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AMD's latest high-end CPU with the second generation of the Ryzen Threadripper is now properly announced with expected launch dates. AMD say all of these new processors are built on the 12nm "Zen+" core architecture, with support for the existing X399 motherboards although you will probably need a BIOS update.

Here's the specs they sent over:

  • AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ 2990WX - This is expected to be available around August 13th.
    • 32 cores and 64 threads.
    • 3.0GHz base and 4.2GHz boost.
    • TDP of 250W.
    • Price around $1,799.
  • AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ 2970WX - Should be available sometime in October.
    • 24 cores and 48 threads.
    • 3.0GHz base and 4.2GHz boost.
    • TDP of 250W.
    • Price around $1,299.
  • AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ 2950X - Should be available around August 31st.
    • 16 cores and 32 threads.
    • 3.5GHz base and 4.4GHz boost.
    • TDP of 180W.
    • Price around $899.
  • AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ 2920X - This model should be available in October.
    • 12 cores and 24 threads.
    • 3.5GHz base and 4.3GHz boost.
    • TDP of 180W.
    • Price around $649.

Absolute monsters. I can't imagine many gamers actually needing 32 cores right now! Even so, I wouldn't mind getting my hands on one of these, would be rather nice for rendering videos.

From the press release:

 All 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors support the SocketTR4 platform, sporting sixty-four PCIe® Gen 3.0 lanes, and quad channel DDR4 memory with ECC support. All 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen Threadripper CPUs are supported by a full ecosystem of new and existing X399 platforms at launch, with designs already available from top motherboard manufacturers including ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte, and MSI. Along with the broad selection of motherboards, the SocketTR4 platform supports a wide range of new and existing cooling solutions, including the new Wraith Ripper air-cooler showcased at Computex 2018. This cooler is now available from CoolerMaster and features compatibility with the SocketTR4 platform and all 1st Gen and 2nd Gen Ryzen Threadripper processors. 

Find out more on the AMD site. Press release online here.

Sounds like Phoronix will have benchmarks on Linux up soon, as they were sent by AMD to some tech event in Italy.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: AMD, Hardware
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14 comments

drlamb Aug 6, 2018
2990WX Here I come! It'll help me with training for my RHCA/other homelab stuff.

I don't NEED it...but I want it, which means I need it. I think a drug addiction would be cheaper at this point. :D

Edit: Pre-ordered!


Last edited by drlamb on 6 August 2018 at 2:20 pm UTC
cRaZy-bisCuiT Aug 6, 2018
Quoting: drlamb2990WX Here I come! It'll help me with training for my RHCA/other homelab stuff.

I don't NEED it...but I want it, which means I need it. I think a drug addiction would be cheaper at this point. :D

Edit: Pre-ordered!
Crazy you! (;
razing32 Aug 6, 2018
2000 for a CPU
Man , some people must be rich
axredneck Aug 6, 2018
Is this CPU really somehow related to Linux or gaming?
Alm888 Aug 6, 2018
Quoting: axredneckIs this CPU really somehow related to Linux or gaming?
Of course! You can run Steam™ games on it! :D
Liam Dawe Aug 6, 2018
Quoting: axredneckIs this CPU really somehow related to Linux or gaming?
As always, I write about things that interest me. It doesn't need to very specifically fit into the category of "simply must be about a Linux game".

We've written about hardware plenty of times before, reviewed a few things too. It's all part of the package.
ElectricPrism Aug 6, 2018
October eh? I have been waiting to go AMD on the CPU, I'm down hopefully they have some Mini ITX motherboards that kickass.
axredneck Aug 6, 2018
Quoting: liamdawe...
IMHO bying this CPU for gaming is a bit overkill...
14 Aug 7, 2018
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Quoting: drlamb2990WX Here I come! It'll help me with training for my RHCA/other homelab stuff.

I don't NEED it...but I want it, which means I need it. I think a drug addiction would be cheaper at this point. :D

Edit: Pre-ordered!
Ever heard of LinuxAcademy.com? Ha! I took the RHCE course there.

I might spec out a hypervisor build around the 2950X. It might be worth down sizing from a beefy 4U server I got from work.
drlamb Aug 7, 2018
Quoting: 14Ever heard of LinuxAcademy.com? Ha! I took the RHCE course there.

Yep! I studied for my rhcsa/ce on there. So glad I locked In my $200/year rate. So worth it.

This cpu is more than a cpu, it’s a part of my livelihood. I use it every day to help me earn money. That’s how I can justify it. Sure, it’s overkill for gaming but there’s a lot more that I do.


Last edited by drlamb on 7 August 2018 at 1:57 am UTC
MayeulC Aug 7, 2018
My 2700X has been a pretty solid upgrade over what I had before (though suspend isn't working, but it could be GPU-related), but it is the maximum I'm willing to pay for a CPU at this point.

That said, these CPUs look really good, and I wish I could afford one.

Quoting: ElectricPrismOctober eh? I have been waiting to go AMD on the CPU, I'm down hopefully they have some Mini ITX motherboards that kickass.

Isn't Micro ATX almost always better on most counts? My current build is a Micro ATX, by the way, but I've been disappointed by my Q300P's size and thermal management. Be careful with those 250 W.
drlamb Aug 7, 2018
Quoting: ElectricPrismOctober eh? I have been waiting to go AMD on the CPU, I'm down hopefully they have some Mini ITX motherboards that kickass.

You'd have to go Ryzen 7 with itx as the threadripper (TR4) socket is way too big to fit onto an itx board. The smallest you can go with TR is matx and the x399M Taichi currently, though you lose four ram slots.
Luke_Nukem Aug 9, 2018
Quoting: axredneck
Quoting: liamdawe...
IMHO bying this CPU for gaming is a bit overkill...

Well, you could run quite a few games at once with it.
Audi Aug 13, 2018
Quoting: Luke_Nukem
Quoting: axredneck
Quoting: liamdawe...
IMHO bying this CPU for gaming is a bit overkill...

Well, you could run quite a few games at once with it.

Or tons of game servers for all your favorite games.
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