Russia showcases the first computers based on its indigenous Elbrus-8S processor

Russia showcases the first computers based on its indigenous Elbrus-8S processor
Russian state-owned technology Ruselectronics has demonstrated the first computers running its own domestic Elbrus-8S silicon.


The Elbrus-8S packs eight cores, and is manufactured using a 28 nanometer process. In comparison, the current-generation Intel Kaby Lake processors use a 14-nanometer process.

According to Ruselectronics, the chip is between three and five times faster than the previous Elbrus-4S processor, and has I/O channels that are eight times higher.

The Elbrus-4S, which came out in 2015, was sharply derided in the tech press for slow performance, with PC World editor Mark Hachman comparing it a CPU from 1999. While the Elbrus-8S doesn’t compare to contemporary Intel and AMD silicon, it does represent a significant leap forward.

Ruselectronics also said that the chip contains features that “guarantees its users a high level of information security,” although it’s not immediately obvious what these are.

The PC running this chip, called the Elbrus 801-PC, runs a Linux-based operating system called the Elbrus OS. In addition to applications built for the platform, it can also run x86/x86-64 applications through a compatibility layer, although I imagine that comes with a pretty steep performance hit.

In recent years, Russia has attempted to wean itself off US-made technology with its own domestic offerings. The justification for this is part economic, but also from a national security perspective.

Last year, it announced that it is working on a Sailfish-based operating system as the basis of its own Android-alternative, which will be used within Russian government agencies and state-owned corporations.

The country is also home to a thriving hardware scene, with several indigenous computer manufacturers and silicon makers. Last May, Russian brand T-Platforms released a 21.5-inch all-in-one computer running a MIPS-based Baikal-T1 SoC from Baikal Electronics.

Deputy CEO of Ruselectronics Arseny Brykin said that we can expect the first batch of PCs running the Elbrus-8S by the second quarter of 2017.

Is the Elbrus-8S likely to dethrone Intel — or at least pose a realistic threat to the company? No. But I’m a big fan of competition, and I’d love to see the desktop silicon world become anything but a two horse race.

 

Dr. AMK,

At first I thought this was a joke post... but after reading the whole post I'm just feeling grateful for the options we and most of the rest of the world has.

While I feel for the Russians that are forced to use these baby steps of 'compute' platforms... I also agree 100% with the last paragraph - let competition thrive!

 

I think that it is more like IT-autarky for russians

 

They are still so far to compete, but yes let's wait and see what will be coming.

 

It will start like that, but who knows maybe they will targeting the international market once they have it ready.

 

It's not really new, 8S has been out for a while. Well I do have interest on obscure hardware like this, Loongson, Transmeta... so yeah. Basically it's the spiritual successor to Transmeta CPUs: Both are VLIW processors with support to x86 instructions.

Not sure how good it is, just hope it's not simply an 8-core Transmeta, but hey they've been using and improving the same microarchitecture for 30+ years so it should be promising. Damn I wanna try one!

 

I think this is great. We need more competition even if it is older tech. And less reliance on Intel is good. If they keep it up they'll improve over time. You have to start somewhere.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

Do you have any plan to get one and review it, we are all appreciating your great reviews.

 

If anyone believes that I got plenty of land in Siberia to sell on the cheap.....means we get to have a backdoor to your networks.

 

They are all have hidden agendas and hacking our life's