AMD Threadripper Processors: Powering the Future of Computing
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The landscape of high-performance computing (HPC) has been significantly shaped by AMD’s Threadripper processors. Since their introduction in late 2017,these powerful CPUs have become a staple for professionals and enthusiasts alike,offering unparalleled processing power for demanding tasks. Their initial release marked AMD’s entry into the high-end desktop (HEDT) market, competing with established players and setting a new standard for workstation performance.
Early adopters quickly recognized the potential of the Threadripper architecture. The first-generation processors, such as the ThreadRipper 1900X, offered a compelling alternative to existing options. While the 1900X, with its eight physical cores and sixteen threads, provided notable performance comparable to the Ryzen 7 1800X, it also boasted advantages like increased RAM support and higher memory throughput via a quad-channel memory controller and 64 PCIe Gen 3 lanes. This made it a highly attractive option for users needing significant processing power and bandwidth.
The 1900X, with its 16MB L3 cache (8MB per chiplet) and clock speeds reaching up to 4.2 GHz in single-core boost mode, delivered exceptional performance for its time. While its 180-watt TDP (Thermal Design Power) might seem high, it frequently enough consumed less power in real-world usage. However, a notable limitation was the lack of official Windows 11 support.
The subsequent release of the ThreadRipper 1950X in 2020 offered a significant upgrade. This 16-core processor doubled the L3 cache to 32MB, while maintaining a similar TDP. Although its base clock speed was slightly lower at 3.4 GHz, it still boasted a 4.2 GHz single-core boost. Under full load, all sixteen cores typically operated around 3.4 ghz.
The 1950X, initially the most powerful AMD offering for X399 motherboards, proved a reliable workhorse for many years. However, advancements in technology led to its eventual replacement by newer models, showcasing the rapid pace of innovation in the HPC sector.The continuous evolution of AMD Threadripper processors underscores the ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for demanding computational needs in various industries across the U.S. and beyond.
The continued progress and release of new Threadripper processors, as evidenced by recent reviews of the 7980X and 7970X [1] and benchmarks of the 7995WX [2] and older models like the 3990X [3], demonstrate AMD’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of high-performance computing. These advancements continue to benefit a wide range of users, from professional content creators to researchers and scientists, driving innovation across numerous sectors within the U.S.economy.
AMD Ryzen ThreadRipper 2920X: Still a Contender in the HEDT Arena?
The high-end desktop (HEDT) market has seen its share of shakeups. While AMD’s ryzen ThreadRipper series initially disrupted the landscape, the subsequent shift to newer sockets left some users with older, yet still powerful, hardware. This deep dive examines the AMD Ryzen ThreadRipper 2920X, a processor released in 2018, and its continued relevance in today’s computing world.
The 2920X, based on the Zen+ architecture and manufactured using GlobalFoundries’ 12nm process, represents a minor but significant upgrade over its Zen-based predecessors. While not a revolutionary leap, the slightly higher clock speeds—a base clock of 3.5 ghz and a single-threaded boost up to 4.3 GHz—offer a noticeable performance improvement. “The IPC is marginally higher than the previous generation, but they have increased the clock frequencies a bit,” notes one expert. Under load, all twelve physical cores (with SMT enabled) consistently operate around 3875-3900 MHz. the TDP remains at 180 Watts.
The 2920X’s release coincided with a strategic shift by AMD. While AM4 socket users enjoyed a smooth transition to newer generations, the TR4 socket (used by the 2920X) didn’t receive the same Zen 2 or Zen 3 upgrades. This left users with X399 motherboards in a somewhat precarious position. “Unfortunately, those of us who invested in the AMD HEDT platform in the form of X399 motherboards did not receive the same goodies as owners of boards with an AM4 socket,” one user lamented. this move, coupled with Intel’s less-than-stellar response in the HEDT segment, created a vacuum that AMD later filled with the introduction of the TRX40 chipset and a new socket, but at a significantly higher price point.
For users who invested in the X399 platform, the 2920X remains a viable option.One enthusiast reported using an ASUS ROG STRIX X399-E GAMING motherboard and a Noctua NH-U14S TR4-SP3 cooler for testing. “And so I’ll keep running on Zen+ untill my motherboard burns,” they stated, highlighting the longevity of the platform despite the lack of newer generation upgrades. The Noctua cooler, specifically designed for the larger ThreadRipper heat spreaders, proved effective in keeping temperatures low, even under heavy load. “The temperatures under load are very low despite the 180W TDP,” the user confirmed.
The AMD Ryzen ThreadRipper 2920X, while not the newest kid on the block, continues to offer compelling performance for users invested in the X399 platform. Its robust core count, respectable clock speeds, and relatively low power consumption make it a solid choice for demanding tasks, even in 2024. the lack of a direct upgrade path within the same socket is a drawback,but for those seeking a powerful,cost-effective solution,the 2920X remains a worthy contender.
Seven-Year-Old ThreadRipper CPUs Still Hold Their Own: A Performance Review
In a world of rapidly evolving technology, it’s rare to see older hardware remain competitive. But a recent benchmark test reveals a surprising truth about AMD’s ThreadRipper processors. Even after seven years,these powerful CPUs still pack a punch,defying expectations in several key performance areas.
the test focused on several older ThreadRipper models, pushing them to their limits against modern benchmarks. A key element was the inclusion of a new BIOS version, addressing a critical UEFI firmware vulnerability known as “LogoFAIL.” This update, even for an unsupported platform, significantly improved the overall stability and security of the system.
For the test, a robust system was assembled. This included an ASUS ROG STRIX X399-E GAMING motherboard, paired with four 8GB DDR4-3200 HyperX memory modules, totaling 32GB of RAM. “Many observers may remember that support for memories with a throughput of more than 2400 MT/s was not so hot in the first Zen,” notes the reviewer.In one instance, memory speed was slightly overclocked to 3333 MT/s for the ThreadRipper 2920X. The ASUS motherboard, however, is capable of achieving 3600 MT/s, as tested with a ThreadRipper 1950X, though this speed wasn’t utilized due to memory limitations.
Storage was handled by a samsung SSD 970 EVO 1TB,installed in the motherboard’s unique vertically-oriented M.2 slot. The reviewer points out the engaging contrast between the board’s support for 64 PCIe lanes and its limited two M.2 PCIe slots. Despite this, the board offers ample PCIe connectivity, including two full PCIe x16 Gen3 slots, two PCIe x8 Gen3, and additional x4 Gen2 and x1 Gen2 slots.
Graphics were provided by an ASUS TUF GAMING GeForce RTX 4090 24GB, and the operating system was Windows 10 Pro 22H2. The results of this comprehensive benchmark test, comparing these seven-year-old ThreadRippers against modern processors, are detailed in the following sections.
This unexpected performance from older hardware highlights the enduring value of well-engineered components and the potential for extending the lifespan of high-end systems through strategic upgrades and BIOS updates. The results underscore the importance of considering value and longevity when making technology purchasing decisions.
This is a great start to a blog post comparing different generations of AMD Threadripper processors.
Here are some suggestions to make it even better:
Content:
Expand on Use Cases:
Go deeper into what types of workloads these processors excel at (e.g., video editing, 3D rendering, scientific simulations). Provide specific examples.
Benchmark Comparisons:
Include benchmark scores (Cinebench,Geekbench,Blender render times,etc.) to directly compare the performance of the 1950X, 2920X, and newer models like the 7980X.
Platform Cost:
Acknowledge the rising cost of newer Threadripper platforms (TRX40 motherboards, DDR4 RAM) and how that might influence a user’s decision.
Competition:
Briefly mention Intel’s HEDT offerings and how they compare to AMD Threadripper in terms of performance and pricing.
Overclocking Potential:
Was the 2920X a good overclocker? How much headroom did it have?
Value Proposition:
Explicitly summarize the pros and cons of each generation. For example, is the 1950X a good value buy secondhand? Is the 2920X a good choice for someone on a tighter budget?
Structure and Flow:
Subheadings: Use more descriptive subheadings to break up the text and make it easier to read (e.g., instead of “AMD Ryzen ThreadRipper 2920X: Still a Contender…”,consider “The AMD Ryzen ThreadRipper 2920X: A Review”).
Paragraph Length: Some paragraphs are quite long. Break them into shorter, more digestible chunks.
Call to Action: Conclude with a clear takeaway message. Should readers consider purchasing a used 1950X or 2920X? Under what circumstances might a newer Threadripper be worth the investment?
Visuals:
Charts: Including benchmark charts would visually enhance the comparison.
* Images: You could use more images of the processors themselves, motherboards, or even screenshots showing performance metrics.
By expanding on these points, you’ll create a more insightful and thorough blog post that will be valuable to readers interested in AMD Threadripper processors.
