In this article, we are comparing AMD Threadripper 2 family of processors, namely, TR 2990WX vs TR 2970WX vs TR 2950X vs TR 2920X. But, before we get into the details, here is a quick introduction.
AMD’s 2nd gen Threadripper processors are well accepted by PC enthusiasts, as well as the markets. In fact, Threadripper 2990WX and TR2950X are now available to purchase on multiple online marketplaces and is doing pretty well. Moreover, the 2nd generation has a lot more to offer, and many other variations will be released soon as listed below:
- Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
- Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
- Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
- Ryzen Threadripper 2920X
Source: AMD
Today in this post, we will be discussing these 2nd gen processors and also compare them side by side with all the technical details and specs. To make sure that our readers get to understand these processors completely, we will cover all the important technical details and specifications. Moreover, we made sure to compare specs side by side wherever possible so you will get a better vision. So without any more delay, here we begin:
Also Read: AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990x vs 1950x
Common Technologies:
Source: AMD
Before we jump into comparing all the specs and technical details side by side for these 2nd gen Threadripper processors, let us discover some technologies AMD is offering in all 2nd gen ThreadRipper Ryzen processors:
“Zen+” Core Architecture:
- 52% improvement in instruction processed per clock compared to previous gen processors
- With Zen+ architecture, these are the first ever processors built on 12nm process node
- The architecture offers two threads per core with SMT
- Micro-op smart cache technology, with up to 20mb unified cache
- Dual AES security units
- Performance-boosting MHz boost technology
- FinFET transistors with impressive efficiency
AMD SenseMI Technology:
- Machine intelligence technology, helping the processors to adapt with your applications
- Extended Frequency Range 2 (XFR 2), Extended Frequency Range (XFR) and Mobile Extended Frequency Range (mXFR) technologies
- Precision boost and precision Boost-2 technologies for smart optimization without interfering with ongoing tasks
- Performance enhancing Neural Net Prediction, pure power, and Smart Pre-Fetch technologies
AMD Ryzen Master Utility:
- Take most out of your processor with simple yet powerful OC utility offered by AMD itself, for their Ryzen Processors series
- Personalize performance to your taste as the processors are multiplier factory unlocked
- Save the customized configuration in four different profiles for different uses/applications. Customize performance for both CPU and integrated Radeon Vega Graphics and memory as well
- Optimize and tune performance to your choice, adjust active cores, manipulate integrated graphics frequency, adjust memory timings and much more
- System monitoring feature for displaying various hardware status, real-time monitoring, per clock histogram rates, monitoring temperature, etc
AMD ThreadRipper 2 TR 2990WX vs TR 2970WX vs TR 2950X vs TR 2920X Spec Comparison
After understanding all the performance-boosting technologies offered in these processors, now let us move to the comparison. Following are some tables and description highlighting all the major differences between these two processors. Have a look:
Foundation:
Specification | ThreadRipper 2990WX | ThreadRipper 2970WX | ThreadRipper 2950X | ThreadRipper 2920X |
Product Family | AMD Ryzen Processor Family | AMD Ryzen Processor Family | AMD Ryzen Processor Family | AMD Ryzen Processor Family |
Product Line | AMD Ryzen ThreadRipper Processors | AMD Ryzen ThreadRipper Processors | AMD Ryzen ThreadRipper Processors | AMD Ryzen ThreadRipper Processors |
Platform | Desktop | Desktop | Desktop | Desktop |
OPN Tray | YD299XAZUIHAF | YD299XAZUIHAF | YD295XA8UGAAF | YD292XA8UC9AF |
OPN PIB | YD299XAZAFWOF | – | – | – |
Launch Date | 13th August 2018 | Expected in October 2018 | 31st August 2018 | Expected in October 2018 |
Starting with the basic things first, all of these processors are meant for the mainstream desktop platform. They are 2nd gen installment in AMD Ryzen family and into the Threadripper product line. All of them will be shipped in OEMs trays. Unlike boxed processors, these are sold in bulk to computer package builders and then sold to consumers (not sure if it makes any difference). TR 2990WX and TR 2950X are already released where rest of the two are expected to be available on online stores next month.
General:
Specification | ThreadRipper 2990WX | ThreadRipper 2970WX | ThreadRipper 2950X | ThreadRipper 2920X |
Number of Cores | 32 | 24 | 16 | 12 |
Number of Threads | 64 | 48 | 32 | 24 |
Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3 GHz | 3.5 GHz | 3.5 GHz |
Max Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 4.3 GHz |
Total L1 Cache | 3 MB | 2.25 MB | 1.5 MB | 1.125 MB |
Total L2 Cache | 16 MB | 12 MB | 8 MB | 6 MB |
Total L3 Cache | 64 MB | 64 MB | 32 MB | 32 MB |
Over-Clocking Support | Yes
Factor Unlocked |
Yes
Factory Unlocked |
Yes
Factory Unlocked |
Yes
Factory Unlocked |
CMOS | 12 nm | 12 nm | 12 nm | 12 nm |
Package | sTR4 | sTR4 | sTR4 | sTR4 |
PCIe Version | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
Default TDP / TDP | 250 Watts | 250 Watts | 180 Watts | 180 Watts |
Max Operating Temperature | 68 Degree
Celsius |
68 Degree
Celsius |
68 Degree
Celsius |
68 Degree
Celsius |
Our Take
You can already see all the specs and technical details in the table above so let us not get into that here. It is pretty surprising that TR 2970WX delivers the same base and boosted frequency as TR 2990WX. The difference between cores and threads offered will definitely impact the performance.
However, we can entitle TR 2970WX as a budget replacement for TR 2990WX. They consume the same amount of power, heat signature is also identical, both processors have manufactured over 12 nm lithography process and supports PCIe 3.0. The difference between cache is not THAT BIG as well.
Same goes for the ThreadRipper 2950X and ThreadRipper 2920X. They differ in threads and cores. Their base frequency is 3.5GHz. However, TR 2950X does slightly better on boosted frequency. The same offer amount of level 3 cache and the difference between level 1 and level 2 cache is a novice.
Considering their heat signature on peak performance moments and power consumption, these two 2nd gen AMD ThreadRipper processors are almost identical, except the number of threads and cores offered.
What we conclude from this available data that if you are already going for either ThreadRipper 2990WX or 2950X, then we highly recommend to wait for a couple of more weeks for the release of 2970WX and 2920X.
If the performance gap between these two respective pairs turns out to be novice then you can save a few bucks on your next big rig.
Memory Configuration:
Specification | ThreadRipper 2990WX | ThreadRipper 2970WX | ThreadRipper 2950X | ThreadRipper 2920WX |
System Memory Specification | 2933 MHz | 2933 MHz | 2933 MHz | 2933 MHz |
System Memory Type | DDR4 | DDR4 | DDR4 | DDR4 |
Memory Channels | 4 Channels | 4 Channels | 4 Channels | 4 Channels |
Supported Technologies:
ThreadRipper 2990WX | ThreadRipper 2970WX | ThreadRipper 2950X | ThreadRipper 2920X |
The Zen Core Architecture
AMD Sense MI Technology AMD Ryzen Master Utility |
The Zen Core Architecture
AMD Sense MI Technology AMD Ryzen Master Utility |
The Zen Core Architecture
AMD Sense MI Technology AMD Ryzen Master Utility |
The Zen Core Architecture
AMD Sense MI Technology AMD Ryzen Master Utility |
The table above implies that the memory configuration is similar for all the processors and they all support 2933 MHz frequency on all four memory channels supporting DDR4 memory modules.
However, the memory performance will be different in for all four processors based on overall performance of the system and its potential to squeeze most out of memory module.
As we discussed at the beginning of the post, all of these four processors offer the same performance-enhancing technologies such as Zen core architecture, SenseMI technology, Ryzen Master Overclocking, and monitoring utility, etc.
Conclusion:
That’s for the specs comparison of Ryzen 2nd gen ThreadRipper processors. Since they are pretty new in the market and only two of them are released, there is no solid benchmark detail available. However, we will make sure to keep you up to date with any new detail and information about these processors. For now, if there are any doubts or suggestions, comment down below and let us know. Make sure you subscribe to this blog for regular tech content like this. See you until next post, Thank You!