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China unveils the Lingshen supercomputer, a GPU-less machine aiming for 2 exaflops that could change the future of supercomputers and reduce GPU dependency
The announcement of the Lingshen supercomputer once again places China at the center of the global race for leadership in high-performance computing. Presented on April 24, 2026, by the National Supercomputing Center in Shenzhen, the project promises something no other system has achieved so far: surpassing the 2 exaflops mark without using any GPU.
In practice, this means the new machine relies on an architecture entirely based on CPUs, breaking with the dominant model among the world’s leading supercomputers. The proposal for a GPU-less machine is not just a technical choice, but a clear strategy for technological independence.
According to Lu Yutong, the center’s director and responsible for the system’s design, the goal is to achieve sustained performance above 2 exaflops — a number that, if confirmed, would place the project among the most advanced ever conceived.
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Massive architecture relies on scale to replace GPU
To compensate for the absence of a GPU, the Lingshen supercomputer bets on extreme scale. The project envisions an impressive infrastructure, both in processing and storage.
Among the key figures released are:
- 47,000 processors distributed across 92 computing cabinets;
- 36 network cabinets forming a mesh with approximately 1 million ports;
- 650 petabytes of storage distributed across 428 nodes;
- 67 liquid-cooled storage cabinets;
- 10 TB/s bandwidth.
This structure shows how China intends to compensate for the absence of a GPU with a massive volume of CPUs and high interconnection efficiency. The proposal is clear: transform scale into a competitive advantage.
The system will also be implemented in stages. The pilot phase uses 100 Huawei Kunpeng servers, based on ARM architecture Taishan cores, totaling 12,800 cores. The production phase significantly expands this capacity.
GPU-less machine challenges dominant supercomputer standard
Today, virtually all exascale supercomputers rely on GPUs or hybrid accelerators. These components are essential for handling large-scale parallel processing.
The proposal of the Lingshen supercomputer, therefore, breaks with this consolidated standard. By betting on a GPU-less machine, China directly challenges the technological model adopted by leading systems.
This move raises important discussions:
- Is it possible to maintain efficiency without a GPU?
- Can CPUs scale enough to compete?
- Will energy consumption be sustainable?
While there are no definitive answers, the project represents a concrete attempt to redefine the architecture of supercomputers.
Direct comparison with El Capitan and other supercomputers
Currently, the world’s fastest supercomputer is El Capitan, operated by the U.S. Department of Energy. It achieves 1.809 exaflops in the Linpack benchmark and has a theoretical peak of 2.79 exaflops.
Unlike the Lingshen supercomputer, the American system uses 44,544 AMD MI300A APUs, which combine CPU and GPU on the same chip.
China‘s proposal is to surpass El Capitan’s actual performance with a GPU-less machine, something that, if realized, would represent a historic milestone.
However, caution is warranted. The Lingshen supercomputer has not yet been built, and no benchmarks have been run. The disclosed performance is merely a design goal, not a proven result.
Domestic CPUs raise technical questions in China
One of the most debated points involves the processors used in the system. The Lingshen supercomputer intends to operate with components produced in China, reinforcing the pursuit of technological autonomy.
The main options available in the country include:
- Zhaoxin, a partnership between VIA Technologies and the Shanghai government;
- Hygon, which previously had access to AMD’s Zen architecture before the 2019 restrictions.
Despite this, none of these companies have demonstrated performance comparable to the most advanced chips on the global market. This raises doubts about the ability of the GPU-less machine to achieve the promised levels.
The absence of details about specific suppliers increases skepticism among experts.
Lingshen Supercomputer and Shenzhen’s History of Delays
The National Supercomputing Center of Shenzhen has announced ambitious projects before. In 2021, analyses conducted by David Kahaner indicated that a 2 exaflops system was under development, with an expected delivery in 2022.
This project, however, was delayed. One of the factors was its dependence on technologies impacted by export restrictions imposed by the United States in 2019.
This history means that the Lingshen supercomputer is met with caution. The promise of a GPU-less machine reinforces the ambition but also increases the level of challenge.
Fugaku Precedent Shows That a GPU-less Machine is Possible
Despite the skepticism, there are relevant technical precedents. The Japanese Fugaku supercomputer operated without a GPU and achieved approximately 0.44 exaflops, leading the world ranking between 2020 and 2022.
This case demonstrates that a GPU-less machine is technically viable. However, the Lingshen supercomputer aims to achieve nearly four times greater performance.
This requires significant advancements in:
- CPU architecture;
- Energy efficiency;
- Interconnection systems.
The comparison reinforces both the potential and the challenge of China‘s project.
Geopolitical Pressure Accelerates Bet on GPU-less Supercomputers
The development of the Lingshen supercomputer occurs in a context of increasing technological tension. China faces severe restrictions on access to advanced GPUs, especially for artificial intelligence applications.
In this scenario, investing in a GPU-less machine becomes a strategic response. The goal is not only to innovate but also to ensure continuity in technological advancement.
Among the main objectives are:
- Reduce dependence on foreign suppliers
- Create a national supply chain
- Demonstrate resilience in the face of sanctions
Thus, the project goes beyond the technical field and positions itself as a geopolitical tool.
What Could Change in the Future of Supercomputers
If the Lingshen supercomputer achieves its goals, it could redefine the future of supercomputers. The possibility of operating without a GPU opens new avenues for the industry.
Among the possible impacts are:
- Redefinition of computational architectures
- Expansion of large-scale CPU usage
- Greater technological diversity in the sector
- Reduction of global GPU dependence
The proposal for a GPU-less machine could inspire other countries to explore similar alternatives, especially in scenarios of technological restriction.
A Project That Could Change the Global Balance of Technology
The Lingshen supercomputer symbolizes more than a technical advancement. It represents China‘s attempt to assume a leading role in one of the most strategic areas of today.
By betting on a machine without GPUs, the country directly challenges the dominant model and tries to prove that it is possible to achieve extreme performance without relying on foreign GPUs.
There are still uncertainties, especially due to the absence of real tests and the history of delays. However, the project’s impact is already evident. It broadens the debate about the future of supercomputers and reinforces the importance of technological autonomy.
If it delivers on its promises, the Lingshen supercomputer could not only reach 2 exaflops but also redefine the rules of the global race for computational power.
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