Unleashing Power: Threadripper 2990WX Destroying the Competition

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. AMD's Second Generation Thread Ripper Processors
3. The Advanced Zen + Cores
4. The Ryzen Thread Ripper 2990 WX
5. Comparison with Intel Processors
6. Core Specifications of the 2990 WX
7. Compatibility and Pricing
8. Performance Benchmarks
   1. Gaming Performance
   2. Workload Performance
      1. Blender Performance
      2. Cinebench R15
      3. Handbrake 4K H.264 Encoding
      4. PCMark 10
      5. POV-Ray
      6. SuperPi
      7. x264 Encoder
9. Power Consumption and Cooling
   1. AMD vs Intel
   2. Thermal Management
10. Conclusion

AMD's Second Generation Thread Ripper Processors

AMD has finally launched their second-generation Ryzen Thread Ripper processors. This new lineup features the advanced Zen + cores, which AMD has managed to bring on par with Intel's modern cores in terms of IPC (Instructions per Cycle). The flagship processor in this lineup is the Ryzen Thread Ripper 2990 WX, which boasts an impressive 32 cores and 64 Threads. This puts it ahead of Intel's halo product, which supports 28 cores and 56 threads. With the new Zen + cores, AMD is delivering exceptional CPU efficiency and performance to content creators, developers, and enthusiasts.

The Advanced Zen + Cores

The Zen + cores in AMD's second-generation Thread Ripper processors have been optimized for efficiency on a 12-nanometer process. This refinement in the manufacturing process, combined with the increased number of cores, further strengthens AMD's processors. With the Zen + cores, AMD has managed to bring their IPC on par with Intel's modern cores, giving them a competitive edge in terms of CPU efficiency. This allows the Thread Ripper 2990 WX to deliver exceptional performance in multi-core workloads.

The Ryzen Thread Ripper 2990 WX

The flagship processor in AMD's second-generation Thread Ripper lineup is the Ryzen Thread Ripper 2990 WX. With its impressive 32 cores and 64 threads, this CPU eclipses Intel's offerings. The chip features a base frequency of 3.0 GHz, with a maximum boost frequency of 4.0 GHz. The 2990 WX also includes 16MB of L2 cache and 64MB of L3 cache, resulting in a total of 80MB of available cache on a single chip. With a TDP of 250 watts, this processor is aimed at content creators and developers who require powerful multi-core performance.

Comparison with Intel Processors

Compared to Intel's Core i9-7980XE, the Ryzen Thread Ripper 2990 WX offers a better architecture based on a 12-nanometer process, 14 more cores, 28 more threads, and all at a lower price point. While the Core i9-7980XE costs $2,000, the Thread Ripper 2990 WX is priced at $1,700, making it a more cost-effective choice for those seeking high-performance computing. Additionally, the Thread Ripper 2990 WX outperforms the Ryzen Thread Ripper 1950X, offering 16 more cores, 32 more threads, and faster clocks, all for $800 more.

Core Specifications of the 2990 WX

The Ryzen Thread Ripper 2990 WX boasts an impressive set of specifications. With its 32 cores and 64 threads, it delivers unmatched multi-threaded performance. The chip features a base frequency of 3.0 GHz, which can be boosted up to 4.0 GHz with Precision Boost. The Precision Boost Overdrive frequency can go up to 4.2 GHz in single-core optimized workloads. With 16MB of L2 cache and 64MB of L3 cache, the 2990 WX has a total of 80MB of available cache on the chip. It has a TDP of 250 watts, making it a high-power processor.

Compatibility and Pricing

The Ryzen Thread Ripper 2990 WX and other second-generation Thread Ripper processors are fully compatible with socketed motherboards. AMD ensures that the existing TR4 socket motherboards will support the second-generation Thread Ripper processors. In terms of pricing, the 2990 WX is priced at $1,700, making it a high-end product for content creators, developers, and enthusiasts. Its pricing and performance make it a formidable competitor for Intel's high-end desktop market offerings.

Performance Benchmarks

Gaming Performance

The Ryzen Thread Ripper 2990 WX delivers good gaming performance, but for those seeking solely gaming performance, the X series processors in AMD's second-generation Thread Ripper lineup are recommended. The WX series processors, including the 2990 WX, are aimed at developers, content creators, and multi-thread-heavy enthusiasts. The X series processors perform similarly in gaming tasks but at a lower price point.

Workload Performance

The Ryzen Thread Ripper 2990 WX excels in workload performance. In benchmarks such as Blender, Cinebench R15, and Handbrake 4K H.264 encoding, the 2990 WX completes tasks significantly faster than its competition. PCMark 10 also showcases the benefits of overclocking, with the 2990 WX posting impressive scores. In Pov-ray, a test that heavily favors Intel processors, the 2990 WX falls behind. However, it surpasses the competition in SuperPi and x264 encoder benchmarks.

Power Consumption and Cooling

In terms of power consumption, AMD's refined 12-nanometer process offers slightly better temperatures and power efficiency compared to Intel's 14-nanometer based offerings. The Ryzen Thread Ripper processors have a reference TDP of 250 watts, with overclocking pushing the voltage higher. Cooling solutions such as the Corsair H115i Pro, Deepcool Castle 280 RGB, and Deepcool Fryzen air cooler are fully compatible with the Thread Ripper processors and help effectively cool the chip.

Conclusion

The Ryzen Thread Ripper 2990 WX is an absolute beast of a processor. With its 32 cores and 64 threads, it delivers exceptional multi-threaded performance, surpassing its competition in most workloads. While its gaming performance is good, the X series processors in AMD's second-generation Thread Ripper lineup offer similar gaming performance at a lower price point. Overall, the 2990 WX is a great choice for content creators, developers, and multi-thread-heavy enthusiasts who require top-of-the-line performance. It puts Intel's high-end desktop market offerings in trouble, considering their higher prices and platform costs.

Highlights

• AMD launches second-generation Ryzen Thread Ripper processors
• Advanced Zen + cores bring IPC on par with Intel's modern cores
• Ryzen Thread Ripper 2990 WX features 32 cores and 64 threads
• Comparison with Intel processors shows better architecture and more cores for a lower price
• Core specifications include base frequency of 3.0 GHz and maximum boost frequency of 4.0 GHz
• Thread Ripper 2990 WX delivers exceptional multi-threaded performance
• Gaming performance is good, but X series processors offer similar performance at a lower price
• The 2990 WX is fully compatible with socketed motherboards
• Power consumption is efficiently managed with TDP of 250 watts
• Cooling solutions compatible with Thread Ripper processors effectively cool the chip

FAQ

Q: Are the second-generation Thread Ripper processors compatible with existing TR4 socket motherboards? A: Yes, the second-generation Thread Ripper processors, including the 2990 WX, are fully compatible with TR4 socket motherboards.

Q: What is the pricing of the Ryzen Thread Ripper 2990 WX? A: The Ryzen Thread Ripper 2990 WX is priced at $1,700, making it a high-end processor for content creators, developers, and enthusiasts.

Q: How does the Ryzen Thread Ripper 2990 WX compare to Intel's high-end offerings? A: The Thread Ripper 2990 WX offers better architecture, more cores, and lower prices compared to Intel's high-end desktop market offerings.

Q: Can the Ryzen Thread Ripper 2990 WX handle gaming tasks effectively? A: While the 2990 WX delivers good gaming performance, the X series processors in the Thread Ripper lineup offer similar performance at a lower price.

Q: How does the Ryzen Thread Ripper 2990 WX handle power consumption and cooling? A: The 2990 WX has a TDP of 250 watts, and cooling solutions compatible with Thread Ripper processors effectively manage heat dissipation.