Tag Archives: AMD X399

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX Preview – 24 Core Power!

AMD announced the Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX on 13 August 2018, but it was only officially launched today. So let’s take a look at this 24-core 2nd Generation Ryzen Threadripper processor!

2nd Generation AMD Ryzen Threadripper

When AMD revealed the 2nd Generation AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors on 13 August 2018, they announced two variants – the higher-end WX series for creators, and the X series for enthusiasts and gamers.

Threadripper WX Series CPUs

Threadripper X Series CPUs

2nd Gen Threadripper Specifications

Here are the specifications of the four processors :

Specifications	AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX	AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX	AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X	AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X
Transistor Count	19.2 Billion	19.2 Billion	9.6 Billion	9.6 Billion
Die Size	213 mm² x 4	213 mm² x 4	213 mm² x 2	213 mm² x 2
Cores / Threads	32 / 64	24 / 48	16 / 32	12 / 24
Base Clock	3,0 GHz	3.0 GHz	3.5 GHz	3.5 GHz
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz	4.2 GHz	4.4 GHz	4.3 GHz
L2 Cache	16 MB	12 MB	8 MB	6 MB
L3 Cache	64 MB	64 MB	32 MB	32 MB
PCIe 3.0 Lanes	64	64	64	64
TDP	250 watts	250 watts	180 watts	180 watts
Availability	13 August 2018	October 2018	31 August 2018	October 2018
Price	US$ 1,799 RM 7,999	US$ 1,299 RM 5,499	US$ 899 RM 3,899	US$ 649 RM 2,749

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Unboxing The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX comes in a large sealed display case. Let’s unbox it and see what we find inside!

Inside the box, you will case, you will find the following items :

One AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX processor in a shock-proof case
One set of AMD Ryzen Threadripper documents
One large AMD Ryzen Threadipper case badge
One set of water cooler mount and installation tool

Next Page > AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX Up Close + Key Features

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The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX Up Close!

Built on the 12nm Zen+ microarchitecture, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX has 24 cores which handles up to 48 simultaneous threads. It boasts higher base and boost clock speeds, with a 12 MB L2 cache, and a 64 MB L3 cache.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX processor also features improved AMD SenseMI Technology, with Precision Boost 2, and Extended Frequency Range 2 (XFR2). Let’s take a look at its key features…

AMD Zen+ Microarchitecture

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX is based on the improved AMD Zen+ microarchitecture, which delivers slightly better performance, with lower cache and memory latencies :

3% more 1T IPC (instructions per second)
13% lower L1 cache latency
34% lower L2 cache latency
16% lower L3 cache latency
11% lower memory latency
Official support for JEDEC DDR4-2933

12LP Process Technology

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX is fabricated using the 12LP (12 nm Leading Performance) process technology from GlobalFoundries. This is the same process technology used in the 2nd Gen Ryzen processor.

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12LP is really a 14 nm process, with improvements and a tighter pitch, so the die size and transistor count remain the same. However, the improved process allows for these improvements :

top clock speed increased by 250 MHz
“all core” now overclock around 4.2 GHz
CPU voltage is reduced by about 50 mV at all clock speeds
up to 11% lower power consumption, compared to 14 nm
up to 16% better performance per watt, compared to 14 nm

Precision Boost 2

Precision Boost 2 is one of the biggest improvements in AMD SenseMI. It replaces the old 2-core boost model, with a linear boost model. This allows for much greater performance for games and applications that use more than 2 cores.

Extended Frequency Range 2 (XFR 2)

XFR 2 will boosts its performance by 4-7%, depending on the performance of the installed CPU cooler.

AMD X399 Chipset

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX will run on the existing AMD X399 motherboards, with a BIOS update. However, motherboard vendors have new AMD X399 Refresh motherboards that will offer higher overclockability, and the AMD StoreMI Technology as a value-added bonus.

AMD StoreMI is basically an OEM version of the Enmotus FuzeDrive Basic software, which allows you to combine all of your storage drives into a single virtual storage drive. It can even add up to 2 GB of DDR4 memory as a very fast cache to the combined drive.

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MSI MEG X399 Creation + MSI Xpander-Aero Preview

If you are excited about the upcoming GIGABYTE X399 AORUS Xtreme motherboard, your jaw will drop when you see the upcoming MSI MEG X399 Creation motherboard. It is probably the most extreme (and expensive) AMD X399 Refresh motherboard at Computex 2018.

MSI threw everything but the kitchen sink into this massive X399 motherboard. But they want to stuff even more storage capabilities, so they are throwing in a free MSI Xpander-Aero card too! Let’s take a close look at both the MSI MEG X399 Creation motherboard, and the MSI Xpander-Aero card!

The MSI MEG X399 Creation Motherboard

MSI designed the MEG X399 Creation to be the ultimate AMD X399 Refresh motherboard. It has eight DDR4 memory slots, four PCIe x16 slots and a 19-phase digital power design with dual 8-pin EPS power connectors.

It also comes with extensive thermal monitoring and fan controls – no less than ten PWM fan controls, and three dedicated thermal sensors on board! it also comes with three M.2 slots – all cooled by a large two-piece L-shaped heatsink.

The MSI MEG X399 Creation has dual Intel Gigabit LAN ports, and built-in 802.11ac WiFi (2×2) and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.

MSI expects to begin production of this massive motherboard at the end of July 2018. It will have a target price of $499 / €428 / RM 2,000.

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The MSI Xpander-Aero Card

If three M.2 slots are not enough, the MSI MEG X399 Creation motherboard comes with the new MSI Xpander-Aero card bundled. This is basically MSI’s version of the ASUS Hyper M.2 X16 (Price Check) card that powered the super-fast 8TB WD SSD RAID array, enhanced with a fan. Hence, the Aero moniker.

The MSI Xpander-Aero card allows you to install up to four M.2 solid state drives, up to 22 mm x 110 mm in size. The card is also powered by an additional 6-pin PCIe power connector. It only supports NVMe SSDs and not SATA SSDs.

These drives are not just cooled by a massive heatsink, there is a large fan to keep everything running cool, preventing the drives from throttling from excessive temperatures. MSI told us that they also designed the Xpander-Aero to look like a graphics card. The downside – it takes up two slots.

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GIGABYTE X399 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Preview

Hidden in the GIGABYTE and AORUS showcases was the yet-to-be-released X399 AORUS Xtreme motherboard. We were given a chance to take a close look at it, and take a video and some photos of it. If you are waiting for an AMD X399 Refresh motherboard to pair with the upcoming AMD Threadripper 2 CPU, here’s a teaser for you!

AMD X399 Refresh

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper is designed specifically to work with the AMD X399 chipset. Together, they offer the following features :

64 PCI Express lanes
Quad-channel DDR4 SDRAM memory
Up to 2 native USB 3.1 Gen2 ports
Up to 14 USB 3.1 Gen1 ports
Up to 6 USB 2.0 ports
Up to 16 SATA ports

The upcoming AMD Threadripper 2 will continue to use the same chipset, with a BIOS update, of course. Other than that, the X399 Refresh motherboards are expected to feature the same circuitry and power optimisations being introduced with the X470 and B450 motherboards.

GIGABYTE X399 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard

The GIGABYTE X399 AOARUS Xtreme is an E-ATX (Extended ATX) motherboard with what appears to be 10+3 power phases. It has four PCI Express x16 slots (all reinforced with metal), and two M.2 SSD sockets – both with heatsinks.

In addition to built-in WiFi connectivity, it comes with two Gigabit LAN ports, and a 10 Gigabit LAN port. It also has eight USB 3.0 ports at the back, as well as two USB 3.1 ports – one Type A and one Type B.

This is a particularly heavy motherboard because of its large heatsinks, and large backplate. The GIGABYTE X399 AOARUS Xtreme will support the upcoming Threadripper 2 processors, and come with a removable BIOS chip.

We will update this article with more details when we get them. In the meantime, enjoy these photos we took of this upcoming motherboard!

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AMD Threadripper 2 – Everything You Need To Know!

One of the key moment of the AMD Computex 2018 press conference was when Jim Anderson revealed that the AMD Threadripper 2 processor will have up to 32 cores and 64 threads, to loud hoots and cheers from the crowd!

In this article, we will share everything we know about the AMD Threadripper 2 processor. Enjoy, and check back for more updates!

The AMD Threadripper 2 Presentation + Demo

In this video, you will see Jim Anderson’s big reveal on Threadripper 2, including the lidded and delidded processors. Check out the cheers and hoots!

And then watch James Prior show off the AMD Threadripper 2’s raw computing power. He compared the 24-core Threadripper 2 with 32 GB of DDR4-2667 memory to the 18-core Intel Core i9-7980XE with 32 GB of DDR4-3200 memory!

And here is a clearer version of the official AMD Threadripper 2 promo video :

The AMD Threadripper 2 Up Close!

At the end of the AMD Computex 2018 press conference, we had the opportunity to get a close-up look at the lidded and delidded AMD Threadripper 2 processors!

AMD Threadripper 2 – Everything You Need To Know!

Now that we got the videos out of the way, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty details.

What’s The Official Name?

We all call it Threadripper 2, but the official names are a mouthful :

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2nd Gen AMD Ryzen Threadripper, or
AMD Ryzen Threadripper Gen. 2

Fortunately, unlike Ryzen 2, calling it by the shorter, and punchier, name of Threadripper 2 won’t confuse people.

Power + Performance

As Jim pointed out, the Threadripper 2 will have up to 32-cores. When James showcased its performance though, he only used a 24-core Threadripper 2. Imagine how much faster the 32-core version is against the 18-core Intel Core i9-7980XE, or the just-announced 28-core Intel CPU.

Neither one of them talked about the power consumption, but we have it on good authority that the 32-core Threadripper 2 will have a 250 W TDP. This is 70 W (39%) higher than the 16-core Threadripper’s 180 W TDP.

Availability

As Jim mentioned at the AMD Computex 2018 press conference, the Threadripper 2 is on track for a Q3 2018 launch.

Next Page > AMD Threadripper 2 Features!

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AMD Zen+ Microarchitecture

The AMD Threadripper 2 processors are based on the improved AMD Zen+ microarchitecture, which delivers slightly better performance, with lower cache and memory latencies :

3% more 1T IPC (instructions per second)
13% lower L1 cache latency
34% lower L2 cache latency
16% lower L3 cache latency
11% lower memory latency
Official support for JEDEC DDR4-2933

12LP Process Technology

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The AMD Threadripper 2 processors will be fabricated using the 12LP (12 nm Leading Performance) process technology from GlobalFoundries. This is the same process technology used in the 2nd Gen Ryzen processor.

12LP is really a 14 nm process, with improvements and a tighter pitch, so the die size and transistor count remain the same. However, the improved process allows for these improvements :

top clock speed increased by 250 MHz
“all core” now overclock around 4.2 GHz
CPU voltage is reduced by about 50 mV at all clock speeds
up to 11% lower power consumption, compared to 14 nm
up to 16% better performance per watt, compared to 14 nm

Precision Boost 2

Precision Boost 2 is one of the biggest improvements in AMD SenseMI. It replaces the old 2-core boost model, with a linear boost model. This allows for much greater performance for games and applications that use more than 2 cores.

Precision Boost Overdrive

James Prior revealed that AMD will introduce a feature called Precision Boost Overdrive in the future. The motherboard will be able to communicate its actual capabilities to the processor, allowing for better boost profiles and a relaxed vcore limiter with better motherboards.

Extended Frequency Range 2 (XFR 2)

XFR 2 will boosts its performance by 4-7%, depending on the performance of the installed CPU cooler.

AMD X399 Chipset

The AMD Threadripper 2 processors will run on the existing AMD X399 motherboards, with a BIOS update. However, motherboard vendors have new AMD X399 Refresh motherboards that will offer higher overclockability, and possibly the AMD StoreMI Technology as a value-added bonus.

AMD StoreMI is basically an OEM version of the Enmotus FuzeDrive Basic software, which allows you to combine all of your storage drives into a single virtual storage drive. It can even add up to 2 GB of DDR4 memory as a very fast cache to the combined drive.

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The GIGABYTE X399 DESIGNARE EX Motherboard Revealed!

Taipei, Taiwan, October 23^rd, 2017 – GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd announced the release of the new X399 DESIGNARE EX motherboard. With features such as Smart Fan 5, RGB Fusion, and support for the powerful AMD Ryzen Threadripper processor, the X399 DESIGNARE EX motherboard is crafted for content creators who take pride in their own work.

The exterior design of the motherboard is a work of art in itself and provides plenty of aesthetic value. It comes with a jet black colored PCB, silver colored armor, and a customizable Accent PCH Overlay. The DESIGNARE logo and stylized lettering is imprinted on the overlay which can be illuminated with RGB Fusion APP, giving the motherboard a unique, vibrant style.

The GIGABYTE X399 DESIGNARE EX Motherboard

Fully optimized to support the monstrous power of the AMD Ryzen Threadripper, the X399 DESIGNARE EX motherboard has outstanding performance capabilities. The 16-core, 32-thread AMD Ryzen Threadripper is one of the most power hungry processors on the market so the motherboard uses a design combining 8-pin and 4-pin gold plated solid power connectors to power such a CPU. The motherboard’s server-grade digital VRM design with 3^rd Generation PowIRstage allows it to effectively regulate the power flow within the motherboard.

Impressive graphical performance is one of the defining features of the X399 DESIGNARE EX motherboard. It comes with 48 PCIe Gen 3 lanes and provides support for 4-Way AMD CrossFire and 4-Way NVIDIA SLI, enabling the usage of multi-graphic configurations. The motherboard is designed to fully support design focused graphics cards such as the NVIDIA Quadro and AMD Radeon Pro GPUs. Even with their stringent performance requirements, the X399 DESIGNARE EX allows for those cards to be seamlessly implemented into the motherboard to provide high quality 3D performance, as well as larger design and increased rendering capabilities.

Storage performance is a key asset for any motherboard designed for content creators. The X399 DESIGNARE EX provides Triple NVMe PCIe x4 M.2 connectors with transfer speeds up to 32 Gb/s for top-of-the-line storage performance. These powerful storage devices are protected by M.2 Thermal Guard which minimize the effects of thermal throttling and are capable of keeping these storage devices up to 20°C cooler. The motherboard supports free NVMe RAID with up to 7 NVMe SSDs, a rarity even for motherboards with strong storage performance.

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Furthermore, Smart Fan 5 technology provides the perfect cooling solution for such a high performance motherboard. It allows users to monitor temperatures in critical areas of the motherboard and set temperature limits to ensure that their PCs operate within safe temperature ranges. Users can also customize fan speed settings to maximize fan efficiency and minimize unwanted fan noise.

RGB Fusion Technology is a natural fit with the X399 DESIGNARE EX motherboard and provides the user with incredible style and flair. With onboard LEDs as well as support for 5V or 12V external digital lighting strips, the motherboard provides the user with the ability to illuminate the motherboard or even the Chassis with cool lighting effects. Designers and enthusiasts alike can utilize the motherboard’s RGB Fusion Technology to create lighting patterns that allow them to express their unique artistic style.

The motherboard comes with dual Intel GbE LAN ports, Intel Dual Band Wireless 802.11ac connectivity with cFosSpeed, Quad Channel DDR4 support, a front USB 3.1 header, USB DAC-UP 2, Q-Flash Plus, and much more. The X399 DESIGNARE EX motherboard has everything that content creators could ask for to help them produce the highest quality content.

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Introducing The First AMD X399 Threadripper Motherboards!

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Planning to buy the AMD Ryzen Threadripper? Don’t forget about the motherboard! To help you make your choice, here are the first AMD X399 motherboards you can pair your Threadripper with!

Updated @ 2017-09-03 : Added the ASUS PRIME X399-A motherboard, and purchase links for all AMD X399 motherboards. Other minor updates.

Originally posted @ 2017-08-15

The AMD X399 Chipset

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper is designed specifically to work with the AMD X399 chipset. Together, they offer the following features :

64 PCI Express lanes
Quad-channel DDR4 SDRAM memory
Up to 2 native USB 3.1 Gen2 ports
Up to 14 USB 3.1 Gen1 ports
Up to 6 USB 2.0 ports
Up to 16 SATA ports

As announced in Computex 2017, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper will launch with AMD X399 motherboards from ASRock, ASUS, GIGABYTE and MSI. Here are those motherboards :

The ASRock X399 Taichi

The ASRock X399 Taichi (Lowest Price) has the shortest and easiest name to remember. Here are its key features :

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IR Digital PWM with 11 Power Phases
Supports quad-channel DDR4-3600+ (OC) and ECC UDIMM memory
4 x PCIe 3.0 x16 and 1 x PCIe 2.0 x1
7.1 channel HD Audio (Realtek ALC1220), supports DTS Connect
8 x SATA 6 Gb/s
3 x Ultra M.2 (PCIe Gen3 x 4 and SATA 6 Gb/s)
2 x USB 3.1 Gen2 (Type A + Type C)
12 x USB 3.0 (4 Front, 8 Rear)
1 x U.2 connector
Dual Intel Gigabit LAN
Intel 802.11ac WiFi
ASRock RGB LED
Lowest Price : Amazon

Next Page > ASUS PRIME X399-A & ASUS ROG Zenith Extreme X399

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The ASUS PRIME X399-A

The ASUS PRIME X399-A (Lowest Price) boasts the following features :

5-Way Optimization: One-click, system-wide tuning, delivering optimized overclocks and intelligent cooling for CPU or GPU-intensive tasks.
Industry-leading cooling options: Comprehensive controls for fans and water pumps, via Fan Xpert 4 software or the acclaimed ASUS UEFI.
Next-gen connectivity: Onboard U.2, M.2 and front-panel USB 3.1 Gen 2 connector.
M.2 heatsink: Ultra-efficient heatsink reduces M.2 SSD temperatures by up to 20°C for unthrottled transfer speeds and enhanced reliability.
Aura Sync: Controllable onboard RGB lighting easily syncs with an ever-growing portfolio of Aura Sync-capable hardware.
Lowest Price : Amazon

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The ASUS ROG Zenith Extreme X399

The ASUS ROG Zenith Extreme X399 (Lowest Price) boasts the following features :

Onboard M.2 Heatsink: Cools your M.2 drive, delivering consistent storage performance and enhanced reliability.
Synchronize RGB lighting: With a vast portfolio of Aura Sync capable PC gear – now with support for addressable light strips
ROG DIMM.2: Dual M.2 expansion card allows use of fans to prevent throttling
LiveDash OLED : Customizable panel displays vital system stats or your own logo
Best gaming networking: Intel Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ad Wi-Fi, LANGuard and GameFirst technologies
Gaming audio: SupremeFX S1220 teamed with Sonic Studio III, cast an aural landscape that draws you deeper into the action.
5-Way Optimization: Automated system-wide tuning, providing overclocking and cooling profiles that are tailor made for your rig
Best gaming protection: SafeSlot, and carefully-selected premium components for maximum durability
Lowest Price : Amazon

Next Page > GIGABYTE X399 AORUS Gaming 7 & MSI X399 Gaming Pro Carbon AC

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The GIGABYTE X399 AORUS Gaming 7

The GIGABYTE X399 AORUS Gaming 7 (Lowest Price) boasts the following features :

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Quad Channel ECC / Non-ECC Unbuffered DDR4, 8 DIMMs, 3600 MHz+(OC)
Front and Rear USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C and Rear Type-A ports
Server-Class Digital Power Design & Gold Plated Solid Power Connectors
ALC1220 120dB SNR HD Audio with Smart Headphone AMP and WIMA audio capacitor
Sound BlasterX 720° Audio Engine for 4K Gaming and Entertainment
Killer E2500 GbE LAN
Intel Dual Band 802.11ac + Bluetooth 4.2 – AC 8265 WiFi Module
RGB FUSION with Multi-Zone LED Light Show design, support Digital LED & RGB LED strips
Swappable Overlay for Accent LED PCH
Smart Fan 5 features Multiple Temperature Sensors and Hybrid Fan Headers
Triple Ultra-Fast M.2 with PCIe Gen3 x4 interface and Thermal Guard
NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 U.2 support by optional adaptor
USB DAC-UP 2 with Adjustable Voltage
Precise Digital USB Fuse Design for Stronger Protection
Anti-Sulfur Resistor Design
Ultra Durable 25KV ESD and 15KV Surge LAN Protection
GIGABYTE UEFI DualBIOS with Q-Flash Plus USB port
APP Center Including EasyTune and Cloud Station Utilities
Lowest Price : Amazon

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The MSI X399 Gaming Pro Carbon AC

The MSI X399 Gaming Pro Carbon AC (Lowest Price) boasts the following features :

Support 8 DIMMs, Quad Channel DDR4 3600+ (OC)
Digital Power Design with 10+3 power phase
Mystic Light : 16.8 milliom colors / 17 effects controlled in one click. Mystic Light Sync supports both RGB and RAINBOW LED strip
3D Printing Support: exchangeable cover and 3D X-MOUNTING screws
Lightning Fast Game experience: 3x TURBO M.2 with M.2 Shield, LIGHTNING USB 3.1 GEN2
NAHIMIC 2+: Reward your ears with studio grade sound quality for the most immersive gaming experience
DDR4 Boost with Steel Armor: Fully isolated, shielded and optimized DDR4 PCB design to give your DDR4 memory a performance boost
Intel-powered Gaming LAN and Wireless support
Multi GPU support with Steel Armor PCI-E slots. Supports 4-Way NVIDIA SLI & 4-Way AMD Crossfire
Lowest Price : Amazon

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