AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X & 7970X Review: Many-Core Desktop Supremacy
AMD Threadripper 7980X Overclocking
Manually overclocking a Threadripper 7000-series processor is very similar to previous-gen parts. Because the processors are unlocked, overclocking them is a matter of altering a few multipliers, tweaking voltages, and dealing with the additional heat and power requirements. These processors can also be overclocked by adjusting base clock frequencies, so it's possible to fine-tune the end result if you like to tinker and go the manual route. However, the easiest way to achieve the most gain will come from tweaking multipliers or using the automatic tools AMD has made available in Ryzen Master.
AMD Threadripper 7980X Stock
As was the case with the previous-gen Threadrippers, overclocking can be done from within the BIOS on enthusiast-class motherboards or via AMD's Ryzen Master utility, which offers features like Precision Boost Overdrive, Auto-Overclocking, and Curve Optimizer. When manually overclocking Threadripper processors (and mainstream Ryzen processors for that matter), you lose support for features like Precision Boost and essentially lock the processors at a given max frequency, which may actually be lower than the maximum single-core Boost frequency. As such, you may be giving up some single-threaded performance if you manually overclock.
AMD Threadripper 7980X Overclocking With PBO
Like previous-gen Ryzen processors though, these new chips support Precision Boost Overdrive and Automatic Overclocking within Ryzen Master, which is a super quick and easy way to increase performance. With PBO, frequencies are dynamically adjusted and automatically managed, and all of the clock gating and power conserving features in the processors continue to function. PBO also reads data embedded in the BIOS by motherboard manufacturers, which defines the maximum power limits of that particular board.
Just flip on PBO in Ryzen Master, crank up the power targets in-line with your motherboard's capabilities and your system's cooling, and overall system performance should be increased without negatively impacting stability. Auto Overclocking works similarly, just flip it on and go—again, assuming you've got adequate cooling. Cooling duties in our test system were handled by a Thermaltake 360mm AiO liquid cooler, which is confidently up to the task.
For our overclocking tests, we kept it simple and enabled PBO with the maximum PPT, TDC, and EDC available on our system. While stock, the system consistently hit the PPT limit, but the processor never hit its thermal limit; it typically topped out at about 88°C. With PBO enabled and everything maxed out, there was still power headroom available, but the CPU would hit the 95°C temperature limit. Still, there was much performance to be gained.
As you can see, performance increases significantly with PBO enabled, so much so that the Threadripper 7980X's Cinebench R23 multi-threaded score exceeds 100K and its Geekbench result jumps by nearly 7%. With more powerful cooling and some additional tweaking, we're certain these new Threadripper 7000 series processors can be pushed quite a bit further.
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7000 Series Review Conclusion
The new AMD Threadripper 7000 series embodies everything an HEDT platform should be. The 64-core / 128-thread Threadripper 7980X and 32-core / 64-thread Threadripper 7970X offer killer performance relative to the competition and offer massive generational leaps over the previous-gen, Zen 3-based Threadripper Pro 5000 series. While these processors are obviously designed for heavily-threaded workloads, single and lightly-threaded performance remains very good. The platform also offers plenty of I/O, and there is ample headroom available for overclockers and enthusiasts that like to wring every last bit of performance out of their systems.While things looks great on a technical level, the main pain point for most users will be pricing, which currently looks like this:
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X (64 core): $4,999
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7970X (32 core): $2,499
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7960X (24 core): $1,499
Obviously, these processors target hardcore enthusiasts who are used to paying a premium for top-end parts, but a cool five grand for the 7980X is a significant expenditure. TRX50-based motherboards and DDR5 RDIMMs will also command a big premium. Needless to say, if you're itching to get your hands on a well-equipped Threadripper 7000 system, it's not going to be cheap.
With all of that said, AMD has done an excellent job with this platform. Throughout assembly, configuration, and testing, our Threadripper 7000-build “just worked”. Everything behaved as expected, performance was strong, and stability was top-notch. There’s plenty of headroom left in the platform too and, if you know what you’re getting into, the experience should be great.
We’re very happy that AMD has decided to re-enter and re-invigorate the HEDT space. The Threadripper 7000 series is a monstrously powerful platform. If you’ll benefit from a many-core processor with gobs of memory bandwidth and tons of IO, you’ll be well served by the Threadripper 7000 series. AMD’s got an absolute beast on its hands here.
