AMD Threadripper 2970WX and 2920X – the smaller offshoots of the big crunchers

1 - Einführung und Daten 2 - Dynamic Mode, OC und Testsystem 3 - Office und Browser 4 - Workstation: Endcoding/Kompression 5 - Workstation: 2D/3D Grafik 6 - Workstation: Compute and Rendering 7 - VRMark, 3DMark, AotS: Escalation, Dawn of War III 8 - Far Cry 5, GTA V, Hitman 9 - Shadow Of War, Project CARS 2 10 - Temperaturen 11 - Leistungsaufnahme 12 - Fazit und Zusammenfassung

The new Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX marches into the HEDT scene quite confidently with its 24 cores and 48 threads. These are still more cores than any competing Intel processor can call its own. But not all cores are the same. Intel still performs more tasks per cycle (IPC) with its ninth-generation core CPUs than AMD with the second-generation Ryzen Threadripper.

In addition, the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX has the same characteristics as the flagship Ryzen Threadripper 2900WX. It is an impressive performer on very heavy workloads that are not so extremely memory-intensive, but there are problems in some applications that require only a few threads and especially when they are available on the available memory bandwidth.

Many Ryzen and core CPUs from the mainstream segment offer players significantly better added value. Even the X Series Threadripper processors are smarter in games than the WX models if you're an enthusiast. AMD's cheaper Ryzen Threadripper sum also promises better performance for fewer-threaded applications that Intel continues to dominate significantly with the Core i7 and i9.

But perhaps the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX serves as a cheaper entry point for professionals who are able to use its extensive core number with suitable workstation software. The 1800 Euro Threadripper 2990WX does not always scale well, especially for AVX-heavy tasks such as HandBrake. If you have to make such compromises, you might as well save some money on the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX and still achieve similar performance in the apps that are also able to use the quad-die design effectively.

The X399 platform is expensive, and while drop-in compatibility with existing motherboards is a big advantage for AMD, the WX models still require a board with a robust power supply. You also need a potent power supply with two EPS ports and enough power on the CPU port. Cooling is slightly easier with AMD's HEDT CPUs than with Intel's competing Skylake X chips, mainly due to the indium lot AMD uses between its Dies and the heatspreader. But proper water cooling is still almost mandatory when considering overclocking.

AMD's Dynamic Local Mode feature tries to work around the performance issues that are downright endemic in its quad-die topology. Unfortunately, the mode is not (currently) as effective as we had hoped. A few games offer great advantages in creator mode, but in most games these CPUs lag behind in performance, even if you bring this CPU into game mode via Ryzen Master and thus e.g. 75% of the cores of the 2970WX disabled.

AMD promises that Dynamic Local Mode's background service will improve over time as the company analyzes and optimizes more applications. Nevertheless, we see it as cumbersome to have to change mode and restart the PC all the time and time.

Moreover, the competition is not sitting still. Intel will continue to strive to become more competitive by trying to win back the hearts and minds of enthusiasts. The Basin Falls/Skylake-X Refresh processors were scheduled to arrive next month. However, they will still have to compete with (only) 18 cores and 36 threads and will have to live with the company's undoubtedly notoriously high prices. The extent to which this is acceptable will have to be proven.

However, it is also rumoured that Intel should then also use Indium-Lot for better heat dissipation. This could make the new CPUs more attractive for overclockers. It would also be nice to see higher multi-core Turbo Boost bins that support performance on lower-threaded workloads. Intel also apparently avoids disabling PCIe lanes on the cheaper HEDT processors, which is, of course, a response to AMD's practice of offering all 60 PCIe lanes on each Threadripper model in full.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X and the 2920X extend the best value for value for high-quality desktop PCs in crossover to workstations. Similar to the Threadripper 2990WX, the 2970WX, which we also tested today, is a real niche product for specialists and professional users who need these very specific skills. However, the competitive landscape is changing, so we would currently recommend that we wait for the next few weeks or months, if it is to be such a big ship.