| Wednesday, September 3 2008 |
Chinese researchers unveiled details of a general-purpose microprocessor with which they hope to give computing to the most ordinary people in China. The chip, code-named "Godson-3", was developed with government funding by more than 200 researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Computing Technology (ICT). Analysts suggest this takes China one step closer technological independence.
These chips are being manufactured by ST Microelectronics and branded as "Loongson" meaning Dragon Chip. Predecessors of this chip have been manufactured since 2001 and with its advancement marks rapid propagation of the Linux platform and other open-source software. These PCs would make it to as many workplaces and schools as the Chinese government can take them to. It is noted that the Godson-3 that has four processing cores releases in 2009 with a design that is scalable. In fact an 8-core version is planned as well. These chips use the 65nm fabrication process, with the 4-core version rated to consume as low as 10W. An interesting bit on the machine architecture is that these chips aren't x86 per say, but the designers have added instruction sets to simulate an x86-like environment. With it they hope to run a broader range of software, Microsoft Windows included. Since its a simulated x86 environment, a license from Intel isn't required. Erik Metzger, a patent attorney at Intel, says that the chip will only perform at about 80% of the speed of an actual x86 chip.
Source: Technology Review
These chips are being manufactured by ST Microelectronics and branded as "Loongson" meaning Dragon Chip. Predecessors of this chip have been manufactured since 2001 and with its advancement marks rapid propagation of the Linux platform and other open-source software. These PCs would make it to as many workplaces and schools as the Chinese government can take them to. It is noted that the Godson-3 that has four processing cores releases in 2009 with a design that is scalable. In fact an 8-core version is planned as well. These chips use the 65nm fabrication process, with the 4-core version rated to consume as low as 10W. An interesting bit on the machine architecture is that these chips aren't x86 per say, but the designers have added instruction sets to simulate an x86-like environment. With it they hope to run a broader range of software, Microsoft Windows included. Since its a simulated x86 environment, a license from Intel isn't required. Erik Metzger, a patent attorney at Intel, says that the chip will only perform at about 80% of the speed of an actual x86 chip.
Source: Technology Review
User comments
bootleggers anonymous!
that is soooo awsome go china
ange of software, Mircosoft Windows included
Spelt Microsoft wrong ;)
Interesting article... any news on the chip being available for purchase?
80% of an x86 is still impressive when you factor in the 10W power factor..WOW.
What socket d'you reckon these are? ;)
What socket d'you reckon these are? ;)
1./ "dragon" is not a good name in the IT world. That name has a history. And not a good one.
2./ A patent lawyer is an expert in IT architecture and performance comparisons, eh? "80%"? Rubbish. No emulator can perform at 80% of the speed of native x86 code. Not unless the clocks are different.
3./ 65nm, 80% of an x86, 4 cores, 10W. I doubt it.
4./ "And because the chip architecture is only simulated, there is no need to obtain a license from Intel". I dont think that is how copyright and patent law works. :roll:
2./ A patent lawyer is an expert in IT architecture and performance comparisons, eh? "80%"? Rubbish. No emulator can perform at 80% of the speed of native x86 code. Not unless the clocks are different.
3./ 65nm, 80% of an x86, 4 cores, 10W. I doubt it.
4./ "And because the chip architecture is only simulated, there is no need to obtain a license from Intel". I dont think that is how copyright and patent law works. :roll:
what socket is it?
nice.
government seems to be involved in every little thing in china
government seems to be involved in every little thing in china
by: lemonadesodaThat's a relative comparison. Each single core could be as good/bad as a Pentium 3, who knows, and that's comparing those cores to x86 chips with similar capabilities.
3./ 65nm, 80% of an x86, 4 cores, 10W. I doubt it.
Regarding patents, you heard what the patent attorney for Intel had to say. I hope NVIDIA takes note of this.
I'm sure the benchtest results will be hilarious. I can't wait to see 'em.
they will be budget chips for the less well off.
gives em a chance to have a decent comp...
gives em a chance to have a decent comp...
"Godson"??? Like in "Son of God"???
by: ExavierEmbedded methinks, BGA.
What socket d'you reckon these are? ;)
arent all cpu's made in china to begin with?
i agree it allows people to get entry level computing and for school i dont think they require much power either so it can reduce costs in that respect meaning they have more money to fund other things in schools
by: MadClownNot designed by them. Besides, not all are made in China.
arent all cpu's made in china to begin with?
yeah Taiwan TOO they manufacture a lot of crap and so does Malaysia
by: lemonadesodayea but intel can't sure china, and what are they going to do, get an embargo agasint china
1./ "dragon" is not a good name in the IT world. That name has a history. And not a good one.
2./ A patent lawyer is an expert in IT architecture and performance comparisons, eh? "80%"? Rubbish. No emulator can perform at 80% of the speed of native x86 code. Not unless the clocks are different.
3./ 65nm, 80% of an x86, 4 cores, 10W. I doubt it.
4./ "And because the chip architecture is only simulated, there is no need to obtain a license from Intel". I dont think that is how copyright and patent law works. :roll:
China doesn't give a crap about patent laws. They probably used some kind of espionage, or some crap.
Some of the 45nm chips are made in mexico {I think} there was an article about them opening a plant there before the 45nm chips came out.
by: Nitro-Max
Some of the 45nm chips are made in mexico {I think} there was an article about them opening a plant there before the 45nm chips came out.
china outsorcing to mexico, whata laugh.
china outsourcing is just a laugh itself
i want to see reviews either way its not intended for our market
i want to see reviews either way its not intended for our market
by: Nitro-Maxis this a wrong place post or what? Comeon China can takup the whole world's request and still left with workers without a job.
Some of the 45nm chips are made in mexico {I think} there was an article about them opening a plant there before the 45nm chips came out.
I feel sorry for them, as they are always trying to show independence on many fields. Intel and AMD should consult them.
No BTA, I didnt hear what Intels Patent Lawyer said, can you refresh me?
Its interesting to note China wants to make their own microprocessor. Im sure they could get a deal from AMD or Intel.
Its interesting to note China wants to make their own microprocessor. Im sure they could get a deal from AMD or Intel.
by: DrPepper
or some crap.
I totally read that as a separate thought as opposed to closing a thought.
They may have indeed used crap however. This is China we're talking about.