AMD Ryzen 9 Threadripper release date, news and rumors: everything you need to know

Earlier this year, AMD launched its highly successful Ryzen line of processors, and it’s not stopping there, with news that it's preparing to launch a 16-core (32-thread) processor named ‘Threadripper’, aimed at enthusiasts and high-end desktop PCs.

This news came after rumors emerged that AMD’s competitor, Intel, was lining up a series of Core i9 processors, with the top-of-the-range Core i9-7920X coming with 12 cores (24 threads).

Processors that have more cores and threads are able to handle more tasks at once – which means these CPUs are more adept at multitasking.

For a selection of portable powerhouses, these are the best laptops

CPUs with very high core counts have been present in servers and enterprise machines for a while now, but it looks like the new processor arms race between AMD and Intel is bringing mega-core processors to home PCs.

Here’s everything we know about the AMD Ryzen Threadripper line, including release date, price evaluation and other bits of info.

Cut to the chase

What is it? AMD’s mega-powerful 12- and 16-core processors
When is it out? Early August, according to AMD
What will it cost? Starts at $799 (around £615, AU$1,035)

AMD Ryzen 9 Threadripper release date

While we don’t have a concrete release date for the AMD Ryzen 9 Threadripper line of CPUs to be released, Jim Anderson, Senior VP and General Manager, Computing and Graphics at AMD said at AMD’s financial analyst day on May 16 that Ryzen Threadripper chips would arrive in the summer.

It has since been confirmed that the AMD Ryzen 9 Threadripper CPUs will land in early August. On July 24, AMD finally showed off the official Threadripper packaging on Instagram, showcasing a unique boxy design accented by rounded edges and a mesmerizing glow. Early reception to this outward appearance has been overwhelmingly positive.

AMD Ryzen 9 Threadripper price

Despite not yet being available for purchase, we do have firm details on what price the AMD Ryzen 9 Threadrippers will release at. They’re not cheap, but you can expect to pay less for more performance than you would get with a comparable Intel chip.

Whereas the 16-core Ryzen Threadripper 1950X will retail at $999 (around £770, AU$1,295), the Threadripper 1920X will boast 12 cores and sell for $799 (around £615, AU$1,035).

Meanwhile Intel’s closest competitor to the 1950X, the Core i9-7960X, sets users back a whole $1,699 (around £1,315, AU$2,200) while the 12-core i9-7920X is $1,189 (around £920, AU$1,500).

AMD Ryzen 9 Threadripper specs and power

So far, we officially know the AMD Ryzen 9 Threadripper series will feature "up to 16 cores and 32 threads", with the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X serving as the posterchild for these specs. The 1920X, on the other hand, will be limited to 12 cores and 24 threads.

As for how fast those cores will run, the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X can be found running at a base clock of 3.4GHz and a boost clock of 4.0GHz. At the same time, the Threadripper 1920X runs at a base/boost clock of 3.5/4.0GHz.

To put this into perspective, the Intel Core i9-7960X has packs the same 32 threads and 16 cores as the Threadripper 1950X and the Intel Core i9-7920X has the same 12 cores and 24 threads as the Threadripper 1920X.

The Threadripper series will use AMD’s SMT (Simultaneous Multi-Threading) technology found in other Ryzen chips. Finally, the Ryzen 9 series processors will use a modified variant of the SP3 socket, which was originally designed for AMD’s beefy server chips that go up to 32 cores.