If you live by the workstation, you die by the performance. When it comes to processing data, throughput is key: the more a user can do, the more projects are accomplished, and the more contracts can be completed. This means that workstation users are often compute bound, and like to throw resources at the problem, be it cores, memory, storage, or graphics acceleration. AMD’s latest foray into the mix is its second generation Threadripper product, also known as Threadripper 2, which breaks the old limit on cores and pricing: the 2990WX gives 32 cores and 64 threads for only $1799. There is also the 2950X, with 16 cores and 32 threads, for a new low of $899. We tested them both.
Do I need a Threadripper machine for my job? Nope. Do I want a Threadripper machine for my job? Hell yes. The AnandTech review of the Threadripper 2 line is in, so sit back and enjoy the pretty numbers.
Benchmarks are *all over the place*, showing that software in general is not up to utilising this much silicon to its best, but one thing does come out clear — it’s an absolute beast at compiling.
In short — ThreadRipper is a cheaper buy-in than Intel with the potential to cream the Intel chips so long as your workload suits it, but regardless ThreadRipper is the ultimate “halo” product: only a few will actually need to use it, but it reignites the discussion around AMD chips as legitimate replacements for where Intel has long been untouchable.
Yeah seems something is not quite right in several benches… a 1950x stock shouldn’t be beating it in any test unless something is wrong.
It looks to me like the whole software stack needs to get smarter about dealing with asymmetrical CPU architectures. This is easier said than done, of course, especially for “legacy” (read “current”) OSes. But it looks like these designs are only going to become more common going forward, so we need to bite the bullet – and sooner rather than later, IMO.
When AMD provided x64 to the mass, it took a little while until software were ready, coders had to tame the beast.
When AMD provided multi cores to the mass, it took a little while until software were ready, coders had to tame the beast.
When AMD provided… you know the rest.
Hm, though first dipping of toes with mass-market ~multicore-aware software was Hyperthreading by Intel… (well, if you don’t count fairly inexpensive Pentium 2, 1st Celeron, and Pentium 3 dual-CPU motherboards; I have one
) So the landscape was almost ready when AMD provided true dualcores.
The problem is Windows. Linux is up to 50% faster in some tests with AMD chips.
I’ve got a 1950x going strong in a 4u home server.
For virtualization, those threads are handy. Many pcie lanes for the accessories (gpu, nvme, hba). ECC support.. Compared to new rack mount equipment, kind of affordable and with a clear upgrade path to boot.
Threadripper fits this niche perfectly, surprised it’s not been picked up more by the ‘homelab’ crowd.
Then you should look for benchmarks on OS that supports its NUMA architecture:
https://www.phoronix.com/vr.php?view=26705
https://www.phoronix.com/vr.php?view=26700
The difference between 2990WX and 1950X is significant, also between 2990WX and i9 7980XE in multithread-heavy workloads.