Quick Verdict
A stellar workstation CPU that balances high clock speeds with a 24-core density, leveraging Zen 5 for significant IPC gains and efficiency improvements.
Overview
Launch
2024
Status
CurrentGeneration
9000 WX-Series (Shimada Peak)
Market
Workstation
The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9965WX is a high-performance workstation processor built on the Zen 5 architecture, featuring 24 cores, 48 threads, and 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes for extreme professional workloads.
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9965WX brings the Zen 5 architecture to the high-end desktop workstation market. With 24 cores and 48 threads, it hits a sweet spot for users who need high frequency for interactive design work alongside robust multi-threading for rendering. It supports quad-channel DDR5 memory up to 2TB and offers 128 PCIe 5.
0 lanes, making it ideal for multi-GPU configurations.
Specifications
Performance
Exceptional multi-threaded performance, chewing through rendering and compilation tasks with ease.
Perfect for local virtualization environments requiring significant resource allocation per VM.
Capable of high frame rates but not optimized for gaming; platform cost is unjustified for pure gamers.
Zen 5 architecture improves performance per watt significantly over the prior generation.
- •High single-core boost speeds
- •Not target audience; lacks gaming optimization
- •Latency can be higher than standard desktop CPUs
- •AVX-512 and VNNI instructions accelerate CPU-based inference
- •128 PCIe lanes allow for multiple dedicated AI accelerators
Architecture
TSMC 4nm (CCD) / TSMC 6nm (IOD)
Process Node
Shimada Peak
Codename
24C / 48T
Core Config
96 MB
L3 Cache
350 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Shimada Peak architecture brings the Zen 5 microarchitecture to the Threadripper platform, focusing on IPC and efficiency.
CPU Design
24 physical cores split across three Core Complex Dies (CCDs), each featuring 8 Zen 5 cores, connected to a central I/O Die via AMD's Infinity Fabric.
Memory Subsystem
Quad-channel DDR5 memory controller integrated into the I/O Die, supporting RDIMMs for massive capacity and ECC for data integrity.
PCIe & I/O
128 PCIe 5.0 lanes originate from the I/O Die, providing unprecedented bandwidth for storage and acceleration devices.
Overclocking
Features an unlocked multiplier for manual tuning, though thermal constraints are significant at 350W TDP.
- Zen 5 architecture (vs Zen 4)
- Higher IPC
- Improved power efficiency
- Higher boost clocks
Key Highlights
- 24 Zen 5 cores offer a great balance of frequency and multi-threading
- 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes
- Quad-channel DDR5 with 2TB capacity
- Significant IPC uplift over previous generation
- Unlocked multiplier
- Very high platform cost
- Overkill for standard content creation
- High TDP requires expensive cooling solutions
- No integrated graphics
- Limited motherboard options
History
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9965WX represents the pinnacle of AMD's workstation strategy, evolving the platform from the successful 'Storm Peak' (7000 series) to 'Shimada Peak' (9000 series). </br> The transition to the Zen 5 architecture was critical for maintaining competitiveness against Intel's Xeon refreshes. By offering 24 cores in a configuration that allows for high boost clocks, AMD catered to a specific segment of professionals who found 16 cores insufficient but 32 cores too expensive or clock-limited.
This generation solidified sTR5 as the premier platform for I/O-intensive workloads.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Zen 5 architecture (vs Zen 4)
- Higher IPC
- Improved power efficiency
- Higher boost clocks
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Professional workstation for 3D rendering and software development where time is money.
Avoid if…
- You are building a gaming PC
- Your workloads do not utilize more than 16 cores
- You are on a tight budget
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 9965WX uses three CCDs to achieve its 24-core count, leaving one CCD slot on the package empty compared to the 64-core model.
It supports AVX-512 instructions which are highly beneficial for scientific simulations and AI workloads.
Despite being a 'Pro' CPU, it retains an unlocked multiplier for enthusiast overclocking.
The sTR5 socket is physically massive, requiring specialized mounting hardware for coolers.
It can address up to 2TB of RAM, a necessity for large-scale particle simulations.
The 'WX' suffix denotes AMD's highest-tier workstation parts.
PCIe 5.0 support allows for future-proofing with next-gen storage devices.
The I/O Die is manufactured on a different process node (6nm) than the compute dies (4nm).
It competes directly with Intel's Xeon W-3400 series.
The processor die is so large that cooling it effectively requires dedicated VRM cooling on the motherboard.
People Also Ask
Is the Threadripper PRO 9965WX good for gaming?
It is capable but not recommended. The high cost and latency make it inefficient compared to standard desktop CPUs.
What socket does the 9965WX use?
It uses the sTR5 socket (SP5 platform).
How much RAM does the 9965WX support?
It supports up to 2TB of quad-channel DDR5 RDIMM memory.
Does the 9965WX have integrated graphics?
No, a dedicated GPU is required.
What is the TDP of the Threadripper PRO 9965WX?
The default TDP is 350W.
Is the 9965WX better than the 7965WX?
Yes, it features the Zen 5 architecture which provides higher IPC and efficiency compared to the Zen 4-based 7965WX.
How many PCIe lanes does the 9965WX have?
It has 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes.
Can you overclock the 9965WX?
Yes, it has an unlocked multiplier.
What cooling is required for the 9965WX?
A high-end 360mm AIO liquid cooler or a specialized Threadripper air cooler is recommended.
What is the difference between 9965WX and 9965X?
The PRO version (WX) supports quad-channel memory and more PCIe lanes, whereas the standard X version supports less of both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 9965WX support ECC memory?
Yes, it supports DDR5 RDIMM memory which includes ECC functionality.
Can I use a standard ATX motherboard with the 9965WX?
No, it requires an E-ATX or larger motherboard specifically designed for the sTR5 socket.
What is the maximum boost clock of the 9965WX?
The maximum boost clock is up to 5.4 GHz.
Is the 9965WX good for video editing?
Yes, it is excellent for video editing, especially 4K and 8K workflows with heavy effects.
How many CCDs does the 9965WX have?
It has three active CCDs, each containing 8 cores.
Does the 9965WX come with a cooler?
No, Threadripper processors do not include stock coolers.
What generation is the 9965WX?
It is part of the 9000 series, based on the Zen 5 (Shimada Peak) architecture.
Can I run Windows 11 on a 9965WX workstation?
Yes, it is fully supported by Windows 11 Pro for Workstations and Linux distributions.
Is the 9965WX overkill for Photoshop?
Yes, for most Photoshop work, a standard desktop CPU like the Ryzen 9 7950X would be more cost-effective.
What power supply is recommended for the 9965WX?
A high-quality 1000W to 1200W power supply is recommended depending on the GPU configuration.