Loongson 9A1000 GPU Taped Out, First Discrete Chip from Chinese Designer

Loongson has taped out its first GPU chip, the 9A1000, and it is about to enter the testing phase. This marks a significant step for the Chinese chip designer as it moves into the discrete graphics market.

First discrete GPU from Loongson

The 9A1000 is an entry-level GPU that also includes AI acceleration capabilities. It is designed to work with Loongson's own CPU platforms, such as the upcoming 3B6600 processor.

Specifications

• Graphics API: OpenGL 4.0 / OpenGL ES 3.2
• Core clock increase: 25%
• Stream processor area reduction: 20%
• Light load power reduction: 70%
• AI compute: 40 TOPS

Graphics performance is roughly equivalent to an AMD Radeon RX 550, according to Loongson. The chip supports OpenGL 4.0 and OpenGL ES 3.2 graphics APIs.

Performance and power efficiency gains

The GPU features a 25% increase in core clock speed and a 20% reduction in stream processor area compared to the earlier 2K3000 integrated GPU. Light load power consumption drops by 70%. AI compute reaches 40 TOPS.

Loongson is developing Windows drivers for the 9A1000, which could broaden its appeal beyond Linux-based systems. The company also plans to tape out the 3B6600 CPU in the second half of 2025, possibly by October.

The 9A1000 represents Loongson's first dedicated GPU, moving beyond integrated graphics. With performance on par with an RX 550, it targets basic desktop and light AI workloads.