AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX review

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Product Showcase - Ryzen processor & Installation

Product Showcase

Right, it is time to have a closer look at what is inside that packaging. Let's have a peek, we've received a 2950X (16-core) and 2990WX (32-core) Threadripper. Yeah, not your average boxed processor in a box eh?


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Last year the packaging needed to be "ripped" open. Confusing for some, this round it's a very nicely designed box which latches open pretty much like a Tupperware box.
 

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Once you opened up the package and worked your way towards the processor you'll spot a number of things. The proc, an Asetek mounting bracket compatible with most Asetek LCS kits, manual and a Torx wrench so that you can mount the socket screws secure with precisely the right amount of pressure. Nothing here is like Intel is going with their drop-in design, the chances that installing your Threadripper is a risky thing, are very slim. 
 

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So here you have the new flagship 2990X of them, this is the 250W based 32-core / 64-threaded Threadripper beast. That orange retention clip stays on there as it slips into the processor socket mounting system.
  

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Underneath that heat spreader are four binned dies housed, AMD selects the top 5% dies and uses them for Threadripper Gen2. Obviously, AMD is using the 32-core / 4 die EPYC package. Once again, the heat spreader has been soldered, so unlidding isn't recommended.

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Included with the AMD kit (and retail kits) is a Torx tool/wrench. It is very easy to use and prevents you from over applying too much force while securing the Threadripper processor. 

 
 

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Basically, open up the slot and remove a plastic placeholder, then slide in the CPU, then push down the cover and it'll stick in the position you need it to be. 
 

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On that socket, you'll notice 1-2 and 3 at the screws. You start at 1, tie it a bit. Then 2 and 3. Then secure it in that 1-2-3 setup. The Torx wrench will apply just the right amount of pressure. Once seated you obviously want to apply some cooling. Since we'll start off with the 32-core version, we're going for liquid cooling.


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Apply some thermal grease, I opt a bit in the middle and a drop at roughly the die locations. That methodology never failed me. Don't be shy with thermal paste, it's a big surface area to cover.
 

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