Kirin X90: HUAWEI’s Entry into the PC Chip Race
The veil of secrecy surrounding HUAWEI’s foray into the PC processor market has been partially lifted, thanks to a recent listing by the China Information Security Evaluation Center. Details of the upcoming HUAWEI Kirin X90 PC chip, the company’s first ARM-based computer SoC, have surfaced, sparking excitement and speculation among tech enthusiasts.
Images of the listing have been widely shared by Weibo tipsters. Notably, they confirm the existence of the Kirin X90, marking a crucial step in HUAWEI’s ongoing push for greater technological self-sufficiency. This development, in turn, follows the successful launch of the Mate 60 series, which runs on the Kirin 9000s 5G chipset. Overall, it highlights Huawei’s strong determination to reduce reliance on foreign technologies.
The company’s ambition extends beyond smartphones. HUAWEI is actively developing HarmonyOS PC software and the Kirin PC chipset. Their goal is to challenge the dominance of Windows OS and Intel processors in the Chinese market. Notably, the Kirin X90 recently appeared on a certification list. Moreover, it was listed alongside other domestic processors, such as the Shenwei H8000, Feitang Tengyun S5000C-E, and Loongson 3B6000/3C6000. This development strongly suggests that HUAWEI’s efforts are nearing fruition.
Kirin X90 Details Emerge
The listing doesn’t reveal detailed specifications. However, it does confirm the chip’s name and its Level II safety and reliability certification. Moreover, industry insiders believe the X90 is designed for enhanced multitasking and high-load operations. Additionally, it features an advanced core design and optimized frequency management, ensuring improved performance.
Speculation points towards HUAWEI potentially utilizing SMIC’s 7nm process technology for the X90, given the current limitations. This would likely place the chip’s performance below that of Apple’s latest M4 lineup or Snapdragon X Plus. However, the significance of Huawei’s achievement lies in its ability to produce its own PC-based chip, marking a significant milestone in its technological journey.
Implications and Future Outlook
The discovery of the Kirin X90 indicates that HUAWEI’s PC chip is likely to launch within the current quarter. This move will allow HUAWEI to offer a complete ecosystem of hardware and software solutions, strengthening its position in the Chinese market.
The X90’s performance may not yet match that of its international competitors. However, its development is a crucial step toward reducing reliance on foreign technology. Moreover, as HUAWEI continues to invest in research and development, future iterations of the Kirin PC chip could see significant improvements. Eventually, this progress may help bridge the performance gap.
