AMD announces second generation Ryzen Threadripper processors

AMD Ryzen Threadripper
AMD Ryzen Threadripper (Image credit: Windows Central)

AMD already has second-generation Ryzen processors available, but only now do we have the new Threadripper family fully detailed with specifications. AMD announced the four new CPUs, two of which are successors to the immensely powerful Threadripper processors. What's more is the company also managed to break world records with the flagship 2990WX CPU in the single-socket desktop processor category. Let's see what the fuss is all about.

The new Threadripper processors include the 32-core 2990WX, 24-core 2970WX, 16-core 2950X, and 12-core 2920X — the former two are compatible with existing and new X399 chipsets and require a TR4 socket. Not only does AMD have more Threadrippers to offer consumers, there's also a considerable boost in performance compared to the first generation — at least on paper. The powerful 2990WX will be available on August 13, 2950X on August 31, and all other Threadrippers arriving in October.

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Category2990WX2970WX2950X2920X
CoresThreads6432244816321224
Clock speedBoost3.0GHz4.2GHz3.0GHz4.2GHz3.5GHz4.4GHz3.5GHz4.3GHz
Cache64MB64MB32MB32MB
TDP250W250W180W180W
Price$1,799$1,299$899$649

Of course, Threadripper is mainly targeting high-end and enthusiast builds. You likely won't need one (especially not the WX models), but it'll be fun to have the power available for intense applications and gaming. We can't tell just how fast these new processors are just yet, not until we get them in for testing, but on paper, they look like quite the iteration.

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.