Thursday, August 29th 2019
AMD Readies Three HEDT Chipsets: TRX40, TRX80, and WRX80
AMD is preparing to surprise Intel with its 3rd generation Ryzen Threadripper processors derived from the "Rome" MCM (codenamed "Castle Peak" for the client-platform), that features up to 64 CPU cores, a monolithic 8-channel DDR4 memory interface, and 128 PCIe gen 4.0 lanes. For the HEDT platform, AMD could reconfigure the I/O controller die for two distinct sub-platforms within HEDT - one targeting gamers/enthusiasts, and another targeting the demographic that buys Xeon W processors, including the W-3175X. The gamer/enthusiast-targeted processor line could feature a monolithic 4-channel DDR4 memory interface, and 64 PCI-Express gen 4.0 lanes from the processor socket, and additional lanes from the chipset; while the workstation-targeted processor line could essentially be EPYCs, with a wider memory bus width and more platform PCIe lanes; while retaining drop-in backwards-compatibility with AMD X399 (at the cost of physically narrower memory and PCIe I/O).
To support this diverse line of processors, AMD is coming up with not one, but three new chipsets: TRX40, TRX80, and WRX80. The TRX40 could have a lighter I/O feature-set (similar to the X570), and probably 4-channel memory on the motherboards. The TRX80 and WRX80 could leverage the full I/O of the "Rome" MCM, with 8-channel memory and more than 64 PCIe lanes. We're not sure what differentiates the TRX80 and WRX80, but we believe motherboards based on the latter will resemble proper workstation boards in form-factors such as SSI, and be made by enterprise motherboard manufacturers such as TYAN. The chipsets made their way to the USB-IF for certification, and were sniffed out by momomo_us. ASUS is ready with its first motherboards based on the TRX40, the Prime TRX40-Pro, and the ROG Strix TRX40-E Gaming.
Source:
momomo_us (Twitter)
To support this diverse line of processors, AMD is coming up with not one, but three new chipsets: TRX40, TRX80, and WRX80. The TRX40 could have a lighter I/O feature-set (similar to the X570), and probably 4-channel memory on the motherboards. The TRX80 and WRX80 could leverage the full I/O of the "Rome" MCM, with 8-channel memory and more than 64 PCIe lanes. We're not sure what differentiates the TRX80 and WRX80, but we believe motherboards based on the latter will resemble proper workstation boards in form-factors such as SSI, and be made by enterprise motherboard manufacturers such as TYAN. The chipsets made their way to the USB-IF for certification, and were sniffed out by momomo_us. ASUS is ready with its first motherboards based on the TRX40, the Prime TRX40-Pro, and the ROG Strix TRX40-E Gaming.
55 Comments on AMD Readies Three HEDT Chipsets: TRX40, TRX80, and WRX80
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Ultra high end chipset reminds me of these
...considering the X570 Crosshair VIII Formula is $700. ;)
But, it's HEDT, gotta pay to play if you need all those cores! :)
Better yet tr and epyc on same exact platform
I'm not sure what flexibility has to do with it. You don't need to sell me on the merits of the platform. But if it is used primarily for gaming, it seems like a 3900x or 3950x with its presumably higher clocks.
More memory channels aren't going to do much for the average user. With any HEDT platform, making sure it can be UTILIZED (not used) and it will be worth it outside of simply bragging rights. :)
EDIT: It seems it would be cheaper to go 3900x/3950x and X570 than to jump into HEDT. Faster clocks, cheaper entry... again it comes down to being able to use the features and not simply brag about it. :)
I want to agree with the 3900X and 3950x for gaming but those chips are and will be expensive and hard to come by. In terms of flexible, look at it this way would you buy a 2950X and TR40 MB for a combined $1000 or a 3950X and X570 for $1300 CAD. To me that is just common sense as the performance improvement does not outweigh the increased MB features.
A 3900x is less expensive than a 2950X. Again, it comes down to needs. 99% of people here cannot use/utilize 12c/24t CPU, so why go more if it can't be used? Higher clocks (good for gaming), lower power use... So, yeah, I would stick with the mainstream platform unless I could actually use it. 8-channel memory and more than 12c/24t isn't worth it for 99% of people.
Your confidence is misplaced. The 3950x is priced at $749 while the 2950X is $900. The 2920x is $649. The 3950x has higher boost clocks by "up to" 300 MHz (400 MHz over 2920X). So while it will be $100 cheaper on the CPU, the cost to enter the platform will be a bit higher due to the board and quad channel RAM as a 'requirement' (much more if you go TR80 and octo channel). The clocks are lower... I don't see the point or benefit.
www.amazon.ca/AMD-Threadripper-24-Thread-Processor-YD292XA8AFWOF/dp/B07JDF4QP2/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=2920x&qid=1567088838&s=gateway&sr=8-1
www.amazon.ca/AMD-Ryzen-3900X-16-thread-processor/dp/B07SXMZLP9/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=3900X&qid=1567088876&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Also quad channel is not a requirement I have been able to boot X399 with 1 and 2 sticks of RAM used.