AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3980X is a 48-core, 96-thread beast — according to CPU-Z

At the end of November, AMD released the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X processor, a beast priced at US$1,999 with 32 cores, 64 threads, a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz, a boost clock speed of 4.5 GHz, 128 MB of cache, and an insane TDP of 280 W. Since then, this chip has already managed to break quite a few records, going all the way up to 5.75 GHz. Although most details are unconfirmed yet, it looks like this chip will get a 48-core, 96-thread sibling in early 2020, when the 64-core, 128-thread 3990X is also expected to arrive.

Based on the 3990X details already revealed, it is rather safe to assume that the yet-to-be-confirmed Threadripper 3980X — which was spotted in the CPU-Z v1.91 support list — will be compatible with existing AMD TRX40-based mainboards. This beast will most likely use eight Zen 2 chiplets, each with 6 cores for a total 48 cores in a package. The clock speeds, unfortunately, are unknown at this stage for both the 3990X and 3980X.

Releasing the 3980X at a sub-US$3,000 price tag would destroy Intel's Xeon W-3175X, but that remains to be seen. It would not be surprising to see the 3980X launching alongside the 3990X next month, so stay tuned. In the meantime, feel free to hit the comments section and let us know what you think about Intel's chances to strike back in 2020. Obviously, you also need to think about the answer to this question — "How many cores do you really need and why?" — before dreaming about the 3980X.

Since this will surely be my last article published in 2019, may we all have a happy New Year celebration & see you all in 2020!