A Closer Look

Much like the rest of the Ryzen Threadripper 2000-series, the Threadripper 2970WX comes in a lunchbox-sized hard case with paperboard frills that show off the huge processor inside. As we observed in our recent Core i9-9900K review, such packaging may look good on a store shelf, but is quite pointless.


There's no cooler included with the processor. You use your own TR4 or SP3r2-compatible cooler that can handle thermal loads of at least 250 W, which usually means "watercooling." Two very important accessories are part of the package: a screwdriver for the double-square socket screws that hold the TR4 retention brace in place and an adapter that lets you use Asetek-made, round AIO pump-blocks. Don't lose the screwdriver because unlike Intel LGA sockets, the only way you can open the TR4 socket is by undoing those socket screws. This tool has also been calibrated for the ideal screw tension of the socket, so simply keep turning it until it clicks.


The Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX is huge! When viewed from the top, the package is as big as a credit card. Thank goodness AMD decided to make this package an LGA, or good luck trying to find a bent pin in a 4,094-pin PGA.


As you can see, the orange plastic bracket is needed to mount the processor into the TR4 socket. It works to increase the surface area of the indented portion of the IHS, so the metal retention brace can hold the processor in place. It's a critical component and not packaging material, so don't discard it. You'll also notice that only screws hold the brace down; there's no lever-hinge mechanism like on Intel sockets.