Chinese chipmaker Zhaoxin has unveiled its most powerful server CPU yet, the Kaisheng KH-50000 series, which boasts up to 96 cores per processor and is built using a chiplet design similar to AMD’s EPYC lineup.
Even more impressive: these chips can be used in dual- and quad-socket systems, allowing up to 384 physical CPU cores on a single motherboard.
Chiplet Design With Massive Core Density
Instead of one large monolithic die, the KH-50000 follows a modular design:
- 1 central I/O die
- 12 compute chiplets
- Each die includes:
- 8 cores
- 32MB L3 cache
That brings the top configuration to:
96 cores
384MB L3 cache
384 cores per system (in 4-socket setups)
A smaller 72-core version is also available.
Clock Speeds
|
Model |
Cores |
Base Clock |
Boost Clock |
|
KH-50000 (flagship) |
96 |
2.2 GHz |
3.0 GHz |
|
KH-50000 (72-core) |
72 |
2.6 GHz |
3.0 GHz |
Notably, there’s no simultaneous multithreading (SMT) — so core count equals thread count.
Memory & I/O Features
Zhaoxin has stepped up the platform significantly to compete with AMD and Intel:
- 12-channel DDR5-5200 RAM
- Up to 3TB of memory
- 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes
- 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- CXL support
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 (upgraded from Gen 1)
- Integrated trusted computing and Chinese encryption standards (SM2/SM3/SM4)
Compared to the previous KH-40000 (32 cores, DDR4, PCIe 3.0), this is a huge leap.
Socket & Platform
- Package size: 72 × 76 mm (same as AMD EPYC SP5 processors)
- Socket type: LGA
- Supports:
- 2-socket systems
- 4-socket systems
That makes up to 384 cores possible on one board.
Connectivity is enabled by Zhaoxin’s own ZPI 5.0 interconnect tech.
What’s Still Unknown?
Despite the unveiling, Zhaoxin did not disclose TDP or power consumption, which is critical for data center adoption. AMD EPYC chips with similar core counts draw 300–500W, so all eyes are on whether Zhaoxin can stay in that range.
Strategic Importance
Even if these CPUs don’t match AMD or Intel in efficiency or fabrication technology, they represent a major milestone:
- Built on x86 architecture (supports AVX2, virtualization, SSE4.2)
- Designed for China’s self-reliance push
- Tailored for government-backed markets
- Fully domestic supply-chain friendly
In short, these chips may not dethrone EPYC or Xeon globally but are poised to displace foreign CPUs in China’s servers and data centers.
Final Take
Zhaoxin’s KH-50000 series marks:
✔ A threefold increase over its previous 32-core models
✔ A move into high-density server computing
✔ A clear play to reduce reliance on Western chipmakers
✔ A symbolic “technological gift” for China’s 76th anniversary
Whether it challenges AMD and Intel in terms of performance remains to be seen, but in terms of domestic capability and strategic progress, it represents a significant leap forward.
