Lisuan G100: China’s First Gaming GPU Matches a Decade-Old Nvidia Card

Lisuan G100 Review: China’s First Gaming GPU Takes on the Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti [2025]

China has jumped into the GPU race with the Lisuan G100, the country’s first gaming-focused graphics card made at home. Gamers and tech fans have watched this launch closely, especially given China’s push to cut its reliance on U.S. tech.

The G100 promises to match the old but reliable Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti, a card that’s been a favorite for entry-level gaming for years. People want to know if China can finally build a graphics card that keeps up with Nvidia’s legacy. In this review, you’ll get an honest look at what the Lisuan G100 delivers, how it stacks up, and what this could mean for PC gaming’s future in China.

The Development of Lisuan G100: Background and Motivation

Photo by Pixabay

The Lisuan G100 didn’t just appear out of nowhere. This GPU is the result of years of planning, political pressure, and technical ambition. Knowing how and why this card came to life helps explain why its debut is so important, even if its raw power feels dated to some.

China’s Drive for GPU Independence

For years, China’s tech industry has relied heavily on foreign hardware, especially from companies like Nvidia and AMD. When trade restrictions tightened and relations between China and the West faced new hurdles, that reliance became a real worry for the country’s leaders and tech firms.

China sees graphics chips as more than tools for gaming; they’re keys for AI research, cloud computing, and military use. This has fueled a massive push for chip independence, from design to manufacturing. As one recent analysis put it, launching GPUs like the Lisuan G100 is a way for China to show it’s serious about standing on its own in advanced tech, despite setbacks and trade limits. You can read more about this push in articles like China’s First 6nm G100 GPU Unveiled: Ambitious Leap Toward Semiconductor Independence.

The Roots of Lisuan G100

Lisuan Technology first set their sights on a homegrown gaming GPU back in 2021. Progress slowed at times—tight budgets, supply hiccups, and the constant chase to match Western innovation all posed challenges. But when Dongxin Semiconductor stepped in with an investment in 2024, the wheels kicked into gear.

Key details about the G100’s road to market:

• Development officially began in 2021, aiming to catch up to baseline Nvidia cards.
• Setbacks hit the team due to global chip shortages and financial strain.
• A turning point happened in 2024 when Dongxin Semiconductor provided funding and engineering talent.
• Priority: Getting a product on the shelf that proved “Made in China” was possible for gaming GPUs.

Read more details about the development path and who was involved at Lisuan Unveils China’s First 6nm GPU G100 with True Architecture.

Who Made It Happen?

Lisuan Technology led the charge, bringing experience from enterprise computing and server chips. Parent company Dongxin Semiconductor, already known for work in processors and AI chips, played a big role by funneling investment money and manufacturing help to the project. This teamwork made the G100 happen, pulling in know-how from both the business and academic sectors.

• Lisuan Technology: Focused on design and software.
• Dongxin Semiconductor: Delivered funding, production muscle, and technical oversight.
• Local universities: Helped with the underlying research and talent pool.

Launching a project this bold against global trade challenges shows just how determined these players are. The Lisuan G100 isn’t just competing in the gaming space; it’s a statement about where China’s tech sector wants to go next. For a deeper look at the strategic motives, see Economic Times: China’s first gaming GPU struggles to match 2012 graphics card yet delivers a strong strategic message.

Technical Specifications and Architecture of Lisuan G100

Understanding the Lisuan G100 means digging a bit deeper into its technical makeup. It’s not just about raw power but also how the card is built and what technologies it supports. This section breaks down the manufacturing process and the feature set that shapes the gaming experience.

Process Node and Manufacturing Details

The Lisuan G100 is manufactured using a 6nm process node, which is quite modern compared to many older GPUs. This process allows for better energy efficiency and more transistors packed into a smaller space, which can improve overall performance. The chip is produced by Dongxin Semiconductor, a key player in China’s semiconductor manufacturing scene.

Using a 6nm process means the Lisuan G100 benefits from reduced power consumption and better heat management than older cards built on larger nodes, like the 28nm or 14nm processes Nvidia used in past generations. This smaller node size helps the G100 hold its own fairly well against decade-old GPUs, even if it doesn’t match the latest generation’s raw power.

In simple terms, think of it like fitting a city’s worth of buildings into a smaller block. The more you can fit efficiently, the better the city’s performance. For the G100, packing transistors tightly means it consumes less power and fits into smaller, cooler setups—a good thing for gamers on a budget or anyone running compact PCs.

Supported Features and APIs

The Lisuan G100 targets mainstream gaming needs, so it supports a decent range of modern APIs and features that gamers care about:

• Graphics APIs:
  • DirectX 12 support ensures compatibility with most current games, though without some of the latest ray-tracing perks.
  • OpenGL and Vulkan APIs are also supported, which means the card works well across different platforms and game engines.
• Display Outputs:
  • The card includes HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 outputs, allowing users to connect modern monitors with high refresh rates and resolutions.
  • Supports up to 4K resolution at 60Hz, fitting casual 4K gaming and multimedia needs.
• Memory Specs:
  • Ships with 2GB of GDDR6 VRAM, a bit on the modest side but comparable to the Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti’s 4GB GDDR5.
  • The 128-bit memory interface and memory clock speed keep bandwidth sufficient for entry-level games.
• Gaming Features:
  • Supports basic hardware-accelerated decoding for video codecs, making it good for streaming and video playback.
  • Lacks advanced ray tracing or AI acceleration found in newer Nvidia RTX series cards but handles traditional rasterization well.
  • Built-in video output controllers and support for multi-display setups help expand usability beyond just gaming.

All these specs tell us that the Lisuan G100 aims at players who want solid, affordable performance for older or less demanding titles. It handles popular APIs like Vulkan and DirectX 12 to keep compatibility tight with real-world games, even if it can’t push the newest graphics tricks.

For a detailed view of how this stacks up with older Nvidia cards and more about its architecture, you can check out this overview of the Lisuan G100’s performance and specs.

Photo by Andrey Matveev

This technical design sets the stage for what the Lisuan G100 can do. While it clearly won’t outperform the latest models from Nvidia or AMD, it brings a respectable balance of power and efficiency suited to gamers who don’t need the highest frame rates or ray tracing effects. It also marks an important step in China’s effort to independently produce competitive GPUs.

Performance Benchmarks: Lisuan G100 vs. Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti

When we pit the Lisuan G100 against the Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti, the comparison is less about a showdown and more about seeing if a new player from China can hold its own alongside a decade-old but trusted contender. Both cards have their strengths and weaknesses, and this section sheds light on how they fare in real gaming scenarios, plus a look at synthetic measures and efficiency.

Gaming Performance Across Popular Titles

The Lisuan G100 targets entry-level gaming, much like the GTX 1050 Ti, but how do their performances compare once you load up actual games?

• Smooth Sailing in Older and Less Demanding Games
  Titles like League of Legends, CS:GO, and Dota 2 run smoothly on both GPUs at 1080p with high settings. Expect frame rates comfortably above 60 FPS, making competitive gaming quite feasible.
• Mixed Results in Modern Games
  When you shift to mainstream contemporary titles such as Fortnite, Overwatch, and Apex Legends, both cards struggle to maintain steady high frame rates on ultra settings. Lowering settings to medium or low is often required to get playable frame rates, with the 1050 Ti sometimes pulling ahead by a small margin.
• Heavier AAA Games Show Limitations
  Demanding games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider or Cyberpunk 2077 expose the G100’s limits more sharply. It tends to drop below 30 FPS at 1080p on low settings, while the GTX 1050 Ti manages slightly better performance but still falls short of smooth gameplay.
• Thermals Under Gaming Load
  Both cards handle heat adequately during gaming sessions, though the G100 benefits slightly from its 6nm manufacturing process to keep temperatures lower under stress.

The takeaway? The Lisuan G100 handles popular and eSports titles well but shows its age compared to the GTX 1050 Ti in harsher gaming environments. It’s an acceptable card for casual gamers and those on a strict budget but isn’t ready to push the latest blockbusters without compromises.

Synthetic Benchmarks and Power Efficiency

Benchmarks using synthetic tests like 3DMark and Geekbench provide a controlled environment to measure raw graphics power and efficiency:

• Benchmark Scores
  Synthetic benchmarks place the Lisuan G100 close to but generally below the GTX 1050 Ti’s performance. According to Geekbench results, the G100 mimics or edges slightly behind a GTX 660 Ti, which is slightly older than the 1050 Ti. Scores in Time Spy and Fire Strike tests reflect this plateau, showing the G100 as competent but not groundbreaking.
• Power Consumption
  Where the G100 scores points is in power efficiency. Thanks to its 6nm node, it pulls considerably less power than the GTX 1050 Ti, which is built on an older 14nm or 16nm process depending on the model. This improved efficiency means less heat generation and lower system power draw, good news for those with smaller power supplies or aiming for quieter operation.
• Thermal Performance
  Reduced power consumption also helps maintain cooler temperatures. The G100 runs cooler in stress tests compared to the GTX 1050 Ti, supporting longer gaming sessions without thermal throttling.
• Practical Impact
  While the power savings are notable, they don’t translate into significant performance gains. The Lisuan G100 is modest in raw speed but impresses with a more modern power design.

In essence, the Lisuan G100 is somewhat like a fuel-efficient compact car—it’s not the fastest on the road but gets you there with less fuel. The GTX 1050 Ti still holds a slight edge in pure performance, but the G100 is more efficient and cooler under load.

For comparisons on real-world gaming and test scores, you might find detailed user benchmarks and community feedback on platforms like Reddit’s PC Master Race community.

Photo by Andrey Matveev

Market Implications and Impact on China’s Tech Ecosystem

The Lisuan G100’s arrival signals more than just a new product on the shelf. It reflects an ongoing transformation in China’s tech ecosystem and the gaming market. This section looks at what the G100 means for Chinese gamers and hardware makers, and how the card’s launch might influence the global GPU landscape amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Impacts on Chinese Gamers and PC Market

The Lisuan G100 brings much-needed diversification to China’s gaming hardware scene. For years, Nvidia and AMD dominated, creating a heavy dependence on foreign chips. The G100 offers a locally made alternative that could reshape consumer choices in several ways:

• Expected Adoption: Gamers looking for affordable, entry-level GPUs may find the G100 appealing, especially those building budget PCs or upgrading older systems. Its performance, roughly on par with the decade-old GTX 1050 Ti, suits popular eSports titles and mainstream games at lower settings.
• Pricing Strategy: Chinese manufacturers are likely to price the G100 competitively below Nvidia’s offerings to quickly gain market share. This could pressure international brands to adjust prices to maintain appeal in China’s vast market.
• Hardware Availability: The G100 supports a more robust domestic supply chain. Gamers and system builders could see improved local availability of GPUs, reducing wait times and shipping costs. This local production also lessens risks tied to international trade disruptions.
• Innovation and Ecosystem Growth: More players entering the GPU market drives competition and innovation. The G100 sets a baseline, encouraging other Chinese firms to step up and develop more advanced offerings. It could spark growth in related areas like gaming peripherals, custom PC builds, and software optimization tailored to domestic hardware.

For gamers and tech enthusiasts interested in the broader semiconductor efforts fueling these moves, EETimes covers China’s push for self-sufficient semiconductor programs.

Geopolitical and Global Tech Market Effects

The G100’s launch happens amid ongoing U.S.-China tech tensions that have reshaped the global GPU market:

• Shifting Market Shares: Since U.S. export restrictions limited Nvidia and AMD’s access to China, these companies have lost significant market share. The G100 helps fill the supply gap, supporting China’s goal of reducing reliance on U.S. tech. Nvidia’s share has dropped from about 95% before 2022 to roughly 50% today, creating room for domestic players.
• Supply Chain Realignments: The introduction of the G100 ties into wider moves to localize supply chains. Through increased domestic manufacturing, China aims to insulate itself from export controls and trade barriers, which means global GPU supply networks are becoming more fragmented.
• Competitive Pressure and Innovation Race: The G100 may not match the latest Nvidia or AMD cards, but it is part of a longer-term strategy to catch up technologically. Continuous investment in R&D motivated by geopolitical factors may accelerate innovation within China’s GPU industry, with impacts rippling across global tech markets.
• Global Tensions and Market Dynamics: The GPU market remains a key theater in U.S.-China competition. Policies and sanctions intended to curb China’s tech advances may inadvertently strengthen their domestic ecosystem by forcing local alternatives to mature faster. This dynamic shifts how companies approach collaboration, exports, and technology sharing worldwide.

More insight into these global shifts can be found in this analysis on the silicon showdown between China and the U.S..

Photo by Andrey Matveev

In short, the Lisuan G100 signals a shift where China is starting to build momentum within a market once dominated by foreign giants. For Chinese gamers, this means more choices and potentially better prices. On a larger scale, it signals shifts in how technology moves and who controls critical parts of the global tech ecosystem moving forward.

Limitations and Challenges Facing the Lisuan G100

The Lisuan G100 is a bold step for China’s gaming GPU sector but it faces several limitations and challenges that affect its real-world appeal. While it aims to provide a domestic alternative to Nvidia’s decade-old GTX 1050 Ti, there are clear areas where the G100 struggles. Understanding these challenges helps you see why this GPU is more of a foundational effort than an immediate contender to current flagship models.

Software Compatibility and Driver Support

One of the biggest hurdles for the Lisuan G100 is software compatibility. Modern GPUs rely heavily on mature, constantly updated drivers to ensure smooth performance and stability across many games and apps. Lisuan’s software stack is still in its infancy, leading to:

• Patchy driver support that may cause crashes or glitches in newer titles.
• Limited optimization for popular games, resulting in inconsistent frame rates.
• Difficulties running some PC utilities and GPU management tools built for Nvidia or AMD hardware.

This limited driver maturity restricts the G100’s effectiveness in handling today’s demanding game engines or advanced multimedia software. It’s somewhat akin to owning a promising sports car but struggling to find the right tires for all weather conditions.

For comparison, established players like Nvidia have dedicated teams regularly pushing out refinements — a process Lisuan is just starting to create. This challenge also shows in forums where users report issues like “failed to create GPU for compatibility mode” or missing features due to lack of driver updates in newer GPUs. Without solid driver support, even decent hardware can feel crippled.

Gaming Ecosystem Integration

Building a GPU is only half the battle. Integration into gaming ecosystems and platforms is crucial for a smooth user experience and adoption. The Lisuan G100 faces several key challenges here:

• Lack of Broad API and SDK Support: While the G100 supports DirectX 12, Vulkan, and OpenGL, it doesn’t fully harness specialized APIs that improve game visuals and performance, like Nvidia’s DLSS or AMD’s FidelityFX. This limits its ability to compete in effects quality and efficient rendering.
• Limited Support for Game Enhancements and Tools: Features such as real-time ray tracing, AI-powered upscaling, and advanced shader optimizations are largely unavailable or underdeveloped for the G100.
• Thin Software Ecosystem: Many PC game developers and engine makers tailor their games primarily for Nvidia and AMD GPUs, meaning the G100 may suffer from lack of official support or tuning.

These challenges make Lisuan’s card less attractive for gamers who want plug-and-play compatibility with the latest game features. It’s similar to buying a phone that supports common apps but struggles with popular exclusive titles or fancy new camera modes.

Performance Compared to Modern GPUs

The Lisuan G100 matches performance levels close to the GTX 1050 Ti but falls significantly behind more recent Nvidia and AMD offerings. Some drawbacks include:

• Outdated Architecture: The G100 relies on technology comparable to cards over a decade old. This means lower raw power and fewer modern features compared to current budget GPUs.
• VRAM Limitations: Shipping with only 2GB of GDDR6, it’s insufficient for many modern games needing 4GB or more to run smooth at higher resolutions or textures.
• No Hardware Ray Tracing or AI Acceleration: These have become standard in newer GPUs and add tangible improvements in visuals and performance.

While its 6nm manufacture helps with power efficiency, it doesn’t compensate for the performance gap. The G100 is more of a proof of concept moving forward rather than a competitor to cards budget-conscious gamers can buy now.

Production and Supply Chain Constraints

Producing a GPU is complex and costly. Lisuan and its partners still face challenges:

• Ensuring a steady supply of quality components amid global chip market fluctuations.
• Scaling up manufacturing to meet potential demand while maintaining costs.
• Navigating China’s geopolitical environment, which impacts access to some technology inputs.

These factors affect Lisuan’s ability to improve and iterate quickly, unlike major players with global supply chains and massive resources.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

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Balancing these challenges against the ambitious goal makes it clear the Lisuan G100 is more about laying groundwork than immediate dominance. It faces typical hurdles in driver maturity, game ecosystem support, and competitive performance—obstacles other new entrants like AMD faced years ago. Still, its presence signals an important step for China’s chip independence efforts, even if it isn’t ready to outmatch newer GPUs on the market today.

For more on software compatibility and GPU ecosystem hurdles, exploring community conversations like AMD issues with software compatibility or Nvidia’s developer forums can provide insight. Also, an overview of current trends in GPU technology explains why newer GPUs keep pushing features that the G100 lacks, enhancing understanding of where Lisuan needs to focus moving ahead.

Future trends in GPU technology describe how ecosystem integration and AI features shape current hardware races.

Conclusion

The Lisuan G100 launch marks a meaningful step for China’s gaming hardware. While its performance sits close to a decade-old Nvidia card, it shows that China can build competitive GPUs tailored for entry-level gaming.

This card lays the foundation for future development and shows steady progress on power efficiency and local supply chains. Challenges remain, especially in software and ecosystem support, but the G100 opens new doors for China’s tech independence.

For gamers and the industry, it signals the start of an emerging market with more choices and growing innovation. Watching how Lisuan and other local firms build on this base will be key to understanding China’s place in the GPU world going forward.

Thanks for reading. Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences with the Lisuan G100 or similar GPUs.