Loongson
Chinese fabless processor designer behind the Loongson family of CPUs and the LoongArch instruction-set architecture.
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
Loongson is both the name of a Chinese processor family and the commercial identity of Loongson Technology Corporation Limited, a Beijing-based fabless semiconductor company. The company traces its origins to processor research at the Institute of Computing Technology (ICT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Its academic processor project was commonly known as Godson, while Loongson became the principal commercial and public-facing name. The project began in 2001 with the aim of developing high-performance general-purpose processors in China and reducing reliance on foreign processor technologies. The earliest Loongson chips were based on internally developed microarchitectures compatible with the MIPS instruction-set architecture. The first Godson-1 processor was released in 2002 as a 32-bit chip intended for embedded and consumer applications. Subsequent Godson-2 designs introduced 64-bit capability and progressively integrated system functions, including memory, chipset, graphics and I/O functions. The Godson-3 and later Loongson 3 families expanded the design toward multicore desktops, workstations, servers and high-performance computing. These processors were designed around Linux and other software environments capable of supporting the relevant MIPS architecture. Loongson’s commercial structure developed through ICT and related technology entities. BLX IC Design Corporation, an ICT spin-off, was involved in the company’s early commercialization. Loongson Technology was formally established as a separate company in Beijing in 2010. As a fabless designer, it develops processor architectures, cores, chips and related platforms while relying on external foundries and ecosystem partners for manufacturing and parts of product commercialization. The company initially licensed MIPS-related technology while maintaining its own processor microarchitectures and extensions. Its LoongISA extensions added virtualization, SIMD, binary-translation and other functions to earlier MIPS-compatible designs. In 2021, Loongson made a strategic transition to LoongArch, its own RISC instruction-set architecture. The LoongArch move was intended to give the company greater control over the instruction set and reduce dependence on foreign licensing and technology authorization. The Loongson 3 5000 series, including the 3A5000 desktop processor and 3C5000L server processor, became the first major products associated with this transition. The product portfolio covers desktop and embedded processors, server and data-center CPUs, processor cores available as intellectual property, development platforms and broader computing solutions. Representative products include the four-core Loongson 3A5000, the server-oriented 3C5000L, the data-center-focused 3D5000 and the later 3A6000 desktop processor. The company has also announced the 3C6000 and future 7000-series development. These products are positioned around domestic supply-chain resilience, independent intellectual property, compatibility with Chinese software ecosystems and use in government, education, industrial control, embedded systems, desktops, servers and cloud computing. Loongson became a public company on the Shanghai Stock Exchange STAR Market in 2022. Its public-market status provided a new financing and governance framework for research, product development and commercialization. The company has continued to promote LoongArch software support and cooperation with Chinese operating-system developers. Partnerships involving Deepin-based systems and domestic computer manufacturers have supported efforts to build a more self-contained desktop and server ecosystem. Loongson’s strategic importance extends beyond conventional consumer branding. It is closely associated with China’s efforts to develop domestically controlled computing infrastructure, although its products remain part of a technically competitive and internationally benchmarked semiconductor market. In March 2023, the United States Department of Commerce added Loongson to the Bureau of Industry and Security Entity List, citing concerns about potential support for the People’s Liberation Army. The restriction intensified the company’s emphasis on domestic design, manufacturing and software capabilities. Loongson remains an active processor developer whose principal long-term differentiator is the combination of proprietary CPU design, LoongArch and China-focused ecosystem development.
History
Loongson originated in the Institute of Computing Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where researchers began developing a domestically controlled general-purpose processor project in 2001. The academic name Godson was widely used for the early designs, while Loongson became the commercial name. Hu Weiwu served as the project’s chief architect. The work was supported by Chinese national research and development programs and was linked to the broader objective of building domestic capability in high-performance computing. The first Godson-1 processor was released in 2002. It was a 32-bit design running at 266 MHz and targeted embedded and consumer-electronics applications. The Godson-2 family followed with 64-bit capability and a staged integration strategy. The 2E was primarily a processor, the 2F added a northbridge, the 2G integrated additional system functions and the 2H developed the concept into a more complete system-on-chip. These generations established the basic design approach later used in higher-performance Loongson processors. Loongson’s multicore development was represented by the Godson-3 and Loongson 3 families. The initial 3A used four GS464 cores for desktop and general-purpose computing. Planned and released variants extended the design toward eight-core and sixteen-core systems for servers and high-performance computing. Some early products encountered design problems, and development priorities shifted toward improved generations. The 3A1500 and 3B2000 introduced enhanced GS464E cores and LoongISA extensions, while the 3A3000 and 3A/3B4000 generations continued incremental performance and efficiency improvements. The company’s formal commercialization took place in 2010, when Loongson Technology Corporation Limited was established in Beijing. Its early structure involved ICT and BLX IC Design Corporation, an ICT-related spin-off. Loongson operated as a fabless processor designer, with manufacturing and some commercialization handled through outside partners. Earlier chips were associated with STMicroelectronics manufacturing and MIPS-related licensing arrangements. The company’s relationship with MIPS technology evolved over time: initial designs were MIPS-compatible or MIPS-based, and later licensing arrangements allowed continued development of MIPS32 and MIPS64 processor cores. A major strategic change arrived in 2021. Loongson introduced LoongArch, a proprietary RISC instruction-set architecture with 32-bit and 64-bit variants. The change was designed to avoid dependence on foreign authorization and to provide a foundation for a domestic software and hardware ecosystem. The Loongson 3 5000 family marked the practical beginning of this transition. The 3A5000 targeted desktop systems, while the 3C5000L combined multiple 3A5000-derived components for server use. Loongson documentation renamed the relevant processor core as LA464 to distinguish the LoongArch implementation from earlier MIPS-oriented naming. Loongson expanded its LoongArch portfolio with the 3D5000 for data centers and cloud computing in 2023. The company also developed the 6000 series, based on the LA664 core family. The 3A6000 appeared in 2023 and was presented as a substantial improvement in single-threaded performance. The 3C6000 was planned as a sixteen-core server processor with simultaneous multithreading and multiple DDR4 memory interfaces. Loongson subsequently began discussing 7 nm and later-generation products, including potential 7000-series processors, though future product timing and specifications remain subject to change. Software has been central to the platform strategy. Earlier Godson systems relied mainly on Linux and other operating systems supporting MIPS. Developers ported Android and Windows CE to selected systems, while Debian and other open-source projects provided infrastructure and package support. LoongArch required operating-system ports because it is not binary-compatible with MIPS. Loongson has therefore worked with Chinese Linux distributors and computer partners, including efforts involving Deepin-based systems and Unity OS, to support domestic desktop adoption. In 2022, Loongson Technology listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange STAR Market. The listing marked the company’s transition from a research-originated processor project into a publicly traded semiconductor enterprise. In 2023, the United States placed Loongson on the BIS Entity List, a development that reinforced the company’s focus on domestic technology and supply chains. In 2024, a large education-computing trial in Hebi deployed 10,000 Loongson-based PCs, while the company continued to develop processors for government, industrial, educational, embedded, desktop, server and cloud markets.
- 2024
Large Chinese education-computing trial
[1]A Hebi school district starts a trial involving 10,000 Loongson-powered PCs.
- 2023
3D5000 launched
[1]The company introduces the LoongArch-based 3D5000 for data-center and cloud workloads.
- 2023
3A6000 introduced
[1]Loongson debuts the 3A6000 desktop processor using its newer LA664 core family.
- 2022
Shanghai STAR Market listing
[1]Loongson Technology becomes publicly traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange STAR Market.
- 2021
LoongArch is introduced
[1]Loongson moves from MIPS-related architectures to its independent LoongArch instruction-set architecture with the 3 5000 series.
- 2015
Enhanced Loongson generations appear
[1]The 3A1500 and 3B2000 introduce improved GS464E cores and LoongISA extensions.
- 2010
Loongson Technology is formally established
[1]Loongson Technology Corporation Limited is established as a commercial processor-design company in Beijing.
- 2002
Godson-1 released
[1]The first 32-bit Godson processor is released for embedded and consumer-oriented applications.
- 2001
Godson processor development begins
[1]Researchers at the Institute of Computing Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences begin work on the first Loongson/Godson processor.
Products and positioning
A domestically controlled Chinese processor designer emphasizing independent intellectual property, supply-chain resilience, LoongArch, Linux-based software ecosystems and deployment in government, industrial, educational, embedded, desktop and server computing.
Embedded processor · 2002
Godson-1
The first Loongson/Godson processor, released in 2002. It was a 32-bit design intended for embedded and consumer-electronics applications and established the processor project’s initial production direction.
Embedded and personal-computer processor · 2006
Loongson 2
A family that expanded Loongson from 32-bit to 64-bit processing and progressively integrated memory, chipset, graphics and I/O functions. The 2E, 2F, 2G and 2H represented successive steps toward a more complete system-on-chip.
Desktop processor · 2021
Loongson 3A5000
A four-core desktop processor and one of the first major LoongArch products. It was designed to provide a domestically controlled general-purpose computing platform and became a prominent component in Chinese desktop and education deployments.
Server processor · 2021
Loongson 3C5000L
A server-oriented LoongArch processor built around multiple 3A5000-derived components. It targets server and higher-performance computing applications rather than ordinary desktop systems.
Data-center processor · 2023
Loongson 3D5000
A LoongArch-based processor launched for data-center and cloud-computing workloads, extending the company’s product range beyond desktop and embedded use.
Desktop processor · 2023
Loongson 3A6000
A newer desktop processor using the LA664 core family. Loongson positioned it as a major single-core performance improvement over earlier generations, with support for established DDR4 memory technology.
Server processor
Loongson 3C6000
A planned sixteen-core server processor based on the LA664 architecture, with simultaneous multithreading and multiple DDR4 memory interfaces. Its availability and final specifications have been subject to development timing.
Instruction-set architecture · 2021
LoongArch
Loongson’s proprietary RISC instruction-set architecture. It includes 32-bit and 64-bit forms and is intended to provide an independent foundation for the company’s processors, operating systems, compilers and application ecosystem.
Controversies
2026
Loongson discloses side-channel data leak vulnerability in some 3-series CPUs
Loongson Technology disclosed that some versions of its Loongson 3A5000/3A6000 and 3C5000/3C6000 series CPUs have a medium-to-low risk side-channel data leak issue under specific conditions, related to insufficient isolation of processor microarchitectural resources when vector (LSX/LASX) or floating-point load instructions are used. The company said it had already located the root cause, completed software and hardware fixes, reported the issue to relevant authorities, and pushed security patches to operating system partners; new 3A6000 and 3C6000 chips have hardware-level microarchitectural hardening.
2023
United States Entity List designation
The United States Department of Commerce added Loongson to the Bureau of Industry and Security Entity List, citing concerns that American technology acquired by the company could support the People’s Liberation Army. The designation is a government export-control action rather than a finding of criminal wrongdoing.
Marketing campaigns
- 2024Hebi 10,000-PC education trial
China
A school district in Hebi trialed 10,000 computers using Loongson 3A5000 processors and a Deepin-based Unity operating system. The project functioned as a high-volume demonstration of domestic processor and operating-system integration in education.
Outcome. The trial increased visibility for Loongson-based computers in the Chinese school system, although broader national deployment remained prospective.
- 2020Deepin and domestic operating-system ecosystem cooperation
China
Loongson worked with Chinese operating-system and computing partners, including UnionTech and Sunway, to promote Linux-based and Deepin-related software on domestic processors. The initiative supported a broader effort to reduce reliance on Microsoft Windows and foreign computing platforms.
Outcome. The cooperation helped connect Loongson processors with Chinese desktop and institutional-computing deployments.
Brand decisions
2023
Launch the 3D5000 for data centersProduct launchBackground
Loongson needed to extend its LoongArch portfolio beyond desktop and embedded applications into higher-density computing environments.
Action taken
The company launched the 3D5000 processor for data-center and cloud-computing workloads.
Aftermath
The product broadened Loongson’s server and infrastructure positioning within China’s domestic computing ecosystem.
2023
Introduce the LA664-based 3A6000Generation changeBackground
The 6000 series was intended to improve single-core performance and compete more effectively with established international desktop processor generations.
Action taken
Loongson debuted the 3A6000 desktop processor using its newer LA664 core architecture.
Aftermath
Reported benchmark demonstrations indicated a substantial improvement over earlier Loongson desktop processors, while the platform continued to use mature DDR4 memory technology.
2021
Adopt the independent LoongArch architectureStrategyBackground
Loongson’s earlier processors used MIPS-compatible or MIPS-related instruction sets and licensing arrangements. The company sought greater control over its technology base and reduced dependence on foreign authorization.
Action taken
The company introduced LoongArch, a proprietary RISC instruction-set architecture, and began transitioning products to it with the Loongson 3 5000 series.
Aftermath
LoongArch became the foundation for subsequent desktop, server and data-center processors and required corresponding operating-system and software ports.
Recent events
Loongson discloses side-channel data leak vulnerability in some 3-series CPUs[7]
Reported:
Loongson Technology disclosed that some versions of its Loongson 3A5000/3A6000 and 3C5000/3C6000 series CPUs have a medium-to-low risk side-channel data leak issue under specific conditions, related to insufficient isolation of processor microarchitectural resources when vector (LSX/LASX) or floating-point load instructions are used. The company said it had already located the root cause, completed software and hardware fixes, reported the issue to relevant authorities, and pushed security patches to operating system partners; new 3A6000 and 3C6000 chips have hardware-level microarchitectural hardening.
- Unconfirmed
UnionTech releases UOS V20 for LoongArch[8]
UnionTech released UOS Desktop Operating System V20 with support for the LoongArch64 architecture and compatibility with computers from more than 20 manufacturers using Loongson 3A5000 processors.
Loongson releases LoongArch instruction set architecture[9]
Reported:
Loongson released LoongArch, a new instruction set architecture that the article describes as fully independently developed. The source says the architecture manual had been released within a limited scope.
- Unconfirmed
Loongson chip integrated into Tianjin Guangdian printers[10]
Reported:
Loongson announced that its 1C0300B main-control chip is being used in batches in multiple laser printers produced by Tianjin Guangdian, as part of a cooperation between the companies.
Loongson and 360 announce expanded cooperation[11]
Reported:
Loongson and 360 announced deeper cooperation in chip applications, cybersecurity development, research and innovation, and technology and market cooperation.
- Unconfirmed
Loongson and Iluvatar CoreX sign strategic partnership[12]
Reported:
Loongson Technology and Iluvatar CoreX signed a strategic cooperation agreement to work together in business cooperation, marketing, and industry development. The article also reports that they showcased their first post-signing collaboration result at a December 24 event.
- Unconfirmed
Westone launches Longsoon-based security gateway[13]
Westone launched an IPSec/SSL VPN integrated security gateway based on the Longsoon 3A4000 CPU.
Zhongke Shuguang presents Longteng G30 products[14]
Reported:
At Loongson's product launch on December 24, Zhongke Shuguang presented its Longteng G30 desktop terminal and L620-G30 and L820-G30 servers based on Loongson processors.
Loongson launches 3A4000 and 3B4000 processors[15]
Reported:
At its product launch and user conference, Loongson unveiled the 3A4000 and 3B4000 processors, described as products based on its next-generation processor architecture.
Loongson launches 3A4000 and 3B4000 CPUs[16]
Reported:
Loongson Zhongke launched its next-generation general-purpose CPU products, the 3A4000 and 3B4000, at a product launch and user conference in Beijing.
Sources30 sources
- 1Loongsonen.wikipedia.org
- 2Loongson official websiteloongson.cn
- 3龙芯中科技术股份有限公司loongson.cn
- 4芯片产品loongson.cn
- 5龙芯底座支撑打印产业发展 | 得力×龙芯联合实验室揭牌成立loongson.cn
- 6龙芯率先通过安全可靠测评Ⅲ级，三赛道登顶刷新自主高度loongson.cn
- 7Loongson discloses side-channel data leak vulnerability in some 3-series CPUsfinance.sina.com.cn
- 8统信发布适配 LoongArch 的桌面操作系统 V20itbear.com.cn
- 9龙芯发布LoongArch指令集架构finance.sina.com.cn
- 10龙芯芯片批量用于天津光电打印机oa.zol.com.cn
- 11龙芯与360宣布深化合作tech.sina.com.cn
- 12龙芯中科与天数智芯签署战略合作协议tech.sina.com.cn
- 13卫士通发布基于龙芯的安全网关stock.finance.sina.com.cn
- 14中科曙光推出龙腾G30系列产品finance.sina.com.cn
- 15龙芯发布3A4000和3B4000处理器tech.sina.com.cn
- 16龙芯发布3A4000和3B4000处理器tech.sina.com.cn
- 17“龙芯”发布新一代处理器tech.sina.com.cn
- 18“龙芯”发布新一代处理器tech.sina.com.cn
- 19龙芯3A5000正式发布：采用自主指令系统LoongArch的处理器芯片finance.sina.com.cn
- 20龙芯发布新一代服务器处理器：龙芯3C5000Lserver.it168.com
- 21龙芯发布新一代国产处理器龙芯3A4000tech.sina.com.cn
- 22龙芯发布新一代国产自研处理器 性能成倍提升tech.sina.com.cn
- 23龙芯首款自主指令集CPU发布！性能大涨50%，逼近市场主流桌面CPUfinance.sina.com.cn
- 24龙芯推出新一代处理器 打造IT产业新生态tech.sina.com.cn
- 25龙芯重磅发布新一代处理器，全力打造IT产业新生态server.it168.com
- 26芯片国产替代升级 “龙芯”发布新一代处理器news.timedg.com
- 27芯片国产替代升级 “龙芯”发布新一代处理器tech.sina.com.cn
- 28中国龙芯发布新一代国产处理器zaobao.com.sg
- 29中国芯自主化再进一步 龙芯发布新一代指令系统_财经评论(cjpl)股吧_东方财富网股吧guba.eastmoney.com
- 30自主需要从根生 -- 龙芯中科正式发布完全自主指令集架构LoongArchfinance.sina.com.cn
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