Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ambitious development of the SG2380, a RISC-V SoC designed by SOPHGO, aiming to create a desktop-level chip that integrates general computing, AI acceleration, and desktop I/O capabilities, marking a significant step for RISC-V in the desktop market [3][4][6]. Group 1: Introduction to SG2380 - The SG2380 is positioned as the first desktop-level RISC-V SoC, featuring a 64-core architecture and advanced specifications aimed at running large models and performing local AI inference [3][4]. - SOPHGO, previously known for AI inference chips, has transitioned to developing the SG2380, which is designed to be a commercially viable product rather than just a development board [4][5]. Group 2: Technical Architecture - The SG2380 employs a "sandwich architecture" combining SiFive's P670 cores, X280 vector cores, and SOPHON TPU for AI acceleration, aiming for a balanced performance across various computing tasks [7][10]. - The architecture includes 16 cores with a maximum frequency of 2.5GHz, supporting advanced vector instructions and high memory bandwidth, which is crucial for desktop applications [10][11]. Group 3: I/O and Peripheral Support - The SG2380 features a PCIe Gen4 ×16 interface, allowing for high bandwidth connections to GPUs and other peripherals, which is a significant advantage over competitors [16][17]. - It supports a wide range of I/O options, including LPDDR5 memory, multiple USB ports, and various display outputs, making it suitable for a comprehensive desktop ecosystem [18][19]. Group 4: Community and Market Response - The launch of the SG2380 generated significant interest in the RISC-V community, with a partner company, Milk-V, quickly moving to develop a compatible motherboard, indicating strong market demand [21][22]. - The pre-sale of the Milk-V Oasis motherboard was met with enthusiasm, selling thousands of coupons based solely on the SG2380's specifications, reflecting a belief in the potential of RISC-V for desktop applications [23][24]. Group 5: Challenges and Setbacks - Despite the initial excitement, the project faced numerous challenges, including complex scheduling issues and the need for robust software support, which could hinder its successful implementation [27][29]. - The SG2380's tape-out was delayed multiple times due to supply chain issues and technical challenges, leading to growing skepticism within the community [33][34]. Group 6: Regulatory Impact - The project faced a significant setback when SOPHGO was added to the U.S. Entity List, which prohibited access to essential technologies and services, effectively halting the SG2380's development [41][43]. - The announcement of the entity listing led to the cancellation of the SG2380 project and the refund of pre-sale deposits, marking a disappointing end to the ambitious initiative [45][46]. Group 7: Conclusion and Implications - The SG2380's story highlights the challenges faced by domestic RISC-V projects in navigating technical, market, and geopolitical landscapes, emphasizing the need for a supportive ecosystem for successful chip development [66][70]. - The project serves as a reminder that achieving a viable product in the semiconductor industry requires not only innovative design but also the ability to overcome external pressures and logistical hurdles [69][70].