What Took them So Long?

After the release of Threadripper 3000X on Zen 2, a lot of the high-end desktop (HEDT) enthusiasts were left to dry when AMD released the AMD Threadripper PRO 5000WX with the non-pro Threadripper 5000X nowhere in sight. The lack of competition from Intel’s side for a compelling HEDT processor and the increased performance that consumer desktop CPUs compelled AMD to skip a generation, and possibly end the life of the non-pro lineup. HEDT workloads could be done on mainstream CPUs due to the increase of core counts, thread counts, and clock speeds on each flagship (Intel i9 24C/32T, AMD Ryzen 9 16C/32T).

However, once Intel released Sapphire Rapids for both Xeon W and Xeon Scalable, competition is back with an emphasis on increasing core counts and changing the underlying architecture. While yes, Threadripper PRO on Zen 4 is still to be expected, and the Threadripper PRO 5000WX still performs well, having a new generation of CPUs featuring the newest DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 are a big plus for those in the workstation and HEDT market.

The long-awaited AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7000 and Threadripper PRO 7000WX built on the highly efficient chiplet based Zen 4 architecture are finally here, releasing on November 21st for DIY enthusiasts and accessible through system integrators (like us). Let's go over the specifications.

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7000

The Threadripper 7000 Series processors are built to enable powerful I/O for desktop users, with up to 48 PCIe Gen 5.0 lanes for graphics, storage, and more. Capable of twice the memory bandwidth of typical dual-channel desktop systems, the quad-channel DDR5 memory controller on Ryzen Threadripper 7000 Series processors can support even the most intensive workflows.

The Ryzen Threadripper 7000 series starts with the 7960X, a 24C/48T chip that represents a bump in core and thread count over the Ryzen 9 7950X 16C/32T processor for desktops on AM5. It's essentially offering more Zen 4 cores, more threads, more L3 cache, and quad channel memory support to consumers.

AMD Threadripper PRO 7000WX

For multithreaded workloads, Threadripper PRO processors offer up to 96 cores and 192 threads, the most cores of any workstation processor for complex simulation, generative design, rendering, and software compilation tasks, where users can see up to two times faster performance. Additionally, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7000 WX-Series processors offer up to 384MB of L3 cache along with eight channels for DDR5 memory for applications which require high memory capacity and bandwidth.

Differences and Similarities

The key differential between the Threadripper 7000 Pro and the non-pro Threadripper 7000 comes in the form of I/O and memory limitations. While TR 7000 goes up to 64C/128T through the 7980X, the processor supports just four channels of memory and 80 PCIe lanes from the CPU, with 48 conforming to the latest PCIe 5.0 standard.

New launch of Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7000WX and Threadripper 7000 are a new but distinguishable motherboard platform. This includes the WRX90 platform, designed for workstations, and the TRX50 platform, designed to offer designs more in line with HEDT capabilities. Threadripper PRO can be used in TRX50 motherboards but will be subject to the lower standards. The non-pro Threadripper cannot be slotted in WRX90 motherboards, but attempting to do so is illogical as there are no reasons in spending more for no added benefits.

Both Threadripper PRO 7000WX and Threadripper 7000 support DDR5-5200 RDIMM memory. The WRX90 platform (TRPRO) can support up to 2TB, whereas the TRX50 (TR) is limited to 1TB.

Availability

Workstations and High-end desktop platforms from System Integrators using the new AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7000 and Threadripper PRO 7000 WX-Series processors are expected to be available by the end of 2023. And both will also be available from DIY retailers starting on November 21st. We cannot wait to deliver these powerful CPUs for purchase or configuration in a SabrePC desktop/workstation.