Before finding out the best motherboards for Threadripper 2 from AMD, let us understand the platform first. Even though the new processors are pin compatible with the previous x399 sTR4 platform, AMD’s new and updated 12nm Zeppelin die, as well as including a few further optimizations into the system including better high-end boost and faster cache speeds.
Inside the previous generation Threadripper CPUs however, there are 4 pieces of silicon in which two were active and two inactive. For the second generation of Threadripper, or Threadripper 2 a.k.a. The Threadripper 2000-series, AMD is going to utilize these inactive dies into active ones, and this will substantially increase the core count for the HEDT high-end desktop and workstation users.
Here is a quick glimpse of the x399 platform:
AMD is back with a bang in the market with the release of the first entry in their 2nd gen ThreadRipper processors. Fortunately, these processors utilize the same x399 chipset as the first gen TR processors did. Thus, you will not require getting a full rig upgrade. However, in this post, we are discussing some of the top x399 motherboards, that is designed to utilize the full power of these 2nd gen Threadripper motherboards. But before we jump on the list, let’s have a look at some great features offered by x399 platform:
- Powers 1st and 2nd gen AMD Ryzen Threadripper Processors
- Scalable processors for both gamers and creators
- Unlock potential with multi-GPU and NVMe arrays
- Quad Channel DDR4 Memory
- 66 PCIe Gen 3.0 Lanes, 8 PCIe Gen 2.0 Lanes
- AMD CrossFire and SLI technology
- Overclocking support
- AMD Stored MI storage acceleration technology included
In this article, we are going to talk about the best motherboards for TR2970WX & TR2990WXas shown below:
| AMD TR2970WX | Cores – 24 | Threads – 48 | Base Clock 3.0GHz | Turbo – 4.2GHz | Cost – – |
| AMD TR2990WX | Cores -32 | Threads – 64 | Base Clock 3.0GHz | Turbo – 4.2GHz | Cost – – |
Best Motherboards For Threadripper 2 – Our Recommendations
Now, let’s move towards the list of top 5 motherboards for 2nd gen AMD Threadripper processors. We have covered all the technical specifications and details so that you can understand these motherboards completely. So without further delay, here we begin:
1. ASUS ROG ZENITH EXTREME X399:
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GENERAL
| Chipset Type | AMD X399 |
| Compatible Processors | Ryzen Thread Ripper |
| Max Processors Qty | Socket TR4 |
| Encryption Algorithm | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Asus |
EXPANSION / CONNECTIVITY
| Expansion Slots | 1 x CPU
8 x DIMM 288-pin 4 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16, x16/x16, x16/x8/x16, x16/x8/x16/x8 modes) 1 x PCIe 2.0 x1 1 x PCIe 2.0 x4 |
| Storage Interfaces | SATA-600 -connectors: 6 x 7pin Serial ATA – RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 10
SATA-600 / PCIe 3.0 -connectors: 3 x M.2 PCIe 3.0 -connectors: 1 x U.2 |
| Internal Interfaces: | 2 x USB 2.0 – header
4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 – header 1 x audio – header 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 – header |
| Power Connectors | 24-pin main power connector
2 x 8-pin ATX12V connectors |
MISCELLANEOUS
| Product Type | motherboard |
| Included Accessories | 3 thermistor cables
3 x M.2 screws ROG coasters ROG fan stickers fan extension card ASUS 2T2R Wi-Fi moving antennas ASUS WiGig 802.11ad moving antenna DIMM.2 extension card RGB (RGBW) LED strip extension cable ROG AREION 10G ROG DIMM.2 Fan Stand Pack ROG VGA holder ROG cable labels |
NETWORKING
| Data Link Protocol | 10 Gigabit Ethernet
Bluetooth 4.1 IEEE 802.11n Ethernet Fast Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet IEEE 802.11a IEEE 802.11ac IEEE 802.11ad (WiGig) IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11g |
| Network | 10 Gigabit Ethernet
802.11a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth Gigabit Ethernet WiGig |
AUDIO OUTPUT
| Compliant Standards | High Definition Audio |
| Type | sound card |
| Audio Codec | SupremeFX (S1220) |
| Audio | High Definition Audio (8-channel) |
SUPPORTED RAM
| Bus Clock | 2400 MHz
2133 MHz 2666 MHz 2800 MHz (O.C.) 3200 MHz (O.C.) 3600 MHz (O.C.) |
| Registered or Buffered | Unbuffered |
| Features | Quad channel memory architecture |
| Technology | DDR4 |
| Max Size | 128 GB |
| Supported RAM Integrity Check | Non-ECC, ECC |
CABLE DETAILS
| Type | SLI bridge, Serial ATA cable |
| Included Qty | 1, 3 |
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
| Width | 12 in |
| Depth | 10.9 in |
SOFTWARE
| Software Included | ASUS AI Suite III
ASUS EZ Flash 3 ASUS ROG RAMCache II ASUS Turbo App Overwolf ROG CPU-Z ROG CloneDrive ROG GameFirst IV drivers & utilities |
STORAGE INTERFACES
| Interface | PCIe 3.0, Serial ATA-600, Serial ATA-600 / PCIe 3.0 |
| Connector(s) | 1 x U.2, 3 x M.2, 6 x 7pin Serial ATA |
| RAID (Level) | RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 10 |
INTERNAL INTERFACES
| Type | USB 2.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1, audio |
| Connector Type | header |
| Qty | 1, 2, 4 |
2. Gigabyte X399 AORUS Gaming 7 – 1.0:
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General
| Chipset Type | AMD X399 |
| Compatible Processors | Ryzen ThreadRipper |
| Processor Socket | Socket TR4 |
| Max Processors Qty | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Gigabyte Technology Co. Ltd. |
EXPANSION / CONNECTIVITY
| Expansion Slots | 1 x CPU 8 x DIMM 288-pin 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16 mode), 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x8 mode) 1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x4 mode) |
| Storage Interfaces | SATA-600 -connectors: 8 x 7pin Serial ATA – RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 10 SATA-600 / PCIe 3.0 -connectors: 3 x M.2 |
| Internal Interfaces | 4 x USB 2.0 – header 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 – header 1 x audio – header 1 x USB-C Gen2 – header 1 x SPDIF out – header |
| Power Connectors | 4-pin ATX12V connector
24-pin main power connector 8-pin ATX12V connector |
INTERFACE PROVIDED
| Qty | 1, 8 |
| Type | LAN (Gigabit Ethernet)
PS/2 keyboard/mouse Microphone TOSLINK USB 3.1 Gen 1 USB-C Gen2 audio line-in audio line-out audio line-out (center/subwoofer) audio line-out (rear) |
| Connector Type | mini-jack |
NETWORKING
| Data Link Protocol | Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
Bluetooth 3.0 IEEE 802.11ac IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11g IEEE 802.11n Bluetooth 4.0 Bluetooth 4.0 LE Bluetooth 4.1 Bluetooth 4.2 Ethernet Fast Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet IEEE 802.11a |
| Network | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth Gigabit Ethernet |
AUDIO OUTPUT
| Compliant Standards | High Definition Audio
Sound BlasterX 720° |
| Type | sound card |
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALC1220 |
| Audio | High Definition Audio (8-channel) |
SUPPORTED RAM
| Bus Clock | 2400 MHz
2133 MHz 2667 MHz |
| Registered or Buffered | Unbuffered |
| Features | Intel Extreme Memory Profiles (XMP)
quad channel memory architecture |
| Technology | DDR4 |
| Max Size | 128 GB |
| Supported RAM Integrity Check | Non-ECC, ECC |
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
| Width | 12 in |
| Depth | 9.6 in |
SOFTWARE
| Software Included | Software Included @BIOS
Cloud Station GIGABYTE V-Tuner Norton Internet Security Smart TimeLock Xpress Install EasyTune GIGABYTE 3D OSD GIGABYTE App Center GIGABYTE Fast Boot GIGABYTE Smart Backup GIGABYTE Smart HUD GIGABYTE Smart Keyboard GIGABYTE USB Blocker |
FEATURES
| BIOS Type | AMI |
| BIOS Features | WfM 2.0 support, UEFI BIOS, SMBIOS 2.7 support, DMI 2.7 support, ACPI 5.0 support, Dual BIOS |
| Hardware Features: | Q-Flash, AutoGreen, NVIDIA 3-way SLI Technology Support, Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) support, NVIDIA Quad SLI Technology Support, NVIDIA 2-way SLI Technology Support, On/Off Charge, Ultra Durable, NVIDIA 4-way SLI Technology Support, AMD CrossFireX technology support, AMD Quad CrossFireX technology support, AMD 3-way CrossFireX technology support, AMD 4-way CrossFireX technology support, All IR digital power design, Black Solid Capacitors, Clear CMOS Button, Q-Flash Plus, IR PowIRstage ICs, Game Boost, GIGABYTE Double Locking Bracket, Ultra Durable Memory Armor, Anti-Sulfur Design, GIGABYTE USB DAC-UP 2, GIGABYTE Smart Fan 5, RGB FUSION, Ultra Durable PCIe Armor, RGBW/-UV LED strips to support, M.2 Thermal Guard |
| Hardware Monitoring | CPU core temperature, chassis temperature, CPU fan tachometer, chassis fan tachometer, system voltage, CPU overheating protection, CPU core voltage, water cooling flow rate |
3. MSI MEG X399 CREATION:
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General
| Chipset Type | AMD X399 |
| Compatible Processors | Ryzen ThreadRipper |
| Processor Socket | Socket TR4 |
| Max Processors Qty | 1 |
| Manufacturer | MSI Computer Corp. |
EXPANSION / CONNECTIVITY
| Expansion Slots | 1 x CPU 8 x DIMM 288-pin 4 x PCIe 3.0 x16 1 x PCIe 2.0 x1 |
| Storage Interfaces | SATA-600 -connectors: 8 x 7pin Serial ATA – RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 10 SATA-600 / PCIe 3.0 -connectors: 3 x M.2 |
| Interfaces | 1 x USB-C Gen1 9 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 1 x audio line-in – mini-jack 1 x audio line-out – mini-jack 1 x microphone – mini-jack 1 x TOSLINK 1 x audio line-out (center/subwoofer) – mini-jack, 1 x audio line-out (rear) – mini-jack |
| Internal Interfaces | 4 x USB 2.0 – header, 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 – header 1 x USB-C Gen2 – header |
| Power Connectors | 4-pin ATX12V connector, 24-pin main power connector, 2 x 8-pin ATX12V connectors |
INTERFACE PROVIDED
| Qty | 1, 9 |
| Type | TOSLINK, USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB-C Gen1
audio line-in audio line-out audio line-out (center/subwoofer) audio line-out (rear) microphone |
| Connector Type | mini-jack |
NETWORKING
| Data Link Protocol | Bluetooth 5.0
Ethernet Fast Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet IEEE 802.11a IEEE 802.11ac IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11g IEEE 802.11n |
| Network | 2 x Gigabit Ethernet
802.11a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth |
AUDIO OUTPUT
| Compliant Standards | High Definition Audio |
| Type | sound card |
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALC1220 |
| Audio | High Definition Audio (8-channel) |
SUPPORTED RAM
| Bus Clock | 2400 MHz
2133 MHz 2800 MHz (O.C.) 2933 MHz (O.C.) 2667 MHz (O.C.) 3200 MHz (O.C.) 3333 MHz (O.C.) 3466 MHz (O.C.) 3600 MHz (O.C.) 3066 MHz (O.C.) |
| Features | Quad channel memory architecture |
| Technology | DDR4 |
| Max Size | 128 GB |
EXPANSION SLOTS
| Total Qty | 1, 4, 8 |
| Type | CPU, DIMM 288-pin, PCIe 2.0 x1, PCIe 3.0 x16 |
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
| Width | 12 in |
| Depth | 10.7 in |
SOFTWARE
| Software Included | MSI Command Center
MSI Live Update MSI X-BOOST, RAMdisk |
FEATURES
| BIOS Features | BIOS FlashBack+ |
| Hardware Features | NVIDIA 3-way SLI Technology Support
AMD 3-way CrossFire X technology support Clear CMOS Button Turbo M.2, Mystic Light MSI Steel Armor LAN Protect MSI Audio Boost 4 M.2 Shield FROZR Nahimic 3 Sound Technology MSI Core Boost AMD StoreMI technology 19 Phase Digital Power Design |
4. ASRock Fatal1ty X399 Professional Gaming:
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Model
| Brand | ASRock |
| Series | Fatal1ty |
| Model | X399 Professional Gaming |
Supported CPU
| CPU Socket Type | sTR4 |
| CPU Type | Ryzen Threadripper Series |
Chipsets
| Chipset | AMD X399 |
Memory
| Number of Memory Slots | 8×288pin |
| Memory Standard | DDR4 3600+(OC)
3200(OC) 2933(OC) 2667 2400 2133 |
| Maximum Memory Supported | 128GB Due to an operating system limitation, the actual memory size could be less than 4-GB for the reservation for system usage under legacy Windows 32-bit OS. For Windows 64-bit OS with 64-bit CPU, there is no such limitation. |
| Channel Supported | Quad Channel |
Expansion Slots
| PCI Express 3.0 x16 – | 4 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slots, (PCIE1/PCIE2/PCIE4/PCIE5: single at x16 (PCIE1); dual at x16 (PCIE1) / x16 (PCIE4); triple at x16 (PCIE1) / x8 (PCIE2) / x16 (PCIE4), quad at x16 (PCIE1) / x8 (PCIE2) / x16 (PCIE4) / x8 (PCIE5)) |
| PCI Express x1 | 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot |
| Other Slots: | 1 x Vertical M.2 Socket (Key E) with the bundled Wi-Fi 802.11 ac module (on the rear I/O), 15µ Gold Contact in VGA PCIe Slot (PCIE1 and PCIE4) |
Storage Devices
| SATA 6Gb/s | 8 x SATA3 6.0Gb/s Connectors,
Support RAID NCQ, AHCI and Hot Plug |
| M.2 | 2 x Ultra M.2 Sockets – (M2_1 and M2_2),
support M Key type – 2242/2260/2280 M.2 SATA3 6.0Gb/s module & M.2 PCI Express, module up to Gen3 x4 (32Gb/s) supports M Key type – 2230/2242/2260/2280 M.2 SATA3 6.0Gb/s module M.2 PCI-Express module up to Gen3 x4 (32Gb/s) |
| SATA RAID | 0/1/10 |
Onboard Audio
| Audio Chipset | Realtek ALC1220 |
| Audio Channels | 7.1 Channels |
Onboard LAN
| LAN Chipset | AQUATIC AQC107 |
| Second LAN Chipset | 2 x Intel I211AT |
| Max LAN Speed | 10Gbps + Dual 10/100/1000Mbps |
| Wireless LAN: | Intel 802.11-ac Wi-Fi Module (Free Bundle) Supports IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Supports Dual-Band (2.4/5 GHz)Supports high-speed wireless connections up to 433 Mbps |
| Bluetooth: | Supports Bluetooth 4.2 / 3.0 + High-speed class II |
Rear Panel Ports:
| PS/2: | 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port |
| RJ45 | 3 x RJ-45 LAN Ports with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED LED) |
| USB 3.1: | 1 x USB 3.1 Gen2, Type-A Port (10Gb/s)
(Supports ESD Protection) (Supports ESD Protection) |
| S/PDIF Out | 1 x Optical |
| Audio Ports | HD Audio Jacks: Rear Speaker / Central / Bass / Line in / Front Speaker / Microphone (Gold Audio Jacks) |
Internal I/O Connectors
| Onboard USB | 2 x USB 2.0 Headers (Support 4 USB 2.0 ports)
(Supports ESD Protection) (Support 4 USB 3.1 Gen1 ports) (Supports ESD Protection) |
| Other Connectors: | 1 x COM Port Header, 1 x Power LED and Speaker Header 2 x RGB LED Headers, 1 x CPU Fan Connector (4-pin) 1 x CPU Optional/Water Pump Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control) 2 x Chassis Fan Connectors (4-pin), (Smart Fan Speed Control), 1 x Chassis Optional/Water Pump Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control) 1 x Front Panel Audio Connector (15µ Gold Audio Connector), 1 x Right Angle Front Panel Audio Connector 1 x Clear CMOS Switch 1 x Dr. Debug with LED 1 x Power Switch with LED 1 x Reset Switch with LED 1 x CPU Xtreme OC Switch connectors. |
Physical Spec
| Form Factor | ATX |
| LED Lighting | RGB |
| Dimensions (W x L) | 12.0″ x 9.6″ |
| Power Pin: | 1 x 24-pin ATX Power Connector (Hi-Density Power Connector), 1 x 8-pin 12V Power Connector (Hi-Density Power Connector) 1 x 4-pin 12V Power Connector (Hi-Density Power Connector) 1 x 6-pin 12V Power Connector (Hi-Density Power Connector) |
Features
| Features | Hi-Density Power Connectors (24-pin for Motherboard8+4-pin for Motherboard, 6-pin for PCIe Slot) IR Dr. MOS 15µ Gold Contact in DIMM Slots VGA Card, Also 15µ Gold Contact in VGA PCIe Slot (PCIE1 & PCIE4)AQUATIC 10G LAN Intel LAN XXL Aluminum Alloy Heatsink 8 Layer PCB 2oz Copper PCB Heat Pipe Design Creative Sound Blaster Cinema 3 ASRock-USB 3.1 Gen2, ASRock USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A Port (10Gb/s) USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C Port (10Gb/s) ASRock Super Alloy XXL Aluminum Alloy Heatsink Premium 60A Power Choke Premium Memory Alloy Choke(Reduces 70% core loss when compared to iron powder choke) IR3555M Dr. MOS 60A Nichicon 12K Black Caps (100% Japan-made high-quality conductive polymer capacitors) (PCIe Gen3 x4 & SATA3) (for all USB, Audio, LAN Ports) |
5. MSI X399 GAMING PRO CARBON AC:
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General
| Chipset Type | AMD X399 |
| Compatible Processors | Ryzen ThreadRipper |
| Processor Socket | Socket TR4 |
| Max Processors Qty | 1 |
| Manufacturer | MSI Computer Corp. |
EXPANSION / CONNECTIVITY
| Expansion Slots | 1 x CPU 8 x DIMM 288-pin 4 x PCIe 3.0 x16 2 x PCIe 2.0 x1 |
| Storage Interfaces | SATA-600 -connectors: 8 x 7pin Serial ATA – RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 10 SATA-600 / PCIe 3.0 -connectors: 3 x M.2 |
| Interfaces | 1 x LAN (Gigabit Ethernet) 8 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 1 x PS/2 keyboard / mouse 1 x audio line-in – mini-jack 1 x audio line-out – mini-jack 1 x microphone – mini-jack 1 x TOSLINK 1 x USB-C Gen2 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 1 x audio line-out (center/subwoofer) – mini-jack, 1 x audio line-out (rear) – mini-jack 2 x USB 2.0 |
| Internal Interfaces | 4 x USB 2.0 – header, 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 – header 1 x audio – header 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 – Type C |
| Power Connectors | 24-pin main power connector
6-pin ATX12V connector 2 x 8-pin ATX12V connectors |
INTERFACE PROVIDED
| Qty | 1, 2, 8 |
| Type | LAN (Gigabit Ethernet)
PS/2 keyboard/mouse audio line-out (rear) microphone TOSLINK USB 2.0 USB 3.1 Gen 1 USB-C Gen2 audio line-in audio line-out audio line-out (center/subwoofer) |
| Connector Type | mini-jack |
MISCELLANEOUS
| Product Type | motherboard |
| Included Accessories | Bluetooth / Wi-Fi module |
NETWORKING
| Data Link Protocol | Bluetooth 2.1
Bluetooth 2.1 EDR IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, Bluetooth 3.0 Bluetooth 4.0 Bluetooth 4.0 LE Bluetooth 4.2 Ethernet, Fast Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet IEEE 802.11a |
| Network Controller | Intel I211 / Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 |
| Network | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet |
AUDIO OUTPUT
| Compliant Standards | High Definition Audio |
| Type | sound card |
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALC1220 |
| Audio | High Definition Audio (8-channel) |
SUPPORTED RAM
| Bus Clock | 2400 MHz
2133 MHz 2667 MHz 2933 MHz (O.C.) 3200 MHz (O.C.) 3333 MHz (O.C.) 3466 MHz (O.C.) 3600 MHz (O.C.) 3066 MHz (O.C.) |
| Registered or Buffered | Unbuffered |
| Features | Quad channel memory architecture |
| Technology | DDR4 |
| Max Size | 128 GB |
| Supported RAM Integrity Check | ECC |
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
| Width | 12 in |
| Depth | 9.6 in |
SOFTWARE
| Software Included | MSI Command Center
MSI Gaming Hotkey MSI Gaming LAN Manager MSI Live Update MSI X-BOOST RAMdisk |
FEATURES
| BIOS Features | BIOS FlashBack+ |
| Hardware Features | NVIDIA 4-way SLI Technology Support
AMD 4-way CrossFireX technology support Clear CMOS Button MSI Gaming Device Port MSI Mystic Light MSI Steel Armor Game Boost LAN Protect 3D printing friendly MSI Audio Boost 4 MSI Military Class VI Nahimic 2+ Sound Technology 10+3 Phase Power Design |
Conclusion:
That’s it for our list of top best motherboards for TR2990WX and TR2970WX. We hope this list helps you to choose the right product for your next AMD Threadripper rig.
If there is any question or doubt popping on your head, feel free to contact us directly or comment down below. Please do subscribe to this blog for regular technical updates right in your inbox. Thank you, see you until next post!
