Zhaoxin Unveils KH-50000 CPUs Featuring 96 Cores: First Die Shots Showcase 12 Compute Chiplets and a Large I/O Chiplet

Zhaoxin has officially released its innovative KH-50000 CPUs tailored for server applications, marking a significant advancement in the domestic Chinese CPU market. The new CPUs offer an impressive core count of up to 96 and feature a cutting-edge chiplet architecture.

Introducing the Zhaoxin KH-50000 Server CPUs: A Leap Forward in Performance

In July, Zhaoxin unveiled its KH-50000 series, a substantial upgrade designed to elevate the capabilities of Chinese server technology. With multiple compute chiplets and an advanced input/output (IO) framework, these CPUs present a robust solution for modern computing needs. The launch today reveals the complete die configuration, showcasing 12 compute chiplets integrated with a high-capacity IO chiplet, enhancing overall processing power and flexibility.

Image Source: Zhaoxin

The specifications of the Zhaoxin KH-50000 series are noteworthy. The CPUs boast up to 96 cores, and while details on simultaneous multi-threading (SMT) options remain unconfirmed, the architecture promises a significant instruction per cycle (IPC) improvement of around 30% compared to the KH-4000 series. The lead WeU is expected to provide up to 384 MB of cache memory, alongside clock speeds that reach 2.0 GHz at base and 3.0 GHz at peak performance. Moreover, the new ZPI 5.0 interconnect supports both dual and quad-socket configurations, allowing for a maximum of 384 cores to operate seamlessly on a single motherboard, optimizing bandwidth and reducing latency and power consumption.

Specifications Comparison: KH-50000 vs KH-40000 CPUs

Core Count: 96 Cores vs 32 Cores
Peak Clocks: 3.0 GHz vs 2.5 GHz
Cache Size: 384 MB vs 64 MB
Memory Support: 12-Channel DDR5 vs 8-Channel DDR4
PCIe Lanes: 128 PCIe 5.0 Lanes vs 128 PCIe 4.0 Lanes
Interconnect Technology: ZPI 5.0 vs ZPI 3.0

The transition to 12-channel DDR5 (ECC) memory and 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes represents a significant leap in IO capabilities, providing enhanced compatibility with contemporary storage and peripheral technologies. The physical design shares similarities with AMD’s EPYC “Bergamo”series, a trend previously noted in the KH-4000 CPUs, reflecting the influence of established designs within CPU architecture.

The launch of the Zhaoxin KH-50000 series is poised to transform server performance in China, catering to a growing demand for advanced processing capabilities. Additionally, the company has introduced the KX-7000N CPU, an evolution of the previous KX-7000 series, now equipped with a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) designed for enhanced AI processing speed.

The KX-7000N seamlessly integrates an NPU within the existing CPU lineup, but there are discussions regarding a future “KX”consumer series aimed at the burgeoning AI PC market. This next-generation offering is expected to feature an increased core count, improved computational power, support for PCIe 5.0, and a sophisticated NPU architecture that promises heterogeneous and high-performance capabilities. Keep an eye out for further updates from Zhaoxin as they continue to innovate in the semiconductor sector.