The AMD Threadripper is a range of high core count microprocessors that deliver high performance and greater efficiency at high clock speeds, Threadrippers are super powerful and ideal for extreme multitasking and can be overclocked.
This blog was updated in July 2022.
In the world of computing, there is loads to learn, jargon to de-code, and complex hardware to try and comprehend. It seems as if there’s always new hardware and releases right around the corner, and it can be hard to keep up. Especially when it comes to computer hardware.
In order to function, a PC is made up of many individual intricate components: the CPU, RAM, and so on. Understanding what each component in a PC does could prove incredibly use for someone who’s wanting to improve how their computer operates, without getting confused by a tech heavy product description on a website.
Depending on your use case, a component like an AMD Ryzen Threadripper CPU could lend a serious boost to performance. In this blog, we’re going to be discussing the world of Threadripper CPUs: how they work, who benefits most from them, and if you should invest into one.
What is an AMD Threadripper?
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Okay, let’s break it down to the basics. Threadripper is a range of processors, referred to as CPUs (Central Processing Unit), produced by the company AMD. You might’ve heard of AMD for their Radeon GPUs (Graphical Processing Unit) and mainstream Ryzen CPUs: Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7, and so on.
Think of the CPU as the brain of a PC. Its core function is to not only process and execute tasks, but to schedule tasks for other, more qualified components to complete. Like how the brain communicates to a muscle, the CPU communicates to a GPU when it wants to render an image, for instance. Programmed to process and assign different tasks based on certain instructions, the CPU is arguably the most important component in any system.
So, in basic terms, Threadripper is a type of a CPU in a PC. And it’s a highly adept one at that, as we’ll explain. AMD launched this CPU range in 2017 and has since released 2nd and 3rd-generation Threadripper, with a 4th expected to debut anytime soon.
As the name implies, Threadripper is aimed at users who need a copious number of threads to power through heavily multi-threaded programs: 3-D modellers, engineers, architects, and so on. This isn’t your mainstream-market CPU – AMD Ryzen has got that covered.
How does Threadripper work?
We’ll try to keep this explanation as simple as possible. The key selling point of Threadripper is how many threads it has. This is achieved using multiple CPU dies. These CPU dies contain cores, the processing units that execute tasks.
To manage workloads more efficiently, cores can then be splits into virtual cores – or threads – using a technique known as simultaneous multi-threaded on AMD CPUs. You might’ve heard of this on Intel CPUs as hyper-threading. The more threads you have, the better multi-threaded programs will run.
To put Threadripper’s power into context, let’s compare it to popular mainstream Ryzen CPU – the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X. This uses a single 6-core CPU die, with SMT bringing it up to 12 threads. Whereas the Threadripper PRO 3975WX uses quad 8-core dies, for an eye-watering total of 32 cores and 64 threads.
Believe it or not, this isn’t even the biggest Threadripper. That award goes to the Threadripper PRO 3995WX, with a monstrous 64 cores and 128 threads. 2nd-gen Threadripper uses dual dies, 3rd-gen Threadripper uses quad dies – we can’t wait to see what AMD has in store for the long-awaited 4th-gen Threadripper.
CPU dies are connected to each other over AMD’s Infinity Fabric. This is a high-performance interconnect that allows the multiple CPU dies to act as a cohesive unit, ensuring data is transmitted at the lowest latency possible.
So, that’s how Threadripper works – we hope you’re still with us! Dies, cores, threads, SMT, Infinity Fabric – if you’re lost, just think of it as multiple little CPUs stitched together to create one gigantic CPU. Now that you know the basics, let’s dig a little deeper into all things Threadripper.
Who’s Threadripper for?
This information might seem overwhelming for the average consumer. But all you need to know is that Threadripper is a high-end, no-compromises CPU with an extremely high core and thread count, providing game-changing performance to those who’ll use it. Put simply: Threadripper CPUs are fast, some of the fastest you’ll find on the market, in fact.
If you’re asking yourself “Do I need a Threadripper?” then you’ve got to consider what you use your PC for. A standard everyday program like Microsoft Word hardly warrants a Threadripper.
Sure, it might load the program up a fraction of a second faster, but something like Word works just fine on a budget quad-core laptop. It’d be a massive waste of a Threadripper’s resources to run word on it, not to mention expensive.
Instead, Threadripper is best suited for hardware-demanding workloads in a professional environment, where time is of the essence.
Intense multi-tracking editing software and complex render scenes will benefit greatly from a Threadripper CPU. When you’ve got 64 high-performance threads waiting at your disposal – if not more – you’ll be able to conquer any task in your way. Ones that’d otherwise bring mainstream CPUs to their knees.
A Threadripper CPU lets you fully utilise complex and creative programs, without becoming constrained by hardware. It’s ideal for extreme multitasking.
According to AMD, Threadripper is the most powerful CPU that’s accessible for a consumer desktop. Before Threadripper was developed, you’d only find its kind of performance on specialised workstations and enterprise-grade servers. Now, you can pick up a Threadripper CPU at Ebuyer and get it shipped right to your door.
So, depending on your workload, Threadripper can increase your productivity considerably. However, it’s not for everyone. You need to regularly use a heavily multi-threaded program to seriously justify a Threadripper. If that’s not you, a mainstream Ryzen CPU will serve you well instead.
Which PCs use Threadripper?
If you’re planning on building your own PC, then anything is possible, providing you’ve got the cash, confidence, and free time to do it.
Building your own PC is a whole different kettle of fish than buying a PC right off the shelf, however. It’s something only the most dedicated of enthusiasts will engage in, especially when handling hardware as expensive as Threadripper.
The total price tag of a Threadripper build is going to be in the thousands, so why risk doing it yourself when you pay a bit extra for a pre-built system, with customer service and a warranty?
For those dead-set on building their own Threadripper PC, check out our build guides over on the Ebuyer YouTube channel for guidance. While not tailored to a Threadripper PC, they’ll teach you the essentials.
Once you know the building essentials, installing a Threadripper isn’t too complicated. Nevertheless, it’s daunting even for seasoned PC builders to handle a CPU that’s as expensive as an entire high-end gaming PC. So, it’s vital you conduct sufficient research before you dive-in: checking Threadripper’s compatibility list, watching video tutorials, and so on.
For example, AMD themselves have a step-by-step walkthrough on how to install a Threadripper CPU into a motherboard’s CPU socket – it’s not like your normal install. When you buy a Threadripper, it comes with all you’ll need for a safe install, such as a torque wrench. This is used to ensure there’s the right amount of pressure to secure a Threadripper CPU in place.
However, buying a pre-built system is the next best thing for those who won’t build their own PC. Of course, the big question is: which PCs use Threadripper? As it isn’t aimed at the mainstream, you’ll find Threadripper in high-performance desktop workstations. These will all be based on a Windows operating system, however, as Apple has moved onto producing their own line-up of CPUs.
A large proportion of workstations sold at Ebuyer use Xeon CPUs, Intel’s equivalent to Threadripper CPUs. Though brands such as Lenovo have a small selection of Threadripper workstations, with great prices and 0% finance offers.
Is Threadripper expensive?
3rd-gen Threadripper starts at £1,000, while at the time of writing the highest-spec Threadripper Pro 3995WX is sold at upwards of £5,000. Yes, Threadripper is expensive, especially when you take into account that it doesn’t come with a complete computer – it’s just a component for a computer.
But you’ve got to remember two things: Threadripper isn’t made for scrolling through social media, and it wasn’t that long ago you would’ve paid considerably more for the same level of performance.
This CPU is made for those who need high-performance computing for intense rendering tasks and so on, without relying on an even costlier server set-up. If you’re a freelance video editor or animator, for instance, Threadripper could increase your productivity and help you meet deadlines much quicker.
A Threadripper CPU should been viewed as an investment into your career. If you’re getting frustrated at your PC’s performance holding back your workloads, or you need to multi-task heavy-duty programs, then Threadripper is the way to go.
Although the starting price can seem over-the-top, Threadripper’s best-in-class performance can save you time – and money – in the long run. You won’t be disappointed by what AMD has to offer.
Is Threadripper good for gaming?
We all know gaming upgrades are a personal choice, as it depends on the resolution, refresh rate, and graphics you’re targeting (check out our gaming monitor guide for more info), as well as the actual games you play. Online, there are loads of opinions expressing which hardware to upgrade for the best gaming experience. Threadripper’s performance no doubt makes for a great CPU, but it’s not really suited to gaming.
These extremely high core and thread count CPUs are incredibly efficient if you’re running heavily multi-threaded programs. Modern games are only multi-threaded to a certain extent, however. There’s no way they’ll use up all the threads of a Threadripper CPU – most will be sitting idle. As of now, 8 high-performance cores are all you’ll need for gaming.
If you’re wanting to drastically improve your gaming experience, we’d recommend going for a mainstream CPU and investing more into the graphics card instead. For those who plan on multi-tasking while gaming – streaming is the go-to example – then AMD Ryzen 9 processors make a great option, with up to 16 cores and 32 threads.
Should I buy Threadripper?
Threadripper isn’t cheap, so it’s not a decision that comes lightly. It all comes down to whether you believe you’ll benefit from such a powerful processor, or if other, cheaper processors can serve you well enough.
Of course, if all you use your PC for is catching up on emails, then Threadripper is way overkill. In the right hands, however, Threadripper can provide gaming-changing performance.
If your PC’s performance isn’t meeting the mark when you need it most, Threadripper could be the solution. No long will you have the urge to throw your computer out the window waiting for a render to complete. Threadripper can make it a seamless and stress-free experience, keeping you ahead of your deadlines.
Although the price can be off-putting to some, Threadripper can make your work and personal projects easier to manage and more enjoyable. The raw power and capabilities of AMD Ryzen Threadripper are impressive, providing you use it to its full potential. Then it’s well worth the price.
