Thursday, July 18th 2019
AMD 3rd Gen Threadripper Coming This October to Take on Intel's New HEDT Lineup?
AMD is planning to surprise Intel by unveiling its 3rd generation Ryzen Threadripper HEDT (high-end desktop) processor lineup around the same time Intel launches its 10th generation Core "Cascade Lake-X" processor and the "Glacial Falls" HEDT platform, according to sources in the motherboard industry, speaking with DigiTimes. We're fairly sure the sources aren't referring to AMD's 16-core Ryzen 9 3950X processor, because it has already been announced and will be available in September.
The 3rd generation Ryzen Threadripper will likely be a derivative of the company's "Rome" multi-chip module, and compatible with existing socket TR4 motherboards with a BIOS update, although a new chipset could also be launched to enable PCI-Express gen 4.0. AMD has the option to deploy up to 64 CPU cores across eight 7 nm "Zen 2" chiplets, while the 12 nm I/O controller die will be likely reconfigured for the HEDT platform with a monolithic 4-channel DDR4 memory interface and 64 PCIe gen 4.0 lanes. It's capable of 8 memory channels on the 2nd generation EPYC.
Source:
DigiTimes
The 3rd generation Ryzen Threadripper will likely be a derivative of the company's "Rome" multi-chip module, and compatible with existing socket TR4 motherboards with a BIOS update, although a new chipset could also be launched to enable PCI-Express gen 4.0. AMD has the option to deploy up to 64 CPU cores across eight 7 nm "Zen 2" chiplets, while the 12 nm I/O controller die will be likely reconfigured for the HEDT platform with a monolithic 4-channel DDR4 memory interface and 64 PCIe gen 4.0 lanes. It's capable of 8 memory channels on the 2nd generation EPYC.
38 Comments on AMD 3rd Gen Threadripper Coming This October to Take on Intel's New HEDT Lineup?
Once they are released we'll find out what the difference really is.
- using 4 chiplets with cores + 1 bigger I/O die (all models, unlike Gen 1 which had two disabled "dummies")
- 16, 24 and 32 cores ( 4x4, 6x4, 8x4 ), with SMT of course
- Quad-channel I/O die 100% compatible with existing TR4 socket - Can continue to use X399, and getting PCI-e 4.0 on all lanes that go straight to the CPU
- sustained all-core boost of 4.3 ghz, actually boosting to 4.7 (unlike 3900X which barely hits 4.5 while advertised as 4.6...) - ALL OF THEM.
(so the only differentiation will be core count)
- faster in every way than 3950X due to UMA on four channels, double the cache and a lot more thermal headroom coming from the massive package.
- Introduction of new X599 south-bridge with powerful I/O and all PCI-e 4.0 top to bottom
People are hoping for 8 chiplets but it ain't going to happen this time around... TRs will not be repurposed EPYCs anymore with some wires cut, but their own independent design.
Names and Prices (I'm sure I'll be completely off here):
- Ryzen Threadripper 3970X - 16c - $799 (but be aware that this uses half-disabled chiplets, the ones that didn't make it; Still has double the cache of 3950X)
- Ryzen Threadripper 3980X - 24c - $999
- Ryzen Threadripper 3990WX - 32c - $1499 (yep, lower price than 2990WX which will be phased out)
Also 4 chiplets for sure to offer 100% of the Mem write speed, that means 16C will have 128MB cache vs 64MB on 3950X, this with all the extra that X599 can offer will differentiate the AMD vs TR4.
Question is if the 32C will be 8 chiplet based with 256MB cache or 4 chiplet 128MB cache, this will be the most interesting TR 4000 CPU IMO.
Since AMD can play with cache config with different chiplet quantity- I believe that new TR line will be on 4XX0 since there is no room left in 3XX0 line after 3950X .
P.S: new TR part will be more expansive IMO:
16C $999
24C $1499
32C $1999
48C $3499
64C $4499
But the pricing you've put doesn't line up very well.
Why $250 extra for 16c? That's too much of a markup just for a bit of extra memory bandwidth, and higher than the launch price of 2950X without offering more cores ? Nah.
Also, 32c more expensive than what the previous gen launched ? That also doesn't make sense... judging by Ryzen 9 prices, which is 50% more cores for similar price.
So 32c would probably be at the launch price of 24c last gen, which is $1299 (up to a max of $1499)
That also makes 48c about the launch price of 2990WX, so $1799 to maximum $1999
And the "ultimate" 64c would be $2999 max, and that's a bit of a stretch.
Those would be somewhat "fair" prices (cost per core), continuing the line-up from 6 to 64 cores.
Your prices... NAH, no way. It's reaching Xeon Platinum levels, AMD won't do that.... they want marketshare, exposure... it won't come with a near five-thousand dollars CPU.
Also if AMD will use ROME I/O chiplet as Chipset then be ready for ~30~40W Chipset with massive cooling and super high prices for X599.
And 64C part will compete against $4500 XEON W-3275- so why not? AMD will be stupid if they price it lower.
ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/products/193752/intel-xeon-w-3275-processor-38-5m-cache-2-50-ghz.html
AMD 3920X 12/24 4.6 GHZ Base 5.0 GHZ boost $499
AMD 3950X 16/32 4.5 base with a 4.8 GHZ boost $699
AMD 3970X 24/48 4.3 base with 4.6 GHZ boost $799
AMD 3990X 32/64 4.2 base with 4.5 GHZ boost $999
AMD 3970WX 48/96 4.0 GHZ base 4.3 GHZ boost $1499
AMD 3990WX 64/128 3.8 GHZ base 4.0 boost $1999
Hopefully I am right.
It needs a review and a respin of production for that, but I'm almost convinced it's possible with a new revision.
AMD might call it Zen 2+
It's also possible that the new Threadripper will be on this Zen 2+, and not on the current design.
Announcement time... no earlier than end of year.