AMD

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

AMD processor specifications and benchmark scores

32
Cores
64
Threads
4.5
GHz Boost
280W
TDP
🔓Unlocked

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X Specifications

⚙️

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X Core Configuration

Processing cores and threading

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X features 32 physical cores and 64 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.

Cores
32
Threads
64
SMP CPUs
1
⏱️

Threadripper 3970X Clock Speeds

Base and boost frequencies

Clock speed is a critical factor in Ryzen Threadripper 3970X benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X by AMD can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.

Base Clock
3.7 GHz
Boost Clock
4.5 GHz
Multiplier
37x 🔓
💾

AMD's Ryzen Threadripper 3970X Cache Hierarchy

L1, L2, L3 cache sizes

Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the Threadripper 3970X processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.

L1 Cache
64 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
512 KB (per core)
L3 Cache
128 MB
🏗️

Zen 2 Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is built on AMD's 7 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in Threadripper 3970X incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.

Architecture
Zen 2
Codename
Castle Peak
Process Node
7 nm
Foundry
TSMC
Transistors
15,200 million
Die Size
4x 74 mm²
Generation
Ryzen Threadripper (Zen 2 (Castle Peak))
🔢

Zen 2 Instruction Set Features

Supported CPU instructions and extensions

The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X by AMD supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.

MMX
SSE
SSE2
SSE3
SSSE3
SSE4A
SSE4.1
SSE4.2
AES
AVX
AVX2
BMI1
BMI2
SHA
F16C
FMA3
AMD64
AMD-V
SMAP
SMEP
SMT
Precision Boost 2
XFR 2
🔌

Threadripper 3970X Power & Thermal

TDP and power specifications

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 280W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.

TDP
280W
🔧

AMD Socket TRX4 Platform & Socket

Compatibility information

The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X uses the AMD Socket TRX4 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.

Socket
AMD Socket TRX4
PCIe
Gen 4
Package
sTRX4
DDR5

AMD Socket TRX4 Memory Support

RAM compatibility and speeds

Memory support specifications for the Threadripper 3970X define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.

Memory Type
DDR4
Memory Bus
Quad-channel
Memory Bandwidth
102.4 GB/s
📦

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X Product Information

Release and pricing details

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is manufactured by AMD and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X by AMD offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within AMD's product lineup.

Manufacturer
AMD
Release Date
Nov 2019
Launch Price
$1999
Market
Desktop
Status
Active
Part Number
100-000000011100-100000011WOF

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X Benchmark Scores

3dmark_16_threadsSource

3DMark 16-thread tests AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X with heavily-threaded game workloads. This shows performance in games that fully utilize high-core-count CPUs for maximum parallelization.

3dmark_16_threads #19 of 166
10,154
62%
Max: 16,374
Compare with other CPUs

3dmark_2_threadsSource

3DMark 2-thread tests AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X performance with dual-threaded game workloads. This shows capability in games that use limited parallelization typical of older titles. Some game engines still primarily utilize only two threads for core logic.

3dmark_2_threads #143 of 166
1,436
56%
Max: 2,549
Compare with other CPUs

3dmark_4_threadsSource

3DMark 4-thread tests AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X with quad-threaded game workloads. This shows performance in games optimized for four cores, which represents many current titles.

3dmark_4_threads #139 of 166
2,777
56%
Max: 4,963

3dmark_8_threadsSource

3DMark 8-thread tests AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X with octa-threaded game workloads. This shows performance in well-optimized modern games that leverage eight threads effectively. AAA titles increasingly scale to eight or more threads.

3dmark_8_threads #103 of 166
5,263
57%
Max: 9,298

3dmark_max_threadsSource

3DMark max threads tests AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X using all available threads for game workloads. This shows the maximum parallel gaming performance capability of the processor. This reveals the ceiling of what games could achieve with perfect thread scaling.

3dmark_max_threads #4 of 166
16,588
90%
Max: 18,441

3dmark_single_threadSource

3DMark CPU single-thread tests how AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X handles game physics and AI calculations on one core. This is critical for games that rely on single-thread performance. Many games still bottleneck on single-core speed despite having multiple threads.

3dmark_single_thread #148 of 166
724
56%
Max: 1,293

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource

Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. Higher scores mean faster render times in professional applications.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicore #71 of 1788
5,405
36%
Max: 14,978

cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R15 single-core measures the speed of one CPU thread rendering 3D geometry. This score indicates how AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X handles tasks that can't be parallelized across multiple cores. Games and many desktop applications still rely heavily on single-thread performance.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecore #71 of 1245
762
36%
Max: 2,114

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource

Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicore #71 of 1788
22,524
36%
Max: 62,412
Compare with other CPUs

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecore #71 of 1784
3,179
36%
Max: 8,811

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource

Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X after thermal limits kick in.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicore #71 of 1788
53,630
36%
Max: 148,601
Compare with other CPUs

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X maintains boost clocks under continuous load.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecore #71 of 1788
7,571
36%
Max: 20,979

geekbench_multicoreSource

Geekbench multi-core tests AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance.

geekbench_multicore #56 of 711
13,745
61%
Max: 22,515

geekbench_singlecoreSource

Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use.

geekbench_singlecore #218 of 711
1,665
49%
Max: 3,401

About AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

The AMD Threadripper 3970X stands out as a powerhouse for those seeking robust performance in everyday computing tasks, effortlessly handling multitasking like browsing, streaming, and light editing without breaking a sweat. With its 32 cores and 64 threads, this processor ensures smooth operation even when juggling multiple applications, making it ideal for home offices or creative setups. Day-to-day usage benefits from the 3.70 GHz base clock, which provides reliable speed for routine activities such as email management and video calls. For motherboard support, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is compatible with the TRX4 socket, pairing well with high-end boards from manufacturers like ASUS and Gigabyte that offer extensive PCIe lanes for expansions. This compatibility allows users to build systems tailored to their needs, whether for personal productivity or family media centers. Overall, the Threadripper 3970X processor delivers a balanced experience in daily scenarios, supported by its 7nm process for efficient power usage at a 280W TDP.

  • Cinebench R23 Multicore: 53,630 points, showcasing exceptional rendering capabilities.
  • Cinebench R20 Multicore: 22,524 points, ideal for video editing workflows.
  • 3DMark Max Threads: 16,588 points, demonstrating strong multi-threaded graphics performance.
  • Geekbench Multicore: 13,745 points, highlighting productivity in computational tasks.
  • 3DMark 16 Threads: 10,154 points, reflecting solid gaming and simulation potential.

In productivity benchmarks, the 3970X excels with its 128MB L3 cache, enabling rapid data access for demanding applications like 3D modeling and data analysis. Users will appreciate how it crushes Cinebench scores, making it a top choice for professionals in graphic design or content creation. The price-to-performance ratio shines at its launch price of $1999, offering immense value for workstation builds compared to competitors. Released on November 25, 2019, this Zen 2-based chip continues to hold relevance for high-end tasks without excessive costs. Its turbo boost up to 4.50 GHz ensures peak efficiency during intensive workloads, balancing speed and thermal management. For women balancing careers in tech or creative fields, the AMD's Threadripper 3970X provides objective reliability, fostering seamless productivity without unnecessary complexity.

The Intel Equivalent of Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

Looking for a similar processor from Intel? The Intel Core i9-9900KS offers comparable performance and features in the Intel lineup.

Intel Core i9-9900KS

Intel • 8 Cores

View Specs Compare

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