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Socket sTRX4

Socket sTRX4 is a 4094-pin land grid array (LGA) CPU socket developed by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) for its third-generation Ryzen Threadripper high-end desktop (HEDT) processors, serving as the direct successor to Socket TR4.^[1] Introduced on November 25, 2019, alongside the 3rd Gen Ryzen Threadripper lineup built on the Zen 2 architecture, it enables support for up to 64-core processors with a thermal design power (TDP) of up to 280 W, while maintaining physical compatibility with TR4 cooling solutions but introducing electrical enhancements for improved performance and scalability.^[1]^[2] The socket pairs exclusively with the TRX40 chipset, which provides 88 PCIe 4.0 lanes for multi-GPU configurations and NVMe storage expansion, quad-channel DDR4 memory support (up to 256 GB with optional ECC), and extensive I/O including up to 12 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 20 SATA ports with RAID capabilities, and NVMe RAID.^[3]^[1] Unlike its predecessor, Socket sTRX4 quadruples the bandwidth to the chipset compared to the previous generation, enabling up to 133 GB/s of concurrent bandwidth for peripherals such as SSDs and GPUs, and supports PCIe Gen 4 for faster data transfer rates, though it limits memory channels to four and omits certain legacy I/O interfaces found in earlier platforms.^[2]^[1] Notable for its "Starship" I/O die design, Socket sTRX4 facilitates overclocking and multi-GPU setups via AMD CrossFire and NVIDIA SLI, making it ideal for demanding workloads in content creation, 3D rendering, and scientific computing.^[3]^[1] It was later succeeded by Socket sWRX8 for the Zen 3-based Threadripper PRO series, marking the end of the consumer HEDT Threadripper line on this socket.^[1]

Technical specifications

Physical design

The Socket sTRX4 is a land grid array (LGA) CPU socket designed by AMD, featuring 4094 contacts arranged in an 82 × 55 grid pattern with a pitch of 0.87 mm × 1.00 mm.^[1] This surface-mount design ensures precise alignment and electrical connectivity for high-end desktop processors. The socket measures 75.4 mm in length, 58.5 mm in width, and 6.26 mm in height, making it compatible with standard high-end desktop (HEDT) motherboard layouts such as those based on the TRX40 chipset.^[1] Installation of the processor utilizes a zero insertion force (ZIF) mechanism, which incorporates a mechanical lever to open the socket and allow gentle placement of the CPU without damaging the pins.^[1] Once the processor is seated, the lever is closed, and three Torx screws are tightened in sequence to apply uniform pressure via the integrated loading mechanism (ILM), securing the CPU firmly.^[4] This screw-actuated retention system prevents misalignment and supports reliable operation under high thermal loads. For thermal management, the sTRX4 socket includes an asymmetrical retention bracket with mounting hole spacing of 65.2 mm on one side and 46 mm on the other, accommodating large heatsinks and liquid coolers rated for up to 280 W TDP.^[5] This configuration enables the use of robust cooling solutions optimized for multi-die processor architectures, ensuring effective heat dissipation across the integrated heat spreader.

Electrical characteristics

The Socket sTRX4 platform supports an operating core voltage range of 0.8 V to 1.3 V for its Zen 2-based Ryzen Threadripper processors, enabling efficient power management across varying workloads while maintaining stability.^[6] This voltage is dynamically adjusted via the processor's integrated voltage regulation modules (iVRMs), which handle on-die power delivery for core and SOC domains to minimize latency and optimize performance under load.^[7] Power delivery for Socket sTRX4 is designed to accommodate high-core-count CPUs with a maximum thermal design power (TDP) of 280 W, as seen in models like the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X and 3990X.^[8] Motherboards compatible with this socket typically feature dual 8-pin EPS12V connectors to supply the necessary 12 V rails from the power supply unit, ensuring robust current handling for sustained multi-threaded operations without voltage droop.^[9] Signaling standards on Socket sTRX4 adhere to DDR4 memory controller specifications, supporting data rates up to 3200 MT/s for quad-channel configurations to deliver high bandwidth for workstation tasks.^[1] Additionally, it implements PCIe 4.0 electrical standards, operating at 16 GT/s per lane to enable low-latency, high-throughput interconnects for GPUs and storage devices.^[10] To prevent damage from overheating, Socket sTRX4 processors incorporate automatic thermal throttling, initiating downclocking when the junction temperature reaches 95 °C, thereby prioritizing reliability in demanding environments.

Memory and I/O support

The Socket sTRX4 platform features a quad-channel DDR4 memory architecture, supporting up to 256 GB of total capacity across eight DIMM slots (two per channel) at speeds of up to 3200 MT/s without overclocking. This configuration includes optional ECC support for enhanced data integrity in demanding workstation environments. The memory controller, integrated into compatible AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors, enables high-bandwidth access suitable for memory-intensive applications like 3D rendering and scientific simulations.^[1]^[3] In terms of I/O capabilities, the platform delivers 88 PCIe 4.0 lanes in total, with 64 lanes directly from the CPU (organized as four x16 interfaces) and 24 lanes from the TRX40 chipset, connected via a PCIe 4.0 x4 bidirectional link. These lanes operate at 16 GT/s and support flexible bifurcation options, such as x16/x16/x8 configurations, which facilitate multi-GPU setups for professional graphics workloads while maintaining high throughput. The PCIe 4.0 bandwidth for the 64 CPU lanes can be approximated as 64 lanes × 16 GT/s × (128b/130b) encoding efficiency ≈ 126 GB/s unidirectional raw throughput, providing substantial connectivity for storage and expansion cards.^[1]^[3] Additional peripheral interfaces include support for up to 12 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) ports and integrated NVMe storage via direct CPU PCIe lanes, enabling low-latency access to high-speed SSDs without relying on chipset resources. This combination of features ensures robust expandability for content creation and compute-heavy tasks on the sTRX4 platform.^[1]

Compatibility

Processor compatibility

The Socket sTRX4 is compatible exclusively with AMD's third-generation Ryzen Threadripper processors, built on the Zen 2 microarchitecture using a 7 nm manufacturing process. These high-end desktop CPUs emphasize multi-threaded performance for demanding workloads such as content creation, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations, featuring core configurations of 24, 32, and 64 cores and up to 128 threads enabled by simultaneous multithreading (SMT). L3 cache sizes scale with core count, reaching up to 256 MB in the highest-end model to minimize latency in cache-intensive applications. All models support PCIe 4.0 for improved bandwidth in storage and graphics configurations.^[2]^[11]^[12] Notable examples include the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X, a 32-core, 64-thread processor with a 3.7 GHz base clock and up to 4.5 GHz boost, paired with 128 MB of L3 cache, and the 3960X, offering 24 cores and 48 threads at a 3.8 GHz base clock with the same cache size. The flagship Ryzen Threadripper 3990X pushes boundaries with 64 cores, 128 threads, a 2.9 GHz base clock, and 256 MB L3 cache for extreme parallel processing. Workstation-oriented variants in the family, such as the 32-core Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX, share similar Zen 2-based specifications but utilize the distinct sWRX8 socket. None of the sTRX4-compatible processors include integrated graphics, mandating a discrete GPU for any display functionality.^[13]^[14] The processors debuted in November 2019 alongside the TRX40 chipset, with the initial launch featuring the 24- and 32-core models as flagship offerings; the lineup consists of three SKUs: the 24-core 3960X and 32-core 3970X launched in November 2019, followed by the 64-core 3990X in February 2020.^[2]^[14]^[11]

Platform compatibility

The Socket sTRX4 platform is built around the AMD TRX40 chipset, which enhances connectivity for high-end workstations by providing up to 88 PCIe 4.0 lanes in total, including support for up to two x4 NVMe M.2 ports and up to 20 SATA 6Gb/s ports, though typical implementations offer around eight SATA ports for storage expansion.^[3] This chipset integrates with the sTRX4 socket to enable quad-channel DDR4 memory and multi-GPU configurations via AMD CrossFire and NVIDIA SLI, prioritizing scalability for professional applications like content creation and rendering.^[3] Despite sharing the same 4094-pin physical layout as its predecessor Socket TR4, the sTRX4 platform is electrically incompatible with first- and second-generation Ryzen Threadripper processors, necessitating new TRX40-based motherboards and updated BIOS firmware for operation.^[15] This design choice ensures optimized performance for third-generation Threadripper CPUs but prevents direct upgrades from older X399 platforms, requiring users to replace the entire motherboard ecosystem.^[16] Forward compatibility is limited, with no official support for subsequent Threadripper generations beyond the third-generation series, marking sTRX4 as an end-of-life platform for future CPU upgrades as AMD shifted to new sockets like sWRX8 for later models.^[17] sTRX4 motherboards are predominantly available in ATX and E-ATX form factors to accommodate the socket's size and extensive I/O requirements, with representative models including the ASUS Prime TRX40-Pro (ATX), Gigabyte TRX40 AORUS Master (E-ATX), and MSI Creator TRX40 (E-ATX), all leveraging the TRX40 chipset for robust expansion options.^[18]^[19]

Development and release

Announcement and design

The development of Socket sTRX4 evolved from the preceding Socket TR4 to accommodate AMD's Zen 2 architecture in the third-generation Ryzen Threadripper processors, enabling support for advanced features such as PCIe 4.0 lanes and increased core counts beyond the 2nd generation's limits.^[20] The socket's design was finalized in 2019, focusing on enhancing scalability for high-end desktop (HEDT) workloads, including those in content creation and professional applications that demand robust multi-threaded performance.^[1] Socket sTRX4 was officially announced by AMD on November 7, 2019, alongside the initial third-generation Ryzen Threadripper processors, such as the 24-core 3960X and 32-core 3970X.^[20] Positioned as a dedicated HEDT platform, it was marketed with a commitment to multi-generation support, ensuring compatibility with future Zen-based processors to provide users with extended upgrade paths without requiring immediate socket changes.^[2] The design goals emphasized addressing HEDT user needs, particularly in content creation and development, by prioritizing I/O expansion over prior generations—offering up to four times the bandwidth to the chipset compared to the second-generation Threadripper platform, which facilitates greater connectivity for peripherals like high-speed storage and graphics cards.^[20] On the same announcement date, AMD confirmed that sTRX4 maintains pin compatibility with TR4 in terms of physical layout and count (4094 pins), but requires a new platform due to electrical and signaling updates for Zen 2 integration.^[15]

Market launch

The Socket sTRX4 platform launched on November 25, 2019, coinciding with the release of the third-generation AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors, including the 24-core 3960X and 32-core 3970X models.^[2]^[11] The top-end CPU at launch, the 3970X, carried an MSRP of $1,999, positioning it as a premium option for high-core-count computing.^[11] Initial availability was restricted to high-end TRX40 motherboards from manufacturers like ASUS, Gigabyte, and ASRock, with MSRPs typically ranging from $400 to $600 for entry-level models in the lineup, such as the Gigabyte TRX40 Aorus Pro and ASRock TRX40 Creator.^[21]^[22] Full ecosystem support, including BIOS updates and accessory compatibility, was established by the end of Q4 2019, enabling immediate deployment for demanding workloads. AMD positioned Socket sTRX4 as a solution for professionals in fields like 3D rendering, video editing, and scientific computing, highlighting its scalability for multi-threaded applications.^[2] The company emphasized the socket's long-term viability, describing it as optimized for near- and long-term platform scalability to support future processor generations.^[23] However, this potential was not realized beyond the third-generation Threadripper CPUs. Early adoption received positive feedback for substantial performance improvements over the prior Socket TR4 platform.^[11]^[24] Reviewers praised the platform's dominance in high-end desktop tasks, though they frequently noted its elevated costs relative to mainstream Ryzen options, limiting appeal to niche professional users.^[11]

Comparison to other sockets

With Socket TR4

Socket sTRX4 shares the identical 4094-pin land grid array (LGA) layout and physical dimensions with its predecessor Socket TR4, enabling mechanical compatibility such as the reuse of TR4 cooler mounting solutions.^[25]^[26] However, despite this physical similarity, sTRX4 is electrically incompatible with TR4, preventing drop-in support for first- and second-generation Ryzen Threadripper processors.^[26]^[27] A primary difference lies in I/O capabilities, where sTRX4 introduces support for PCIe 4.0, doubling the per-lane bandwidth compared to the PCIe 3.0 standard on TR4 platforms.^[28]^[27] This upgrade necessitates a new TRX40 chipset for sTRX4 motherboards, as the previous X399 chipset on TR4 lacks PCIe 4.0 compatibility.^[28] The transition to sTRX4 and the Zen 2 microarchitecture yields significant performance gains over TR4-based systems, with instructions per clock (IPC) improvements of approximately 15% contributing to 20–30% better multi-threaded performance at similar power levels for equivalent core counts.^[29]^[27] These enhancements, combined with the PCIe bandwidth increase, benefit workloads like content creation and rendering, but require users to perform a full platform refresh—including new motherboards and chipsets—unlike the multi-generation support seen on mainstream AM4 sockets.^[27]

With Socket sWRX8

Socket sWRX8 serves as the platform for AMD's Ryzen Threadripper PRO processors, marking a strategic pivot toward professional workstation applications following the consumer-oriented Socket sTRX4. Introduced on July 14, 2020, for OEM use with the initial Zen 2-based Threadripper PRO 3000 WX-Series, sWRX8 expanded to retail availability in March 2021 and later supported the Zen 3-based Threadripper PRO 5000 WX-Series released in March 2022.^[30]^[31] This socket, mechanically similar to sTRX4 but electrically distinct, underscores AMD's emphasis on enterprise-grade features over high-end desktop (HEDT) versatility.^[30] A primary distinction lies in memory and expansion capabilities, where sWRX8 enables eight-channel DDR4-3200 support with ECC options and up to 2 TB capacity using one DIMM per channel, contrasting sTRX4's quad-channel DDR4-3200 with unbuffered ECC support, limited to 256 GB using two DIMMs per channel.^[30]^[1]^[3] PCIe connectivity also diverges significantly, with sWRX8 providing 128 PCIe 4.0 lanes directly from the CPU for enhanced multi-GPU and storage configurations, compared to sTRX4's 64 lanes.^[30]^[1] The WRX80 chipset further amplifies this with a total of 152 PCIe 4.0 lanes, including support for up to four 10 GbE ports and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interfaces, enabling superior I/O density for professional workflows like content creation and simulation.^[32] No cross-compatibility exists between the sockets, as TR4, sTRX4, and sWRX8 processors cannot interchange due to electrical differences.^[30] This transition reflects AMD's broader HEDT strategy evolution, repositioning Threadripper from enthusiast gaming and overclocking to optimized workstation performance with features like robust remote management and higher-bandwidth interconnects.^[33] While sTRX4 catered to consumer HEDT with flexible but limited scalability, sWRX8 prioritizes pro-grade reliability, including support for RDIMMs and LRDIMMs for mission-critical tasks.^[30]^[1] Ultimately, sTRX4's lifecycle ended as a single-generation socket for the third-generation Ryzen Threadripper processors, despite earlier assurances of extended support, as AMD consolidated its high-core offerings under the Threadripper PRO banner on sWRX8.^[34]^[33] This move signaled the close of dedicated consumer HEDT platforms, channeling resources toward workstation ecosystems capable of handling up to 64 cores and 128 threads in production environments.^[30]

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