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SPECS

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REVIEWS

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£2,770PassMark multi-core score:135602N. of physical cores:64CPU boost clock speed:5.1 GHzCPU socket:sTR5TDP (Thermal design power):350 W

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X Review: Compare 74 technical specifications and 28 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

8.1/10

★Better than 96% of processors

6.0

▼Worse than 96%

8.6

★Better than 96%

8.5

★Better than 92%

?

Not in any best-of list yet

8.9
Gaming
Gaming
8.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Measures single-core benchmark performance, peak boost clock speeds, and fast L3 cache sizing critical for high frame rates.
When it matters
When you want to play demanding mobile games, 3D titles, or run graphics-intensive apps smoothly.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
30.0%
8.5
PassMark single-core score
25.0%
8.8
Geekbench 6 single-core score
20.0%
8.4
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
10
L3 cache
8.0%
10
N. of physical cores
10
Video editing
Video editing
10/ 10
✕
What it is
Assesses multi-core benchmark throughput, total physical core and thread count, and cache bandwidth for rapid video rendering.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this processors meets your specific video editing needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
45.0%
10
Geekbench 6 multi-core score
20.0%
10
N. of physical cores
20.0%
10
CPU threads
15.0%
10
L3 cache

Where to buy

*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Best rankings

#4inBest workstation CPUs

What reviewers say about the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

Based on 12 · 11

Multi-core and rendering muscle win praise, but reviewers find it overpriced and poor for gaming and editing, and split on cooling.

Praised

Mixed views

Criticised

Pick a topic to see who said what

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Technical Specifications of processor AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

8.1

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Platform

9.0

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Processor type

CPU socket

Chipset

CPU architecture

Instruction sets

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What reviewers say

Performance

9.1

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N. of physical cores

CPU threads

CPU boost clock speed

CPU base clock speed

PassMark multi-core score

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What reviewers say

Architecture

8.5

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Semiconductor size

Foundry

L3 cache

L2 cache

L1 cache

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Memory & PCIe

9.2

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DDR memory version

Maximum memory speed

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

Maximum memory capacity

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What reviewers say

Integrated graphics

4.0

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Integrated graphics

Integrated GPU model

N/A

Integrated GPU execution units

N/A

Integrated GPU base frequency

N/A

Integrated media encoders/decoders

N/A

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Power & Thermal

4.5

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TDP (Thermal design power)

Base power (PL1)

Boost power (PL2)

?

Tau (power duration limit)

N/A

Configurable TDP

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What reviewers say

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X vs the average processor

Why is AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X better than the average processor?

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11.82x higher PassMark score
This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (135,602 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
135,602 vs 11,469
4.81x higher multi-core score
This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (25,067 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
25,067 vs 5,209
58 more CPU cores
This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (64 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
64 vs 6
13.19x better multi-core performance
This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (36,982 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
36,982 vs 2,804.5
60 more performance cores
This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (64 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
64 vs 4
More advanced microarchitecture
This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Storm Peak vs Kaby Lake).
Storm Peak vs Kaby Lake
120 more CPU threads
This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (128 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
128 vs 8
84.7% higher single-core score
This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,835 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
2,835 vs 1,535

26.9% higher review score
Reviews score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
80%
8.2
Average grade
20%
9.4
Popularity
Grades by review (28)
19 reviews: 7 with a printed score, 12 estimated from the review. 9 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
8.5 vs 6.7

Modern CPU socket
This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (sTR5 vs FP5).
sTR5 vs FP5
Higher-end processor class
This processor belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
workstation vs mobile
More extensive crypto acceleration
This processor offers more extensive crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES, SHA, RSA/PKA vs AES, SHA).
AES, SHA, RSA/PKA vs AES, SHA
Supports heterogeneous scheduling
This processor uses heterogeneous multi-processing, while the average processor does not. 24.8% of processors use it.
3 years newer release date
This processor has a newer release date than the average processor (2023 vs 2020).
November 2023
2023 vs 2020

11.82x higher PassMark score
This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (135,602 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
135,602 vs 11,469
4.81x higher multi-core score
This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (25,067 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
25,067 vs 5,209
58 more CPU cores
This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (64 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
64 vs 6
13.19x better multi-core performance
This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (36,982 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
36,982 vs 2,804.5
60 more performance cores
This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (64 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
64 vs 4
120 more CPU threads
This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (128 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
128 vs 8
84.7% higher single-core score
This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,835 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
2,835 vs 1,535
57.2% better single-core performance
This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,022 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
4,022 vs 2,558
Higher base clock
This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (64x3.2 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
64x3.2 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
15.9% higher boost clock
This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.1 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
5.1 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
51.4% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
This processor has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (742 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
742 vs 490
Unlocked for overclocking
This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.

More advanced microarchitecture
This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Storm Peak vs Kaby Lake).
Storm Peak vs Kaby Lake
28.44x larger L3 cache
This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (256 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
256 MB vs 9 MB
21.33x larger L2 cache
This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (64 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
64 MB vs 3 MB
2.16x more L3 per core
This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (4 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
4 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
10.67x larger L1 cache
This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (4,096 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
4,096 KB vs 384 KB
58.3% smaller process node
This processor has a lower process node than the average processor (5 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
5 nm vs 12 nm
10.62x more transistors
This processor has more transistors than the average processor (52.6 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
52.56 billion vs 4.95 billion
More advanced foundry
This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 5 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
TSMC 5 nm vs Intel 14 nm
2x more L2 per core
This processor has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core

32 more PCIe lanes
This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (48 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
48 vs 16
Newer PCIe version
This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 vs 3).
5.0 vs 3.0
16x more memory capacity
This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (1 TB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
1 TB vs 64 GB
3.55x higher memory bandwidth
This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (166.4 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
166.4 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
Supports memory overclocking
This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
Newer DDR support
This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR5 vs DDR4).
DDR5 vs DDR4
62.5% higher memory speed
This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (5,200 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
5,200 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
Supports ECC memory
This processor supports ECC memory, while the average processor does not. 32% of processors support it.
Higher JEDEC memory speed
This processor has a higher JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR5-5200 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
DDR5-5,200 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz

5 °C lower CPU temperature
This processor has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
95 °C vs 100 °C

Why is AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X worse than the average processor?

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95.5% slower Blender rendering
This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (17.8 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
17.8 vs 398.015
7.78x higher base power
This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (350 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
350 W vs 45 W
No configurable TDP
This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
87.2% slower classroom rendering
This processor has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (43.7 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
43.69 vs 340.075
5.4x larger die size
This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (956 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
956 mm² vs 177 mm²
Weaker security extensions
This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, SHA, NX bit, Memory Guard, Secure Processor, GMET vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
AES-NI, SHA, NX bit, Memory Guard, Secure Processor, GMET vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
7.78x higher TDP
This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (350 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
350 W vs 45 W
11.08x more expensive
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is more expensive than the average processor (£2,770 vs £250).
£2,770 vs £250

11.08x more expensive
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is more expensive than the average processor (£2,770 vs £250).
£2,770 vs £250
21.4% worse value for money
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X has worse value for money than the average processor (6 vs 7.3).
6 vs 7.29

Weaker security extensions
This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, SHA, NX bit, Memory Guard, Secure Processor, GMET vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
AES-NI, SHA, NX bit, Memory Guard, Secure Processor, GMET vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
Older TPM support
This processor supports an older TPM version than the average processor (fTPM 2 vs PTT 2).
fTPM 2.0 vs PTT 2.0

95.5% slower Blender rendering
This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (17.8 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
17.8 vs 398.015
87.2% slower classroom rendering
This processor has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (43.7 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
43.69 vs 340.075

5.4x larger die size
This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (956 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
956 mm² vs 177 mm²

2 fewer memory channels
This processor has fewer memory channels than the average processor (4 vs 2). The average processor supports 2 memory channels.
4 vs 2

No integrated graphics
This processor does not include integrated graphics, while the average processor does. 85.4% of processors include integrated graphics.

7.78x higher base power
This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (350 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
350 W vs 45 W
No configurable TDP
This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
7.78x higher TDP
This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (350 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
350 W vs 45 W
5 °C lower temperature limit
This processor has a lower temperature limit than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
95 °C vs 100 °C

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0

TheOverclocker

≈ estimated

09/01/2024

Hands-on review · benchmarks, gaming and overclocking

Verdict

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is a very capable processor, but expensive and aimed at professionals rather than gamers.

7.0

Tech Notice

≈ estimated

23/11/2023

Benchmark review · comparison with Intel and Ryzen 7950X

Verdict

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is impressive but costly, and only worth buying for specific heavy workloads rather than most users.

8.0

Gamers Nexus

≈ estimated

20/11/2023

Full CPU review · benchmarks, efficiency and thermals

Verdict

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is efficient and fast for professionals, but expensive and worth it only if its extra cores pay off.

7.0

Paul's Hardware

≈ estimated

20/11/2023

Review and benchmarks · compute and gaming tests

Verdict

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is a niche flagship: strong for multithreaded work, but poor value for gaming and typical users.

8.0

Hardware Unboxed

≈ estimated

20/11/2023

Benchmark review · power, cooling and workstation tests

Verdict

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is a niche workstation chip with no real competition, best if you need many cores and PCIe lanes.

8.0

JayzTwoCents

≈ estimated

20/11/2023

Hands-on review · benchmarks, power and overclocking tests

Verdict

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X offers strong performance per watt, but it is a niche chip most gamers are unlikely to need.

9.0

Level1Techs

≈ estimated

20/11/2023

Hands-on review · platform, memory and performance tests

Verdict

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is a strong platform overall, with caveats on value and Windows RAID.

Hands-on video, no verdict

Hands-on video, no verdict

Shop video

Tech Notice Español · 02/01/2024

Build video · benchmarks and thermal tests

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X has strong multi-core power, but its gains over conventional CPUs depend on the workload.

Likes

Very high multi-core scores in content creation tests
Massive 64-core capacity for heavy rendering
The 360 mm cooler handles the chip well

Dislikes

Gains over conventional CPUs depend on the workload
Draws about 350 W at full load

Tech Notice Español · 19/12/2023

Hands-on review · benchmarks and platform analysis

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is a powerful processor, but only worth buying if you need this expensive platform.

Likes

Very strong multicore performance in Cinebench
Large PCIe lane count and high memory bandwidth
Better per-clock performance than the previous generation

Dislikes

Very expensive platform aimed at a small audience
Not recommended for most photo and video editing
Long-term socket upgrade support is unclear

Tech Notice Español · 03/02/2024

Comparison · Apple M3 Max vs Threadripper 7980X

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is faster in some desktop workloads and cheaper, but draws far more power than the laptop chip and is not portable.

Likes

Faster than the laptop chip in some desktop workloads, such as Blender CPU rendering
A complete desktop build costs about half as much as the comparable Mac
Fast multi-core export times in video editing tests

Dislikes

CPU power draw is several times that of the laptop chip
Performance per watt far behind the laptop chip
Needs mains power all the time, so it is not portable

Hands-on video, no verdict

Tech Notice Français · 02/01/2024

Build video · PC assembly and cooling tests

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X delivers strong multicore performance, but the included cooler fans and case airflow need work.

Likes

Very strong multicore benchmark results
Included 360 mm liquid cooler praised as excellent
Easy access to panels and drives in the case

Dislikes

Included cooler fans struggle to pull air through the front mesh
Case airflow leaves the motherboard VRMs poorly cooled

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

10

guru3d.com

✓ explicit

20/11/2023

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X review - Guru 3d

Benchmark review · Workstation CPU

Verdict

The Threadripper 7980X is a 64-core chip for heavy rendering and multi-core work, but its platform needs registered memory and offers fewer PCIe lanes than Pro chips.

9.0

techspot.com

≈ estimated

20/11/2023

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X and 7970X Review - TechSpot

Benchmark review · Gaming and productivity

Verdict

The Threadripper 7980X is a fast multi-core chip for rendering and compression, but Photoshop and gaming gain little from its many cores.

9.0

club386.com

≈ estimated

20/11/2023

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X review - Club386

Lab test · Workstation rendering

Verdict

The Threadripper 7980X is extremely fast at rendering and other work that spreads across all cores, but it lags in lightly threaded tasks like Photoshop.

8.5

hothardware.com

✓ explicit

20/11/2023

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X & 7970X Review - HotHardware

Lab test · Many-core desktop CPU

Verdict

The Threadripper 7980X is a 64-core desktop chip with large cache and high clocks, but it runs near 3.5GHz under full load and needs RDIMM memory.

7.0

servethehome.com

≈ estimated

20/11/2023

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X Review A Funky Workstation CPU Some Will Love

Hands-on test · Workstation build

Verdict

The Threadripper 7980X is a fast 64-core chip with an unusual split between server and desktop features, though 48 PCIe lanes feel short for a flagship.

9.0

storagereview.com

≈ estimated

20/11/2023

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X & 7970X CPU Review - StorageReview

Benchmark review · Workstation CPU

Verdict

The Threadripper 7980X is a strong multi-core chip that beats the 96-core Pro 7995WX in some tests, while the 32-core 7970X is quicker per core.

8.0

lowyat.net

≈ estimated

20/11/2023

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X Review – HEDT Ryzen Makes A Comeback

Benchmark review · Workstation CPU

Verdict

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is a fast multi-core rendering chip, but its slower single-core and gaming speed make it a poor choice for gamers.

8.0

pcmag.com

✓ explicit

22/11/2023

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X Review - PCMag

Hands-on test · Workstation CPU

Verdict

The Threadripper 7980X is excellent at multi-threaded rendering, but its low base clock slows Photoshop and HandBrake, and it needs a top-end cooler.

9.5

aecmag.com

≈ estimated

01/02/2024

Review: AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7000 Series

Benchmark review · CAD and rendering

Verdict

The Threadripper 7980X is a strong workstation chip for rendering and CAD, but its four memory channels may trail Pro chips in bandwidth-hungry simulation.

9.0

hardwaretimes.com

≈ estimated

20/11/2023

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7970X and 7980X Preview - Hardware Times

Preview · Content creation CPU

Verdict

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X and 7970X lead Intel's Xeon in most content creation tests, but they trail regular Ryzen chips in gaming.

9.0

hardwaretimes.com

≈ estimated

25/11/2023

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X Review

Benchmark review · Rendering and video

Verdict

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is built for rendering and video work, but its 350W power limit needs a top-end liquid cooler.

8.0

computerbase.de

≈ estimated

20/11/2023

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7000 Review: 64/32-Core CPUs in Workstation and Gaming Benchmarks

Hands-on test · High-end desktop CPU

Verdict

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is a 64-core desktop chip that installs easily, but compatible motherboards seemed unavailable at launch.

9.0

overclocking.com

≈ estimated

20/11/2023

Review: Threadripper 7980X – 7970X and ASUS Pro WS TRX50-SAGE

Benchmark review · Overclocking test

Verdict

The Threadripper 7980X beats the 56-core Xeon W9-3495X in Cinebench and Geekbench, and overclocking to 5.3GHz adds about a third to its speed, though first boots are very slow.

9.0

profesionalreview.com

✓ explicit

26/04/2024

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X Review (Full Analysis)

Hands-on test · Workstation chip

Verdict

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is built for multitasking, virtualization, and rendering, but its 350W power limit needs a high-end cooler.

7.0

geeknetic.es

✓ explicit

26/01/2024

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X Review

Benchmark review · Workstation chip

Verdict

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is the fastest chip tested so far and excels at heavy rendering, but gains shrink in everyday apps and games.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

Exceptional multi-threaded performance for professional workloads like rendering and content creation
High core density with 64 cores and 128 threads, outperforming standard consumer CPUs
Impressive energy efficiency and high performance-per-watt for a high-end desktop processor
Support for modern interfaces including 88 PCIe lanes (48 Gen 5) and quad-channel DDR5 memory
Strong generational performance jump, significantly faster than previous-gen 5995WX and 3990X

What customers don't like about AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

Extremely high entry price for the chip ($4,999) and the supporting platform (TRX50 motherboards)
Lackluster single-threaded performance compared to mainstream high-end chips like the Ryzen 9 7950X or Core i9-14900K
Requires robust and expensive cooling solutions, such as a 360mm AIO, to avoid hitting thermal limits
Not optimized for gaming; performance is often beaten by cheaper consumer-grade CPUs in gaming benchmarks
Requirement for registered DDR5 RAM (RDIMMs) adds further cost and complexity to builds
Inconsistent performance in software not optimized for high core counts, such as Adobe Photoshop or HandBrake

Verdict

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X is a high-end desktop (HEDT) powerhouse built on the Zen 4 architecture, featuring 64 cores and 128 threads with a base clock of 3.2 GHz and a boost clock of up to 5.1 GHz. It is equipped with a massive 256MB of L3 cache, supports quad-channel DDR5 memory, and offers up to 92 PCIe 5.0 lanes (88 usable) on the sTR5 socket with a default TDP of 350W. Its primary strengths lie in its unparalleled multi-threaded performance for professional workloads like 3D rendering and software compilation, alongside high energy efficiency relative to its output. However, it carries a high price tag, requires expensive registered (RDIMM) DDR5 memory, necessitates a top-tier cooling solution to prevent thermal throttling, and offers lackluster single-threaded performance compared to mainstream consumer flagships.

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Compare AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X with other processors

Graphic comparison of AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X and other processors

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