AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X, 16C/32T, 3.50-4.40GHz, tray

Der AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX als erster 32-Kern-Prozessor mit 64 Threads für Desktop-PCs ist ein Unikat und der Anblick der Kerne im Task-Manager von Windows immer wieder beeindruckend. So manche vermeintlich perfekt parallelisierte Anwendung offenbart aber schon an dieser Stelle ein Problem: Derzeit tun sich Anwendungen und laut AMD auch Windows noch schwer damit, die 32 Kerne und 64 Threads effizient oder überhaupt auszulasten. Der Ryzen Threadripper 2950X mit 16 Kernen zeigt hingegen ein durchweg positives Bild. Seine Leistung steigt gegenüber seinem Vorgänger in allen Bereichen an und im Sommer 2018 sind auch keine handfesten Probleme mehr im Testparcours zu verzeichnen. Der Prozessor präsentiert so das deutlich rundere Gesamtbild.

The second generation of AMD Ryzen Threadripper APUs is considerably more powerful than their predecessors.

I don’t really think about awarding Editor’s Choices that often; it really has to impress me to earn it. And the Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX definitely does earn it. It’s rough around some edges, partly due to AMD’s obsession with releasing more cores before developers realize they need to code for them, but it’s an incredible performer; a true “ultimate” workstation processor. It might not be for your workload, but if it is, the gains will be simply sublime. And, you don’t need exotic cooling for it.

AMD has an extraordinary opportunity with 2nd generation Threadripper to capture a significant portion of the HEDT market that Intel created and has mostly remained unopposed within. With the relative market lag of Intel's HEDT processors, AMD has been able to develop a processor in the Threadripper 2950X that wins or remains extremely competitive in almost every scenario.

Threadripper 2990WX barrels onto the high-end desktop scene with 32 cores and 64 threads, wowing enthusiasts accustomed to four- and eight-core processors. But the unique design has its caveats. You need to have specific workloads in mind able to exploit the 2990WX's massive resources. If you need this chip, then you probably already know it.

For a chip that’s basically a re-tooling of last years model, the performance improvements are drastic. Scoring some of our highest benchmarks to date, the 2950X is exceptional value for money for this level of performance. If you’re a game developer, work in 3D rendering, video editing, or just do a lot of CPU intensive work, it’s like bringing a gun to a knife fight. Single core performance isn’t as fast as Intel’s, but through sheer brute force, 16 cores more than makes up for the deficit there. Furthermore, the lower temperatures, that massive cooler, and the Ryzen Master Utility make it easier than ever to get maximum performance from the chip 24/7.