AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X and 9970X:
Let’s start with the presentation of the two stars of the day, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X and the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X. These are the boxed versions we’ve received, with a dress code that’s very much in the spirit of AMD, with orange and gray accents. For the PRO versions, the color code should be gray and silver. None of these processors comes with a bundled cooling solution . This is quite logical, since it will be necessary to opt for AIO-type cooling as advised by AMD to keep them nice and cool, or to opt for a custom cooling loop, as will be the case in our test.
Threadripper 9000X (non PRO):
The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9000X range currently comprises three processors with 24, 32 and 64 cores. The Threadripper 9000X processors will have a maximum of 8 CCDs, while the PRO models will have a maximum of 12. As we said in the introduction, the consumer AMD Ryzen Threadripper range will include versions 9980X, 9970X and 9960X.
The top-of-the-range model, the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X, features 64 cores and 128 threads, a 256 MB L3 cache, a 64 MB L2 cache and a TDP of 350 watts. Boost frequency is up to 5.4 GHz. Our other sample, the Ryzen Treadripper 9970X, features 32 cores and 64 threads. The L3 cache is 128 MB, the L2 cache 32 MB, but with a TDP of 350 watts. As for its Boost frequency, it can reach 5.4 GHz.
In the box, at the rear of the processor and well protected in a foam block, we find the orange tool needed to unlock the sTR5 socket on Ryzen Threadripper-compatible motherboards. The other element is a support for the Asetek waterblocks/pump. The Ryzen Threadripper processor is slid into an orange plastic holder. As we’ll see when installing the processor in the socket of the ASUS Pro WS TRX50-Sage Wi-Fi, this is a very important component.
As far as prices are concerned, AMD has announced a price of $4,999 for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X and $2,499 for the Ryzen Threadripper 9970X. Good news, since the prices of these Threadripper 9000X are identical to those of the 7000X generation. As you’ll have gathered, we’re not at all in the same price bracket as the processors we usually test
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Chipset: no change!
Despite the arrival of this new generation of Threadripper, AMD has kept the same socket, the sTR5, as well as the chipsets already available for the previous generation. The first, the WRX90, is clearly aimed at professionals, while the TRX50 will accommodate non-pro Threadrippers, but not only! In fact, the sTR5 socket on TRX50 motherboards can also accommodate PRO CPUs.
Now let’s take a look at the components we received from AMD France for this test.
