The Threadripper Gen2 Processor Series
Threadripper Pinnacle Ridge
Being part of the Ryzen family, Threadripper processors are just that; CPUs based upon Ryzen architecture. While a lot of IO changes have been made to facilitate it, basically on-die you'll spot up-to four 8-core Ryzen processors, much like the Ryzen 7 2700X has two CCxes, each with four cores. When we go all the way back to one CCX, each of them have 4 cores enabled. For the 12-core parts that means per 4-core cluster (CCX), one core is disabled and that means these processors are set up in a 6+6+6+6 (12+12) fashion. Other than that, again, these are physically similar to the 8-core Ryzen design, it is the very same die that is used, however, binned for high performance. Last year's eight-core ZEN architecture was called 'Summit Ridge', the updated revision 12nm Zen+ series dies got the development name 'Pinnacle Ridge'. In April 2018, AMD now launched new SKUs in the Ryzen 2000 series. Among them, the Ryzen 7 2700 and 2700X. The 2000 numbering in the series is obviously a euphemism and recognition point for generation 2 of the Zen architecture-based processors, now called Zen+. AMD is using the top 5% of binned ASICs. So as the 8-core Ryzen die is similar, that also means and invokes corresponding caches. And before you ask, yes, Threadripper processors are all SMT threaded (the acronym is Hyper-threading) and yes, you get that sweet unlocked multiplier as well. For the Ryzen Threadripper series, processors up-to 16 cores have a 180W TDP and, up to 32 cores, a 250 Watt TDP.
The Ryzen processor family
On the market, you will spot Ryzen series 3, 5, 7 and now Threadripper processors. It’s plain and simple and, as always, that works out as the best way to understand product positioning compared to the Intel line-up. We’ll go into more detail on the next few pages, of course.
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Processor | Architecture | Cores | Threads | Frequency base/XFR | TDP | USD |
| Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | Pinnacle Ridge | 32 | 64 | 3.0 - 4.2 GHz | 250W | 1979 |
| Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | Pinnacle Ridge | 24 | 48 | 3.0 - 4.2 GHz | 250W | 1299 |
| Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | Pinnacle Ridge | 16 | 32 | 3.5 - 4.4 GHz | 180W | 1189 |
| Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | Summit Ridge | 16 | 32 | 3.7 - 4.0 GHz | 180W | 898 |
| Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | Pinnacle Ridge | 12 | 24 | 3.5 - 4.3 GHz | 180W | 589 |
| Ryzen Threadripper 1920X | Summit Ridge | 12 | 24 | 3.5 - 4.0 GHz | 180W | 488 |
| Ryzen Threadripper 1900X | Summit Ridge | 8 | 16 | 3.8 - 4.0 GHz | 140W | 389 |
| Ryzen 7 1800X | Summit Ridge | 8 | 16 | 3.6 - 4.1 GHz | 95W | 499 |
| Ryzen 7 2700X | Pinnacle Ridge | 8 | 16 | 3.7 - 4.3 GHz | 105W | 378 |
| Ryzen 7 1700X | Summit Ridge | 8 | 16 | 3.4 - 3.9 GHz | 95W | 399 |
| Ryzen 7 2700 | Pinnacle Ridge | 8 | 16 | 3.2 - 4.1 GHz | 65W | 312 |
| Ryzen 7 1700 | Summit Ridge | 8 | 16 | 3.0 - 3.75 GHz | 65W | 329 |
| Ryzen 5 2600X | Pinnacle Ridge | 6 | 12 | 3.6 - 4.2 GHz | 95W | 262 |
| Ryzen 5 1600X | Summit Ridge | 6 | 12 | 3.6 - 4.1 GHz | 95W | 249 |
| Ryzen 5 2600 | Pinnacle Ridge | 6 | 12 | 3.4 - 3.9 GHz | 65W | 187 |
| Ryzen 5 1600 | Summit Ridge | 6 | 12 | 3.2 - 3.7 GHz | 65W | 219 |
| Ryzen 5 1500X | Summit Ridge | 4 | 8 | 3.5 - 3.8 GHz | 65W | 189 |
| Ryzen 5 2400G | Raven Ridge | 4 | 8 | 3.6 - 3.9 GHz | 65W | 169 |
| Ryzen 5 1400 | Summit Ridge | 4 | 8 | 3.2 - 3.45 GHz | 65W | 169 |
| Ryzen 3 1300X | Summit Ridge | 4 | 4 | 3.2 - 3.9 GHz | 65W | 129 |
| Ryzen 3 2200G | Raven Ridge | 4 | 4 | 3.5 - 3.7 GHz | 65W | 99 |
| Ryzen 3 1200 | Summit Ridge | 4 | 4 | 3.1 - 3.45 GHz | 65W | 109 |
Unlocked & loaded
Let me again make it clear, all Threadripper processors are unlocked. The motherboards need a chipset that is unlocked as well though, but the X399 covers all of that. Be warned though, all-core overclocks on so many cores... let's just say we advise you to stick to proper water-cooling and let XFR2 do its thing. Nonetheless, we'll look into a bit of tweaking later on in this article of course.
Precision Boost 2 and XFR2
The X and WX models are a little more special in the sense that they will have a higher base and boost clock frequency as well as extended frequency range (XFR). Basically, you have precision boost, your standard turbos that each of the cores can handle. However, on top of that is XFR, if the processor is under optimal conditions like (for example) liquid cooling, it may clock a bit higher than your maximum turbo clock frequency. It isn't just temperatures though, X model processors are binned. This means that the processors are tested on ASIC quality and then sorted from good to better and often will clock higher on the XFR range and yes, X models could also be more easy to tweak as well. ZEN+ based CPUs will feature Precision Boost 2 and XFR 2, both are improved to offer better performance, specifically in tasks that have several light threads, games for example! You all know what the media wrote about 1080p performance last year. This is such an example where AMD could benefit from XFR2. Intel has had the lead in some game titles, mostly due to higher frequencies with its CPUs. Precision Boost 2 should help Ryzen processors to perform better in tasks that have several light threads, such as games. XFR2 is now available on all CPU cores, rewarding you with up to 15% more boost performance.
Improved DDR4 memory support
The new Threadripper generation 2 processors obviously offer quad-channel support. The motherboards can be paired with 8 DIMMs set up in a single, dual and quad channel configuration. AMD will support the standard JEDEC SPD timings and frequencies at 2133/2400/2667 and now also 2933 MHz. That's standard reference JEDEC configurations, motherboard manufacturers will support 3200 MHz and higher frequencies. But that will solely be dependent on the motherboard partners. While that is not in the same ballpark as what Intel is doing, a nice 2933/3200 MHz kit with CL16 latency would certainly be sufficient for all your bandwidth needs. All Ryzen processors really like fast memory, hence we recommend 2933 or 3200 MHz single rank CL14 kits.
