AMD is making a grand re-entry with its Threadripper CPUs, launching them in two distinct categories: the Pro series and the HEDT (High-End Desktop) series. The Pro lineup is tailored for top-tier professional workstations, while the HEDT series caters to enthusiasts and “prosumers” who may not require the extensive features of the Pro series.
Both these series are powered by AMD’s Zen 4 architecture and are equipped with the cutting-edge PCIe Gen 5 high-speed storage. The crown jewel of the Threadripper Pro series is the 7995WX, boasting 96 cores, 192 threads, a peak boost of 5.3GHz, a massive 384MB L3 cache, and 128 PCIe Gen 5 lanes. The Pro series starts with the 7945WX, which has 12 cores and 24 threads.
On the other hand, the Threadripper HEDT chips are ideal for professionals in fields like design, architecture, engineering, and media production. The top-tier 7980X in this series offers 64 cores, 128 threads, a 5.1GHz boost, and a 320MB cache, all with a price tag of $4,999. Here’s a quick overview:
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X: $4,999, 64 cores, 5.1GHz boost, 320MB cache, 350W TDP
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7970X: $2,499, 32 cores, 5.3GHz boost, 160MB cache, 350W TDP
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7960X: $1,499, 24 cores, 5.3GHz boost, 152MB cache, 320W TDP
For those eyeing the new Threadripper for their workstations, choosing the right memory and motherboard is crucial. The 7000-series Threadrippers exclusively support registered memory, sidelining the UDIMM.
AMD is also rolling out TRX50 motherboards for the HEDT chips and WRX90 for the Pro series. Notably, the TRX50 motherboards are compatible with the Pro chips, allowing enthusiasts to craft a high-end desktop with up to 96 cores and 192 threads. However, this setup won’t support eight-channel memory or 128 PCIe Gen 5 lanes.
As the tech community eagerly awaits comprehensive reviews and benchmarks, it remains to be seen how these new chips stack up against Intel’s offerings and AMD’s own Ryzen 7000 series. The Ryzen 7000 Threadripper CPUs are set to hit the shelves on November 21st.