Conclusion
The AMD Radeon HD 7720 OEM in 2025 is an artifact of the past that may still find use in niche scenarios. However, for most users, including gamers and professionals, this model is already outdated. Its main strengths—price and minimalism—are overshadowed by the lack of support for modern technologies. Unless you are collecting retro hardware or building a PC for a grandparent, it's better to opt for something from the new generation.