AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X and 7970X
AMD's launch of the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X and 7970X introduces powerful options in their high-end desktop lineup. With 64 and 32 cores respectively, these processors target users beyond the mainstream market. The review also notes the existence of the Threadripper 7960X, though it's not included in this evaluation.
Threadripper 7000 Series Overview
New Platform and Socket Compatibility
The Threadripper 7000 series introduces a new 4844-pin sTR5 socket, replacing the previous 4094-pin sWRX8 platform. This series is divided into two platforms: the High-End Desktop (HEDT) models and the more advanced "Pro" series, which offers up to 96 cores. The review focuses on the HEDT models, with a brief mention of the Pro series specifications.
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Chipset and Memory Support
The series features two chipsets: WRX90 for Pro CPUs and TRX50 for both Pro and HEDT models. Key differences between these chipsets include PCIe lane count and memory channel support. Threadripper 7000 processors support up to 8-channel/2TB of memory on WRX90 motherboards and up to 4-channel/1TB on TRX50 boards, with official support for DDR5-5200 in various configurations.
Hardware Specifications and Pricing
Threadripper 7980X Details
The 7980X, priced at $5,000, features 64 cores and 128 threads across eight CCDs. It offers 256 MB of L3 Cache, 48 PCIe 5.0 lanes, and four memory channels. The processor runs at a base clock of 3.2 GHz and can boost up to 5.1 GHz. It has a TDP of 350 watts.
Threadripper 7970X Specifications
The 7970X, priced at $2,500, is effectively half the 7980X, with four CCDs, 32 cores, and 64 threads. It provides 128MB of L3 cache. Despite the same TDP as the 7980X, its base clock is increased to 4 GHz, with a boost clock of 5.3 GHz.
Testing Setup and Methodology
Equipment and Configuration
For testing, AMD supplied a 128GB kit of G.Skill's Zeta R5 Neo DDR5-6400 RDIMM memory. The Asus Pro WS TRX50-Sage WiFi motherboard and a GeForce RTX 4090 were used, along with DeepCool LT520 for cooling, due to a last-minute change. The testing was conducted on the latest build of Windows 11 with up-to-date drivers.
Productivity Benchmarks
Cinebench Performance
In the Cinebench multi-core test, the 7980X showed a 28% improvement over its predecessor, the 5995WX. The 7970X, with half the number of cores, was 15% slower than the 7980X but still impressively outperformed the 32-core 3970X from the previous generation by 67%.
Conclusion and Market Position
Assessing the Threadripper HEDT Models
The Threadripper 7980X and 7970X emerge as formidable options in AMD's high-end desktop processor range. Their pricing reflects their target market of professionals and enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance. While not directly compared to Intel's offerings, the 7980X and 7970X's performance in productivity benchmarks like Cinebench indicates a strong competitive stance in the high-end market segment.
Overall Implications
These processors, with their impressive core counts, high memory capacity, and advanced PCIe lane support, represent a significant step in the capabilities of high-end desktop computing. The Threadripper 7000 series' move to a new socket and chipset architecture also highlights AMD's commitment to advancing its technology to meet the growing demands of power users and professionals.
