AMD · Threadripper

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

Released November 2019

A 32-core Zen 2 desktop processor for sTRX4, with quad-channel DDR4 memory, 128 MB L3 cache and PCIe 4.0.

Model history · 2 models, 2018–2019

2018Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX Compare
2019Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

Cores: 32/64
Boost: 4.5 GHz
L3: 128 MB
Power: 280 W
Socket: sTRX4

Unlocked

What reviewers say

Reviewers found outstanding rendering and heavily threaded performance, with a more balanced design than the 2990WX. PCIe 4.0 and generous expansion support suited demanding workstations. Its high platform cost was easier to justify for work that used all thirty-two cores, while gaming results varied and cheaper mainstream processors remained more suitable for gaming-only PCs.

From techspot.com and pcworld.com

Specifications

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Cores and clocks

Cores: 32
Threads: 64
Base clock: 3.7 GHz
Boost clock: 4.5 GHz
L3 cache: 128 MB
Cores: Castle Peak; Zen 2 architecture; boxed product ID 100-100000011WOF. Requires sTRX4/TRX40, incompatible with sTR4/X399 motherboards. AMD confirms worldwide first availability on 25 November 2019, after its 7 November announcement.
Clocks: Maximum boost up to 4.5 GHz; unlocked for overclocking
Cache: L1 2048 KB; L2 16 MB; the advertised 144 MB combined cache includes L2 and L3

Graphics and AI

Built-in graphics: No
Graphics: A separate graphics card is required

Platform

Socket: sTRX4
Base power: 280 W
Unlocked: Yes
Cooler in the box: No
Memory support: DDR4; four channels; up to 3200 MT/s
PCIe: PCIe 4.0; AMD publishes 88 lanes across the processor and TRX40 chipset, with 72 usable
Process: CPU cores: TSMC 7 nm FinFET
Cooler: No cooler included; maximum operating temperature 95°C

Pros and cons

Pros

Thirty-two cores and sixty-four threads
Quad-channel DDR4 memory
PCIe 4.0 expansion support

Cons

280 W TDP
Requires a new TRX40 motherboard
Cooler sold separately

Closest rivals

Model	Cores	Boost	L3	Power	Socket	Released
AMDRyzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX	32/64	4.2 GHz	128 MB	280 W	sWRX8	Sept 2020
AMDRyzen Threadripper 2990WX	32/64	4.2 GHz	64 MB	250 W	sTR4	Aug 2018
AMDRyzen Threadripper 3960X	24/48	4.5 GHz	128 MB	280 W	sTRX4	Nov 2019

Previous model: Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX. Newer model: Ryzen Threadripper 7970X.

Sources

Photo: AMD official isolated third-generation Threadripper bare processor image published on the exact ryzen threadripper 3970x archived maker page. Archived official original; shared family render, not individually SKU-marked. Native alpha, pale hardware, heatspreader/substrate/pins and printed packaging preserved.

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