Starting with the announcement of their Ryzen processors, AMD has been giving Intel quite the competition heading toe-to-toe with them and often coming with processors with higher specifications compared to their Intel counterparts. Their first-generation Ryzen processors were met with positive reviews as they provided better multi-core performance than Intel processors. Then came the second-generation Ryzen series which were a minor improvement over the first-generation as they provided a slightly higher clock speed than their predecessors. However, fans and tech enthusiasts were awestruck when AMD CEO & President Dr. Lisa Su announced the third-generation Ryzen processor lineup at Computex 2019, which has double the cache memory compared to their predecessors. These processors are hitting the shelves in July this year. But it looks like AMD has more to offer us in 2019 than what they announced at Computex.
According to an exclusive in WCCFtech, AMD is working on a 64-core Threadripper CPU which is supposed to hit the shelves during Q4 2019.
As per the report, a source at AMD has told a WCCFtech representative that their company is working on a new Ryzen Threadripper processor which will have 64 CPU cores and 128 threads. They are also working on a new motherboard chipset platform which is currently being called “X599”, a successor to their existing X399 chipset. However, according to the report, AMD is considering to change the name in order to avoid confusion with Intel’s chipset of the same name, but will retain the “99” suffix. There has been no discussion with regard to a new socket but the report says that the new Threadripper processor should be compatible with TR4 sockets requiring only a BIOS update.
Judging by the fact that all CPUs announced at Computex 2019 are 7nm 3rd generation Ryzen processors based on the new Zen 2 architecture, it is safe to assume that the new Threadripper processor will also belong to 3rd Gen Ryzen series. However, it is unknown as to whether the new Threadripper CPU will be a 7nm processor or a 12nm processor like it’s predecessor. AMD’s highest end desktop processor right now is the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX which has 32 cores, 64 threads, cache memory of 80 MB, a 250W TDP. It is a 12nm processor which is compatible with PCIe 3.0. All Ryzen processors announced at Computex 2019 are PCIe 4.0 compatible, therefore, we can safely assume that the new Threadripper processor will be compatible with PCIe 4.0 too. Also, one of the most defining features of 3rd generation Ryzen CPUs is that their cache memory is basically twice than what the 2nd generation had to offer. Since the new Threadripper already boasts a whooping 64-core/128-thread specification, it might have a 160 MB cache, since the 2990WX has an 80 MB cache size. The cache size is however just pure assumption and must be taken with a pinch of salt. As for the CMOS, it is really difficult to build a 7nm CPU with such monstrous specifications. Maybe it’ll be a 12nm processor like the 2990WX or maybe it’ll be 14nm given it’s specs. Then again, we shouldn’t completely rule out 7nm since AMD is seemingly on a “surprise the fans” streak.
As per WCCFtech’s report, their source at AMD said that the new Threadripper processor will arrive in late Q4 2019 as they have something else planned for CES 2020 which will take place in January. We will probably see more news regarding this in the coming months but in the meantime, we should also keep our eyes peeled for AMD’s new motherboard chipset (currently called X599). WCCFtech estimates the new Threadripper’s price range to be from $2500 to $3000. Keeping in mind the fact that it will be a 64-core/128-thread CPU, the price is pretty much fair and once launched, it will surely be one of the most affordable workstation CPUs that someone can get their hands on.
