AMD Launches Ryzen Threadripper 9000 Series Processors

AMD has officially released its new series of Ryzen Threadripper 9000 processors, designed for high-end desktop systems and workstations. These advanced processors feature a range of 24 to 96 CPU cores, built on the Zen 5 architecture, and share many similarities with the company's Epyc 9005 server processors, also known as Turin.

The lineup includes eight different models, catering to both professional workstation needs and high-end desktop applications. AMD differentiates between its Threadripper Pro series, which is optimized for workstation use, and the standard models intended for high-end desktop PCs (HEDT). The standard series consists of three variants: the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X, featuring 24 cores with a starting price of EUR1,542.85; the 9970X, which includes 32 cores and starts at EUR2,588.99; and the 9980X, which boasts 64 cores with a price tag beginning at EUR5,188.98. For those requiring even more power, the Pro variant, Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9995WX, offers 96 cores, with a starting price of EUR11,938.97.

Additionally, a 16-core option, the Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9955WX, is available starting at EUR1,678.99. This model also utilizes the larger I/O die, enabling it to support up to 128 PCI Express 5.0 lanes.

To fully utilize the 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes, the Pro models require a compatible WRX90 motherboard. Currently, there is a limited selection of these motherboards available, with offerings from Asrock and Asus. The WRX90 motherboards support eight memory slots for the eight RAM channels of the Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9000 series, allowing for Octa-Channel RAM configurations.

For users opting for TRX50 motherboards, the processors can still function, but with limitations. In this setup, they will be restricted to 48 usable PCIe 5.0 lanes, along with additional PCIe 4.0 lanes, and four RAM channels, thus supporting a Quad-Channel RAM configuration. The non-Pro models are exclusively compatible with TRX50 motherboards, which are available from Asrock, Asus, and Gigabyte. Overclocking features like Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) and Extended Profiles for Overclocking (EXPO) are available for these processors.

BIOS updates for all WRX90 and TRX50 motherboards can be found on their respective product pages, ensuring compatibility with the new processors.

Retailers are expected to begin delivering both the Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9000 series and the standard Ryzen Threadripper 9000 models shortly, making them accessible to customers in Germany and Austria.