High-end desktop processors for extreme performance
When you’re seeking nothing short of the best that a desktop PC can deliver, the CPU in your system should be the best money can buy. Without delving into the server and enterprise space, if you seek extreme performance, you should be looking at High-End Desktop (HEDT) processors. These CPUs are generally built with high core counts and massive cache sizes, meant to satisfy the needs of power users. Creators looking to eliminate all rendering bottlenecks from their complicated workflows, streamers seeking seamless gaming alongside real-time processing and streaming of their gameplay online – these are just a couple of situations where a HEDT CPU will make a lot of difference. Here are some of the top-end options available on Amazon that pack a punch with their specifications and features.
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X
In terms of pure performance potential, the 3990X is nothing short of a beast. Being the world’s first 64 core processor, the Threadripper 3990X offers 128 threads to ensure entirely seamless rendering workflows for your projects. Besides all the multi-core power it brings to the table, its single core performance is also superlative thanks to its max boost capability of 4.3GHz. To handle large GPU and NVMe data throughput needs without breaking a sweat, it packs a total of 88 PCIe 4.0 lanes in its design. The combined cache size of 288MB aims to keep large datasets always accessible. The CPU also ensures reliable throughput with the help of Quad-channel DDR4 with available ECC support. The Zen core architecture on the CPU also ensures higher clock speeds and improved efficiency.
Intel Core i9-9980XE
Featuring a total of 18 cores with 36 threads, the Intel Core i9-9980XE promises to be fast enough for all your high end computing needs. It comes with a lot of helpful features such as Intel Optane Memory and SSD support, AES-NI encryption, Intel vPro technology, Intel TXT, and Intel VT-d virtualization technology for directed input and output. Using the Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 technology, the 9980XE can also push itself upto 4.4 GHz. The 24.75MB Intel SmartCache keeps critical information always accessible, while also saving power by dynamically flushing memory during periods of low or no activity.
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
The 32-cores on the 3970X ensure that the processor stays significantly far ahead of the curve even if it is not at the very top. With its 64 threads, the multithreaded performance on this chip also promises to be nothing short of remarkable. The Zen-2 architecture and the 7nm design help the CPU achieve higher efficiency. The combined cache memory of 144MB also aims to be good enough for high-speed data retrieval in all your operations. While its base clock speed is 3.7GHz, it can achieve a boost clock of 4.5GHz when necessary.
Intel Core i9-10940X
The Intel Core i9-10940X promises a base frequency of 3.3GHz, which should be fast enough for almost anything you can throw at it. With Turbo Boost Max 3.0 this can go up to 4.8GHz under the right conditions, by ensuring that your CPU intensive tasks are handled by the fastest cores at the best possible speeds. The max RAM supported by the CPU is 256GB, which is high for an Intel chip. The 10940X is also said to support better overclocking results, making it a good choice for performance enthusiasts.
Siddharth Parwatay
Siddharth a.k.a. staticsid is a bigger geek than he'd like to admit. Sometimes even to himself. View Full Profile