AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX

AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX: Power for Professionals

A look at the 64-core monster for workstations

Key Features: Architecture and Performance

Storm Peak Architecture and 5nm Process Technology

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX is built on the Zen 4 architecture (codenamed Storm Peak) and is manufactured using TSMC's 5nm FinFET process. This ensures a high transistor density and energy efficiency, despite a TDP of 350 watts.

Key Specifications:

- 64 cores / 128 threads — the maximum in the Threadripper PRO lineup.

- 256 MB L3 cache — speeds up the processing of large datasets (e.g., 8K video rendering).

- PCIe 5.0 support — 128 lanes for fast connections to GPUs, NVMe drives, and professional cards.

- PRO technologies — hardware data protection (AMD PRO Security), remote management (AMD PRO Management).

Performance

According to Geekbench 6 tests:

- Single-Core: 2648 — a commendable result for work tasks requiring quick responsiveness (e.g., code compilation).

- Multi-Core: 24952 — an absolute advantage in multi-threading (rendering in Blender, simulations in ANSYS).

Practical Example:

A 3D animation studio replaced two servers with a PC featuring the Threadripper PRO 7985WX. The render time for a scene in Cinema 4D decreased from 8 hours to 2.5 hours.

Compatible Motherboards: sWRX8 Socket and Chipsets

sWRX8 Socket and WRX80 Chipset

The processor uses the sWRX8 socket, and compatible boards are built on the WRX80 chipset. This is the only option for the Threadripper PRO 7000 series.

Selection Features:

- 8-channel memory — look for boards with 8+ DDR4 slots.

- PCIe 5.0 x128 — critical for connecting multiple GPUs (NVIDIA A6000) or NVMe RAID arrays.

- Ports and connectors — 10 Gb Ethernet, USB4, Thunderbolt 4 (depending on the model).

Popular Models:

- ASUS Pro WS WRX80E-SAGE SE — 7 PCIe 5.0 slots, ECC memory support.

- GIGABYTE WRX80 SU8 — optimized for VRM cooling.

Supported Memory: DDR4 and Multi-channel

The Threadripper PRO 7985WX works with DDR4-3200 (both ECC and non-ECC). Transition to DDR5 has yet to be realized, but the 8-channel controller compensates for this with bandwidth.

Recommendations:

- Use 8 identical modules (for example, 8x32GB = 256GB) to activate all channels.

- For memory-intensive tasks (virtualization, databases), choose memory with low timings (CL14-CL16).

Power Supply: Minimum 850W and Overhead

With a TDP of 350W and peak consumption up to 400W, the processor requires a powerful power supply.

Selection Criteria:

- Power: From 850W (for a single GPU system) to 1200+W (for multi-GPU configurations).

- Certification: 80+ Platinum or Titanium for stability under load.

- Connectors: 2x 8-pin EPS + 1x 12-pin (depending on motherboard).

Example:

The Corsair AX1600i power supply (1600W, 80+ Titanium) can handle even a configuration with two RTX 4090s and a RAID array.

Pros and Cons of the Threadripper PRO 7985WX

Pros:

- Best multi-threaded performance — no rivals in rendering, simulations, and compilation.

- Scalability — 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes for professional hardware.

- Reliability — support for ECC memory and PRO technologies.

Cons:

- Price — starting at $5000 for the processor + expensive motherboards.

- Power consumption — requires serious cooling and power supplies.

- Not for gaming — lower clock speed compared to Ryzen 9 7950X.

Use Cases: Who Is It Designed For?

Work Tasks:

- 3D rendering (Maya, V-Ray).

- Simulations (COMSOL, MATLAB).

- Virtualization — running dozens of virtual machines simultaneously.

Gaming and Multimedia:

While the processor can handle 4K gaming, its potential is excessive for this purpose. Better to choose the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

Real Case:

An engineering company uses the 7985WX for automotive aerodynamics calculations. A task that used to take a week is completed in 18 hours.

Comparison with Competitors

Intel Xeon W9-3495X (56 cores):

- Intel Pros: DDR5 support, AVX-512.

- Intel Cons: 8 fewer cores, Multi-Core in Geekbench 6 — ~21000.

Apple M2 Ultra (24 cores):

- Apple Pros: Energy efficiency, integration with macOS.

- Apple Cons: 2.5 times fewer threads, closed ecosystem.

Conclusion: The Threadripper PRO 7985WX is a leader in multi-threaded tasks but falls behind in niche scenarios (e.g., tasks with AVX-512).

Assembly Tips

1. Cooling:

- Use liquid cooling systems with a TDP of 350W or higher (e.g., NZXT Kraken X73) or custom water loops.

- Check compatibility with the sWRX8 socket — not all coolers fit.

2. Case:

- Full-Tower (Thermaltake Core WP200) for ventilation and expansion card placement.

3. Memory:

- Fill all 8 slots to activate multi-channel.

Final Verdict: Who Is It For?

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7985WX is the choice for professionals for whom time equals money. This processor is for:

- Rendering studios — reducing task completion time.

- Scientific research — complex calculations and simulations.

- IT infrastructure — virtualization and cloud services.

If you're not earning from multi-threaded tasks — this processor is not for you. Its price and power are justified only in a professional environment.

Conclusion: The Threadripper PRO 7985WX is not just a processor, but an investment in performance. It redefines workstation standards but requires careful assembly and budgeting.