AMD Threadripper 2: Unveiling Specs, Pricing, and Release Dates

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. AMD Event in Sydney
3. First-Generation Thread Ripper CPUs
4. Second-Generation Thread Ripper CPUs
5. X-Series Chips for Enthusiasts and Gamers
6. WX Chips for Content Creators
7. Price Comparison and Scalability
8. Display of 2950 X CPU
9. Taking the CPU Home
10. Reviewer Kit Contents
11. Performance and Benchmarks
12. Conclusion

🖥️ AMD Event in Sydney

I recently attended an AMD event in Sydney for the highly anticipated release of the second-generation Thread Ripper CPUs. The journey to the venue was quite long, involving two four-hour bus trips. However, the excitement was well worth it, as I got a firsthand look at the impressive new processors.

📋 First-Generation Thread Ripper CPUs

Before diving into the details of the latest CPUs, let's quickly Recap the first-generation Thread Ripper processors that were launched in August last year. These CPUs offered multi-core options at a more affordable price compared to Intel's offerings. In fact, I was so impressed that I purchased the 1950 X CPU in September.

🚀 Second-Generation Thread Ripper CPUs

The second generation brings even more power and performance with the introduction of four new CPUs. Among these, two x-series chips specifically target enthusiasts and gamers. The 2920 X and 2950 X offer 12 and 16 cores respectively, utilizing the 12-nanometer n+ architecture. Not only do these chips boast higher clock speeds compared to their predecessors, but they also come with lower launch prices, which is a testament to AMD's commitment to delivering value to consumers.

💪 X-Series Chips for Enthusiasts and Gamers

The 2920 X and 2950 X processors are designed to cater to the demands of enthusiasts and gamers who require top-notch performance. With 12 and 16 cores respectively, these chips can handle demanding tasks and resource-intensive applications. Whether you're a PC gaming enthusiast or a professional content creator, these x-series chips offer a compelling solution at a competitive price point.

Pros:

• High performance for enthusiasts and gamers
• Competitive pricing compared to similar Intel offerings

Cons:

• Clock speeds may be lower compared to other high-end CPUs

💡 WX Chips for Content Creators

In addition to the x-series chips, AMD has introduced the 2970 WX and 2990 WX processors targeting content creators and users who require maximum cores and thread count. These chips boast an impressive 24 and 32 cores respectively, making them ideal for tasks that involve heavy rendering, video editing, and other demanding workloads. With the WX series chips, AMD is providing a powerful solution for professionals who need unparalleled multi-threaded performance.

Pros:

• High core and thread count for demanding workloads
• Competitive pricing for the number of cores offered

Cons:

• Lower clock speeds compared to other CPUs in the lineup

💰 Price Comparison and Scalability

One interesting aspect of the second-generation Thread Ripper CPUs is the pricing strategy adopted by AMD. The 32-core 2990 WX CPU is priced at double the cost of the 16-core 2950 X. While the 32-core variant may have lower clock speeds, this pricing approach allows buyers to Scale their CPU performance based on their specific needs and budget. It will be exciting to see how this scalability translates into real-world performance in the upcoming benchmarks.

Pros:

• Flexible pricing based on core count
• Scalability options for different performance requirements

Cons:

• Lower clock speeds for higher core count CPUs

🖥️ Display of 2950 X CPU

During the event, I had the opportunity to see the 2950 X CPU on display. As an owner of the first-generation 1950 X, I was particularly interested in its newer counterpart. The 2950 X promises improved performance and efficiency, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.

📦 Taking the CPU Home

To my surprise, I was able to take the 2950 X CPU home with me. However, this unexpected turn of events posed a challenge. As I planned to make a vlog-style video, I had to figure out a way to transport the CPU safely without any filming equipment. Nonetheless, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to test out AMD's second-generation Thread Ripper CPU in my personal rig.

📦 Reviewer Kit Contents

The reviewer kit that accompanied the 2950 X CPU was packed with exciting components. Inside a massive box, I discovered a newly redesigned case for the CPU, 32GB of G.Skill memory, and the impressive Wraith Ripper cooler. Additionally, I received the ASUS ROG Zenith Extreme motherboard, along with an AIO liquid cooler from Lick Tech. These components are crucial for thorough testing and evaluation.

💻 Performance and Benchmarks

While I would love to provide detailed performance benchmarks and comparisons right away, I am bound by a non-disclosure agreement. However, rest assured that I will be conducting extensive tests in the coming weeks. I aim to create a video showcasing the performance of the 2950 X CPU, complete with detailed benchmarks and comparisons. So, make sure to subscribe to stay updated on the results.

🏁 Conclusion

Attending the AMD event was an exciting experience, and being able to bring home the 2950 X CPU for testing was a delightful surprise. AMD's second-generation Thread Ripper CPUs offer impressive upgrades in terms of performance, pricing, and features. Whether you're an enthusiast, gamer, or professional content creator, these CPUs provide the power and flexibility you need.

Guide: Tech Showdown