HotHardware’s July 30, 2025, review found the 64-core Ryzen Threadripper 9980X and 32-core 9970X leading its 3DMark CPU Profile comparison, while also examining graphics benchmarks, selected games, system power and operating temperatures. The results offer useful context, but these are workstation-class processors—not default gaming picks—and the review’s measurements reflect its particular test systems and cooling.
9980X vs. 9970X: the key differences
The main choice is how much parallel computing your work can use. The 9980X doubles the 9970X’s core and thread count, which can benefit workloads that scale across many cores. The 9970X still offers 32 cores and has a higher listed base clock. Neither specification alone predicts performance in a particular application.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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AMD 9970X Processor with ASUS Pro WS TRX50-SAGE CEB Workstation Motherboard | $3,289.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ 9960X | $1,449.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| Specification | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X | Ryzen Threadripper 9970X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / threads | 64 / 128 | 32 / 64 |
| Base clock | 3.2 GHz | 4.0 GHz |
| Maximum boost | Up to 5.4 GHz | Up to 5.4 GHz |
| Listed TDP | 350 W | 350 W |
| Total cache | 320 MB | 160 MB |
| Launch-era suggested price | $4,999 | $2,499 |
Specifications and suggested prices are from AMD’s May 20, 2025 launch announcement. The prices are launch-era figures, not verified current retail prices. AMD planned DIY retail availability for July 2025. AMD positions the 9000 series for creators and enthusiasts, including tasks such as content creation, compiling and local AI training; those use cases describe the product’s intended market, not a guarantee that every application will benefit equally.
What the graphics and gaming results show
HotHardware’s page reports that the 9980X and 9970X took the top two positions in its 3DMark CPU Profile test. Its graphics and gaming section also includes the DirectX 12 Steel Nomad test and the games F1 2024, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail and The Talos Principle 2, run at selected resolutions and image-quality settings. The page does not establish a universal gaming ranking: results from those titles and settings should be read as outcomes from that review’s test configurations.
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- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X CPU Processor, 32-Core, 64-Thread, CPU Socket sTR5, DDR5, PCIe 5.0 Support, 5.4 GHz Max Boost, Unlocked for overclocking, L1 Cache 2560 KB, L2+L3 160 MB cache, Default TDP 350W, AMD Ryzen Threadripper Processors for Desktop Workstations
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors deliver battle-tested performance and capability to enable artists, architects, and engineers with the ability to get more done in less time. Cooler & Thermal Solution (PIB) not included. Discrete Graphics Card Required
- ASUS Pro WS TRX50-SAGE WiFi A Workstation Motherboard, CEB Form Factor, AMD Socket sTR5, 4x DIMM slots, DDR5, 3x PCIe 5.0x 16, 4x M.2 slots with 3x PCIe 5.0x 4 NVME M.2, 4x SATA 6Gb/s ports , 2x SlimSAS ports, 2x2 Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth v5.4, 2x USB4 (40Gbps) Type-C, Windows 11 Support
- AMD socket sTR5 supports up to 96-core CPUs: Ready for AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7000 WX-Series Processors and AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7000 Series Processors
- CPU and memory overclocking: Support for up to 1TB ECC R-DIMM DDR5 memory modules (1DPC)
Separate testing by TechSpot helps put gaming in perspective. It found Threadripper gaming performance acceptable, but not the best possible gaming experience, and described these processors as not designed or intended for gaming. For a gaming-first build, a gaming-focused processor can be a better fit at lower cost. Gaming benchmarks on a workstation CPU are relevant if gaming is one of several needs; they are not, by themselves, a reason to choose one.
Performance depends on the workload
High core counts are most compelling when software can keep many cores busy. In TechSpot’s separate results, the 9980X was 18% faster than the 7980X in its Cinebench 2024 multi-core comparison, while the 9970X was 11% faster than the 7970X in the same discussion. In Blender Open Data, TechSpot reported generational improvements of 13% and 6%, respectively. These are that publication’s results on its test systems, not figures from HotHardware’s page.
The same TechSpot review illustrates why one benchmark cannot stand in for all applications: in Photoshop 2025, which TechSpot characterized as lightly threaded, both Threadrippers were heavily underutilized and performed poorly. If your everyday tools depend more on a small number of fast cores than on broad parallelism, a processor with fewer cores and different design priorities may be a better match. The 9970X’s 4.0 GHz base clock versus the 9980X’s 3.2 GHz is a specification difference, not proof that it will be faster in lightly threaded software.
Power and temperatures in HotHardware’s test system
HotHardware measured total system power at the wall outlet, not power consumed by the CPU alone. In its tested configurations, the Threadripper processors drew similar peak power under full load. The review also found its Threadripper 9000 systems used less power at idle or light load than its tested previous-generation systems. These are comparisons within that review’s systems, not a general efficiency guarantee for every build.
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Rank #2
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper Processors for Desktop Workstations
- Ryzen Threadripper 9000 Series
For the 9980X, HotHardware observed frequencies ranging between the 3.2 GHz base and 5.4 GHz boost range across varied PCMark workloads; during its 3DMark CPU Profile run, it reported the processor staying in the 5 GHz range. In PCMark, temperatures were mostly in the mid-50s to high-60s Celsius, with brief peaks near 80°C. The review used a 360 mm Silverstone TR5 cooler. These readings describe that lab setup and are not promised operating results for a different cooler, motherboard, case or workload.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Cooling, boost behavior and workstation planning
AMD defines maximum boost as the peak frequency achievable by a single processor core on a bursty, single-threaded workload. The “up to 5.4 GHz” figure is therefore not a promise that every core will run at that speed continuously. AMD says maximum boost can vary with cooling and thermal paste, motherboard design and BIOS, chipset drivers, and operating-system updates.
Before selecting a cooler or platform, verify the specific cooler’s current supported socket list and sTR5 compatibility, as well as case clearance. A workstation build also needs to account for the motherboard and overall system cost, not just the processor. AMD’s partner resources describe workstation applications such as rendering, simulation, engineering and content production, but compatibility and availability depend on the particular products chosen.
Which processor makes sense?
- Consider the 9980X when your main workloads can scale across many cores and the extra core capacity justifies its higher launch-era suggested price.
- Consider the 9970X when 32 cores suit your work and you want fewer cores than the 9980X while retaining a high-end workstation platform.
- Look elsewhere for a gaming-first PC unless Threadripper’s workstation capabilities are also central to the build; gaming alone is not a strong reason to take on this class of processor.
AMD announced July 2025 as the planned DIY retail availability window. Current prices, stock and retailer-specific compatibility were not established here, so check them directly when planning a build.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
