In addition to graphics cards, China also produces its own CPUs. Among them, we have the Loongson 3A6000, a quad-core model running at 2.5 GHz. However, despite the fact that it comes from China, we have here a rather solid processor whose IPC is superior to Zen 2 and tenth-generation Core i CPUs!
Loongson 3A600: future rival to Intel and AMD CPUs?
With this CPU, Loongson offers us a model with relatively few cores, as we’re dealing with a 4c/8t. The frequency isn’t very high either: 2.5 GHz peak. Compared with the previous generation (3A5000), the CPU benefits from the latest iteration of Dragon architecture. This includes support for LSX-128 bits and LASX-256 bits.
Unfortunately, this is not a processor that can be purchased individually. The first examples are sold with the complete configuration. The machine comes with a motherboard equipped with two DDR4-3200 RAM modules. There’s also a 256 GB SSD, an AMD RX 580 graphics card and an ATX power supply. Cooling is provided by a simple circular aluminum fan.
As far as performance is concerned, it has to be said that this CPU looks promising. In various benchmarks (SPEC CPU and UnixBench), it held its own against the Ryzen 3 3100 and Core i3 10100 despite frequencies up to 60% lower. What’s more, compared with the old-generation 3A5000, performance is up to 72% better in multi-threaded mode and up to 40% better in single-core mode.
The company is now planning models with more cores for the workstation and server sectors. Three models are planned:
- 3B6000: 8 cores
- 3C6000: 16 cores
- 3D6000: 32 cores
Now, given the results of this model, Loongson could be a serious rival to Intel and NVIDIA models, if the company succeeds in raising frequencies and increasing the number of cores.
