China's Hygon has cracked the code. Their new CPU, built on a clever workaround, defies US sanctions and pushes the boundaries of chip technology.
 |
| A groundbreaking discovery reveals China's Hygon CPU, a masterclass in engineering that defies US sanctions. Explore how this processor is built on a clever combination of old and new tech. |
Beijing, China, August 20, 2024:
A groundbreaking discovery has unveiled China's ability to sidestep US sanctions and develop high-performance processors. Sugon's latest Hygon CPU, the C86-7490, has been spotted, showcasing a sophisticated workaround to access advanced chip technology.
The processor, equipped with an impressive 64 Zen cores, is housed in AMD's cutting-edge SP5 package, typically reserved for top-tier data center CPUs. However, despite the modern exterior, the heart of the Hygon chip is believed to be based on the older Zen architecture, not the more advanced Zen 4 or Zen 5.
China's engineering ingenuity shines through in this development. By ingeniously combining older Zen chiplets with AMD's state-of-the-art input/output dies (IODs), Hygon has managed to create a CPU capable of supporting modern features like DDR5 memory without violating US export restrictions.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for China's semiconductor industry. It demonstrates the nation's growing capability to develop independent high-performance computing solutions, reducing its reliance on foreign technology. However, it also raises concerns about the effectiveness of current export controls and the potential for future technological advancements in the face of these restrictions.
While the precise performance of the Hygon C86-7490 remains uncertain, its existence underscores China's determination to overcome geopolitical challenges and its rapid strides in technological independence. The implications of this development extend beyond the realm of computing, potentially impacting global semiconductor supply chains and the geopolitical landscape.
As the world watches with keen interest, the future of China's chip industry hangs in the balance. Only time and further revelations will determine the full extent of Hygon's achievement and its impact on the global technological landscape.