Chinese Pre-Built PC Review: ZhaoXin CPU + Knock-Off Windows OS, ft. NeoKylin

We're reviewing a pre-built computer bought in China, the THTF TZ561-V3, which features a custom Linux build (NeoKylin) and a ZhaoXin X86 CPU.

Our review of the THTF system goes a lot deeper than just talking about the pre-built's component quality and pricing: We deep-dive on Chinese Linux distributions and Windows knock-offs, talking about NeoKylin, Ubuntu Kylin, Linux Kylin, Galaxy Kylin, and the differences between them. We also resurrect the topic of the ZhaoXin CPUs, an x86 CPU made in cooperation with Via and Centaur, cutting AMD and Intel out of the conversation. The THTF system can't be bought in the US, but it's not a particularly good deal in Asia, either. This system is clearly targeted at future government use, as Intel and AMD will soon be barred from the systems in use by officials. Consumers can still buy parts from foreign companies, but the agencies will be unable to do so, and so we see the emergence of ZhaoXin and boxes like the THTF TZ561-V3.

00:00 - Initial Overview of China's CPUs
04:29 - THTF System Specs & Pricing, ft. Lenovo
08:00 - Simple System Benchmarks
12:00 - Government Motive for This PC
13:42 - Inside the System, PCIe Routing, & Chipset
16:45 - S3 GPUs & C640
19:27 - Thermal & Power Tests, BIOS
21:30 - Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse
23:00 - History of China's Operating Systems
32:50 - Conclusions



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Editorial, Research: Patrick Lathan
Host: Steve Burke
Video: Keegan Gallick, Andrew Coleman

[GamersNexus]

The back half of the video contains a history on Chinese operating systems, like NeoKylin Linux, Ubuntu Kylin, Galaxy Kylin, and more.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Initial Overview of China's CPUs
04:29 - THTF System Specs & Pricing, ft. Lenovo
08:00 - Simple System Benchmarks
12:00 - Government Motive for This PC
13:42 - Inside the System, PCIe Routing, & Chipset
16:45 - S3 GPUs & C640
19:27 - Thermal & Power Tests, BIOS
21:30 - Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse
23:00 - History of China's Operating Systems (Windows Clones, Linux, FreeBSD, & Unix)
32:50 - Conclusions

[xuganyu]

Mad respect to Steve (and the GN team!) for daring to cover sensitive topics like silicon politics! Even more mad respect for doing it with both style and elegance.

[VelcorHF]

My wife walked in and said “oh, you are watching Computer Dave Grohl again.”

[milohajek]

Yay Steve, you rock at pronouncing those crazy Chinese part names

[agenericaccount]

Also I love how the Barrowch just utterly dominates the set. What an absolute unit.

[dycedargselderbrother]

When you mentioned the PC had a FSB of 1333 MHz I wondered if that terminology was still appropriate but then I wondered if the memory controller was still in the chipset. Then you mentioned it was. I'm impressed that you were able to switch back to a context from so long ago.

[IBUILTTHAT]

"No foreign components"

American Megatrends, Inc Bios.

Helloooo backdoor.

[samiraperi]

Something has confused The Verge? Will wonders never cease!

[HuangGengran]

as a Chinese I really appreciat how hard you try to pronounce these names, and you are doing a good job of it too. as for why Im watching this on YT? I cant even find anybody in china doing a review of it.

[keli]

wow, as a Chinese, I have to admit your pronunciation is way above average.

[benchosei]

Enthusiast space: intel, amd.
Optimistic space: zhaoxin

[Bobzillaaaful]

should oc it with Ln2 and see how far you could go :P

[catsspat]

Thank you for making me feel better about my Athlon 200GE.

[OOZ]

The sad thing is, this thing probably beats out the computer I played on before I got a job and built my current one. I didn't spend $1, 000 on it when I bought it like 10 years ago, though.

I'll never forget playing Skyrim and Fallout 3 at 640x480 with textures as close to disabled as they could get at 5 FPS.

[MysteicVoltronus]

I get it now. The Verge. They have that name because they are on the verge of being competent.

[Squilliam-Fancyson]

direct die cooling. China knows how to impress overclockers:)

[Machinationstudio]

Considering that many governments in the world are still pretty much using Windows XP or earlier, (I had to apply for my company name on a Windows 2003 machine here in high tech Singapore). Civil servants are also not likely to worry about processing time of their work. And the computer is going to be paid with taxpayer's money. I think these CPUs are fit for purpose.

[ECrowley]

I almost spit out my coffee when you said Atom level...thought you meant Adam (Coleco) level. Man I'm getting old hahaha

[davep]

Oohhhh new segmented timeline, I like it a lot, built in timestamps.

[popsy]

That tower same design with our office lenovo units 😂