AMD Radeon HD 8860 OEM
AMD Radeon HD 8860 OEM: A Review of an Outdated Fighter for Budget Systems
April 2025
Introduction
More than a decade after its market debut, the AMD Radeon HD 8860 OEM remains a niche solution for those seeking an affordable upgrade for an old PC or building a budget system. This graphics card, released in 2013 for the OEM segment (pre-installed in ready-made computers), is now rarely found but is still available in some stores for $100–150. Let's explore who might find it useful in 2025 and what compromises must be accepted.
Architecture and Key Features
GCN 1.0 Architecture: The Foundation of Stability
The HD 8860 OEM is built on the first generation of Graphics Core Next (GCN) architecture, which laid the groundwork for many subsequent AMD GPUs. The chip is manufactured using a 28nm process, which was standard in 2013, but today seems outdated compared to modern 5nm and 6nm cards.
Unique Features: A Modest Set
The card supports DirectX 11.2 and OpenGL 4.3, but lacks modern technologies such as ray tracing or FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). However, it does include basic AMD Eyefinity features for connecting multiple monitors and App Acceleration for multimedia tasks.
No RT and AI Technologies
The HD 8860 OEM is not designed for ray tracing or neural network image enhancement. It is purely a rasterization GPU focused on traditional rendering.
Memory: Modest Yet Functional Resource
Type and Size: GDDR5 and 2GB
The graphics card is equipped with 2GB of GDDR5 memory with a 256-bit bus. The bandwidth is 153.6 GB/s. By 2025 standards, this is insufficient even for minimal settings in AAA games, but it may suffice for less demanding projects or older releases.
Impact on Performance
The limited memory capacity becomes a bottleneck in modern games. For example, even in Fortnite (Battle Royale mode), at 1080p with medium settings, the 2GB buffer fills up instantly, leading to drops in FPS and low-quality textures.
Gaming Performance: A Nostalgic Throwback to the 2010s
1080p: Playable, But With Caveats
In older titles, the HD 8860 OEM demonstrates acceptable results:
- GTA V: 45–55 FPS on medium settings;
- CS:GO: 90–120 FPS on high;
- The Witcher 3: 25–30 FPS on low.
In modern games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield, the card barely achieves 15–20 FPS even on minimum settings.
1440p and 4K: Not Feasible
Due to its weak power and lack of memory, using resolutions above 1080p is practically impossible. The exception is indie games like Stardew Valley or Hollow Knight.
Ray Tracing: Absent
Technologies like RTX or AMD Ray Accelerator are not supported. Ray tracing would require external software like Reshade, but this would be detrimental to FPS.
Professional Tasks: Minimal Capabilities
Video Editing: Basic Tasks
The card can handle editing in DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro (via OpenCL), but rendering 4K videos will take 3–4 times longer compared to modern GPUs.
3D Modeling: Only for Learning
In Blender or Maya, the HD 8860 OEM is suitable for beginners working with simple scenes. Rendering complex objects (e.g., using Cycles) will be extremely slow.
Scientific Computing: Not Recommended
The lack of support for modern APIs (CUDA, ROCm) and low computational power render the card useless for machine learning or simulations.
Power Consumption and Heat Dissipation
TDP: 150W—Inefficient by 2025 Standards
With modest performance, the HD 8860 OEM consumes more power than modern budget cards like the NVIDIA RTX 3050 (130W).
Cooling: Noisy Cooler
The standard single-slot cooler is adequate for cooling but produces noise levels of 38–42 dB under load. It is advisable to replace the thermal paste and clean the dust.
Case Recommendations
It's better to use a case with good ventilation (2–3 fans) to prevent overheating. The minimum PSU should be 450W with an 80+ Bronze certification.
Comparison with Competitors
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 (2013): Parity
The GTX 760 is similar in performance but has 2GB of GDDR5. In 2025, both cards are equally viable for older games.
AMD Radeon RX 550 (2017): Lower Consumption, Similar Power
The RX 550 (4GB GDDR5) consumes 50W and is suitable for HTPCs but falls behind the HD 8860 OEM in games by 10–15%.
Modern Alternatives: Intel Arc A380
For $120–150, one can find a new Intel Arc A380 (6GB GDDR6, DX12 Ultimate support), which is 2–3 times faster in games and supports ray tracing.
Practical Tips
Power Supply: Don’t Skimp
Even with a modest TDP, opt for a 500–550W PSU from reputable brands (Corsair, Seasonic). This will protect the system from voltage spikes.
Platform Compatibility
The HD 8860 OEM requires a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot. It is compatible with Windows 10/11 and Linux, but drivers last updated in 2020 may create conflicts in new OS environments.
Drivers: Use the Latest Version
Download the Adrenalin 20.11.2 driver (November 2020) from AMD’s website—this is the final support for the HD 8000 series.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low price ($100–150);
- Supports multi-monitor configurations;
- Sufficient for office tasks and older games.
Cons:
- No support for modern APIs (DX12 Ultimate, Vulkan 1.3);
- High power consumption;
- Noisy cooling system;
- Only 2GB of video memory.
Final Verdict: Who is the HD 8860 OEM For?
This graphics card is suitable for a very limited audience:
1. Owners of Old PCs with processors like Intel Core i5-2500 or AMD FX-6300, looking to breathe new life into their systems without significant expenses.
2. Retro Gaming Enthusiasts, who value the authenticity of 2010s-era hardware.
3. Budget Office Assemblies, where graphics work isn’t required.
In 2025, purchasing the HD 8860 OEM makes sense only with a strict budget of up to $150 and no access to the used market (where for the same money one could find a GTX 1060 3GB or RX 570). For all other scenarios, it’s better to add $50–100 and choose a modern budget model with support for current technologies.
Conclusion
The AMD Radeon HD 8860 OEM is a prime example of how even outdated hardware can find its niche. However, acquiring it in 2025 is a compromise that should only be made in exceptional cases. As a temporary solution or part of a nostalgic build, it has its place, but for comfortable gaming and work, it’s advisable to look at more modern alternatives.