AMD Threadripper 9980X + 9970X Linux Benchmarks: Incredible Workstation Performance
So far I have ran more than 200 different workloads on the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X and 9980X processors as part of this testing for launch day. I've been most impressed by the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9000 series performance across the diverse range of Linux workloads from code compilation to creator and multimedia workloads to a wide swath of HPC/scientific computing applications. Like with the Ryzen AI 300 series, Ryzen 9000 series, EPYC 4005, and EPYC 9005 series, the AMD Zen 5 performance is simply phenomenal. With the full 512-bit data path for AVX-512, faster DDR5 memory support, and other Zen 5 architectural advantages, there is extremely beneficial generational uplift from the Ryzen Threadripper 7000 series and prior up to the new Ryzen Threadripper 9000 series.
Those wanting to see all my raw performance and power data for this launch day review can see this result file for the 220+ test results in full.
When taking the geometric mean of all the raw performance data points in full, going from the Threadripper 7980X to 9980X yielded a 30% improvement. For a single generation. Some of my numbers have been relatively even higher than shown by AMD with all of their Microsoft Windows 11 results. Meanwhile for the 32-core Threadripper 9970X there is a similar 28% improvement over the prior-generation Threadripper 7980X. Simply great performance.
~30% generational performance improvements alone are great but it's even a more compelling case when looking at the CPU power numbers. Across the span of all the benchmarks conducted, the Threadripper 9980X had a 287 Watt average to the 7980X at a 309 Watt average. Both had a peak power draw at 370~372 Watts. Meanwhile the 9970X CPU power use had a 296 Watt average compared to the prior generation 7970X at 286 Watts. Roughly put, similar CPU power usage but being able to deliver 28~30% higher performance on average going from the Threadripper 7000 to 9000 series processors. And drop-in compatibility with BIOS update for existing Threadripper 7000 series workstations.
👁 AMD Ryzen Threadripper Zen 5 CPU installed
The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X / 9980X performance on Linux is superb with serious generational improvements over the Threadripper 7000 series. If you are using any modern Linux distribution, the Linux support/compatibility is also squared away. Shimada Peak is another wonderful addition to the AMD Zen 5 family. The only real downside to these new processors is the price: the Threadripper 9980X is expected to command a $4999 USD price point and the Threadripper 9970X at $2499. AMD TRX50 motherboards retail for $599+ USD and from there also needing quad channel memory, etc. But the price can still prove worthwhile for organizations and other professionals that can benefit from the increased productivity of faster compile times, quicker renders, and other time-savings from the captivating performance of the Threadripper 9000 series.
Thanks to AMD for providing the review samples for launch-day Linux testing at Phoronix. I am already working on several more follow-up articles around the Threadripper 9000 series Linux performance for publishing in the coming days and weeks.
If you enjoyed this article consider joining Phoronix Premium to view this site ad-free, multi-page articles on a single page, and other benefits. PayPal or Stripe tips are also graciously accepted. Thanks for your support.