The Ryzen Threadripper 1920X is one of the first CPUs from AMD for the HEDT (High-End Desktop) segment, with 12 cores, 24 threads, 3.5 GHz base clock, 3.7 GHz turbo clock and 32 MiB L3 cache. Let’s see how fast is it.
For many years Intel had no competitors in the HEDT market, which is aimed on professional users that do image and video rendering, video encoding, scientific computing, among other applications that demand high computational power. However, a few days ago AMD launched a new lineup of CPUs for this segment, called Ryzen Threadripper.
Until now, there were two models launched: the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X (16 cores, 32 threads, 3.4 GHz base clock and 3.7 GHz turbo clock) and the Ryzen Threadripper 1920X (12 cores, 24 threads, 3.5 GHz base clock, 3.7 GHz turbo clock.) These CPUs use the new TR4 socket and support four memory channels, 64 PCI Express 3.0 lanes, 512 kiB of L2 cache per core and 16 MiB of L3 cache for each die.
Internally, the Ryzen Threadripper CPU is made with two dies (or chips), each one similar to a Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 5 CPU. Each die has two CCX (core complex), and each CCX has up to four processing cores.
The Ryzen Threadripper 1920X uses two dies, each one with 3+3 configuration (one disabled core on each CCX), for a total of 12 cores. Thanks to the SMT (simultaneous multi-threading) technology, each core is seen by the operating system as two logical cores (threads), what results on the 24 threads.
The first TR4 motherboards for Ryzen Threadripper CPUs use the X399 chipset and offer four DDR4 memory channels (officially up to 2,666 MHz) and, usually, four PCI Express 3.0 x16 for video cards, which is possible thanks to the 64 PCI Express lanes provided by the CPU. Typical slot configuration is x16/x8/x16/x8, since some lanes are used by M.2 slots.
The Ryzen Threadripper 1920X has a TDP of 180 W. Besides its 3.5 GHz base clock and 3.7 GHz turbo clock on all cores, there is a 4.0 GHz boost clock when there are up to four active cores and a XFR clock of 4.2 GHz, activated when there are up to four active cores and the processor sensors detect that there is more thermal room to boost the CPU.
Costing USD 799, the Threadripper 1950X has no direct competitor, being positioned between the Core i9-7900X from Intel (click here to read the review), that costs USD 999, and the Core i7-7820X, that costs USD 599. So, in our tests we compared the Ryzen Threadripper 192X to the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X and to the Core i9-7900X.. We also included in the comparison the Core i7-7740X (review) and the Ryzen 7 1700X (read review here). Keep in mind, however, that these two models cost a lot less, and are not competitors to the Threadripper 1920X.
Figure 1 shows the package of the Ryzen Threadripper 1920X, next to the 1950X’s. It’s a big foam package.
Figure 1: Ryzen Threadripper package
Figure 2 shows the package open, unveiling the content: a second package (plastic) that holds the CPU, a liquid cooling solution adapter frame, a Torx screwdriver, two case stickers and a small manual.
Figure 2: box contents
Opening the second package, we reach the Ryzen Threadripper 1920X CPU.
Figure 3: the Ryzen Threadripper 1920X
Figure 4 shows the bottom of the CPU. On this processor, AMD adopted the LGA system (like used by Intel), where the pins are located on the socket, not on the CPU.
Figure 4: underside of the Threadripper 1920X
We used a GeForce GTX 1080 video card on all tests.
On the next page, we will see how to install this CPU on the motherboard.
Continue: Socket TR4 installation
