Threadripper processors are some of the most impressive CPUs on the market. They’re often used for various professional applications such as 3D rendering. If your PC already has a Threadripper, you might be curious about gaming with it (or if it’ll hinder the performance).

You can game on a Threadripper processor because it has enough power to provide optimal speed and performance in an ever-changing environment. However, it is outmatched by Ryzen and Intel CPUs at the highest level. Gaming with a Threadripper could reduce your GHz, reducing the speed.

Can You Game Using A Threadripper Processor?

An AMD Threadripper can be used for gaming, but it won’t be the top choice for most gamers. Not only does it cost a lot more than the average processor, but it doesn’t compare to high-end gaming CPUs. If you already have a Threadripper, you can have impressive results compared to low-end CPUs.

Here’s what you should know about using AMD Threadrippers for gaming:

Ebuyer reports that Threadrippers are often unnecessary for gaming because almost any game won’t use most threads. You’ll waste the processor’s potential and use it for another purpose. While it can almost always get the job done for gamers, a Threadripper will have plenty of its capabilities go to waste.
Getting a Threadripper won’t suddenly improve your computer’s GPU performance. You need a better graphics card if your computer can’t keep up with the graphics issues you’re experiencing while gaming. However, a Threadripper will greatly improve CPU performance if you have a low-end CPU.
Although Threadrippers aren’t intended for gaming, they can be used if you have one on your computer. Your computer won’t have terrible issues or shut down when you try to play high-end games. The only issue is that you won’t get the best performance available, which is a letdown considering a Threadripper’s cost.

If you’re considering getting serious with your gaming setup, you’re likely searching for a high-quality CPU. I’ll get to how Threadrippers stack up against some of the best gaming processors in the industry in a jiffy.

Is It the Best Processor for Gaming?

The Threadripper is not the best processor for gaming because the Intel i9 and the Ryzen 9 outshine it. Furthermore, it does not have the same GHz as some mid-range gaming computers. The higher core total allows Threadrippers to shine in software development and other professional scenarios.

There’s no denying how important the CPU is when building a gaming computer or buying a premade gaming PC.

Threadrippers can carry you well above the competition in casual gaming scenarios, but they won’t be cutting-edge if you play with professional gamers.

Note: Since AMD Threadrippers are much better than most regular CPUs, they’re still among the best for gaming comparatively. However, you’ll find marginally better results with reduced costs from many other processors, not to mention the high-speed gaming processors you can get if you have the budget.

Getting a Threadripper for gaming is similar to a semi-truck for a race track. You’ll have a lot more power for some applications, but you’ll be outpaced by processors designed for gaming (or racecars designed for the track in the metaphor).

Is a Threadripper Overkill for Gaming on a Computer?

A Threadripper is not overkill for gaming on a computer because several CPUs are better. However, it might be overboard for those who want to play games that do not require a lot of processing power, such as Minecraft, World of Warcraft, Fortnite, or Hearthstone.

Perhaps the main reason many gamers consider Threadrippers overkill is that they cost much more than most processors. Not only does it seem like there’s always a limited supply (the workforce, not gamers, purchase them), but they also have many capabilities and specs that aren’t needed for gaming.

If you choose a Threadripper for working, you’ll have no problem gaming on the side. However, it’d work against you to choose a Threadripper solely for gaming on your desktop computer. Your PC wouldn’t use all of the cores a Threadripper offers, and it wouldn’t have enough gigahertz to match other CPUs on the competitive gaming scene.

Whether Threadrippers are overkill for gaming depends on the following factors:

If you only play low-graphic, low-speed, low-performance games, getting a Threadripper is unnecessary.
Those who don’t care about gaming competitions don’t need to worry about getting a Threadripper for online games.
Threadrippers improve gaming performance compared to low-end or mid-range CPUs for online and offline games.
A Threadripper can work with many other high-end components. If you’re not using them, getting a Threadripper might be too much for your PC setup.
If you’re already using a Threadripper for other purposes (design, work, etc.), you shouldn’t have any issues enjoying most games without switching the processor.

Those who want to join the competitive gaming community might experience a few downsides with AMD Threadrippers.

Can They Reduce Your Gaming Experience?

Threadrippers can reduce your gaming experience because they don’t provide the same GHz or FPS as other CPUs in the same price range. Threadrippers will greatly boost your gaming experience if you’re used to old-school processors, but they’ll be a downgrade to those with gaming Intel or Ryzen processors.

To know whether upgrading to a Threadripper will downgrade your gaming performance, consider these three variables:

Make Use Of suggests comparing your CPU’s base and peak GHz to a Threadripper’s. If your current processor has less GHz, a Threadripper will improve your gaming experience in most cases. If your CPU has more GHz, getting a Threadripper would likely be a downgrade for gaming purposes.
Threadripper cores are often a bit slower than gaming processor cores. Threadrippers undoubtedly have more cores than most gaming processors, but each core doesn’t need to process as quickly. Once you start gaming, you might notice a speed reduction that could hinder your computer.
If you’re playing graphics-heavy gaming without too much CPU demand, you might not notice a difference between gaming processors and Threadrippers. This is because a Threadripper can work well with a good GPU, so the lack of GHz won’t be as much of an issue if the game isn’t CPU-reliant.

Getting a Threadripper when you have a low-tier processor will undoubtedly improve your gaming capabilities. However, switching from a high-end gaming CPU to a Threadripper could be a downgrade rather than an upgrade. Consider your games, ensuring you compare whether they rely more on GPU or CPU.

Is AMD Threadripper Better Than Ryzen Gaming CPUs?

The AMD Threadripper is not better than Ryzen gaming processors because it does not focus on gaming speed and performance. AMD uses the Threadripper to allow multiple tasks for development, engineering, communications, design, etc. A newer Threadripper is better than old-school Ryzen gaming CPUs.

So, why is a Ryzen gaming processor always better than a Threadripper?

Threadrippers are better for game development, while Ryzens are better for game playing. If you’re a gamer designer, a Threadripper will be an excellent choice. However, Threadrippers aren’t the best choice for your computer if you only partake in the actual gaming process.
Ryzen gaming CPUs from the early or mid-2000s don’t come close to the processing power of a Threadripper. Computer processors are constantly improving, so it’s no secret that a modern Threadripper will be significantly better than an older gaming CPU, even if it was the best at its peak.
Threadrippers have impressive overclocking speeds but are not as good as Ryzen gaming CPUs. Overclocking is crucial when it comes to high-end gaming. If you want the best overclocking functionality, Ryzen’s gaming processors will be better than its Threadripper processors. The same applies to Intel CPUs.
Tech4Gamers says AMD offers better FPS with their Ryzen gaming CPUs than their Threadripper CPU. High FPS is an essential component of a gaming computer. If your computer has a low FPS, you won’t be able to keep up with the framerate of the competition. It could be the sole difference between a win and a loss.
Threadrippers have a much higher maximum supported memory than Ryzen’s gaming CPUs. If you don’t care about competitive gaming, you’ll love the Threadripper’s ability to support more storage and active memory. However, Ryzen gaming CPUs have a massive GHz advantage that outshines memory differences.

In short, AMD Ryzen makes Ryzen CPUs for gaming and Ryzen Threadrippers for working and design projects.

If you’re on the fence, a gaming-specific processor made by the same company will almost always be the better option. You’ll also have more than enough processing power for many other applications.

What To Know Before Using a Threadripper for Gaming

Before using a Threadripper for gaming, you should know they’re not made with gaming in mind. Additionally, Threadrippers aren’t produced at the same rate as other processors or offer the same speed, compatibility, or functionality. A Threadripper is better than most CPUs, but plenty of others are better for gaming.

Here’s a detailed look at each of these issues:

Threadrippers aren’t designed for gaming computers. If you’re looking for a gaming processor, a Threadripper isn’t on the menu. It can handle many games, especially if you’re not using them at their highest settings. However, gaming isn’t why Threadrippers are among the best computer processors available.
They’re not made, updated, or upgraded alongside Ryzen gaming processors, Intel processors, etc. Intel and Ryzen gaming CPUs are often updated every year or two. Since Threadrippers aren’t as popular for the average computer user, they don’t need to be mass-produced at the same rate or timeframe.
They’re slower than top-notch competitors, so you’d lose out if you only use your computer for gaming. Fractions of gigahertz can make a massive difference when gaming on a PC. For example, you’ll be disadvantaged if you have an AMD Threadripper and someone else has an Intel gaming processor.
These processors offer so much power that they could bottleneck if you don’t have high-end graphics cards, SSDs, and other parts necessary for high-end gaming. You’ll waste your money by getting an overpowered processor or spending too much to reach its full potential.
Threadrippers are often overboard for the average gamer, especially someone on a budget. If you’re not looking to compete, there’s no need for a Threadripper. If you want to compete, there are better gaming processors in the same price range as a Threadripper.

Threadrippers can be excellent for gaming if you have one already. However, if you have the cash and you’re looking for a top-notch gaming processor, I recommend looking toward AMD’s gaming CPU lineup or heading to Intel’s gaming CPU series.

Both variants are always better than using a processor for software development instead of gaming.