Preview: Unboxing Threadripper 2950X & 2990WX - Sneak preview on Ryzen Threadripper

A Sneak preview on Ryzen Threadripper Gen2 processors
A meet & greet with Ryzen Threadripper 2950X and 2990WX

It's is not exactly a secret that AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X and 2990WX reviews will go live, however, to fill that gap in time AMD has allowed the media to show some photos of the press-kits they have sent out.

Join us in a sneak preview of what AMD has shipped out to us for review. AMD will be launching four, I repeat four new Threadripper processors. For its first launch, the beast to rule it all is the 32-core 2990WX. And you may double the numbers up as all these procs are SMT and thus hyper-threaded, meaning you get 64 threads to run. These puppies are fully unlocked and seat themselves onto the new Socket sTR4 (4094 pins!). In this sneak preview we do just that, show you some of the goods that AMD has shipped in towards us for the review next week. 

AMD Processor	Architecture	Cores	Threads	Frequency base/XFR	TDP	USD
Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX	Pinnacle Ridge	32	64	3.0 - 4.2 GHz	250W	1799
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	899
Ryzen Threadripper 1950X	Summit Ridge	16	32	3.7 - 4.0 GHz	180W	999
Ryzen Threadripper 2920X	Pinnacle Ridge	12	24	3.5 - 4.3 GHz	180W	649
Ryzen Threadripper 1920X	Summit Ridge	12	24	3.5 - 4.0 GHz	180W	799
Ryzen Threadripper 1900X	Summit Ridge	8	16	3.8 - 4.0 GHz	140W	549

So, as you may already have noticed it, two out of the four newly announced Threadripper Generation 2 processors carry a WX suffix. WX is also used in AMD's PRO series product line. Basically, anything upwards up to and including 16 cores will carry the X suffix, with the 24 and 32 core versions having that WX suffix for designers and creators. Based on 12nm ZEN+ Pinnacle Ridge dies, there will be four generation-2 SKUs, the 2990WX with up-to 32 (32c/64t) , the 2970WX (24c/48t), the 2950X (16c/32t) and the 2920X with (12c/24t).

The new WX series, yes with its 24 cores and 48 threads for the 2970X and then, we spot that beast, the 32-core 2990WX processor with its staggering 64-threads, which is unprecedented in the SOHO and consumer class. Let me quickly add that drop in compatibility is confirmed, existing X399 motherboards will work with a BIOS firmware update. The four models will be released gradually over the coming months. So what will AMD be releasing Threadripper gen2 wise?

• Ryzen Threadripper 2920X
  This is a 12 core part with 24 threads. The maximum turbo frequency will be 4.3 GHz, and it has a base frequency of 3.5 GHz. This processor is to be priced at 649 USD. This processor under full stress has a 180 Watt TDP.
• Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
  The second gen 16 more part with 32-threads will run a turbo frequency of 4.4 GHz(!) with a base clock of 3.5 GHz, this will go for 899 USD. This processor under full stress has a 180 Watt TDP.
• Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
  Advancing in cores we now reach a 24 core part with 48 threads. Here the maximum turbo frequency will be 4.2 GHz with a base clock of 3.0 GHz, this is a 1299 USD SKU. This processor under full stress has a 250 Watt TDP.
• Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
  You have reached your final destination, for this review - The 2990WX has no less than 32 cores and 64-threads. The proc has a 4.2 GHz turbo allowance and runs a 3.0 GHz base clock. This massively manycore product will be sold for 1799 USD, which is 56 USD per core. This processor under full stress has a 250 Watt TDP.

So whenever a company starts to send out stuff in multiple boxes ... and dresses up thing, you know the launch is important to them. AMD is going big on these processors, including the review kit.

 
Right, it is a nearly shameful amount of hardware to receive and fool around with but there you go, AMD is announcing four procs this month, two will get reviewed, starting with the 2950X and 2990WX. 

 
There will also be a number of updates on X399 motherboards. Most manufacturers will release a new motherboard, however, ASUS will not, they, will release a small VRM cooling kit, basically, a heatsink as the original design of the motherboard had a spot of its VRM uncovered and slash not properly cooled. And if you go with a 32 core processor, you really want your bases covered right? We'll talk a bit more about the two X399 motherboards supplied for the reviews on the next pages though.

 
Threadripper Gen2 will get new packaging. Last years release apparently was a bit confusing for some consumers to unpack. This is a box, with inside it a box holding the processor.
 

  So the procs aren't the only thing delivered, AMD, however, delivers a complete kit including:

• Ryzen Threadripper 2950X and 2990WX
• Updated Asus X399 Zenith Motherboard
• MSI MEG X399 Creation
• 4 x 8GB G-Skill 3200 MHz 14-14-14-34.
• Wraith ripper luminous air cooler (Cooler Master)
• Enermax 240mm LIQTech LCS kit

On the next page, we'll do some unboxing of the processors and have a look at them up, close and personal.