#RIPINTEL: Unleashing the Power of AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Specifications of the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
3. testing Methodology
4. Cinebench Performance
5. Blender Benchmarks
6. Linux Kernel Compile Benchmark
7. Comparisons with Previous Generation Threadripper
8. Pricing and Value for Money
9. Who Should Upgrade to the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X?
10. Conclusion

Introduction

The long-awaited AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X has finally arrived, and in this article, we will be focusing on its launch and performance. With only a limited amount of time for testing, we believe that the 3960X is the chip that most users in need of high processing power will choose. If you are considering an AMD Threadripper system for your needs, this video might just change your mind.

Specifications of the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X is a 24-core, 48-thread CPU with a base clock of 3.8 GHz and a boost clock of around 4.5 GHz. It is based on the new 7-nanometer FinFET process and features PCIe Gen 4. The recommended retail price for the 3960X is $1399 USD, or approximately $2000 AUD.

Testing Methodology

In our testing, we focused solely on CPU-only workloads in both Linux and Windows, as these chips are specifically designed for heavy multi-threaded tasks. We compared the 3960X to the previous generation 2970WX and conducted all tests with Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) enabled, using XMP profiles, and with Numa and core affinity settings. No overclocking was done, and all results are based on out-of-the-box performance.

Cinebench Performance

We began our testing with Cinebench R20, a widely-used benchmarking tool for multi-threaded performance. The results were impressive, with the 3960X outperforming the 2970WX by around 41% in the same workloads. Running the tests multiple times confirmed the consistency of these results. Similar performance gains were observed in Cinebench R15, with the 3960X scoring around 36% higher than the 2970WX.

Blender Benchmarks

Moving on to Blender benchmarks, we tested the BMW and Classroom scenes using both Windows and Linux configurations. In Windows, the 3960X demonstrated a performance increase of approximately 43% in the BMW scene and 42% in the Classroom scene compared to the 2970WX. Surprisingly, in Linux, the performance difference was even more significant, with the 3960X being around 28% faster in the BMW scene and 31% faster in the Classroom scene. These results highlight the advantages of using Linux for Blender workloads.

Linux Kernel Compile Benchmark

To assess the CPU's efficiency in compiling, we conducted a Linux kernel compile benchmark using the 5.4 release candidate 3. The 3960X averaged around 30 seconds to compile the kernel, while the 2970WX took around 44 seconds. This translates to a 38% improvement in compile time for the 3960X, further solidifying its impressive performance.

Comparisons with Previous Generation Threadripper

When comparing the 3960X to the 2970WX, the advancements in performance are undeniable. However, if you already own a 2970WX, the upgrade may not be justified. The jump in performance is significant, but the price difference may outweigh the benefits. On the other HAND, if you are currently using a 1950X, the upgrade to the 3960X is highly recommended, considering the substantial performance difference in multi-threaded workloads.

Pricing and Value for Money

Though not cheap, the pricing of the third-generation Threadripper CPUs is justified by the performance improvements they offer. The benchmarks we conducted clearly show that you are getting what you pay for. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X strikes a balance between price and performance, making it an excellent choice for users in the new ultra-high-end desktop market.

Who Should Upgrade to the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X?

If you are already using a first or Second-generation Threadripper setup, the decision to upgrade will depend on your specific needs. While the performance gains are substantial, it may not be worth it for those with a 2970WX. However, if you are currently using a 1950X and require a significant boost in multi-threaded workloads, the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X is definitely worth the investment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X is an impressive addition to the Threadripper lineup. It offers a substantial performance boost in multi-threaded workloads and caters to the needs of content creators and software developers. The launch of the third-generation Threadripper CPUs worldwide solidifies AMD's position in the high-end desktop market. Despite the high price, the performance gains justify the investment for those who require such processing power.

Highlights:

• The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X offers a substantial performance boost in multi-threaded workloads.
• Comparisons with the previous generation 2970WX demonstrate significant performance gains.
• The 3960X excels in benchmarks such as Cinebench, Blender, and Linux kernel compilation.
• The pricing of third-generation Threadripper CPUs reflects the value they provide.
• Users with a 1950X setup will benefit greatly from upgrading to the 3960X.

FAQ:

Q: Is the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X specifically designed for gaming? A: No, the 3960X is primarily designed for heavy multi-threaded tasks such as content creation and software development. While it can handle gaming, it is not optimized solely for that purpose.

Q: Can the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X be overclocked? A: While the 3960X can be overclocked, our testing was done with default settings. Most Threadripper users do not overclock, as the CPUs already offer exceptional performance without the need for overclocking.

Q: How does the Ryzen Threadripper 3960X compare to Intel's high-end desktop CPUs? A: We did not have access to Intel high-end desktop hardware for direct comparisons. However, based on the benchmarks we conducted, the 3960X offers significant performance gains over the previous generation Threadripper chips and is a solid choice for those in need of extreme processing power.

Resources:

• AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
• Cinebench
• Blender
• Linux