AMD has once again redefined what’s possible in the world of high-end desktop (HEDT) computing with the launch of the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X, a 64-core, 128-thread juggernaut built for professionals who demand nothing less than raw, uncompromising power. Priced at $4,999, this flagship CPU is aimed squarely at content creators, engineers, 3D artists, data scientists, and other power users whose workloads thrive on multi-threaded performance.
This isn’t just another processor—this is AMD’s definitive statement on the future of HEDT platforms. Let’s dive into why the 9980X is already being crowned the fastest desktop CPU ever tested.
A Deep Dive into Architecture & Specs
The Threadripper 9980X is part of AMD’s Threadripper 9000 series, built on the new Zen 5 “Shimada Peak” architecture using TSMC’s 4nm process node (with a 6nm I/O die). It retains the same 350W TDP as its predecessor but brings improved power efficiency, higher clocks, and better IPC (instructions per clock) performance.
Key specs include:
- Cores / Threads: 64 / 128
- Base Clock: 3.2 GHz
- Boost Clock: Up to 5.4 GHz
- Cache: 256MB L3 + 64MB L2 = 320MB total
- Memory Support: Quad-channel DDR5-6400 ECC
- PCIe Lanes: Up to 80 lanes of PCIe Gen 5
- Socket: sTR5 (compatible with TRX50 motherboards)
- TDP: 350W
- Launch Date: July 31, 2025
- MSRP: $4,999
These features position the 9980X as a true workstation-class CPU in desktop form—without the need for server-class infrastructure or management tools.
Benchmark Results: The Fastest Desktop CPU Yet
According to PassMark, the 9980X has scored an astonishing 147,481 in multi-threaded tests—beating even AMD’s own 96-core Threadripper Pro 7995WX (which scored ~145,572). This makes it the fastest desktop CPU on record as of July 2025.
Real-World Gains:
- +16% multi-core uplift over the previous-gen 7980X
- +11% single-core improvement in Geekbench 6
- Up to 108% faster than Intel’s Xeon W9-3595X in multi-threaded creative workloads (Cinebench, Blender, Maya, Adobe Suite)
- Consistent leadership in Blender, V-Ray, DaVinci Resolve, and scientific computing
Where It Falls Short:
- It still lags behind consumer CPUs like Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K or Apple’s M3 Ultra in single-threaded and gaming performance, due to architectural tradeoffs and its higher core count.
- However, for professionals who need throughput over latency, the 9980X is simply unmatched.
Use Cases: Who Should Buy the 9980X?
This CPU is overkill for casual users or gamers. But for professionals, it’s a dream:
- Video Editors working with 8K RAW footage
- 3D Artists and Animators using Autodesk Maya, Houdini, or Blender
- Machine Learning Developers needing parallel compute power
- Engineers running CAD simulations or computational fluid dynamics
- Software Devs compiling massive codebases or running containers in parallel
If your workflow scales with threads, the Threadripper 9980X pays for itself in saved render time and productivity.
Platform & Compatibility
The 9980X runs on the sTR5 socket and uses the TRX50 chipset, meaning it will work with existing Threadripper 7000-series motherboards with a BIOS update in most cases. The platform supports DDR5-6400, ECC memory, and PCIe 5.0, giving professionals access to high-throughput storage, multiple GPUs, and lightning-fast networking or RAID cards.
Final Thoughts
The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X isn’t just a new CPU—it’s a landmark release that revives the HEDT market with a vengeance. While Intel’s HEDT options have stagnated and Apple’s M-series chips serve a different audience, AMD now offers the most powerful, scalable, and versatile workstation CPU available for the desktop.
✅ TL;DR – Why Threadripper 9980X Matters
- 64 cores / 128 threads, Zen 5 architecture, 5.4 GHz boost
- Record-breaking PassMark score of 147,481
- Massive uplift over both Intel’s HEDT chips and last-gen Threadrippers
- Best-in-class performance for content creation, rendering, simulations, and engineering
- $4,999 price tag aimed at professionals, not hobbyists
- Not ideal for gaming—but unrivaled for real work
Key Takeaways
- The Threadripper 9980X offers 64 cores and costs $4,999 for professional workstation users
- It delivers major performance improvements over the previous generation in multi-threaded tasks
- Gaming performance is poor compared to consumer processors, making it unsuitable for most gamers
Frequently Asked Questions
The AMD Threadripper 9980X raises questions about pricing, performance benchmarks, and release timing. Users want to know specifications and how it compares to other processors in the series.
What is the price range of the AMD Threadripper 9980X?
AMD has not announced official pricing for the Threadripper 9980X. The processor has not been released to retail markets yet.
Industry analysts expect the price to fall between $3,000 and $5,000 based on previous Threadripper models. The final cost will depend on core count and target market positioning.
How does the AMD Threadripper 9980X perform in benchmark tests?
No official benchmark results exist for the Threadripper 9980X. AMD has not released performance data or test scores.
Third-party reviewers cannot test the processor because it is not available. Performance estimates remain speculation until official launch.
When was the AMD Threadripper 9980X officially released?
The AMD Threadripper 9980X has not been officially released. AMD has not announced a launch date for this processor.
The company typically releases Threadripper processors 6-12 months after mainstream Ryzen chips. This timeline suggests a possible late 2025 or early 2026 release.
Can you provide a detailed list of specifications for the AMD Threadripper 9980X?
AMD has not published official specifications for the Threadripper 9980X. Core count, clock speeds, and cache sizes remain unknown.
The processor will likely use the Zen 5 architecture. It should support DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 connectivity like other 9000-series chips.
Expected features include high core counts and large cache sizes. The exact numbers will be confirmed at launch.
What are professional reviewers saying about the AMD Threadripper 9980X?
Professional reviewers have not published reviews of the Threadripper 9980X. The processor is not available for testing.
Tech publications cannot provide performance analysis or recommendations. Reviews will appear after AMD releases the chip to media outlets.
Has the Threadripper 9000 series been released, and how does the 9980X compare?
The Threadripper 9000 series has not been released. AMD has not announced any processors in this lineup.
The 9980X would be part of this unreleased series. Comparisons cannot be made until AMD provides official information about the entire product range.
