China finally has a competitive desktop processor. The problem is that it’s six years behind Intel

Loongson says it has shipped more than one million units of its flagship 3A6000 desktop CPU.

The third-generation chips are reported to perform around the level of Intel Core processors from about 2020, with newer models nearing some 12th- and 13th-gen Intel parts.

The CPUs are manufactured by SMIC, underscoring China’s effort to build a domestic chip supply chain.

The milestone reflects progress toward semiconductor self-reliance as U.S. export controls keep pressure on China’s tech sector.