MFC-8870DW

The Brother MFC-8870DW is a monochrome laser multifunction machine with a two-tier toner system. The cartridge stocked on this page is the high-yield TN580: the machine also takes the standard-yield TN550, rated at about 3,500 pages, which is not stocked here. Behind both cartridges runs the DR520 drum unit, on its own long cycle.

This is a shelf for a busy shared machine. The high-yield TN580 is the cartridge that keeps a heavy week from turning into a mid-week cartridge change, and the drum behind it is rated for about 25,000 pages on the genuine listing — several toner cartridges' worth of printing before the drum ever comes up. The standard TN550 is the quieter option for a machine that prints less; it is mentioned here so you know the machine has two tiers, even though this page carries the high-yield line.

Toner Cartridges for the MFC-8870DW

Option	What it is	Page yield
Compatible Brother TN580 (TN580) Toner Cartridge Black	High-yield black toner cartridge, compatible	See product page
Compatible Brother TN580 (TN580) Toner Cartridge Black 2 Pack	High-yield black toner cartridge, compatible, 2-pack	See product page
Compatible Brother TN580 (TN580) Toner Cartridge Black 4 Pack	High-yield black toner cartridge, compatible, 4-pack	See product page
Brother TN580 Black Genuine OEM Toner Cartridge - 7,000 pages	Black toner cartridge, genuine Brother	7,000 pages

Drum unit: Compatible Brother DR520 Laser Drum Unit Cartridge — compatible drum unit. Compatible Brother DR520 (DR520) Toner Cartridge Black 2 Pack — compatible drum unit, 2-pack. Compatible Brother DR520 (DR520) Toner Cartridge Black 4 Pack — compatible drum unit, 4-pack. Brother DR520 Black Genuine OEM Drum Unit - 25,000 pages — genuine Brother drum unit, rated at 25,000 pages.

Which cartridge should you buy?

If this machine prints every day, buy the high-yield TN580 — the genuine cartridge is rated at 7,000 pages, and the 2-pack and 4-pack bring the per-cartridge cost down for a machine that never sits idle. If the machine prints lightly, the standard-yield TN550 is the cheaper way in, but it is not stocked on this page, so weigh the trip against the saving. Compatible cartridges carry a 1-year warranty and 1-year returns. The drum is not a routine purchase: the genuine unit is rated at 25,000 pages, so buy it when print quality says the drum is due, not alongside the toner.

Chip, toner and everyday use

The cartridge chip is how the machine knows what is installed. Seat the cartridge firmly and the machine will register it; if it does not, take the cartridge out, check the contacts, and seat it again. Page yields are estimates at 5% coverage — a page of dense graphics uses far more toner than a page of plain text, so treat the numbers as a guide rather than a promise. When a cartridge starts to fade, a gentle shake from side to side redistributes the remaining toner. Keep spare cartridges upright in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight, and do not open the drum unit to daylight for longer than it takes to fit it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the TN550 and the TN580?

Both fit the MFC-8870DW. The TN550 is the standard-yield cartridge, rated at about 3,500 pages, and the TN580 is the high-yield cartridge — the genuine version is rated at 7,000 pages. The high-yield cartridge costs more up front and less per page, and it is the cartridge this page stocks.

Are compatible cartridges safe for this machine?

Yes. Compatible cartridges are built to meet or exceed the factory specifications, and they are covered by a 1-year warranty and 1-year returns. Using a compatible cartridge does not void the printer's warranty.

When should the drum be replaced?

When print quality degrades in a way a new toner cartridge does not fix — repeating marks, streaks, or a gray background across the page. The genuine DR520 drum is rated at 25,000 pages, so the drum is a rare purchase compared with toner.

Why does the genuine TN580 say 7,000 pages?

That is the rating on the genuine Brother listing itself. Compatible cartridges on this page list their own yields on their product pages, so check the listing you are buying for its number.