AMD this week announced the 2nd Generation AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX processor, which the company claims is the “world’s most powerful desktop processor”
The new Threadripper 2990WX is built with 12nm “Zen+” x86 processor architecture. Additionally, the 2nd gen 2990WX is said to deliver 53% “greater performance than the competition’s flagship model.” And it comes packed with 32 cores and 64 threads — the most threads on any desktop processor.
“We created Ryzen Threadripper processors because we saw an opportunity to deliver unheard-of levels of multithreaded computing for the demanding needs of creators, gamers, and PC enthusiasts in the HEDT market,” said Jim Anderson, senior vice president and general manager, Computing and Graphics Business Group, AMD. “With the 2nd Gen processor family we took that challenge to a whole new level — delivering the biggest, most powerful desktop processor the world has ever seen.”
Power and Performance
With 32 cores and 64 threads (24 cores and 48 threads on the Threadripper 2970WX), the gen 2 2990WX:
- Delivers up to 53% faster multi-thread performance than the Core i9-7980XE
- Offers up to 47% more rendering performance for creators than the Core i9-7980XE
AMD says its enhanced the series with a higher base and boost clocks for smoother performance in higher demand workflows. For instance, the 16-core/32-thread 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X reportedly delivers up to 41% more multi-threaded performance than the Core i9-7900X.
Added Features
All X399 platform customers will now have free access to AMD StoreMI Technology. This allows them to load files, games and apps from a high-capacity drive at “SSD-like read speeds” according to AMD.
AMD has also added new features like core detection both on die and per-CCX, as well as advanced hardware controls, one-click workload optimizations, and a new performance-enhancing feature called Precision Boost Overdrive that allows multi-threaded boost limits to be raised by tapping into extra power delivery headroom in premium motherboards.
Compatibility
Every existing X399 platform — after a BIOS update — will support every 2nd Gen Ryzen Threadripper CPU. There will also be a “full ecosystem of exciting new motherboards” that will support the new CPUs, according to AMD.
Pricing and Availability
The 32-core, 64-thread Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is available now for $1,799. The 16-core, 32-thread 2950X processes will launch August 31 and cost $1,299. The 2970WX and 2920X models are launching October 2018 for $899 and $649 dollars, respectively.
For more information, head to AMD.com. Also, AMD has just announced a new graphics card that’s under $1,000. The card delivers up to 512 GB/s memory bandwidth and has “incredibly fast cutting-edge” HBM2 memory.
