AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

AMD's 3rd Gen Ryzen Threadripper processors have already set alight the high-end desktop (HEDT) space, but if you've been following along, you'll know that the resurgent chip giant has saved its best effort until last.

The storied Threadripper 3990X, a jewel in AMD's crown, is now officially making its way to retail offering an implausible combination of 64 threads and 128 threads. In keeping with its name, this $3,990 range-topper promises to rewrite the rule book for what's possible on a TRX40 platform, and the first benchmarks are in.

Before we get to the results, a quick recap of 3990X's origins. The chiplet design straps together eight 7nm CCDs (Core Complex Dies) and a centralised 12nm I/O via Infinity Fabric. This nine-die amalgamation is similar to the server-orientated Epyc 7742P and results in the 3990X featuring almost 40-billion transistors.

The numbers are staggering, yet AMD has managed to keep to the same 280W TDP as the second-rung 3970X, despite a 100 per cent increase in core count. As expected, this is achieved through cuts in frequency, with base clock falling from 3.7GHz to 2.9GHz, and turbo clock reduced from 4.5GHz to 4.3GHz. Taking the foot off the silicon pedal will prevent the 3990X from truly doubling performance, yet even at slightly slower speeds, the sheer number of cores will pay dividends in heavily multi-threaded workloads in industries where time is literally money.

Performance

We're entering a new era of consumer desktop performance. Cinebench R20 does a fine job of putting all 128 threads to the test, giving the flagship Threadripper 3990X a performance increase of almost 50 per cent over the erstwhile champ,3970X.

But not all cores are fully loaded all of the time. The widely used Blender test begins with light-load setup before moving on to the heavy lifting, resulting in a smaller-yet-still-significant performance jump.

At this point, AMD Threadripper continues to raise its own bar while leaving the rival Intel solution trailing in its wake. Benchmarks from leading review sites reveal Threadripper 3990X to be an incredible 153 per cent quicker than the Core i9-10980XE in this scenario.

The lead is even more pronounced in V-Ray, a benchmark that ensures all cores and threads are fully utilised. Nearly 70 per cent faster than the previous champ is an impressive feat, and right now, nothing else comes close to Threadripper 3990X.

We talked about AMD's impressive engineering being able to keep TDP to sensible limits, and the proof is in the pudding; despite a doubling in core count, system-wide power consumption is practically identical to the 3970X. Do note, however, that this remains a thirsty 280W chip, so be sure to equip adequate cooling, particularly if overclocking.

Summary

AMD's hard-hitting Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is a frightening prospect. The cost, core count and performance potential are each astonishing, yet such an extraordinary chip requires thoughtful consideration. While it is easy to marvel at the processor's might, it is important to note that the 128-thread configuration is ideally suited to specific workloads representative of workstations as opposed to regular desktops.

A $3,990 processor clearly isn't for everyone, yet if you can make use of all 64 cores and 128 threads, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is a phenomenal choice.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X processor is available to purchase right here at Scan Computers.