Unveiling Threadripper 3000: AMD's Triumph Over Intel's Challenges

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The 2019 Thread Ripper Lineup
   • 2.1 Incentives for AMD's Pricing Strategy
3. The 2970 WX: A Budget Option for Creators
   • 3.1 Gaming Performance of the 2970 WX
   • 3.2 Cost Comparison with Intel's Rebranded Chip
4. The 3950 X: A Gaming Creator Hybrid Chip
   • 4.1 Performance and Energy Efficiency
   • 4.2 Comparison with Intel's Cascade Lake X
5. AMD's Victory Lap and Intel's Challenges
   • 5.1 Intel's Delayed Comet Lake X
   • 5.2 AMD's Future Plans
6. Conclusion

The 2019 Thread Ripper Lineup: An Overview of AMD's High-End Processors 👑

In recent news, AMD has officially announced its 2019 Thread Ripper lineup, and it's safe to say that these processors come with a hefty price tag. This unveiling of the lineup was met with mixed reactions, with some enthusiasts expressing disappointment while others understood the reasons behind AMD's pricing strategy. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Thread Ripper processors and shed light on the factors that influenced AMD's decisions. Let's uncover the truth behind the pricing and performance of these high-end processors.

The 2019 Thread Ripper Lineup

AMD's 2019 Thread Ripper lineup consists of powerful processors that are designed to cater to the demands of professional creators and gamers alike. However, the prices of these processors have raised eyebrows among the tech community. To understand the reasoning behind AMD's pricing strategy, we need to delve into the company's current market position and its goals for the future.

Incentives for AMD's Pricing Strategy

AMD is riding high on the success of its EPYC processors, which have garnered significant attention from big players in the server market, such as Netflix. With their eyes set on capturing 10%, 15%, and ultimately 20% of the server market, AMD's focus has shifted from selling as many processors as possible to increasing profit margins. This shift has led to a change in their pricing strategy, with AMD no longer aiming for the budget-conscious consumer.

While this may seem disappointing for consumers seeking affordable high-performance processors, AMD's strategy is logical from a business perspective. As a company that is now valued at almost $37 per share, AMD needs to continue increasing margins, and the consumer market is seen as a potential source of revenue. This change in perspective has resulted in the Thread Ripper processors being priced higher than what many enthusiasts had hoped for.

The 2970 WX: A Budget Option for Creators

Despite the high prices of the latest Thread Ripper processors, there is still an option available for creators on a budget. The 2970 WX, priced at under $1000, offers a formidable choice for those predominantly engaged in content creation. With matured drivers and better software support, the 2970 WX performs well in both creation tasks and gaming.

Gaming Performance of the 2970 WX

Contrary to popular belief, the 2970 WX is not a slouch when it comes to gaming. It delivers respectable frame rates, consistently staying above 60 frames per Second even in demanding games like Far Cry. Most professionals utilizing intensive creation apps typically pair their systems with 60Hz professional monitors, making the 2970 WX a suitable choice for gaming and content creation.

In terms of value for money, the 2970 WX outshines its competitors. At a current price of $917 on Amazon, it offers more cores than Intel's rebranded 18-core processor at a fraction of the cost. Moreover, the Thread Ripper platform, starting at around $300 for motherboards, provides users with a high-quality and affordable option for their creative tasks.

The 3950 X: A Gaming Creator Hybrid Chip

If you are a gamer who also values quick response times and low latency in your applications, the 3950 X is the solution for you. This 16-core chip, despite being overshadowed by the Thread Ripper lineup, offers exceptional gaming performance while maintaining a moderate 105-watt TDP.

Performance and Energy Efficiency

AMD has made significant strides in processor technology, as evidenced by the fact that the 3950 X outperforms its previous generation counterparts and rivals Intel's Cascade Lake X chips. Leaked reviews suggest that Intel's offering struggles to match the performance of AMD's 3900 X, and the 3950 X is expected to outperform even that.

Consumers can enjoy the advantages of the 3950 X without the need for a Thread Ripper platform. By opting for this chip, users can save money on the motherboard and benefit from its efficient dual-Channel memory architecture. This, coupled with the chip's impressive gaming capabilities, makes the 3950 X a compelling choice for gamers and content creators alike.

Comparison with Intel's Cascade Lake X

Intel's Cascade Lake X is often touted as a budget alternative to AMD's Thread Ripper lineup. However, closer inspection reveals that Intel's offering falls short in terms of both performance and energy efficiency. In many professional applications, Intel's chips struggle to keep up with AMD's last-gen HEDT platform, which utilizes less energy.

When Intel's Comet Lake X processors eventually hit the market, they will likely still lag behind AMD's 3900 X, which will have been available for nearly a year at that point. Intel will be hard-pressed to match AMD's pricing, and by the time Comet Lake X arrives, AMD could already be offering a speed refresh, further widening the performance gap.

AMD's Victory Lap and Intel's Challenges

The launch of the new Thread Ripper lineup solidifies AMD's position as the leader in high-performance processors. While AMD could have waited for Zen 3 to update the Thread Ripper series, they decided to seize the opportunity for a victory lap. With each iteration, AMD has managed to outpace Intel's offerings, showcasing their commitment to innovation and performance.

Intel's Delayed Comet Lake X

To make matters worse for Intel, Comet Lake X, the chip that was supposed to compete with AMD's Thread Rippers, has been delayed by a quarter. By the time Comet Lake X hits the market, AMD's 3900 X will have already established a strong foothold. It is highly likely that AMD will lower the price of the 3900 X to $400, further threatening Intel's position.

Intel's challenges do not end there. In mid-2020, AMD may introduce the 3920 X, a refresh of the 3900 X with higher clock speeds, leaving Intel with no respite. And with Zen 3 on the horizon, delivering even better performance per watt, Intel faces a dark 2020 as they struggle to keep up with AMD's relentless innovation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AMD's 2019 Thread Ripper lineup may come with a steep price tag, but the performance and value they offer are undeniable. While AMD's pricing strategy may disappoint budget-conscious consumers, it is rooted in their pursuit of increased profit margins and market dominance. The 2970 WX provides a viable budget option for creators, while the 3950 X caters to gamers who also engage in content creation.

AMD's triumphs over Intel have been hard-earned, and the company deserves recognition and praise for their relentless pursuit of performance and innovation. As the battle for processor supremacy wages on, it seems that AMD's future is bright, while Intel faces an uphill battle to regain market share.