AMD Launches Threadripper 3 with the 3970X and 3960X Processors

Besides just announcing the Ryzen 9 3950X, and also made their Threadripper 3 lineup official. These processor are specially made for AMD’s high-end desktop (HEDT) platform, and AMD will be launching with two models, the Threadripper 3960X and the Threadripper 3970X. These will be based on the new sTRX4 CPU socket and will be launching alongside the new AMD TRX40 chipset. The socket is very similar to the previous TR4 socket as such older TR4 coolers will be compatible with the new socket. For those wondering these new processors will not be backwards compatible with older AMD X399 motherboards and older Threadripper models will not work on TRX40 chipset motherboards.

Starting with the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X, this is a 24-core, 48-thread part with a base frequency of 3.80 GHz and a 4.50 MHz maximum boost clock. It has a total cache of 140MB (L2+L3). This chip will be priced at $1399, which is actually same the price as the previous generation 24-core Threadripper 2970WX.

The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is a 32-core, 64-thread chip with a base clock of 3.70 GHz and a maximum boost clock of 4.50 GHz. It will have 144 MB of total cache (L2+L3). When it comes to pricing you’ll be able to pick this processor up for $1999. Both of these chips will be available November 25th.

AMD 3rd Gen Ryzen Threadripper CPU 1

AMD did show off a “performance preview” comparing both chips against Intel’s Core i9-9980XE 18-core, 32-thread processor showing that both will be considerably faster in many different applications.

AMD 3rd Gen Ryzen Threadripper CPU 2

It is interesting that we do not see a sub-$1000 Threadripper part this time around. Remember that Intel’s upcoming Core i9-10980XE 18-core, 32-thread processor will be priced at $979. It is possible that AMD will price-cut Threadripper 2 parts and encourage motherboard partners to discount X399 motherboards to make that option a viable option for the sub-$100 range. Also you have to think that they wouldn’t want to cannibalize the Ryzen 9 3950X which is priced at $749.

Here are some better photos of the packaging for the processors.

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3000 Packaging 1 1480x1480 AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3000 Packaging 2 1480x1480

The AMD TRX40 Platform

With these new Threadripper processor there is a new TRX40 chipset and motherboard platform. This platform will feature a quad-channel DDR4 memory interface that supports up to 2 TB of memory, including ECC support. There is also 64 PCI-Express gen 4 lanes. They are configured as follows:

– 48 lanes toward PCI-Express x16 slots (x16/x16/x16), which can be further segmented two x8 slots, each
– 8 lanes toward chipset-bus. That’s right, AMD is using an extra-wide PCI-Express 4.0 x8 pipe between the CPU and the TRX40 chipset
– 8 general purpose lanes, either configured as two M.2 NVMe slots with x4 wiring, each, or as x4 motherboard slots, or even additional SATA ports

AMD 3rd Gen Ryzen Threadripper CPU TRX40 Chipset

The AMD TRX40 chipset is very much similar to AMD’s X570 chipset and has been designed in-house by AMD. It was built by GlobalFoundries 12nm FinFET node.

About Author