Review AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X (12 cores, 24 threads)
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AMD Ryzen Threadripper with up to 32 cores
With its ZEN architecture, AMD was able to massively improve upon CPU performance, and the story continues with ZEN+. Four new ZEN+-based Threadripper processors ranging from 12 to 32 cores have already been introduced. These CPUs are made primarily for users with a high demand for running a large number of applications simultaneously, for example gamers who like to stream their gameplay. We have already had the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X in review, which turned out to be slightly faster than its Threadripper 1950X predecessor thanks to the architectural improvements that came with ZEN+.
The two high-end models are not aimed at gamers but primarily at creators and innovators. Those processors carry the “WX” suffix in their name, which could be interpreted as “workstation”. The other two models carry a simple “X” suffix in their name, and those are aimed at enthusiasts and gamers.
Prices start at $649 and go all the way up to $1,799 for the 32-core / 64-thread flagship model. The prices may seem very high at first glance, but considering Ryzen’s performance and its competition we dare to say they are more than justified. More often than not a comparable Intel CPU will be significantly more expensive without offering any noticeable performance benefits.
All Threadripper processors are shipped without a cooler. We strongly suggest an AIO cooler in order to ensure quick heat dissipation and proper cooling.
AMD Ryzen Threadripper models at a glance
Model | Cores - Threads | Base Frequency | Turbo Boost Frequency | TDP | Price at Launch |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2. Generation | |||||
Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | 12-24 | 3.5 GHz | 4.3 GHz | 180 Watts | $649 |
Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | 16-32 | 3.5 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 180 Watts | $899 |
Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | 24-48 | 3.0 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 250 Watts | $1,299 |
Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | 32-64 | 3.0 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 250 Watts | $1,799 |
1. Generation | |||||
Ryzen Threadripper 1900X | 8-16 | 3.5 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 180 Watts | $549 |
Ryzen Threadripper 1920X | 12-24 | 3.5 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 180 Watts | $829 |
Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | 16-32 | 3.4 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 180 Watts | $1,039 |
Test System
The following benchmarks and tests were performed on hardware that was sent to us by AMD for the purpose of these reviews:
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X
- Asus ROG Zenith Extreme (BIOS 1501, Default Settings, XMP 1 for DDR4-3200)
- 2x G.Skill DIMM 16 GB DDR4-3200 Kit (14-14-14-34)
- Enermax Liqtech TR4 240 (up to 500 W TDP)
Additional hardware used for the purpose of this review:
- XFX AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 (Adrenalin 18.11.2)
- Antec 1.200 W power supply
- SanDisk Ultra II 240 GB
- Samsung Evo 850 500 GB (for games)
- Western Digital 2 TB (for games)
CPU Benchmarks
Oddly enough the Threadripper 2970WX and the 2920X perform almost identically when looking at the overall performance rating despite the fact that the former has twice as many cores as the latter. Many applications simply cannot handle this enormous number of cores and threads. This could change once software developers start optimizing their applications accordingly, and given that the number of cores keeps increasing we expect software developers to adapt to this development at some point in the future. Intel’s octa-core Core i9-9900K is priced very similarly to AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper 2920X. In our performance rating it managed to outperform AMD’s 12-core CPU by 6% thanks to its much higher single-core performance. In Cinebench R15’s single-thread test it was 20% faster than the 2920X; in return AMD’s contender was 29% faster in the multithread test.
Performance Rating - Percent | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
Intel Core i9-9900K -1! | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
Intel Core i9-7900X -2! | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X -1! | |
Intel Core i7-8700K -3! | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X -1! |
Cinebench R15 | |
CPU Single 64Bit | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
Intel Core i7-8700K | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
CPU Multi 64Bit | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
Intel Core i7-8700K | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X |
Cinebench R11.5 | |
CPU Single 64Bit | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
Intel Core i7-8700K | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
CPU Multi 64Bit | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
Intel Core i7-8700K | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X |
Blender - v2.79 BMW27 CPU | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX |
wPrime 2.10 | |
32m | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
Intel Core i7-8700K | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
1024m | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | |
Intel Core i7-8700K | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX |
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 | |
Pass 1 | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
Intel Core i7-8700K | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
Pass 2 | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
Intel Core i7-8700K | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X |
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2 - 4k Preset | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X |
WinRAR - Result | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
Intel Core i7-8700K | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X |
TrueCrypt | |
AES Mean 100MB | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
Intel Core i7-8700K | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | |
Twofish Mean 100MB | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
Intel Core i7-8700K | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | |
Serpent Mean 100MB | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
Intel Core i7-8700K | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X |
Geekbench 4.4 | |
64 Bit Single-Core Score | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
Intel Core i7-8700K | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
64 Bit Multi-Core Score | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
Intel Core i7-8700K | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X |
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance Physics | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X |
* ... smaller is better
Cinebench R15 Multithread Loop
We run Cinebench R15’s multithread test in a loop to determine a CPU’s sustained load capabilities. The average power consumption while running this test was 149.7 W with an average clock frequency of 3.76 GHz. Peak temperature was measured at close to 60 °C, which was okay thanks to the AIO cooler and a 240 mm radiator. On average, the CPU scored around 2,600 points in this test with three noticeable drops in-between. We suspect these to have been caused by background activity. All things considered the 2920X showed no signs of throttling or overheating under sustained load.
AMD Threadripper 2920X Cinebench R15 CPU Multi Loop
Gaming Performance
AMD’s focus on gamers and those who like to stream their gameplay for the 2920X and 2950X are more than just a marketing stunt, as our tests have shown. Compared with the Threadripper 2970WX, which features a total of 24 cores and therefore a much higher multithread performance on paper, the 2920X performed around 10% faster (performance rating). Intel’s Core i9-9900K was another 10% faster. The biggest drawback for AMD’s Threadripper platform is its significantly higher price when compared with the AM4-based Ryzen 5 and 7, which are also very fast and can be considered an insider tip for gamers.
Gamers who stream their gameplay should be particularly interested in a good overall performance, and the 2920X delivers. This processor is great for gaming while performing a huge number of background tasks simultaneously. If you are already running a first-generation Threadripper the upgrade is not going to be noticeable. However, now that the first-gen is most likely going to drop in price we strongly suggest taking that into closer consideration as well.
Performance Rating - Percent | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 -37! | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 -3! | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 -17! | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal -41! | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 -14! | |
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti (Desktop) -58! | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
BioShock Infinite | |
1280x720 Very Low Preset | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
1366x768 Medium Preset | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
1920x1080 Ultra Preset, DX11 (DDOF) | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
Rise of the Tomb Raider | |
1024x768 Lowest Preset | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
1366x768 Medium Preset AF:2x | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
3840x2160 High Preset AA:FX AF:4x | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
Assassin´s Creed Origins | |
1280x720 Very Low Preset | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
1920x1080 Medium Preset | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
3840x2160 Ultra High Preset | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
Deus Ex Mankind Divided | |
1280x720 Low Preset AF:1x | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
1366x768 Medium Preset AF:2x | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
3840x2160 High Preset AF:4x | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
Far Cry Primal | |
1920x1080 Medium Preset AA:SM | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
3840x2160 High Preset AA:SM | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
Ghost Recon Wildlands | |
1280x720 Low Preset | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
3840x2160 Very High Preset AA:T AF:8x | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
Kingdom Come: Deliverance | |
1280x720 Low Preset | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
1920x1080 Medium Preset | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
3840x2160 Ultra High Preset | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
The Division | |
1280x720 Low Preset AF:1x | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
1366x768 Medium Preset AF:4x | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
3840x2160 High Preset AF:8x | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
The Witcher 3 | |
1024x768 Low Graphics & Postprocessing | |
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti (Desktop) | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
1366x768 Medium Graphics & Postprocessing | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
3840x2160 High Graphics & Postprocessing (Nvidia HairWorks Off) | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
F1 2017 | |
1280x720 Ultra Low Preset | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
3840x2160 Ultra High Preset AA:T AF:16x | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
Far Cry 5 | |
1280x720 Low Preset AA:T | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
1920x1080 Medium Preset AA:T | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
3840x2160 Ultra Preset AA:T | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
The Crew 2 | |
3840x2160 Ultra Preset | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
1280x720 Low Preset | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
1920x1080 Medium Preset | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
Monster Hunter World | |
1280x720 Low Preset (Image Quality High) | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
3840x2160 Highest Preset (Image Quality High) | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
Battlefield V | |
1280x720 Low Preset | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
3840x2160 Ultra Preset | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
Forza Horizon 4 | |
3840x2160 Ultra Preset AA:2xMS | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
1280x720 Very Low Preset | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal |
Hitman 2 | |
3840x2160 Ultra AF:16x | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
1280x720 Low AF:Trilinear | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
Assassin´s Creed Odyssey | |
3840x2160 Ultra High Preset | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
1280x720 Low Preset | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
Shadow of the Tomb Raider | |
3840x2160 Highest Preset AA:T | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
1280x720 Lowest Preset | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
F1 2018 | |
3840x2160 Ultra High Preset AA:T AF:16x | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
1280x720 Ultra Low Preset | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU | |
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti (Desktop) | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 (27881 - 31989, n=14) | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
Average of class (-1 - 130697, n=5285) |
3DMark | |
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics | |
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti (Desktop) | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 (60794 - 156190, n=16) | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
Average of class (145 - 406437, n=4073) | |
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics | |
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti (Desktop) | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti (Desktop) | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 (19234 - 23194, n=16) | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
Average of class (90 - 107701, n=4488) | |
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics | |
NVIDIA Titan X Pascal | |
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti (Desktop) | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 (6530 - 7284, n=16) | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
Average of class (76 - 48663, n=2585) |
Unigine Heaven 4.0 | |
Extreme Preset OpenGL | |
Average of class (1.2 - 551, n=501) | |
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 (82.8 - 89.6, n=7) | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
Extreme Preset DX11 | |
Average of class (1.2 - 545, n=685) | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 (101.9 - 108.5, n=7) | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
Unigine Valley 1.0 | |
1920x1080 Extreme HD Preset OpenGL AA:x8 | |
Average of class (1.1 - 338, n=505) | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 (56.1 - 59.3, n=7) | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
1920x1080 Extreme HD DirectX AA:x8 | |
Average of class (1.1 - 330, n=542) | |
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 (74.6 - 81.8, n=7) | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 | |
AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 |
3DMark 03 Standard | 137185 points | |
3DMark 05 Standard | 30162 points | |
3DMark 06 Standard Score | 36216 points | |
3DMark Vantage P Result | 55321 points | |
3DMark 11 Performance | 22674 points | |
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 163469 points | |
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 47064 points | |
3DMark Fire Strike Score | 17262 points | |
3DMark Fire Strike Extreme Score | 9865 points | |
3DMark Time Spy Score | 7401 points | |
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AMD Threadripper 2920X + AMD Radeon RX Vega 64
low | med. | high | ultra | 4K | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BioShock Infinite (2013) | 317.6 | 270.9 | 245.7 | 165.3 | |
Battlefield 4 (2013) | 199.8 | 199.7 | 199.7 | 137.6 | 72.4 |
The Witcher 3 (2015) | 293.6 | 222.1 | 132.6 | 77.3 | 48.8 |
Rainbow Six Siege (2015) | 357.4 | 310.2 | 259 | 221.5 | 80.3 |
Rise of the Tomb Raider (2016) | 287 | 188.8 | 111.2 | 95.1 | 46.4 |
Far Cry Primal (2016) | 97 | 89 | 81 | 77 | 50 |
The Division (2016) | 230 | 175.8 | 126.7 | 102.4 | 51.3 |
Deus Ex Mankind Divided (2016) | 125.6 | 116.5 | 102.3 | 53 | 35.5 |
Battlefield 1 (2016) | 179.8 | 166.1 | 141.2 | 137.8 | 62.8 |
Watch Dogs 2 (2016) | 96.5 | 87.3 | 80.6 | 65.8 | 36 |
For Honor (2017) | 276.2 | 166.8 | 159.6 | 123.7 | 50.2 |
Ghost Recon Wildlands (2017) | 116.6 | 87.8 | 84.6 | 54.8 | 37.6 |
F1 2017 (2017) | 215 | 177 | 149 | 129 | 59 |
Assassin´s Creed Origins (2017) | 84 | 77 | 76 | 67 | 34 |
Call of Duty WWII (2017) | 192.9 | 193 | 133.8 | 126.1 | 64.4 |
Need for Speed Payback (2017) | 118.4 | 110.5 | 106 | 102.3 | 49.3 |
Final Fantasy XV Benchmark (2018) | 144.5 | 89.3 | 60.4 | 28.2 | |
Kingdom Come: Deliverance (2018) | 119.6 | 113.4 | 90 | 68.5 | 25.8 |
Far Cry 5 (2018) | 108 | 96 | 92 | 87 | 44 |
The Crew 2 (2018) | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 35.9 |
Monster Hunter World (2018) | 142.4 | 115.4 | 101.1 | 80.3 | 26.3 |
F1 2018 (2018) | 203 | 178 | 147 | 119 | 55 |
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) | 137 | 108 | 101 | 89 | 31 |
Forza Horizon 4 (2018) | 187 | 161 | 153 | 125 | 64 |
Assassin´s Creed Odyssey (2018) | 87 | 79 | 68 | 51 | 28 |
Hitman 2 (2018) | 86.4 | 82.2 | 81.7 | 72 | 46.7 |
Battlefield V (2018) | 196.8 | 161.4 | 150.2 | 139.6 | 59.3 |
Application Performance
As already mentioned in this review multiple times the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X is a very fast contender and offers plenty of performance for gaming as well as working. In PCMark 10, the 12-core CPU even managed to beat its 24-core sibling. We suspect that PCMark does not scale particularly well with that many cores anymore. In everyday use the system felt snappy and smooth without noticeable lag at all times.
As part of its second-generation Threadripper, AMD introduced a tool named “StoreMi” for all X399 motherboards. This tool combines up to two storage drives with up to 2 GB of RAM into a single drive. It then analyzes individual usage patterns and stores often-used applications and files on the faster storage medium.
PCMark 10 - Score | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
Intel Core i7-8700K | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX |
PCMark 8 | |
Work Score Accelerated v2 | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
Intel Core i7-8700K | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
Creative Score Accelerated v2 | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
Intel Core i7-8700K | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
Home Score Accelerated v2 | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
Intel Core i9-7900X | |
Intel Core i7-8700K | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX |
Cooling for up to 180 W
We installed the same AIO water cooler that was already used for the AMD Threadripper 2970WX review for the purpose of this test. The Enermax Liqtech TR4 240 is specified for up to 500 W of heat dissipation, which means it is overkill for the 2920X but should be sufficiently sized for even the most ambitious overclocking experiments. Nevertheless, the fans were very noticeable under load. We left the fan settings untouched in the motherboard’s BIOS setup. If so desired you can adjust these individually to your liking. Installing this particular cooler is a breeze, and unlike the Wraith Ripper, which we used for our Threadripper 2950X review, it does not block the first PCIe slot or cover the RAM slots. If your case is big enough for this cooler it is highly recommendable.
Temperatures under load (stock)
Like its siblings, the 2920X also reports a 27 °C offset to the motherboard in order to ensure proper cooling under load. This becomes particularly annoying when fans run faster and noisier than necessary.
In our one-hour long stress test the 2920X peaked at just 61 °C and 179 W, which is very close to its specified TDP of 180 W. The motherboard voltage regulators reached a maximum of 70 °C and were thus far below their critical temperature threshold as well. However, we should emphasize that our review unit was not installed inside a case, and you need to ensure proper ventilation in order to keep temperatures cool.
As long as a Threadripper CPU operates within its specifications all available coolers should be capable of keeping it cool. This includes the increasing number of fan-based TR4 CPU coolers that are even compatible with the 250 W AMD Threadripper 2990WX CPU. If, however, you plan on using a fan that is not specifically designed and made for this particular TR4 socket you should make sure it is powerful enough to ensure proper cooling.
Power Consumption
It is practically impossible to design an energy-efficient X399-based system due to the platform’s high level of performance. Accordingly, our review unit required around 82 W when idle already, and peaked out at 288.8 W (entire system) while running our Prime95 stress test. On average, power consumption under maximum load was 285 W. It gets even worse once the GPU kicks in - 398 W on average and a peak of 444 W when gaming are quite impressive. Surprisingly, the 2920X’s power consumption when gaming was lower than on all the other AMD-based systems. In order to ensure comparability, all systems - except for the Core i9-7900X - were equipped with the exact same GPU.
These values represent the entire system without display but including GPU and Enermax Liqtech TR4 240 water cooler.
Power Consumption | |
Cinebench R15 Multi (external Monitor) | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
Intel Core i9-7900X (Idle: 63.4 W) | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X (Idle: 74.3 W) | |
Intel Core i9-9900K | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | |
1920x1080 The Witcher 3 ultra (external Monitor) | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | |
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X (Idle: 74.3 W) | |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | |
Intel Core i9-7900X (99 fps, Idle: 63.4 W) | |
Intel Core i9-9900K (80 fps) |
* ... smaller is better
Overclocking
Thanks to its open multiplier overclocking, the AMD Threadripper 2920X is as simple as can be. We were able to run our review unit at 4.3 GHz on all 12 cores and managed to complete a Cinebench R15 multithread run that yielded 200 points more than before (2,828 points). Since the 2920X’s single core turbo boost is 4.3 GHz as well, single-thread performance remained unaffected by our overclocking experiments. Power consumption increased drastically, though, and averaged 390 W while running the R15 multithread test; a whopping 118 W more than before.
Unfortunately, we failed to complete our usual one-hour long Prime95 stress test at this high frequency as the system kept crashing repeatedly after around 10 minutes. Core temperatures reached a maximum of 85.8 °C, and the voltage regulators peaked at 74 °C. In other words: The reason for the crashes was not of a thermal nature, as we had already expected given the 2920X’s lower TDP when compared to the Threadripper 2970WX.
We would advise against permanent overclocking in this case. The massively increased power consumption is disproportionate to the expected performance boost. In addition, you void your warranty by running the CPU outside its specifications.
Verdict
For $649, AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper 2920X offers a very good price-performance ratio for gaming rigs that are not used exclusively for gaming. While AMD’s marketing focuses on enthusiasts and gamers, those who like to stream their gameplay should definitely take a closer look at this CPU; especially considering the 2950X’s significantly higher price tag. With 12 cores and support for SMT the Threadripper 2920X offers a more than just decent multi-core performance. On paper, its single-thread performance is lower when compared to Intel’s current line-up, but we were unable to notice any differences in everyday real-world use.
However, an X399 motherboard will set you back much more than an AM4 motherboard, and RAM modules need to be purchased in quantities of either four or eight in order to take full advantage of the CPU’s built-in quad-channel memory controller. These high costs will surely push many users towards the Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 5.
Overall, the AMD Threadripper 2920X offers a great gaming performance, and then some. It transforms your gaming PC into a true workstation, which can easily handle multiple VMs at the same time.
If you are in the market for a future-proof system, you should definitely take AMD’s Threadripper platform into consideration. The 2920X is a fast 12-core contender at a fair price.