LoongArch: China’s homegrown CPU architecture that is now in real laptops

LoongArch is no longer just a research idea.

It is now:

• running Linux

• shipping in real laptops

• used by governments and companies inside China

LoongArch is a modern RISC-style instruction set created by Loongson.

Its main goal is simple:

Reduce dependence on foreign CPU architectures like x86, ARM, and MIPS.

What LoongArch actually is

LoongArch is an instruction set architecture (ISA).

It is:

• not x86 compatible

• not ARM compatible

• not RISC-V

It is a new, independent ISA, designed from scratch.

Loongson originally used MIPS.

Later, due to licensing and control issues, they moved away and created LoongArch.

LoongArch is RISC-like:

• fixed-length instructions

• load/store design

• clean register model

• modern 64-bit design

But it is not the same ISA as ARM or RISC-V.

Why LoongArch exists

LoongArch exists for three reasons:

• national technology independence

• long-term control over CPU evolution

• removal of foreign licensing risk

Performance was not the first goal.

Control and stability were.

LoongArch processors in use today

Modern LoongArch CPUs include:

Loongson 3A5000

Loongson 3A6000

These are:

• 64-bit CPUs

• desktop and laptop capable

• comparable to older Intel Core i5 generations

• not meant for gaming or high-end workloads

They are good enough for:

• office work

• development

• government desktops

• education systems

Real laptops using LoongArch

Yes real laptops exist.

Examples (mostly sold in China):

Loongson 3A6000-based laptops

• Often sold under local Chinese brands

• Used in government and enterprise environments

• Linux preinstalled

Some vendors and models are not globally marketed, but commonly referenced examples include:

• Tongfang LoongArch laptops

• Loongson reference laptops

• Government-issued LoongArch notebooks

These are not consumer laptops like Dell or HP models.

They are policy-driven deployments.

Operating system support

This is where LoongArch became serious.

Linux

Linux

• Full kernel support for LoongArch

• Actively maintained

• Main OS for LoongArch systems

Linux distributions with LoongArch support include:

• Loongnix

• Kylin Linux

• OpenEuler (LoongArch builds)

These are Linux distros tailored for Chinese systems.

Windows support

There is no official Windows support for LoongArch.

Microsoft does not provide:

• Windows binaries

• drivers

• toolchains

Some experiments exist, but nothing production-ready.

BSD and others

BSD systems:

• experimental only

• not common

• not officially supported

LoongArch is clearly a Linux-first architecture.

Application support on LoongArch

This is the biggest limitation.

Native apps:

• must be compiled for LoongArch

• many open-source apps already work

• Linux desktop software mostly fine

Works well:

• Firefox

• LibreOffice

• GCC / Clang

• Python

• common Linux tools

Does not work natively:

• Windows apps

• proprietary x86-only software

• most commercial games

x86 app compatibility (important)

LoongArch does not run x86 apps natively.

Instead, it uses:

• binary translation

• compatibility layers

Performance:

• acceptable for light apps

• slow for heavy workloads

This is similar to how:

• Apple Rosetta works (but less polished)

• Elbrus runs x86 software

Good for transition.

Not good for power users.

Who actually needs LoongArch

LoongArch makes sense for:

• government systems

• public sector desktops

• education institutions

• long-term controlled environments

• national infrastructure

LoongArch does NOT make sense for:

• gamers

• creative professionals

• general consumers

• people who need Windows apps

LoongArch vs ARM vs RISC-V (simple)

LoongArch:

• independent

• Linux-focused

• regional use

• controlled ecosystem

ARM:

• global

• very mature

• licensed

• consumer-friendly

RISC-V:

• open

• fast-growing

• still maturing for desktops

LoongArch is not competing globally.

It is solving a local strategic problem.

Is LoongArch the future of PCs?

Globally? No.

Regionally? Yes.

Inside China:

• LoongArch adoption is increasing

• government mandates help

• software support is improving slowly

Outside China:

• almost no availability

• little reason to adopt

Final thoughts

LoongArch is not about speed or popularity.

It is about:

• control

• independence

• long-term planning

It proves that building a full CPU ecosystem from scratch is possible but very hard.

LoongArch laptops exist.

Linux runs well.

Apps mostly work.

That alone makes it worth understanding.