2nd Gen AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX and 2920X

You've probably read our Threadripper 2920X and 2970X reviews already yesterday, here is the official press release from AMD on the new many-core processors though. 

AMD announced availability of two additional 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen Threadripper processor models, 2970WX with 24 cores and 48 threads and the Ryzen Threadripper 2920X with 12 cores and 24 threads. The Ryzen Threadripper WX series commands class-leading core counts, purpose-built for prosumers focused on raw computational power for the heaviest workloads. In turn, Ryzen Threadripper X series provides enthusiasts, gamers, and streamers high performance with a beautiful and smooth gaming experience based on higher base and boost processor clock speeds than the previous generation.

“The dramatic transformation in the HEDT and overall PC market is driven by AMD leadership and innovation, and the AMD Ryzen Threadripper family is central to this global excitement,” said Saeid Moshkelani, senior vice president and general manager, Client Compute, AMD. “We are expanding this excitement while also ensuring the HEDT market remains accessible to a broader range of creators and gamers with two new Threadripper processors that start at $649*.”  

Powerhouse for Gaming & Creating

The 24 core/48 thread Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX processor and the 12 core/24 thread Ryzen Threadripper 2920X processor offer unprecedented multi-threading with up to 39% and 55%[ii] faster multi-threaded performance compared to the Core i9-7960X and Core i7-7820X respectively. Ryzen Threadripper 2920X also offers simultaneous 4K gaming and 4K30 at 40,000 Kilobit per second (Kbps)[iii] encoding, so gamers can stream their gameplay smoothly. 

Both the 2970WX and 2920X processors offer up to 32%[iv] faster performance in ray-tracing, and 60%[v] faster encryption for creators compared to the Core i9-7960X and Core i7-7820X respectively. 

New Features and Holiday Bundles

Designed specifically for Ryzen Threadripper WX processors, a key new feature is Dynamic Local Mode (DLM) software, which optimizes application performance by ensuring the most demanding threads always receive preferential time on cores with local memory. This feature is automatically configured by downloading AMD Ryzen™ Master on Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX or 2970WX systems*. Without requiring any user input, Dynamic Local Mode: 

• measures CPU time of active threads;
• ranks active threads from most to least demanding;
• automatically migrates the most demanding threads to dies with local memory access;
• accelerates lightly-threaded and latency sensitive apps without impact to heavy multi-threaded tasks. 

When enabled, Dynamic Local Mode results in an average of 15 percent additional performance[vi] for Ryzen Threadripper WX Series CPUs in select applications, including the SPECwpc™ benchmark and games like PUBG™, Far Cry® 5, and Alien: Isolation™. AMD also plans to open the feature up to even more users by including Dynamic Local Mode as a default package in forthcoming updates to AMD chipset drivers.  

All 2nd Gen Ryzen Threadripper CPUs are supported by a full ecosystem of exciting new motherboards as well as existing X399 platforms with a simple BIOS update, with designs already available from top motherboard manufacturers including ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte, and MSI. During the holiday 2018 period, these motherboard manufacturers are offering bundles starting from $199 when paired with Ryzen Threadripper CPUs. For more information on bundle programs, please visit the motherboard manufacturers’ websites.  

2nd Generation AMD Ryzen Threadripper Desktop Processor Line-up and Availability

Both the 24 core/48 thread Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX and 12 core/24 thread 2920X models are available today from global retailers. Exciting pre-built SI systems are available from various global partners, and a complete list of participating partners, retailers, and launch information can be found at https://www.amd.com/en/where-to-buy/threadripper-systems. 

Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition systems will now offer the 2nd Gen Ryzen Threadripper Edition processors. The new Alienware Area-51 with its iconic design will now include AMD's powerful 16-core Ryzen Threadripper 2950X and 12-core Ryzen Threadripper 2920X. In addition, Alienware will expand their Area 51 R7 portfolio to include the 8-core Ryzen Threadripper 1900X.   

"The partnership with AMD continues to thrive with the inclusion of the 2nd Gen Ryzen Threadripper CPU in our 12 and 16-core Alienware Area-51, our flagship Alienware desktop built for exceptional gaming performance with mega-tasking capabilities," said Frank Azor, Vice President and General Manager, Alienware, G Series, and XPS. "Following the success of the original AMD Threadripper edition, the 2nd Gen Ryzen Threadripper will continue to allow our community to game, stream and create with the performance and quality the Alienware brand represents."