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.
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