The new HEDT processors arrive with up to 64 cores, support for 80 PCIe 5.0 lanes, and DDR5 memory, setting a milestone for creators, engineers, and AI developers.
AMD has officially announced the launch of its next-generation high-performance desktop processors (HEDT), the Ryzen Threadripper 9000 series, based on Zen 5 architecture, available starting July 31 through its global network of distributors and system integrators.
The lineup includes models such as the Threadripper 9960X, 9970X, and 9980X, with configurations up to 64 cores and 128 threads, support for 256 MB of L3 cache, DDR5-6400 quad-channel memory, and up to 80 PCIe 5.0 lanes, making it an ideal platform for intensive workflows like 3D creation, video editing, simulation, software compilation, AI model inference, and local training.
A leap in performance over Xeon and previous generations
According to AMD, the Threadripper 9000 series significantly outperforms Intel’s Xeon W-3500 and W9-3595X processors in tasks such as Cinebench 2024 rendering (+83%) and effects processing in Adobe After Effects (+80%). In development tasks, benchmarks like Chromium build, Unreal Engine 5.5, and MATLAB also show substantial improvements.
Additionally, when combined with graphics cards like the new AMD Radeon AI PRO R9700 (with RDNA 4 architecture and 32 GB of GDDR6 memory), GPU performance in Autodesk Maya can be increased by up to 64% compared to Intel-based systems.
Highlighted models and specifications
| Model | Cores / Threads | Boost / Base Frequency | Total Cache | TDP | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Threadripper 9980X | 64 / 128 | Up to 5.4 / 3.2 GHz | 256 MB | 350 W | $4,999 |
| Threadripper 9970X | 32 / 64 | Up to 5.4 / 4.0 GHz | 128 MB | 350 W | $2,499 |
| Threadripper 9960X | 24 / 48 | Up to 5.4 / 4.2 GHz | 128 MB | 350 W | $1,499 |
All models use the sTR5 socket and are compatible with existing motherboards with the TRX50 chipset, offering 4-channel DDR5 memory (up to 1 TB) and up to 80 PCIe 5.0 lanes. For PRO environments, the WRX90 platform supports up to 2 TB RAM across 8 channels and up to 128 PCIe lanes.
Ideal platform for local AI and extreme multi-tasking
Thanks to support for 80 PCIe 5.0 lanes, Threadripper 9000 processors are ready to host multiple high-end GPUs and ultra-fast NVMe storage. This makes them the best choice for AI developers who need to train large models or perform fine-tuning locally without relying on cloud solutions.
In this context, AMD positions its CPU + GPU ecosystem as a robust alternative to solutions dependent on NVIDIA or Intel, especially attractive for workstations requiring full hardware control, low latency, and energy efficiency.
Designed for the future, ready for today
Beyond their technical capabilities, the Threadripper 9000 series is designed for professional users who need full control over their systems. These processors are fully unlocked for overclocking (except in OEM systems), allowing users to maximize performance based on their project needs.
Overall, with Zen 5, AMD redefines high-performance desktop limits, positioning the Threadripper 9000 as the ultimate choice for content creators, AI developers, product designers, data scientists, and professionals who cannot afford bottlenecks in their productivity.
For those seeking a balance between raw power, advanced connectivity, and local AI support, everything else is simply second place.
via: amd