Understanding AMD CPU Model Names: Ryzen, EPYC, and Threadripper Explained
AMD processors use complicated naming for their series, and decoding the CPU model numbers can be difficult. Suppose you're trying to decode EPYC 7443P, Ryzen 7950X3D, or Threadripper 3990X.
Understanding AMD CPU Model Names: Ryzen, EPYC, and Threadripper Explained
AMD processors use complicated naming for their series, and decoding the CPU model numbers can be difficult. Suppose you're trying to decode EPYC 7443P, Ryzen 7950X3D, or Threadripper 3990X. In that case, this article will break down the differences in processor series to explain why AMD named its EPYC server CPUs after Italian cities.
AMD Ryzen Series
The Ryzen lineup is AMD's mainstream desktop and laptop processor series, ranging from budget-friendly models to high-end gaming and content creation chips.
Ryzen 9 – Top-grade CPUs with high core counts (12-16 cores), designed for gamers, content creators, and professionals needing top-tier performance. (e.g., Ryzen 9 7950X)
Ryzen 7 – High-performance CPUs with 8-core configurations, offering a balance of power and efficiency for gaming, streaming, and productivity. (e.g., Ryzen 7 7800X3D)
Ryzen 5 – Mid-range processors with 6 cores, ideal for mainstream users and budget gaming while maintaining strong multi-threaded performance. (e.g., Ryzen 5 5600X)
Ryzen 3 – Entry-level CPUs with 4 cores, best for basic tasks, light gaming, and office work, offering affordability with solid efficiency. (e.g., Ryzen 3 3200G)
Ryzen Threadripper – Workstation-class CPUs with 24-64 cores, built for 3D rendering, video editing, and extreme multi-threaded workloads. (e.g., Threadripper 3990X)
Breaking Down the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D name:
"7" - The CPU generation (7th-gen Ryzen, built on Zen 4 architecture).
"9" - The performance ranking within the generation (higher = more powerful).
"50" - The specific model number, distinguishing it from others in the series.
"X" - Indicates higher clock speeds and better overclocking potential.
"3D" - Indicates the presence of 3D V-Cache, a specialized stacked cache technology that boosts gaming performance by significantly increasing L3 cache size and reducing latency.
AMD Ryzen Generations Overview
AMD EPYC Series
"EPYC" - The processor series, meaning it belongs to AMD's server and data center lineup (as opposed to Ryzen for consumer desktops or Threadripper for workstations).
Breaking Down the AMD Epyc 7443P name:
"7" - Indicates the processor generation.
"7" - 3rd Gen EPYC (codenamed Milan), based on the Zen 3 architecture.
"4" - Represents the performance tier within the generation.
Higher numbers typically mean more cores, higher frequencies, and better performance.
"43" - The specific model within the tier.
Higher numbers generally indicate a better CPU in terms of performance or cache size.
"P" - Denotes a single-socket optimized processor.
Standard EPYC CPUs support dual-socket (2P) configurations, but "P" models are meant for single-socket (1P) servers, often at a lower cost.
Suffix letters tell you extra details:
X = High-performance version
G = Integrated graphics included
U = Ultra-low power for laptops
P = Single-socket optimized server CPU
F = High-frequency, boosted clocks
Why Does AMD Use Italian City Names for EPYC CPUs?
One unique aspect of AMD's EPYC series is its codenames, which are all named after Italian cities. Here's a list of AMD EPYC codenames and their generations:
AMD never formally commented on why they name EPYC processors after cities in Italy, but a couple of theories have been posted:
Prestige and Power—Rome, Milan, and Turin are three cities that represent power, innovation, and history, just like AMD would want its EPYC CPUs to represent power and leadership in the server space.
Consistency & Branding – Using a regular theme makes it easy to determine server CPU generations.
Marketing Simplicity -Rome series is a better and catchier name to say than 7002 series. For example, Intel uses Sapphire Rapids, Emerald Rapids, and Sierra Forest.
Understanding AMD Threadripper Naming
AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors are high-performance workstation CPUs built for 3D rendering, video editing, simulations, and extreme multi-threaded workloads.
Ryzen Threadripper 3995WX Breakdown
"3" - Represents the generation (in this case, 3rd-gen Threadripper, based on Zen 2 architecture).
"99" - Indicates the performance tier within the series. Higher numbers = more cores, better performance.
"5" - Further distinguishes models, typically separating high-end models from mid-tier ones.
"WX" - Special suffix meaning:
W = Workstation (optimized for professional workloads).
X = High-performance variant (higher clock speeds & overclocking potential).
