AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9000 (WX) Series: Zen 5 workstation power in a new dimension

With the launch of the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9000 series at Computex 2025, AMD is taking its workstation and high-end desktop platforms to a new level of performance. Based on the new “Zen 5” microarchitecture (“Shimada Peak”), the CPUs offer significantly improved multi-core performance, modern I/O connectivity with up to 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes and AVX 512 support on a full 512-bit data width. AMD is thus not only targeting classic workstation applications, but also explicitly the growing market for local AI and HPC applications.

Architecture and key technical data

The Threadripper 9000 family is based on the Zen 5 architecture and is manufactured using the 4 nm process. Depending on the model, AMD offers up to 96 cores and 192 threads. Common to all variants is a generously dimensioned L3 cache with up to 384 MB and a maximum boost clock rate of 5.4 GHz. The platform supports 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes throughout for a broad connection of external devices and is designed for DDR5-6400 ECC memory with up to eight memory channels. The new sTR5 socket is used, which remains mechanically compatible with “Storm Peak” but is based on a new platform generation. The thermal power dissipation is a uniform 350 W for all models.

The fully implemented AVX-512 with 512-bit data path (a first in the Threadripper line) massively increases the floating point performance in scientific and AI-based workflows.

Product segments: HEDT vs. PRO

AMD divides the new processors into two series:

1. Threadripper 9000 series (HEDT)

The target group are enthusiasts, content creators, developers and AI hobbyists. These models do without PRO functions such as security and remote management features.

2. Threadripper PRO 9000 WX series (workstation)

These CPUs are designed for professional workstations in the fields of media, architecture, research and AI. All models support AMD PRO Technologies (security features, remote maintenance, validation, long-term availability).

Platform features and I/O

All CPUs are based on the new sTR5 socket and support 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes – 64 of which are directly on the CPU side, allowing the simultaneous operation of multiple graphics cards, AI accelerators (such as AMD Radeon AI PRO R9700) or high-speed SSDs. The platform is also unrivaled in terms of memory capacity and bandwidth: up to 8-channel DDR5-6400 ECC. Cooling remains demanding with a TDP of 350 W, but can be easily implemented for workstation systems with appropriate ventilation or water cooling.

Application scenarios and target groups

AMD is positioning the new Threadripper CPUs as a key component for the following areas:

• Rendering and VFX (e.g. Blender, Maya, Houdini)

• Simulation and CAE software (Ansys, Abaqus)

• AI development and inference locally (possibly in combination with Radeon AI PRO R9700)

• Scientific applications requiring AVX-512

• Software compilation on a large scale

• Virtualization and multisocket applications (PRO series)

Especially in combination with AMD’s new GPU flagship for AI, the Radeon AI PRO R9700, the result is a platform for edge AI, fine-tuning and real-time inference that can be operated completely locally – without cloud dependency.

Comparison with the previous generation and Intel

Compared to the previous generation (Threadripper 7000 WX), Zen 5 not only brings IPC gains, but also end-to-end AVX-512 support with double the register width for the first time. Compared to Intel Xeon W-3400 aka “Emerald Rapids”, AMD offers more cores (96 vs. 56), higher memory bandwidth and significantly more PCIe lanes – with comparable power consumption. In pure multi-threaded benchmarks, AMD will therefore continue to claim the performance crown in the workstation segment in 2025.

Availability and platform support

The CPUs should be commercially available from July 2025. Mainboard manufacturers such as ASUS, ASRock, MSI and Gigabyte are planning corresponding WRX90 and TRX90 mainboards. The sTR5 socket remains mechanically identical to its predecessor, but is electrically incompatible with “Storm Peak” (Threadripper 7000) – a BIOS or platform upgrade is therefore not sufficient.

Conclusion

With the Ryzen Threadripper 9000 series, AMD makes it unmistakably clear that it continues to claim the spearhead in the field of highly parallel desktop and workstation applications. The combination of 96 cores, 128 PCIe lanes, 8-channel DDR5 and AVX-512 is currently unmatched – and for many professional users will be the benchmark for productive system environments in 2025.

Whether for VFX, simulation, rendering or AI, anyone looking for maximum performance away from the data center will find it in the Threadripper 9000.