Threadripper 3990x brings more CPU threads than Windows Pro can handle. How much does a threadripper cost

As “usage” is subjective, I will consider any application / workload that offers a 35% ~ or higher performance improvement for the 32-core Threadripper 3970X.

Threadripper 3990x brings more CPU threads than Windows Pro can handle

Jim Salter – Feb 12, 2020 18:07 UTC

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On Friday, AMD launched its latest powerful processor – the 64-core, 128-thread Threadripper 3990x. The 3990x is not the first publicly available 128-thread x86-64 processor – this honor goes to the AMD Epyc 7742, 7702, and 7702P three-way processors. But the 3990X is the first “desktop” processor to offer so many threads – and thus stretches the ecosystem.

Cost per thread

Despite the groundbreaking TR3990x specs, AMD sticks to the same pricing strategy it has been using for years – choose a processor that suits your needs and pay for it a reasonable, roughly linear scaled price. If you want Threadripper threads, you’ll pay around $ 30 apiece for them, whether you’re looking for smaller or larger parts.

This is in sharp contrast to Intel’s pricing strategies, which over the years have been tending to “pick a processor you can afford” rather than “choose a processor that suits your needs.” The prime example of this strategy is the top-of-the-line Intel Xeon Platinum series, which literally cannot be priced – they are not retailed – but can reasonably be estimated to cost about ten times more per thread than the closest competing Epyc parts.

However, we can see a major shift in Intel’s HEDT (High End DeskTop) pricing strategy since the introduction of the 3rd Gen Threadripper. Team Blue cut the price of its flagship HEDT part in half in one year. As a result, the cost of the top Core i9 part per thread was in line with – or even slightly cheaper – than competing Threadripper parts.

Back to Team Red, the 64-core Threadripper is a bit cheaper than the 64-core single-socket Epyc 7702P – but not enough to write about. This leaves the decision between building your system around the TR3990x or the 7702P, again, more focused on finding a build that fits your workflow rather than the cost that fits your wallet.

In our tests, the inclusion of PBO (Precision Boost Overdrive) resulted in a fairly high temperature rise. However, when working in a warehouse, it remains in a healthy area, even with a constant and full load.

AMD Threadripper 3000 & Ryzen 9 Lineup: Specifications, Chipsets, and Platform Details

Let’s take a look at the 3990X specs comparing to the previously introduced 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors:

Testing Environment

We made sure that our testing was conducted in an environment that closely resembled normal daily use by content creators.

Inside the Threadripper 3990X review system housing

We had the Threadripper 3990X in a sealed PC case that sat underneath the desk with the default fan curves applied. The temperature in our room was 20 ° C.

Here are the hardware we paired with the 3990X:

• Hardware
  • Processor: AMD Threadripper 3990X 64-core processor
  • Graphics: ASUS ROG Strix 2080Ti
  • CPU cooler: Alphacool Eisbaer AIO 360
  • RAM: Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 64 GB DDR4 (CL16)
  • Motherboard: MSI Creator TRX40
  • Power: Seasonic Prime 750W
  • Housing: Phanteks Eclipse P600s
  • Storage and OS: Windows 10 Enterprise: Samsung 860 Evo 500 GB
  • Additional Storage and Operating System (Windows 10 Pro): Samsung 2 TB 970 Evo Plus
  • Closed housing with high air flow
  • Default fan curves

  If you had to challenge the Ryzen Threadripper 150,000 heat spreader, you’d find two 8-core chips connected via AMD’s high-speed Infinity Fabric network. In fact, the famous overclocker der8auer did just that and found four chips. However, two of the chips are just spacers to preserve the structural integrity of the processor.

  Get Your Wallet Ready, Though

  As if the price of the 400,999 Ryzen Threadripper 3970X itself wasn’t teary enough, we should talk about a few extra purchases you’ll need together to get your first Gen 3rd Threadripper up and running.

  The first and most obvious is a brand new motherboard. As mentioned, the first two generations of Threadripper were based on the same socket: TR4. If you’ve already purchased a board for the first generation Threadripper, you had one on hand that will work when the next generation arrives. (All that was required was a BIOS update.) With the move to the sTRX4 socket and the new TRX40 chipset, AMD pushed motherboard makers to all new PCI Express 4.0 motherboard designs as part of the paradigm.

  And these boards won’t be cheap! We have quotes from all four of the largest motherboard manufacturers in the price range you’d expect from TRX40 motherboards at launch. Expect to pay $ 399 for the cheapest model (the Gigabyte model), while the MSI TRX40 Creator we used for our testing will be $ 799 per door. (See our guide to all 12 starting TRX40 motherboards.)

  As you’d expect, AMD also recommends that any 3rd Generation Threadripper installation be cooled with coolant, in closed loop or otherwise, optimally on a 280mm or larger radiator. So expect at least another $ 100 for an entry-level all-in-one refrigerator. The attachment points on TRX40 motherboards are the same as on earlier generations of Threadripper, so it should be possible to reuse your existing cooler if you already have enough robustness from an earlier version of Threadripper. However, some great Threadripper air cooling solutions like the AMD / Cooler Master Wraith Ripper seem to be out of the picture.

  Finally, there’s RAM. If you’re planning on creating any serious content you’ll need a lot of RAM to handle the load, and while you may be able to get away with 32GB, we recommend increasing to at least 64GB for the Threadripper 3970X to give the chip the best chance of shining when pressed with the heavy types of applications for which it is intended. A 64GB quad-channel kit that fills the four DIMM slots will cost anywhere from $ 300 upwards, depending on the speeds supported and the quality of the heatsinks.

  All in all, you may be looking at anything ranging from $ 800 to $ 350,000 in parts only before considering the price of the 3970X chip at all. Make sure to keep all these extra costs in mind before authorizing this Threadripper size slot in your bank account.

  Empty-Handed Intel?

  Normally this would be a section where we would compare the AMD Threadripper 3970X specification to the Intel equivalent. But here’s the problem: there is no suitable Intel equivalent.

  Here’s a look at the relevant HEDT processors in today’s market, broken down by specs. (You can click on it to enlarge it.)

  In terms of price and number of cores, the closest competing chip we could find is the aforementioned Intel Core i9-10980XE Extreme Edition. It was released on the same day as 3rd Generation Threadrippery and we have a parallel review of it. However, the Core i9-10980XE is a cost in all respects, and the boost clock speed is largely the same chip as last year’s Core i9-9980XE Extreme Edition.

  The big jump for Intel this year is that while the Core i9-9980XE originally made its debut at the same price as the 3970X currently sells (around 350,000), the company has cut prices in half this year by shipping 18-core / 36- weft Core i9-10980XE into the realm of “relative affordability” at a suggested retail price of $ 979. (Plus a small step: With the new X299 compatible motherboard, Gen 10 Core X-Series chips now support an additional four PCI Express lanes.)

  Since the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X costs more than twice as much, Intel’s current top-of-the-line HEDT chip can easily compete in price, but not in terms of number of cores or overall performance. The closest counterpart available in the 3rd Gen Threadripper line is the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X (you can read our full review of this chip here) which retails for $ 400,399 and only has 24 cores / 48 threads, while the $ 749 Ryzen 9 3950X actually beats the Core i9 -10980XE in most benchmarks, despite costing $ 230 less. (However, the Core X series has some advantages over the Ryzen 9 based on the surrounding platform.)

  Ultimately, it’s all a matter of lithography. Comparing the ultra-modern chip manufactured by AMD in a new 7nm process to what is basically a third version of the same chip in Intel’s 14nm technology, it’s a bit of a dishonest fight. Until Intel moves most of its production lines to 7nm, AMD chips will be able to fit more transistors in less space, with all the benefits it will bring.

  So how far ahead is the 3rd Gen Threadripper? Let’s move on to our tests.

  If you had to challenge the Ryzen Threadripper 150,000 heat spreader, you’d find two 8-core chips connected via AMD’s high-speed Infinity Fabric network. In fact, the famous overclocker der8auer did just that and found four chips. However, two of the chips are just spacers to preserve the structural integrity of the processor.

  Final Word

  For those looking for something much lower in scale, AMD has the Ryzen 9 3950X with 16 cores at a price of $ 749.

  It looks like the 3970X will have double the number of cores than the Intel Core i9-10980XE, but it will double the price as well. The battle between AMD and Intel seems to be going nowhere soon, and we’re certainly excited to see where the two are going.

  With its great price-performance ratio, this processor is sure to blow you up. And the price is also affordable, which is only 150,659.27. So, anyone with a little bit of cash to buy gaming hardware can afford this chipset.

  I Want Performance, What Are My Options

  The new AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is a 64-core, 128-thread processor designed for the high-end desktop market. The processor is a variant of the AMD Enterprise EPYC line of processors, offering a higher frequency and higher power budget, but fewer memory channels, less PCIe, and lower memory capacity support. The 3990X sits on this consumer-business gulf based on its functions and costs, and will ultimately compete with both. On paper, users who don’t necessarily need all of EPYC’s 64-core features might turn to the 3990X, while consumers who need more than 32 cores will also look here. We will test against both.

  

  The TR3990X is part of the Threadripper 3000 family and will work with its 32-core and 24-core brothers in conjunction with the new TRX40 motherboards. Despite having the same socket as the previous-gen Threadrippery, AMD has this time broken motherboard compatibility to support PCIe 4.0 from CPU to chipset, allowing higher bandwidth configurations for additional controllers. We’ve covered all 12 TRX40 motherboards on the market in our motherboard and chipset review, with many models focusing on support for 3x PCIe 4.0 x16, an integrated multi-gigabit Ethernet board, Wi-Fi 6, and even one with the addition of Thunderbolt 3.

  

  ASUS ROG Zenith II Alpha motherboard, made for the 3990X

  All processors in the Threadripper 3000 family support a total of 64 PCIe 4.0 lanes from the CPU and another 24 from the chipset (however, each uses eight lanes to communicate with each other). There are four memory channels, supporting up to DDR4-3200 memory, and each processor has a rated TDP of 280 W. We tested the 3970X and 3960X when these processors were launched – you can read the review here.

  AMD Zen 2 processors in the socket
  AnandTech	Cores/ Threads	Base/ Turbo	L3	THIMBLE 1DPC	PCIe	TDP	SRP
  Third Generation Threadripper
  TR 3990X	64/128	2.9 / 4.3	256 MB	4×3200	64	280 Watts	3990
  TR 3970X	32/64	3.7 / 4.5	128 MB	4×3200	64	280 Watts	$ 1999
  TR 3960X	24/48	3.8 / 4.5	128 MB	4×3200	64	280 Watts	$ 1,399
  Ryzen 3000
  Ryzen 9 3950X	16/32	3.5 / 4.7	64 MB	2×3200	24	105 W	749

  The new processor, the 3990X, has a hefty price tag of 400 for an “X” (because it’s called 3990X and costs $ 3990, okay?). With 64 cores, it has a nominal base frequency of 2.9 GHz and a turbo boost of 4.3 GHz. In our testing, we observed that the single core frequency increased to 4.35 GHz, above the rated turbocharger, and the turbo boost for all cores increased to around 3.45 GHz.

  

  Who is This CPU Aimed At?

  Not everyone needs 64 cores, and AMD makes this very clear in their communications. Even though the 3990X is part of AMD’s line of high-end desktops as it sets new standards in core count and price, it kind of goes beyond the high-end, essentially overshadowing the prosumers / servers market. This means users (and companies) who can amortize and justify the cost of the equipment as it allows them to complete projects (and hence contracts) faster. For a user who has to create something instead of making 25 prototypes a week, doing 100 a week makes their workflow much more complete, and that’s the kind of user AMD is asking for.

  A key example will be rendering farms that run on the CPU. AMD has already promoted the fact that several animation studios and VFX that produce the effects in blockbuster movies have launched engineering samples of 64-core Threadripper processors for titles already on the market. There are also video game companies and architects who want to quickly prototype demo models and shorten the development time of each prototype – something that cannot be done on a GPU (and is not accelerated by the AVX-512).

  

  The 3990X with 64 cores costs $ 3990, double the 3970X with 32 cores for $ 1999. Doubling the cores is an obvious step forward, however there is no increase in memory bandwidth or PCIe lanes, so users need to be sure the CPU is the bottleneck of their workload.

  AMD TR3
  TR3 3990X	AnandTech	TR3 3970X
  3990	SEP	$ 1999
  64/128	Cores / threads	32/64
  2.9 GHz	Fundamental frequency	3.7 GHz
  3.45 GHz	Frequency of all cores (according to tests)	3.81 GHz
  4.3 GHz	Single core frequency	4.5 GHz
  64	PCIe 4.0 lines	64
  8 x DDR4-3200	DDR4 support	8 x DDR4-3200
  256 GB / 512 GB	Maximum DDR4 capacity	256 GB / 512 GB
  280 Watts	TDP	280 Watts

  If we compare the 3990X with the EPYC 7702P, a 64-core single-socket offering on the corporate side, then the 3990X has a higher thermal window (280W vs 200W) to enable higher frequencies (2.9 / 4.3 vs 2.0 / 3.35) and is cheaper ($ 3,990 vs $ 4,425) but only has half the memory channels (only 4 versus 8), half the PCIe lanes (only 64 versus 128), and doesn’t support registered memory. The question is whether the workload the user is looking at requires more memory / PCIe for EPYC or more CPU performance for Threadripper.

  Then comes the competition with Intel processors. In the high-end desktop market, Intel has nothing to compete with, with the maximum product on 18 cores. It offers a 28-core workstation part, the W-3175X, which is unlocked, with a TDP of 255W, six memory channels, 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes, at a high cost of $ 2,999. Then there are the server processors – if we want compatibility with 64 3990X cores we must either use a single Xeon Platinum 9282 with 56 cores, which is not available without a big contract and has an unknown price (25K?) Or two Xeon Platinum 8280s processors, with two batches of 28 cores, priced at $ 20,018.

  For any losses Threadripper 3970X suffered in the iTunes single-core test, it has returned to the leading position in the multi-core POV-Ray test. Here, the Threadripper 3970X set a record for the CPU in that space, scoring an impressive number one spot.

  Threadripper 14-core and 10-core release dates

  With the 16-core, 12-core, and 8-core Threadripper chips currently on the market, people who want 14- and 10-core Threadripper processors (and full compatibility with the Intel Core i9 selection) may be disappointed. AMD has yet to tell buu about the next Threadrippers, despite previous leaks indicating a fuller lineup. AMD executives told PCWorld that they had not pledged to match Intel’s offerings.

  Threadripper isn’t huge, it’s yuge. It’s actually a plastic cover for the Core i9 load plate, floating above the Threadripper TR4 socket

  Ryzen Threadripper is really two Ryzen 7 chips

  While Intel builds its processors using a monolithic design – that is, all the cores are on a single piece of silicon – AMD designed the Threadripper around using a multi-chip design to maximize manufacturing flexibility.

  If you were to challenge the Ryzen Threadripper 400,000 heat spreader, you would find two 8-core chips connected via AMD’s high-speed Infinity Fabric network. In fact, the famous overclocker der8auer did just that and found four chips. However, two of the chips are just spacers to preserve the structural integrity of the processor.

  der8auer

  Two of the 8-core “dice” on the 16-core Ryzen Threadripper 1950x are just dummy cards to prevent the heat spreader from bending.

  How destructive is it? Well, with Intel’s 16-core Core i9-7960X priced at 150,700 and its 12-core Core i9-7920X priced at 150,200, it’s easy to see just how much trouble Intel Threadripper is causing.

  What Are The Best AMD Threadripper CPUs?

  Let’s talk today about the best AMD Threadripper processors. AMD upgraded its Ryzen processor to the latest generation Threadripper, taking full advantage of the PCIe 4.0 lines. These PCIe 4.0 routes are used for high-speed data transmission in GPU, memory, and NVMe storage.

  Ryzen Threadripper is also known as Rye-Zen Threadripper. It is a family of 64-bit x86 boosters and high-performance desktop microprocessors. The Ryzen Threadripper is primarily aimed at consumers who rely on mass-threading and multitasking software.

  

  Emphasizing the huge 7nm processor with Zen 2 architecture, the Ryzen Threadripper is made for multitasking. It also provides 88 lanes of PCIe 4.0 and you can use quad-channel DDR4 ECC memory, which is considered a formidable RAM in history.

  However, these unique features and Ryzen Threadripper are designed to provide massive computing power such as 3D animation, 8K video editing, ultra-graphics video games and so on.

  Therefore, if you are unsure which AMD Ryzen Threadripper CPU you should buy then don’t worry. We’ll give you some of the top five AMD Threadripper processors to handle any type of work. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional gamer or 8K video editor; these five processors will be able to do all kinds of work.

  If you’re short on time, here’s my recommended Threadripper CPU for you, and it’s mostly available as well.

  5 Best AMD Threadripper CPUs Reviewed

  Threadripper processors are very efficient and adding any of these processors to your setup will provide additional spice to your recipe.

  Here are the best AMD Threadripper processors:

  1. AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX

  The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3995WX processor conquers the world with eight memory channels. The AMD Threadripper Pro models offer many huge features that other brands might even imagine. However, with support for octa-core channel memory and 128 PCIe 4.0 lanes, this Threadripper PRO 3995WX has become the first choice of many gamers and office workers. But if you thought the price would be low or whoever could afford it, then you are wrong. As AMD has created the Ryzen Threadripper PRO series for those who are serious about gaming and want to take it to the next level, those working on 8K video editing may relate to how difficult it is to edit video on a slower computer. So the 3995WX processor is designed for professionals who are serious about their work. And the price of this monster is $ 5,488.99.With which you can build an entire computer. Don’t be serious; this processor is worth it.

  

  The rendering performance of this processor is stunning. If you put a video in for rendering, it will make it easier to get it done in minutes. If you are a professional filmmaker or someone else, we would like to recommend you to purchase this processor as it has an 8-channel memory interface, 128 PCIe 4.0 lanes support and fully proven ECC memory that will take your work to the next level. It also has excellent performance in GPU acceleration. This will keep your gaming experience smooth.

  check also now the best AMD processors.

  2. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

  The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X processor feels like a battle among flagship chipsets. Together with a powerful 64-core and 128-thread processor, it is the best flagship processor among many other models. In addition to the previous one, this Ryzen Threadripper 3990X will charge you less. Excellent rendering performance and Indium solder will change your gaming experience. With all these fantastic features, this processor is only $ 3,968.99.

  

  on November 7, 2020, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X was released with 64 cores and 128 threads. Costing only $ 3,968, the Threadripper 3990X delivers more performance than two of the $ 10,000 Intel Xeon 8280 processors, according to AMD. This one CPU with 64 cores 128 threads package will provide better performance for specialized applications such as Hollywood VFX style rendering. Surprisingly, the latest processor fits in with standard gaming motherboards. This processor will also allow you to build a high-end desktop platform and will have enthusiast-grade features, such as the ability to overclock or render 8K video, which provide a different value proposition.

  The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is a member of the Threadripper 3000 family and will become a 64-core, 128-thread feature partner by connecting to the new TRX40 motherboards. Despite having a similar slot to the earlier Threadrippers, AMD thought it would improve the adaptability of the motherboard this time by supporting PCIe 4.0. However, the CPU will allow you more bandwidth and configurations for extra control from now on.