Huawei Unveils New Desktop PCs Powered by In-House Kirin 9000X Chips, Ditching Windows
Huawei has made a significant stride in its push for technological self-sufficiency by launching two new desktop computers in China: the Qingyun W515y and Qingyun W585y. These machines are notable for being powered by the company's proprietary Kirin 9000X processor, signaling a determined effort to reduce reliance on foreign technologies, particularly Microsoft's Windows operating system.
A Powerful New Core: The Kirin 9000X Processor
While Huawei has yet to officially debut the Kirin 9000X on a global stage, details are emerging about this formidable 8-core chip, boasting 16 instruction threads. Developed by Huawei's subsidiary, HiSilicon, the processor features a base clock speed of 2.5 GHz. This new silicon is positioned as an upgrade over its predecessor, the Kirin 9000C, and forms the heart of these new Qingyun desktop models. For context, the original Kirin 9000, built on ARM architecture, featured three Cortex-A77 cores (one at 3.13 GHz, three at 2.54 GHz) and four Cortex-A55 cores at 2.05 GHz, complemented by a robust 24-core Mali-G78 GPU. Initially manufactured by TSMC using a 5nm FinFET EUV process, Huawei's pivot to in-house development, spurred by US sanctions, is a testament to its resilience and innovation.
Beyond Windows: Embracing Domestic Operating Systems
Perhaps the most striking aspect of this launch is Huawei's strategic decision to offer alternatives to Windows. The Qingyun W515y and W585y come pre-loaded with either Tongxin UOS V2.0 or Galaxy Kylin V10. These are Linux-based operating systems specifically tailored for the demanding needs of China's government and corporate sectors, highlighting Huawei's focus on domestic markets and strategic industries. While Huawei actively develops its own HarmonyOS and HarmonyOS Next for a wide range of devices, from smartphones to smart home gadgets, the desktop segment is being entrusted to these specialized Linux distributions for now.
Designed for the Enterprise: System Specifications and Features
Huawei has kept some of the finer technical details under wraps for these new desktops. However, it's confirmed that both the Qingyun W515y and W585y will feature quad-channel LPDDR5x RAM, alongside SSD and hard drive storage options, though specific capacities remain undisclosed. The inclusion of a DVD-RW optical drive is also a notable feature, catering to specific enterprise needs. The chassis for both models share identical dimensions (293x93x315.5 mm) and weigh approximately 3.6 kg (excluding HDD and optical drive), a slightly lighter footprint than their predecessors. The front panel is equipped with a USB Type-C port, three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Connectivity at the rear is extensive, offering four additional USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet, a serial port, three 3.5mm audio outputs, a VGA port, and an HDMI output. Users will also find a wired K100 keyboard and M100 mouse bundled with the systems.
A Bold Step Towards Technological Independence

The launch of these Kirin-powered desktops, running on alternative operating systems, represents a bold statement from Huawei. It underscores their unwavering commitment to developing a robust, indigenous technology ecosystem, particularly in the face of ongoing geopolitical challenges. This move could significantly influence the future landscape of personal computing, especially within China, and potentially set a precedent for other tech giants exploring greater technological autonomy.
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