3C5000
16-core server processor running at 2.2 GHz with 32MB L3 cache, quad-channel DDR4 support, and 120W TDP for server an...
Product Overview
Description
The Loongson 3C5000 is a high-performance 16-core server processor designed for data center, cloud computing, and high-performance computing applications.
Featuring sixteen LA464 cores, 32MB shared L3 cache, and quad-channel DDR4 memory support, the 3C5000 delivers server-class performance for demanding enterprise workloads.
With support for multi-socket configurations, advanced virtualization features, and enterprise-grade reliability, the 3C5000 enables cost-effective server platforms for domestic cloud infrastructure.
Product Series
Desktop and Server Processors
Primary Application
Data center and cloud computing servers
Key Features
- 16 LA464 cores with simultaneous multithreading support
- 32MB shared L3 cache for high-throughput workloads
- Quad-channel DDR4-3200 memory with ECC support
- Multi-socket support for scaling to 64+ cores
- Hardware virtualization acceleration with KVM support
- PCIe 3.0 x40 lanes for high-speed I/O connectivity
- Enterprise RAS features including memory scrubbing
Specifications
| Cores | 16 (LA464) |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 32MB |
| Memory Support | DDR4-3200 Quad Channel |
| TDP | 120W |
| Process | 12nm |
Applications
Data center and cloud computing servers
Electronic system design
High-performance computing clusters
Electronic system design
Enterprise application servers
Electronic system design
Virtualization and container platforms
Electronic system design
FAE Expert Insights
"The 3C5000 is Loongson's entry into the server processor market with a compelling value proposition. In my work with data center customers, I've found the 3C5000 particularly attractive for cloud infrastructure deployments where cost efficiency and supply security are priorities. The 16-core configuration provides good thread density, and the quad-channel memory interface delivers adequate bandwidth for most server workloads. Multi-socket scaling works well for applications requiring higher core counts. I recommend ensuring your software stack is optimized for LoongArch to achieve best performance. The processor's power efficiency is notable for a server chip, helping reduce operational costs in large deployments. For customers building domestic cloud infrastructure, the 3C5000 provides a viable alternative to x86 server processors."
Cost-effective server solution with good thread density for domestic cloud infrastructure.
— Michael Zhang, BeiLuo
Frequently Asked Questions
What server workloads are suitable for the 3C5000?
The Loongson 3C5000 is well-suited for various server workloads including web serving, application servers, virtualization hosts, and cloud infrastructure. The 16-core configuration handles multi-threaded applications effectively, making it suitable for Java application servers, PHP web stacks, and containerized microservices. Database workloads perform well when properly tuned for LoongArch. The processor excels in scale-out scenarios where multiple nodes work together. For compute-intensive HPC applications, performance depends on software optimization for the LoongArch architecture. The 3C5000 is particularly attractive for domestic cloud deployments, edge computing nodes, and applications where supply chain security is a priority.
Evaluate the 3C5000 for your specific server workload through benchmarking. We can provide reference platforms and performance analysis for your applications.
Does the 3C5000 support virtualization?
Yes, the Loongson 3C5000 includes hardware virtualization acceleration features supporting KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) virtualization. The processor provides nested page table support for efficient memory virtualization, reducing overhead for guest operating systems. Virtual CPU cores can be assigned to virtual machines with near-native performance for most workloads. The 16-core configuration allows hosting multiple virtual machines with adequate resources per instance. Memory virtualization is supported with hardware-assisted features. I/O virtualization is available through SR-IOV capable PCIe devices. Popular virtualization platforms including OpenStack and Proxmox have been ported to LoongArch. Container platforms such as Docker and Kubernetes run natively on the 3C5000.
The 3C5000 is suitable for virtualization deployments. Plan your VM density based on workload requirements and perform testing with your specific applications.
What is the maximum memory capacity supported by the 3C5000?
The Loongson 3C5000 supports up to 256GB of DDR4 memory per socket through its quad-channel memory controller. The processor supports standard DDR4 RDIMMs and LRDIMMs for server applications. Memory speed support includes DDR4-3200 for optimal bandwidth. ECC (Error Correction Code) is supported for data integrity in server environments. In multi-socket configurations, each processor has its own memory channels, providing high aggregate memory bandwidth. Memory configuration flexibility allows balancing capacity and performance based on application requirements. For large memory deployments, consider the memory capacity limits of your chosen server platform and motherboard design.
Plan memory configuration based on your application memory requirements. We can provide guidance on optimal memory sizing and configuration.
Can multiple 3C5000 processors work together in a system?
Yes, the Loongson 3C5000 supports multi-socket configurations allowing multiple processors to work together in a single system. The processor includes high-speed interconnects for cache coherency and memory access between sockets. Dual-socket and quad-socket configurations are supported, enabling systems with up to 64 cores. In multi-socket systems, memory is distributed with each processor having local memory channels. NUMA (Non-Uniform Memory Access) awareness is important for optimal performance in multi-socket deployments. Operating systems and applications should be NUMA-aware to minimize remote memory access latency. Reference server platforms are available demonstrating multi-socket 3C5000 configurations.
Consider multi-socket configurations for applications requiring high core counts. Ensure your software is NUMA-aware for optimal performance.
What is the performance per watt of the 3C5000 compared to x86 server processors?
The Loongson 3C5000 offers competitive performance-per-watt metrics compared to x86 server processors in similar power envelopes. The 120W TDP for 16 cores provides approximately 7.5W per core, which is efficient for server workloads. In typical data center workloads, the 3C5000 delivers performance-per-watt comparable to entry-level x86 server processors. The efficiency advantage is more pronounced in integer workloads and web serving applications. For floating-point intensive workloads, the gap may be larger depending on optimization level. Power management features allow dynamic frequency scaling to optimize efficiency under varying loads. Overall, the 3C5000 provides a cost-effective and power-efficient option for scale-out server deployments.
Evaluate total cost of ownership including power consumption for your deployment. The 3C5000 offers competitive efficiency for scale-out server applications.