Recently, a shipping manifest has shed light on AMD’s upcoming powerhouse processor, codenamed ‘Shimada Peak.’ This new 96-core Ryzen Threadripper CPU is expected to incorporate the advanced Zen 5 CPU cores. It will likely mirror the configuration of AMD’s current Zen 4 Threadripper flagship, providing unprecedented performance for high-end desktop (HEDT) platforms.
Technical Specifications
Shimada Peak’s architecture appears similar to AMD’s previous 96-core Threadripper and EPYC models, with twelve 8-core CCDs and a single I/O die forming the core structure. This design strategy ensures that the primary enhancements reside in the CCDs themselves. Users can also expect compatibility with existing DDR5 HEDT motherboard platforms, including TRX50 and WRX90. Such continuity promises a smoother transition for those upgrading from the current generation of processors.
Expected Launch Timeline
Despite the anticipation, the Shimada Peak series is not expected to debut in the immediate future. Historically, AMD launched the prior generation in October 2023 after a notable delay. A similar timeline may apply to this release. For now, AMD has not disclosed any specific details about its Threadripper roadmap.
Broader AMD Ecosystem
The revealing of Shimada Peak comes alongside AMD’s preparation to announce an array of new products. The lineup purportedly includes Ryzen AI 300 Pro, EPYC Turin, and Instinct MI325X, with CES expected to showcase Kraken or Strix Halo. While Zen 5’s gains in gaming have been modest, there are significant improvements in workstation and server applications. Benchmarks from Phoronix and various reviews highlight substantial performance boosts in machine learning, database, high-performance computing (HPC), and cryptography tasks compared to their Zen 4 counterparts. These improvements render the Zen 5 Threadripper and EPYC CPUs particularly appealing to professional and specialized users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the unveiling of the Shimada Peak processor signifies yet another leap in AMD’s pursuit of performance excellence in the HEDT and server markets. While further details are awaited, the discussed enhancements reflect a promising future for AMD’s Zen 5 architecture, catering to an array of computing needs.
