🚀 CPU Launch

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X vs AMD PRO A12-8870

Table of Contents



Overview:

Comparison between AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X and AMD PRO A12-8870

Both CPUs are manufactured by AMD. Both CPUs have the same base speed of 3.7 GHz. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X has a higher turbo speed of 4.5 GHz compared to AMD PRO A12-8870's 4.2 GHz. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X has more cores (32) compared to AMD PRO A12-8870's 4 cores. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X supports more threads (64) compared to AMD PRO A12-8870's threads.

Both CPUs belong to the same class: Desktop. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X uses the sTRX4 socket, while AMD PRO A12-8870 uses the AM4 socket. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X was launched in Q4 2019, while AMD PRO A12-8870 was launched in Q1 2017. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X has a larger L3 cache of 128 MB compared to AMD PRO A12-8870's MB.

Specification Summary

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X and AMD PRO A12-8870 are two processors with distinct specifications. Below is a detailed comparison of their key features:

  • Manufacturer: Both processors are manufactured by AMD.
  • Speed: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X has a base speed of 3.7 GHz, while the AMD PRO A12-8870 runs at 3.7 GHz.
  • Turbo Boost: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X supports a turbo speed of 4.5 GHz, compared to 4.2 GHz for the AMD PRO A12-8870.
  • Cores: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X has 32 cores, while the AMD PRO A12-8870 has 4 cores.
  • Threads: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X supports 64 threads, compared to threads for the AMD PRO A12-8870.
  • Class: Both processors are designed for Desktop use.
  • Socket: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X uses the sTRX4, while the AMD PRO A12-8870 uses the AM4.
  • Launch Date: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X was launched on Q4 2019, while the AMD PRO A12-8870 was released on Q1 2017.
  • L3 Cache: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X has 128 MB of L3 cache, compared to MB for the AMD PRO A12-8870.

Detailed Specifications:

Specs AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X AMD PRO A12-8870
AMD AMD
Manufacturer AMD AMD
Speed 3.7 GHz 3.7 GHz
Turbo 4.5 GHz 4.2 GHz
Cores 32 4
Threads 64
Class Desktop Desktop
Socket sTRX4 AM4
Launched Q4 2019 Q1 2017
L3 Cache 128 MB MB

Review:

Single Core Performance:


CPU Performance in single-threaded applications

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X:



44%
AMD PRO A12-8870:
29%
* More is Better

Multi Core Performance:


CPU Performance in multi-threaded applications

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X



91%
AMD PRO A12-8870:
5%
* More is Better

Power Efficiency:


Power Consumption of CPU under full load

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X: 280 watts



70%
AMD PRO A12-8870: 65 watts
16.25%
* Lower is Better

Launched Date:


Time when the CPU was launched


AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X : Q4 2019 ✅

AMD PRO A12-8870 : Q1 2017 ✅

* Newer is Better

CPU Launch FINAL SCORE:

CPU Final Rating Ratings

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X



AMD PRO A12-8870


Pro's and Con's

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X – Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Newer Release: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X was launched more recently (Q4 2019) compared to the AMD PRO A12-8870 (Q1 2017). This means it benefits from the latest advancements in technology, improved efficiency, and potentially better software optimization.
  • Higher Turbo Boost Speed: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X supports a higher turbo boost speed of 4.5 GHz compared to the AMD PRO A12-8870's 4.2 GHz. This allows for better performance during peak workloads.
  • Faster Single-Core Performance: With a single-threaded performance score of 2665, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X outperforms the AMD PRO A12-8870 (score: 1784). This makes it better suited for tasks that rely on single-core performance, such as gaming or everyday productivity.
  • Larger L3 Cache: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X features a larger L3 cache of 128MB compared to the AMD PRO A12-8870's MB. A larger cache improves performance in memory-intensive tasks, such as video editing or 3D rendering, by reducing latency and speeding up data access.

Cons:

  • Higher Power Consumption: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X has a higher TDP of 280W compared to the AMD PRO A12-8870's 65W. This means it may consume more power, leading to higher energy costs and potentially more heat generation, which could require better cooling solutions.

AMD PRO A12-8870 – Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Higher CPU Mark Score: The AMD PRO A12-8870 has a higher CPU Mark score of NA compared to the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X's 50.87. This indicates better overall performance across a wide range of tasks.

Cons:

  • Fewer Cores: The AMD PRO A12-8870 has 4 cores, which is fewer than the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X's 32 cores. This could impact performance in multi-threaded workloads, such as rendering, compiling code, or running virtual machines.
  • Fewer Threads: The AMD PRO A12-8870 has threads, which is fewer than the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X's 64 threads. This may limit its ability to handle highly parallel workloads efficiently.
  • Lower Multi-Core Performance: In multi-threaded tasks, the AMD PRO A12-8870 scores 3888, which is lower than the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X's score of 63075. This makes the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X a better choice for heavy multitasking or parallel processing.


Productivity


AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
This cpu Handles High End level office applications, web browsing, and media playback with ease. It can also be used for High End level multitasking or CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.

AMD PRO A12-8870
This cpu Handles Entry Level level office applications, web browsing, and media playback with ease. It can also be used for Entry Level level multitasking or CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.


Gaming

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
Ideal for High End level gaming (when paired with a dedicated GPU) and High End level computing.

AMD PRO A12-8870
Ideal for Entry Level level gaming (when paired with a dedicated GPU) and Entry Level level computing.



Verdict

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is a reliable and High End processor for your PC builds. It delivers excellent value for users with High End computing needs or those building a New PC.

AMD PRO A12-8870

The AMD PRO A12-8870 is a reliable and Entry Level processor for your PC builds. It delivers excellent value for users with Entry Level computing needs or those building a New PC.