Loongson 3C6000: A New Era for China's Server Processors

For years, we've watched China's domestic chip industry steadily advance across various sectors, from consumer electronics to embedded systems and even desktop PCs. This "Made in China" silicon has increasingly found its way into smart appliances, IoT devices, and everyday computing, demonstrating a growing self-sufficiency. However, among all chip categories, server processors stand out as the crown jewel. Their strategic importance cannot be overstated; they are the fundamental building blocks of data centers and cloud computing, and a critical backbone for national information security and the digital economy. Historically, this field has been dominated by a handful of international giants, presenting a significant technological barrier and highlighting a clear dependency on external suppliers.

It's against this backdrop that Loongson Technology recently unveiled its latest server processor: the Loongson 3C6000 series. This launch isn't just another product release; it signals a new chapter for China's server market. The 3C6000 isn't merely about incremental performance gains. At its core, this development represents a crucial step in China's journey towards independent and controllable core technologies, aiming to fundamentally secure and independent its information industry.

Loongson Unveils 3C6000 Server Processors

Beijing, June 26, 2025 – Loongson Technology held its "2025 Loongson Product Launch and User Conference" today in Beijing, officially unveiling its new Loongson 3C6000 series server processors.

CCTV News reported today that the Loongson 3C6000, China's independently developed new-generation domestic general-purpose processor, was launched in Beijing. Its performance is said to be on par with mainstream market products from 2023 or 2024. The newly released Loongson 3C6000 utilizes LoongArch, China's self-designed instruction set, ensuring it doesn't rely on any foreign authorized technology or external supply chains. This makes it a truly independent and controllable new-generation general-purpose processor, capable of meeting diverse computing demands across general computing, intelligent computing (AI), data storage, industrial control, and workstation applications.

According to Longson website, the Loongson 3C6000 series includes three models: LS3C6000/S, LS3C6000/D, and LS3C6000/Q. This series leverages Loongson's proprietary instruction architecture, offering advantages in high performance, reliability, security, and energy efficiency.

The base 3C6000/S is a single-die chip featuring 16 cores and 32 threads. Through Loongson's self-developed LoongLink interconnect technology and multi-chip packaging, the 3C6000/D (also known as 3D6000) is formed by integrating two dies, resulting in 32 cores and 64 threads. The top-tier 3C6000/Q (also known as 3E6000) achieves a massive 60/64 cores and 120/128 threads by packaging four dies together.

Loongson states that, according to third-party test reports, the single-core and multi-core performance of the 3C6000/S and 3C6000/D are comparable to Intel's 2021 offerings, specifically the 16-core Xeon Silver 4314 and 32-core Xeon Gold 6338, respectively. Furthermore, the 64-core 3C6000/Q reportedly outperforms Intel's 40-core Xeon Platinum 8380.

Loongson 3C6000 Series: At a Glance

Part 1: Unpacking the 3C6000's Core Specs

The Loongson 3C6000 series processors demonstrate impressive computing power and comprehensive I/O support. Here's a breakdown of its core parameters:

• Clock Speed: 2.0GHz - 2.2GHz

• Peak Double-Precision Floating-Point Performance:

• LS3C6000/S (Single Die): 844.8 GFlops @ 2.2GHz

• LS3C6000/D (Dual Die): 1612.8 GFlops @ 2.1GHz

• LS3C6000/Q (Quad Die): 3072 GFlops @ 2.0GHz

• Physical Cores / Logical Cores (Threads):

• LS3C6000/S: 16 Cores / 32 Threads

• LS3C6000/D: 32 Cores / 64 Threads

• LS3C6000/Q: 64 Cores / 128 Threads

• Processor Core: Features the LA664 64-bit superscalar processor core, supporting the LoongArch? instruction set. It boasts 128/256-bit vector instructions, six-issue out-of-order execution, and includes 4 integer units, 4 vector units, and 4 memory access units.

• High-Speed Cache: Each processor core has 64KB private L1 instruction and 64KB private L1 data caches, plus 256KB private L2 cache. Each silicon die shares 32MB of L3 cache.

• Memory Controller:

• LS3C6000/S: 4 x 72-bit DDR4-3200 channels

• LS3C6000/D & LS3C6000/Q: 8 x 72-bit DDR4-3200 channels

• High-Speed I/O:

• LS3C6000/S: 4 PCIe x16 interfaces, totaling 64 lanes

• LS3C6000/D & LS3C6000/Q: 8 PCIe x16 interfaces, totaling 128 lanes

• Inter-Chip Interconnect: Utilizes the Loongson Coherent Link (LoongLink), which reuses PCIe technology to enable multi-chip communication.

• Other I/O: SPI, UART, I2C, GPIO

• Security Module: Integrates the Loongson SE security module, featuring a dedicated LA264 processor core and support for China's national cryptographic algorithms (SM2/3/4). This module provides hardware-level encryption/decryption, key management, secure storage, and random number generation.

• Power Management: Supports dynamic clock gating for main modules, dynamic frequency scaling for key clock domains, and dynamic voltage adjustment for main voltage domains.

• Typical Power Consumption (TDP):

• LS3C6000/S: 100W-120W

• LS3C6000/D: 180W-200W

• LS3C6000/Q: 250W-300W

Part 2: Beyond Specs – The 3C6000's Key Innovations

The Loongson 3C6000 series processors are not just about raw numbers; they integrate several key independently developed technologies that underpin their capabilities:

• LA664 Processor Core: This is Loongson's self-designed 64-bit superscalar processor core. Its ability to issue six instructions out-of-order, combined with high-performance integer and floating-point units and optimized memory access units, significantly boosts Instruction Per Cycle (IPC) performance.

• LoongArch? Instruction Set System: As Loongson's proprietary instruction set architecture, LoongArch? breaks free from reliance on foreign instruction sets, achieving complete autonomy. This RISC-based architecture also employs binary translation technology, enabling efficient execution of applications originally compiled for various architectures like MIPS, x86, and ARM, ensuring critical software ecosystem compatibility.

• Loongson Coherent Link (LoongLink): This independently developed high-speed inter-chip interconnect technology addresses cache coherency challenges in multi-chip packages. It reuses the PCIe physical layer while implementing Loongson's own cache coherency protocol. This is crucial for enabling efficient communication across up to four processor dies, making it the linchpin for the 32-core and 64-core configurations. LoongLink aims to compete with other high-speed interconnects like NVLink and CXL.

• RAS Mechanism: The processor incorporates robust Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS) features. These include advanced timers, memory refresh capabilities, and secondary verification mechanisms, ensuring stability and data integrity for server systems under high load and continuous operation.

• Loongson SE Security Module: This integrated security module includes a dedicated LA264 processor core, providing hardware-level cryptographic engines, key management, secure storage, and random number generation. Its support for China's national cryptographic algorithms (SM2/3/4) significantly boosts data encryption and decryption performance, while enhancing overall system security—a critical feature for sensitive applications.

Part 3: Performance & Market Position

Loongson Technology asserts that, based on third-party test reports, the 3C6000 series processors have reached mainstream international performance levels:

• The LS3C6000/S and LS3C6000/D reportedly achieve single-core and multi-core performance comparable to Intel's 2021 offerings, specifically the 16-core Xeon Silver 4314 and 32-core Xeon Gold 6338, respectively.

• The 64-core LS3C6000/Q is claimed to even outperform Intel's 40-core Xeon Platinum 8380.

Overall, Loongson states that the comprehensive performance of the 3C6000 series server CPUs is on par with mainstream market products from 2023 or 2024. While fully independent, in-depth benchmark reports are still awaited, the consistent reporting by various tech media, citing Loongson's own presented data, underscores its growing competitiveness in the domestic server chip market. This suggests that Loongson is moving beyond simply "being usable" to becoming a truly "competitive" option.

For China, achieving this level of performance in domestically developed server CPUs underpins the "Xinchuang Project" (Information Technology Application Innovation Project), which aims to replace foreign technologies with indigenous alternatives in critical sectors. This transition signifies a substantial step from merely functional domestic chips to those that can genuinely compete with established international players, enabling the broader adoption of secure and controllable solutions.

Part 4: From Chip to Full Solution

Loongson Technology offers a complete range of server solutions built around the 3C6000 series processors:

• Server Motherboard Solutions: These boards support single-socket, dual-socket, and quad-socket configurations, enabling flexible scalability from 16 to 128 cores. They boast advantages in memory optimization, hardware-based security encryption, advanced power management, integrated LoongLink technology, and robust BMC (Baseboard Management Controller) management.

• Complete System Solutions: The 3C6000 series powers diverse application lines, including:

• Industrial Control Series: Designed for high-reliability environments such as industrial automation, rail transit, and energy.

• Storage Series: Tailored for large-scale data storage and management.

• General Computing Series: For broad-spectrum computing applications.

• Intelligent Computing Series: Focused on AI and high-performance intelligent workloads.

• Workstation Series: Providing powerful platforms for professional computing. These solutions encompass various forms, including distributed, centralized, and disaster recovery integrated systems, with a strong emphasis on supply chain security, data protection, and performance assurance.

Loongson is committed to building a full-stack Loongson server ecosystem, collaborating closely with numerous Chinese and international enterprises and open-source communities. This extensive network covers server hardware, operating systems, cloud platforms, databases, and middleware:

• Operating Systems: Sino-Force, UnionTech, openEuler, Kylin Software.

• Cloud Platforms: Alibaba Cloud, China Telecom Cloud, China Unicom Cloud, China Mobile Cloud, ZStack, China Resources Cloud, Yunhong, Baidu AI Cloud, Pinggao Cloud, BingoCloud.

• Databases: Dameng Database, Shenzhou General, Nanda General, GBASE, Kingbase.

This deep collaboration ensures the Loongson 3C6000 series processors can seamlessly integrate into existing IT infrastructures, offering users mature, stable, and independently controllable hardware-software integrated solutions.

Conclusion

The launch of the Loongson 3C6000 series processors isn't just another milestone for Loongson Technology in the server chip sector; it's a profound step in China's overarching strategy to advance information technology application innovation and achieve core technological self-reliance.

With its independently developed LoongArch? instruction set, LA664 processor core, LoongLink interconnect, and Loongson SE security module, the 3C6000 series is designed to minimize reliance on foreign intellectual property and supply chains. This significantly enhances China's information security posture in critical infrastructure. The reported performance parity with or even superiority to mainstream Intel Xeon processors from 2021, and its claimed equivalence to 2023/2024 market levels, signals Loongson's growing competitiveness in high-end general-purpose computing.

Furthermore, the expansive ecosystem of partners across operating systems, cloud platforms, and databases highlights Loongson's commitment to building a mature "LoongArch" ecosystem. This ecosystem is crucial for facilitating the widespread adoption of domestically produced alternatives. The widespread deployment of the Loongson 3C6000 series in government, finance, energy, and transportation sectors will be instrumental in achieving national information security and fulfilling China's strategic objective of a self-reliant "China Core."

The Loongson 3C6000 signifies a new era, strengthening China's position in the global server market and bolstering its drive for technological independence.

FAQ

What is the significance of the Loongson 3C6000's "self-reliance"?

The Loongson 3C6000 is significant because it uses LoongArch, China's independently designed instruction set, and doesn't rely on foreign licensed technologies or supply chains. This is a crucial step in China's national strategy to achieve technological autonomy and ensure information security in critical infrastructure, reducing dependence on international vendors.

How does the Loongson 3C6000's performance compare to Intel Xeon processors?

Loongson claims that the 3C6000 series, based on third-party test reports, offers competitive performance. The 3C6000/S and 3C6000/D are said to match Intel's 2021 Xeon Silver 4314 and Xeon Gold 6338, respectively. The flagship 64-core 3C6000/Q reportedly even outperforms Intel's 40-core Xeon Platinum 8380. Loongson states the series is on par with mainstream server products from 2023 or 2024.

What's the purpose of the "LoongLink" interconnect technology?

LoongLink is Loongson's self-developed coherent interconnect technology. Its main purpose is to enable multi-chip packaging, allowing Loongson to combine multiple single-die (16-core) 3C6000/S chips to create higher-core-count processors like the 32-core 3D6000 and the 64-core 3E6000. This strategy helps Loongson scale performance and core density efficiently.

Is the Loongson 3C6000 compatible with existing software ecosystems?

Yes, despite using the proprietary LoongArch instruction set, Loongson processors include binary translation technology. This feature helps them efficiently run applications originally compiled for other architectures, such as MIPS, x86, and ARM, aiding in software compatibility and ecosystem integration.

Which industries or applications is the Loongson 3C6000 series targeting?

The Loongson 3C6000 series is designed for a broad range of server applications. These include general computing, intelligent computing (AI), data storage, industrial control systems, and high-performance workstations. Its versatility, combined with its high reliability and security features, makes it suitable for critical national infrastructure and diverse enterprise needs.

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