As pre-announced, AMD has begun selling its latest Ryzen Threadripper 2950X processor. The new CPU features 16 cores and is aimed at high-end desktops that can be overclocked for additional performance. And with half the cores, the new CPU is priced accordingly, with a price tag half that of AMD’s flagship Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX, its sibling counter-part meant for extreme workstations.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X processor relies on two eight-core Zen+ dies fabbed using GlobalFoundries’ 12LP process technology on a single piece of substrate. The CPU thus offers 16 cores featuring SMT technology and running at 3.5 – 4.4 GHz, featuring 32 MB of cache, a quad-channel DDR4-2933 memory subsystem, and 60 lanes of PCIe Gen 3.

AMD's High-Performance Desktop CPUs
  Cores/
Threads
Base/
Turbo
L3 DRAM
1DPC
PCIe TDP SRP Retail
Price
TR 2990WX 32/64 3.0/4.2 64 MB 4x2933 60 250 W $1799 $1799
TR 2970WX 24/48 3.0/4.2 $1299 -
TR 2950X 16/32 3.5/4.4 32 MB 180 W $899 $899
TR 1950X 3.4/4.0 4x2667 $799 $720
TR 2920X 12/24 3.5/4.3 4x2933 $649 -
TR 1920X 3.5/4.0 4x2667 $399 $449
TR 1900X 8/16 3.8/4.0 16 MB $299 $308
Ryzen 7 2700X 8/16 3.7/4.3 16 MB 2x2933 16 105 W $329 $319
Ryzen 7 1800X 8/16 3.6/4.0 16 MB 2x2667 95 W ? $244

With a TDP of 180 W, the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X is compatible with all AMD X399-based platforms featuring sTR4 sockets. Meanwhile, since these chips are designed to be overclocked, they can benefit from motherboards with high-quality VRMs and more robust cooling systems, as the TDP of overclocked CPUs can skyrocket well above their regular power envelope.

AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper 2950X is now available from all leading retailers, including Amazon and Newegg for $899, which is actually cheaper than the price of AMD’s 16-core Ryzen Threadripper 1950X processor when it was launched about a year ago.

Related Reading:

Comments Locked

43 Comments

View All Comments

  • Ryan Smith - Friday, August 31, 2018 - link

    The 2950X has two active dies and two dummy dies, just like Threadripper 1.
  • HStewart - Friday, August 31, 2018 - link

    I am not as familiar with AMD products so bare with me. I am curious if one could buy a motherboard with say the lower cost TR 1900X and later when the price of say TR 2's good down in price will it work.
  • looncraz - Friday, August 31, 2018 - link

    Not only can you buy a board for a 1900X then later upgrade to a 2950X, you could almost certainly also upgrade to the 3950X when it comes out.

    The 4000 series *may* be on DDR5, though, which would require a new socket.
  • HStewart - Friday, August 31, 2018 - link

    That is good to know
  • Alistair - Friday, August 31, 2018 - link

    You won't get a good price on a used threadripper CPU. Best to buy the one you want.
  • mdriftmeyer - Friday, August 31, 2018 - link

    Gigabyte US:

    3 Models for TR systems.

    Here is their entry motherboard.

    https://www.gigabyte.com/us/Motherboard/X399-AORUS...

    At the bottom:

    Supports 2nd Gen Ryzen™ Threadripper™ CPUs

    With up to 32 cores, the 2nd Generation of AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ processor can command 64 threads, the most multi-processing power that has ever been unleashed on a consumer desktop. Overwhelm your workloads with 64MB of L3 cache, without sacrificing.

    Quad-Channel DDR4 for devastating memory bandwidth, 64 lanes of incredible PCIe Gen3 connectivity, and native USB 3.1 Gen2 10Gb/s support on a chipset. With every processor multiplier-unlocked to be configured as you see fit, GIGABYTE X399 AORUS XTREME is perfectly designed to support the 2nd Generation Ryzen™ Threadripper™ 250W processor to offer you the latest advancements in motherboard technology.
  • Amandtec - Friday, August 31, 2018 - link

    I am fairly certain you mean bear and not bare.
  • Lolimaster - Saturday, September 1, 2018 - link

    Just buy a good mobo, but I would say with 7nm power consumption of next year and 2020 TR cpu's will go down with better performance per core.
  • seanmac2 - Friday, August 31, 2018 - link

    The picture is a 1st gen Threadripper.

    Amazon link is incorrect.
  • yeeeeman - Friday, August 31, 2018 - link

    Why is this guy named Anton Shilov still working for Anandtech? Is this the quality allowed on this site? I mean, a lot recent articles from him where poorly written, either bad english, poorly use of words, unchecked links, etc. Why?

Log in

Don't have an account? Sign up now