AMD announced that it is launching its second-gen Threadripper processors in Q3 2018. These new models will stretch up to 32 cores and 64 threads and feature the new 12nm Zen+ architecture. The processors also feature many of the same enhancements we’ve seen on the second-gen Ryzen processors, such as increased single-core frequencies, higher multi-core boost frequencies, and reduced memory latency.
AMD’s Threadripper processors have a distributed MCM (Multi-Chip Module) design that connects multiple eight-core packages via the Infinity Fabric. Instead of the two active Zeppelin die we found with the original first-gen Threadripper models, the new lineup wields four total active die. AMD will also have 24-core second-gen Threadripper models, but hasn’t specified how many models the new family will have or their core counts. AMD also hasn’t provided pricing specifics yet.
Plus there are new is a wave of X399 refresh motherboards coming to market now. While the new Threadripper processors are also backwards compatible with existing X399 motherboards. We’ve been told that many existing X399 motherboards may struggle with the increased power consumption of the newer models, so VRM-imposed throttling could become an issue.
The launch for these new Threadripper processors, according to the spies on the street is in early August.
Lisa Su also displayed a 7nm EPYC processor, which is coming to market this year, and the world’s first 7nm Radeon Instinct Vega GPU with 32GB of HBM2, but those leading models are destined for the data center. AMD says that 7nm gaming GPUs will follow early next year.
