Can You Game on a Threadripper Processor?

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 more than 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.

Throughout this article, I’ll explain why an AMD Threadripper processor can be used for gaming and whether it’s worth getting for your gaming computer.

I’ll also compare it to other popular processor manufacturers like Intel and AMD Ryzen CPUs.

Finally, I’ll dive into the factors you should consider if you’re set on using a Threadripper as a gaming processor.

Can AMD Threadripper Be Used for Gaming?

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 definitely have impressive results compared to low-end CPUs, though.

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

• Ebuyer reports Threadrippers are often unnecessary for gaming because most threads won’t be used by almost any game. 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 to get 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 for gaming 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 a Threadripper the Best Processor for Gaming?

The Threadripper is not the best processor for gaming because it is outshined by the Intel i9 and the Ryzen 9. 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 purposes is similar to getting 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 there are several CPUs that 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 to be overkill is that they cost a lot more than most processors.

Not only does it seem like there’s always a limited supply (they’re purchased by the workforce, not gamers), 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 offered by a Threadripper, 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, there’s no need to get a Threadripper.
• Those who don’t care about gaming competitions don’t really 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.

That said, those who want to join the competitive gaming community might experience a few downsides with AMD Threadrippers. 

Can Threadrippers 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 provide a massive boost to your gaming experience if you’re used to old-school processors, but they’ll be a downgrade to those who have 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 current CPU’s base GHz and peak GHz to a Threadripper’s GHz. If your current processor has less GHz, a Threadripper would 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 very 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 actually be a downgrade rather than an upgrade.

Consider the games you play, 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, if you only partake in the actual gaming process, Threadrippers aren’t going to be the best choice for your computer.
• 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 speed, but it’s not as good as that of Ryzen gaming CPUs. Overclocking is crucial when it comes to high-end gaming. If you’re looking for the best overclocking functionality, Ryzen’s gaming processors will be better than its Threadripper processors. The same applies to Intel CPUs.
• According to Tech4Gamers, AMD offers better FPS with their Ryzen gaming CPUs than they do with 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 the memory difference.

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, nor do they offer the same speed, compatibility, or functionality.

A Threadripper is better than most CPUs, but there are plenty of others that 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, and so on. 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 you’re gaming on a PC. For example, if you have an AMD Threadripper and someone else has an Intel gaming processor, you’ll be at a disadvantage.
• 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 end up wasting your money by getting an overpowered processor or spending too much money to catch up to its full potential.
• Threadrippers are often overboard for the average gamer, especially someone who’s 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 almost always better than using a processor meant for software development instead of gaming.

Final Thoughts

Although AMD Threadrippers are some of the best processors available, they’re not the best choice for every application, especially not gaming.

They boast impressive performance on a 32-core design, but they lack GHz, which limits their gaming capabilities.

In any scenario, a Threadripper will blow any low-to-mid-range processor out of the water.

It’s also important to note that manufacturers will continue to develop new processors or upgrade their current ones.

Perhaps the Threadripper series will come up with something you can use for gaming in the future. Until then, stick with gamer-friendly processors.