What is AMD Ryzen Threadripper: Is It worth the hype?

Have you ever thought about how modern computers are managing heavy workloads? Well, to be clear, with a heavy workload I’m not talking about high-end gaming or 2k-4k level video editing. Here the term, “Heavy workload” refers to a large scale of work, like complex simulation, Engineering calculations, 8k level video editing, 3D rendering, complex animations, live broadcasting of an event, etc.

So I think. you have a rough idea now, about how much workload I’m talking about. Well, If we only consider 4k ultra-level gaming, or 4k video editing, then the latest i9-14900K or Ryzen 9-7950X is more than enough. Even they perform better than the Threadripper CPUs. Then why is Threadripper so expensive? In this article, we will discuss the AMD Ryzen Threadripper CPU, in detail, and find out what is AMD Ryzen Threadripper.

Basic components of a processor

Before going in to the technical specification, lets find out what are the basic components of a CPU.

• Cores: Cores are the physical processing unit of a CPU, They act as the brain of a processor. They can handle any workload on their own. A large number of cores are capable of running multiple programs simultaneously. Generally normal CPUs consists of 2-core, 4-cores, 8-cores or 12 cores and more.
• Threads: Threads are the virtual processing units, handled by the cores. Threads are capable of dividing a complex task in multiple smaller task, easier to handle.
• Cache: CPU caches are extremely fast, smaller memory banks, built in the processor. They are used to store data temporarily. Cache played a crucial role in improving performance, As accessing data from cache are so much faster than fetching it, directly from the RAM. There are 3 cache levels, L1, L2, and L3.

Why Choose AMD Ryzen Threadripper?

Here are the key specs of an AMD Ryzen Threadripper CPU, see what makes them extremely fast.

• Core Counts: AMD Ryzen Threadripper CPUs have a huge number of core count, compared to normal desktop processors. Current model AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7995WX has a massive 96 cores and 192 threads, 256MB of L3 cache. Just think of how much parallel processing, thay can offer.
• Massive PCIe Lanes: PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) lanes are highways that connect your CPU to devices like graphics cards, storage drives, and networking cards. Threadripper systems deliver significantly more PCIe lanes than typical platforms, giving you unparalleled connectivity for demanding setups.
• Multi-threading performance: Threadripper CPUs dominate work-station level applications, like Blender, Maya, weather forecasting, molecular modeling, etc, which rely on multi-threaded performance.

AMD Ryzen Threadrippers are based on Zen Architecture. The architecture plays an important roles on it’s performance. Zen cores are more efficient than their predecessors, allowing Threadripper to use more cores, without excessive power consumption or heat generation. This results to more processing power available for demanding tasks. Each Zen core supports SMT(Simultaneous Multithreading), allowing it to handle two threads simultaneously, significantly boosting its multitasking capability.

If you have any query about the power demand, then check out the below comparison. Blender has been tested for 5 min, in all the fag-ship level CPUs.

Zen architecture features larger and faster L3 caches, which store frequently accessed data closer to the cores. This reduces latency and improves performance, especially in applications that rely on repetitive calculations or data access. Zen introduces a high-bandwidth interconnect called Infinity Fabric, which efficiently connects multiple cores, memory channels, and I/O components within the processor. This ensures smooth communication and data flow, preventing bottlenecks that could limit performance.

What is Threadripper Good For?

Here we will discuss several professional aspects, where Threadripper is used most often.

Video Editing and Rendering

• Handling High-Resolution Footage: Threadripper’s power comes in the spotlight when working with high-resolution videos like 4K, 6K, 8K, or even RAW footage. Threadripper can effortlessly handle multiple streams of video with less slowdown during the editing process.
• Complex Effects and Color Grading: Applying special effects, transitions, and intricate color grading is extremely processor-intensive. Threadripper’s massive number of cores divides these tasks into smaller ones, minimizing render times drastically and keeping workflows smooth.
• Exporting and Encoding: The final stage–exporting your project can be very time-consuming. Powerful Threadripper CPUs significantly increase video encoding speeds, especially when dealing with demanding compression formats.

3D Modeling, Animation, and Rendering

• Complex Models and Simulations: Creating highly detailed 3D models, simulations, and environments requires an extraordinary amount of computing and processing power. From sculpting figures to rendering realistic lighting (Ray-tracing) and physics, Threadripper helps artists handle complex scenes easily.
• Animation and Rigging: Animating objects with complex rigs is heavily dependent on the CPU. Threadripper ensures smooth previews and fluid playback when working with heavy character rigs and multiple objects.
• Rendering Powerhouse: The final rendering process is one of the most CPU-demanding tasks in 3D workflows. Threadripper decimates rendering times for both still images and animations, ensuring projects are completed smoothly.

Here Blender has been run on various flagship level CPU, check how The Threadripper performs.

Scientific Computing and Simulation

• Data Analysis and Modeling: Research fields like weather forecasting, medical imaging, and engineering often involve analyzing and manipulating massive datasets. Threadripper’s power makes crunching these numbers, running simulations, and visualizing complex data significantly faster.
• Multi-Variable Calculations: Scientific studies often involve multi-variable equations and simulations. Threadripper can manage numerous calculations simultaneously, leading to faster research results and breakthroughs.

Software Development and Compilation

• Large Codebases: Compiling massive code projects requires tremendous processing resources. Threadripper significantly cuts compilation times, letting developers iterate and test software updates more quickly.
• Parallel Workloads: Many modern software development processes involve parallel execution of tasks. Threadripper’s high core count makes it ideal for these workflows, increasing the developer’s overall productivity.

Chromium Code compiler is considered to be on of the most heavy / demanding application, required a powerful multi-core performance , As you can see Threadripper line easily outperforms all.

Additional Use Cases

• Music Production and Audio Engineering: Handling multiple audio tracks, effects, and virtual instruments in real-time demands serious performance. Threadripper keeps these workflows smooth and lag-free.
• CAD and Engineering Design: Working with large, complex CAD models and assemblies is where the core count on Threadripper plays important role. Design processes and simulations become considerably faster.
• Financial Modeling and Analysis: Number-heavy scenarios, such as complex financial modeling and risk analysis, are boosted significantly with Threadripper’s raw computing power.

Why is Threadripper Bad at Gaming?

Now you have seen most of the scenarios where the AMD Ryzen Threadripper is, You might be thinking this processor will be the best one for gaming purposes. Well, you will be wrong in this case. Do not buy this processor for gaming. First of all that will be a huge waste of money and you will get far better gaming performance with the latest i9-14900K or Ryzen 9-7950X around $900. There is no need to spend $9000 in a Thredripper CPU for gaming. Now lets see why this fall behind in gaming.

• Game Engine Optimization: Most video games are designed and optimized with a typical consumer desktop processor in mind, generally aiming for efficient utilization of around 4 to 8 cores. Threadripper’s massive core counts often far exceed what most games can effectively leverage. In some cases, having too many cores can even cause scheduling conflicts within the game engine, potentially leading to stuttering or decreased performance.
• Focus on Clock Speed: Modern games heavily rely on high clock speeds (the number of instructions a single core can process per second). Threadripper processors, by design, tend to have slightly lower clock speeds compared to their consumer-oriented counterparts. This is done to balance power consumption and heat generation when managing those vast numbers of cores.
• Memory Access and Latency: The specialized architecture within Threadripper, geared towards extreme multitasking, can cause slightly increased latency when accessing system memory (RAM). This latency can have a slight negative impact on gaming performance, especially in games that are sensitive to quick access to data in memory.
• Bottlenecking: Even with an incredibly powerful Threadripper CPU, your gaming performance can still be significantly limited by other hardware components like your graphics card, RAM speed, or storage drives. This means that the extra power of the Threadripper might not yield substantial improvements unless there’s a balance across all your components.

In short, Threadripper’s strengths lie in handling many tasks simultaneously, whereas games excel with a few cores running at maximum clock speed.

Also read RTX 3060 vs 4060 laptop.

AMD Ryzen Threadripper for content creators: Powerhouse or overkill

The Short Answer is Yes, AMD Ryzen Threadripper can be an excellent choice for content creators, but only for specific types of content creation and budgets.

Why Threadripper Can Shine

• Multi-tasking Master: With 24, 32, or even 64 cores, Threadripper excels at handling multiple demanding tasks simultaneously. Imagine editing high-resolution footage while rendering 3D graphics – a breeze for Threadripper!
• Speed Demon: Tasks like rendering, encoding, and complex simulations see significant speed boosts thanks to the massive core count.
• Future-Proofing: As content creation trends towards higher resolutions and more complex workflows, Threadripper’s core count offers future-proofing potential.

Important Consideration

• Costly Powerhouse: The cost of Threadripper, along with compatible motherboards, cooling, and memory, can be significantly expensive for casual creators.
• Single-Threaded Lag: Some tasks, like browsing or light gaming, might not see significant improvement, as they primarily rely on single-core performance.
• Overkill for Some: Not all content creation requires extreme multi-threading. If your work involves simpler editing or lower resolutions, a more affordable Ryzen 9 might be sufficient.

Here’s a breakdown for different content creator types:

• Video Editors (8K and beyond): Threadripper shines, especially for color grading, complex effects, and multi-cam editing.
• 3D Animators and Designers: Rendering scenes and simulations will be significantly faster with Threadripper’s muscle.
• Photo Editors (high-resolution work): While not essential, Threadripper offers speed benefits for large batch editing and complex filter applications.
• Streamers and Gamers: Not the best choice for pure gaming or streaming, as these primarily rely on single-core performance.

Here Adobe Photoshop has been tested. As you can see many CPUs like i9-13900K, i7-1400K has beat Threadrippers very easily. Adobe Phottoshop basically performs better on 4-8 core CPU, they rely on single core performance, increasing core count does’t give any additional boost.

For professional content creators working with demanding workloads like high-resolution video editing, 3D animation, or complex design, AMD Ryzen Threadripper can be a game-changer. However, its high price tag demands careful consideration, and it might be overkill for casual creators or those working with simpler projects.

Also read Best Processor Under 15000.

Threadripper for Server: A Viable Option?

Threadripper (especially the PRO version) can be a fantastic choice for servers if you need:

• Exceptional Virtualization: Threadripper’s immense core count makes it ideal for hosting a large number of virtual machines (VMs) on a single server. This can increase efficiency, reduce power consumption, and lower hardware costs in datacenters.
• Tackling Bursty Workloads: Servers often have fluctuating demands, with peak periods followed by low usage. Threadripper’s vast number of cores smoothly handles unpredictable spikes in workload without slowing down, avoiding the need for overprovisioning hardware resources.
• PCIe lanes for Expansion: With plentiful PCIe lanes, Threadripper servers can support multiple high-speed devices like NVMe storage arrays, network interface cards, and specialized accelerators (e.g for AI) – a critical feature for servers handling a wide range of tasks simultaneously.
• Threadripper PRO – The Enterprise Edge: Threadripper PRO processors introduce features specifically valuable for mission-critical servers:
  • Advanced Security: Memory encryption and security extensions help defend against cyber attacks, protecting sensitive data stored on the server.
  • Remote Management: IT administrators can remotely manage and configure numerous Threadripper PRO systems thanks to industry-standard manageability features.
• Cost Considerations: In specific use cases, a Threadripper-based server could offer a better price-to-performance ratio compared to some traditional server-grade CPU solutions. This can be attractive for businesses wanting to maximize their value without overly sacrificing performance.

Important Consideration

• Careful Workload Assessment: It’s crucial to analyze the specific demands of your server applications. Some workloads might be better suited for traditional server-focused processors like Intel Xeon or AMD EPYC, which are optimized for broader server use cases.
• Software Compatibility: Although less of an issue lately, ensure that critical server software is fully compatible and optimized for a Threadripper platform.

Why is Threadripper So Expensive?

Now the AMD Ryzen Threadripper price is a bit higher than usual, around $10000. In this price you will build an entire gaming PC, which will offer insane performance, So why this Threadripper comes with a premium price tag, lets discuss.

• Extraordinary Core Count: Packing a huge number of cores into a single processor requires complex manufacturing and increases potential defects, both raising costs.
• Advanced Memory Support: Threadripper’s ability to handle multiple channels of high-speed memory adds to the cost due to complex chip design and motherboard requirements.
• Robust Power Delivery (VRMs): To manage the intense power demands of numerous cores, Threadripper systems need substantial power delivery components (VRMs) on the motherboard, adding to the overall cost.
• Premium Materials: Manufacturing complex chips with strict tolerances and top-quality components necessitates using more expensive materials.

Also read How Does Frame Generation Work.

Price vs. Standard Ryzen

Standard Ryzen CPUs boast far fewer cores and less complex features, meaning they have a significantly lower production cost in comparison to Threadripper.

Value Proposition

If you need the absolute maximum multitasking power for professional workloads like heavy-duty video editing, 3D rendering, or scientific simulations, Threadripper’s cost could be justified. The time and efficiency gains can offset the initial price investment.

Alternatives

In the HEDT (High-End Desktop) space, Intel’s Xeon W series and AMD’s own EPYC processors are direct competitors to Threadripper. These chips often offer different focuses – like maximum scalability for datacenters in the case of EPYC.

Processor Series	Core Count	Max CPU Speed	Price (approx)	Memory Bandwidth
AMD Ryzen Threadripper	Up to 96	Up to 4.5 GHz	$1500 – $9000+	Quad-channel
Intel Xeon	Up to 56	Up to 4.2 GHz	$3000 – $12000+	Up to Eight-channel
AMD EPYC	Up to 96	Up to 4.0 GHz	$4000 – $15000+	Up to Eight-channel

Conclusion

AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors pack unmatched multitasking power thanks to their immense core count and workstation-focused features. They are ideal for creative professionals, scientists, and developers whose demanding applications can fully utilize this potent hardware.

However, Threadripper’s high price demands careful consideration.

• If extreme multi-threaded performance is essential and directly leads to higher productivity in your field, the investment might be justified.
• For gaming or general PC use, standard desktop processors from AMD or Intel are likely more cost-effective.

Now think your workflow could benefit from Threadripper’s brute force? Do your research! Investigate performance gains specifically in your software of choice and compare against available alternatives to make an informed decision.