All you need to know about the Threadripper 1950X, are 4 numbers :
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16
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32
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64
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999
16 Physical Cores
And 32 threaded. The closest Intel competitor is the Core i9-7960X which runs at a base clock of 2,8 GHz, compared to 3,4 GHz for the Threadripper 1950X.
32 MB L3 Cache
That is MASSIVE! That’s 33% more than the L3 cache proposed by the most powerful i9 CPU, the i9 7980XE, with its already VERY impressive 24,75 MB L3 Cache
64 3rd Gen. PCI-e Lanes
That’s excluding the 2 existing 3rd Gen. PCI-e lanes as well as 8 2nd Gen. PCI-e lanes already provided by the X399 chipset ( in other words, these are the PCIe lanes already provided by your motherboard). In addition, after taking in account the motherboard/CPU reserved lanes (4 taken from the CPU), we are left with at least 60 3rd Gen PCI-e Lanes provided by the Threadripper and to play with!
This is simply unprecedented and it surpasses any existing i9/X299 combinations.
In short, you can easily run a 3 way SLI or XFIRE GPU configuration, running them all at a whooping x16 BUS speed! And to spare for your multiple X4 M.2 SSD!
999,00 USD
And finally, its price. The 1950X Threadripper clearly outperforms its Intel equivalent, at a significant lower cost!
In comparison, the i9-7980XE costs more than the double at an expensive 2,000.00 USD.
The i9-7960X, its core equivalent, will cost you 1,699.00 USD
| AMD Threadripper 1950X | Features | Intel Core i9-7960X | Intel Core i9-7980XE | Intel Xeon Gold 6150 |
| 16 / 32 | Cores/Threads | 16 / 32 | 18 / 36 | 18 / 36 |
| 3.4 / 4.0 GHz | Base/Turbo | 2.8 / 4.2 GHz | 2.6 / 4.2 GHz | 2.7 / 3.7 GHz |
| 60 | PCIe 3.0 Lanes | 44 | 44 | 44 |
| 512 KB/core | L2 Cache | 1 MB/core | 1 MB/core | 1 MB/core |
| 32 MB | L3 Cache | 22 MB | 24.75 MB | 24.75 MB |
| 180W* | TDP | 165 W | 165W | 165W |
| $999 | Price (List) | $1699 | $1999 | $3358 |
Conclusion:
Saying that Intel is in trouble is an understatement. There are very little arguments left for its new X-series CPU family. AMD placed itself as, not only a disruptive force, but also as a new standard when it comes to value / performances.
And it is only the beginning! Many more Threadrippers are coming our way! Starting by the 1900 X (31st Aug. launch), which should bring us exciting performances with an even lower price range.
The only chance for Intel to redeem itself will be with its incoming Coffee Lake / Z370. If they take into account the mistakes they have made with the X CPU line up, they might be able to turn this around.
Buckle up! It’s going to be a long summer!
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