Multi-Core Processors for High-Performance Computing

The recent advancements in processor technology have yielded new CPUs that demonstrate stable operation and manageable thermal design power (TDP) even under heavy loads. Notably, the 32-core variant maintains power consumption levels equivalent to those of the 64-core model, albeit with a lower base frequency. The processors exhibit substantial performance increases during multi-threaded tasks, assuming the software in use is optimized for multi-threading. These high-core-count processors, Threadrippers, are also capable of handling gaming applications, although their primary design is not centred around gaming performance. The cost-benefit ratio of these processors for gaming alone is not favourable. Instead, they are intended for intensive computational tasks that benefit from multi-threading capabilities, such as video editing and development environments say utilizing multiple virtual containers. For consumers with a focus on gaming, processors like the Ryzen 7000 series X3D with 6 or 8 cores are recommended as they provide sufficient performance at a lower cost. The Threadripper series, on the other hand, is tailored for a demographic requiring high-performance CPUs for tasks such as content creation, virtualization, animation, video editing, modelling, and ray-traced rendering. Historically, processors with core counts such as 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, and 64 have been restricted to the high-cost server market, primarily dominated by Intel. However, these new CPUs have introduced a shift in this paradigm, offering these high-core-count processors at more accessible price points to a wider range of consumers. Benchmark assessments indicate that a lot of applications are limited to utilizing 16 or 32 threads, others effectively harness additional threads to deliver significantly improved performance outcomes. The architecture, which comprises eight 8-core dies alongside an I/O die, introduces complexities in terms of efficiency, scaling, and latency, which are inherent challenges in designing processors with such a high number of cores.

If the software application supports 48 or 64 threads, nothing is stopping this processor from ripping threads and spitting out serious numbers that will make your eyebrows frown, and then some. The base clock is superb and Threadripper parts years ago had the base clock at 3.0 GHz, that's now 4.0 GHz , on all cores. Add to that a 5.3 GHz boost and yeah, what can compare really? Never ever has my testing been this fast, I mean threaded software like VRAY and Cinebench takes mere seconds to finish, it's just wonderful and a little daunting to see, I admit. 

The processor is composed of eight 8-core dies, known as chiplets, along with an I/O die. Such a complex design can encounter latency and scalability challenges. Doubling the core count from say 16 to 32 to 64 will not necessarily double performance exponentially, but significant gains can still be expected if the software is optimized for it. Latency issues are mitigated by large on-die caches and the swift PCIe 5.0 interfaces. AMD has applied a hefty 350 Watt TDP across its 24, 32, and 64-core processors, which is significant given the varying number of CPU dies; the 32-core model has four active, while the 64-core has eight active. However, scaling efficiency isn't linear, as evidenced by reduced base clock speeds to accommodate the same TDP. For instance, under full load, the 32-core 7970X runs at 4.0 GHz and a 5.3 Ghz Turbo, whereas the 64-core 7980X operates at a base clock of 3.2 GHz with a 5.1 Ghz Turbo for a few cores. This 800 MHz base clock difference per core is substantial when multiplied across all 64 cores, explaining the scaling dynamic. When fewer threads are active, turbo speeds of up to 5.1 GHz can be reached. Observing the many core performances is truly remarkable.