The New Zen 5 Architecture Threadripper Is Coming Fianlly

Aside from the Threadripper series, AMD’s Zen 5 architecture processors have essentially all been released. Recently, the [Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9000 series processors](AMD Zen 5 Threadripper) (codenamed Shimada Peak) have frequently appeared in global trade data and customs shipping manifests, revealing some key specifications and models. While this information isn’t official and the launch date remains unclear, it at least indicates that this product is nearing its debut.

The latest shipping manifests confirm two models in the Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9000 series: the 24-core 9965WX and the 32-core 9975WX. Both processors have a thermal design power (TDP) of 350W, consistent with the current-generation Ryzen Threadripper 7000 series. This design not only continues AMD’s power strategy in the high-end desktop (HEDT) and workstation markets but also ensures that the new processors are seamlessly compatible with existing platform cooling solutions and power configurations, requiring only a firmware update to support the Zen 5 architecture.

In addition to the 24-core and 32-core models, the shipping manifests hint at more variants. Hardware observers have spotted three additional Threadripper Pro 9000 series processors in various databases, suggesting the full lineup will likely include a 16-core 9955WX, a 64-core 9985WX, and a flagship 96-core 9995WX. These core counts closely mirror the previous Threadripper 7000 series, indicating that AMD is opting for stability in core configurations while boosting performance through the Zen 5 architecture.

The Zen 5 architecture is the core highlight of the Threadripper Pro 9000 series. Each Zen 5 core complex die (CCD) contains 8 cores and 32MB of L3 cache. Based on this, the 16-core version will use 2 CCDs, totaling 64MB of L3 cache; the 24-core version will use 3 CCDs, providing 96MB; the 32-core version will feature 4 CCDs, increasing the cache to 128MB; the 64-core version will have 8 CCDs, reaching 256MB; and the top-tier 96-core version will integrate 12 CCDs, boasting a massive 384MB of L3 cache. This cache capacity is on par with the Threadripper 7000 series, suggesting AMD is focusing more on architectural optimization rather than significantly altering cache sizes. However, rumors suggest that the 12-core variant from the previous generation may not return, with the entry-level model starting at 16 cores.

On the performance front, much like its consumer counterparts, the Zen 5 architecture delivers notable improvements. Compared to Zen 4, its instructions per cycle (IPC) performance increases by an average of 16%, thanks to enhanced branch prediction, a wider pipeline design, and greater parallelism. These optimizations are expected to make the Threadripper Pro 9000 series excel in multi-threaded tasks such as rendering, simulation, and scientific computing while maintaining competitive single-threaded performance. Although specific clock frequencies haven’t been disclosed, referencing the 5.7GHz peak frequency of the Ryzen 9 9950X (Zen 5’s desktop flagship), the Threadripper Pro 9000 series might see a slight boost over the 5.3GHz peak of the 7000 series.

In terms of compatibility, the Threadripper Pro 9000 series will continue to use the sTR5 socket. While the shipping manifests mention an “LGA-4844 package” (codenamed SP6), which aligns with the socket used by AMD’s EPYC 8004 series, SP6 and sTR5 are electrically incompatible. The sTR5 socket caters to Threadripper’s unique needs, such as 8-channel DDR4 memory and 128 PCIe 4.0 lanes, ensuring that existing TRX50 and WRX90 motherboard users can upgrade to the new processors with just a BIOS update. This strategy reflects AMD’s commitment to long-term platform support, offering users greater flexibility and return on investment.

The Threadripper Pro 9000 series targets professional workstations and high-performance computing markets, with its primary competitors being Intel’s Xeon W series. Compared to the Xeon W, Threadripper Pro holds advantages in core count, PCIe lanes, and memory bandwidth, making it especially suited for scenarios requiring massive parallel computing. For example, the 96-core 9995WX, with its 192-thread design and 384MB of L3 cache, can effortlessly handle tasks like 3D modeling, video editing, and AI training. Additionally, while the unified 350W TDP is relatively high, it delivers stable performance under heavy loads, manageable with an appropriate liquid cooling solution.

Currently, AMD has not officially announced the release schedule for the Threadripper Pro 9000 series. Based on the Threadripper 7000 series launch in Q4 2023, the new series might debut around mid-2025. The frequent appearances in shipping manifests suggest that testing has reached a critical stage, and an official announcement may not be far off.

For tech enthusiasts and professional users, the Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9000 series is undoubtedly a processor worth anticipating. It not only reinforces AMD’s dominance in high-performance computing but also widens the gap with competitors through the innovations of the Zen 5 architecture. Whether it’s core count, cache design, or platform compatibility, this series showcases AMD’s pursuit of ultimate performance. As more details emerge, this processor is poised to once again redefine performance benchmarks in the workstation market.