Chinese memory outfit CXMT appears to have muscled into Corsair DDR5 modules as the AI boom eats global DRAM supply.
According to Tom’s Hardware, Chinese DRAM has apparently started turning up inside global vendor products, with Corsair DDR5 modules spotted using CXMT chips. AI demand has tightened the supply chain for commodity memory and SSDs, while the big names chase richer server kit.
There have been plenty of rumours about CXMT and YMTC flooding global markets with DRAM and NAND chips. Now it looks less like chatter and more like a DIMM someone has actually shoved into a motherboard.
Major PC makers were already said to be exploring Chinese memory because shortages are making the usual supply routes look like a pub at closing time. Pictures posted by leaker @wxnod show CXMT DRAM used in Corsair DDR5 memory modules.
Corsair is one of the bigger US-based PC component makers, including memory modules, and it has the same problem as everyone else. Micron, Samsung and SK Hynix have shoved much of their production towards AI-friendly DRAM, including HBM and LPDDR5X.
That leaves PC OEMs and component vendors scrapping for the bits left on the floor.
CXMT has been working hard on DDR5 DRAM and is trying to close the gap with the three DRAM giants. The company is already offering speeds of up to 8000 MT/s, with DRAM dies in 16Gb and 24Gb capacities.
Other Chinese DRAM players, including Jiahe Jinwei, are racing to increase DDR5 RDIMM production for data centres and workstations. The spotted Corsair module is a DDR5-6000 stick with 16GB capacity, and the DRAM is listed as ChangXin Technologies.
Its model number is CMK5X16G3E60C36A2-CN, which suggests this is not some mystery bargain-bin oddity. The module sits in Corsair’s gaming Vengeance lineup and uses a 1.1V to 1.35V design with AMD EXPO and Intel XMP support.
Timings are rated at CL36, putting it broadly in line with standard Samsung and SK Hynix A-die Vengeance kits with similar specs. The interesting bit is that the DRAM maker is listed as ChangXin Technologies, better known as CXMT.
There are plenty of reasons why Corsair might use CXMT rather than its usual Samsung and SK Hynix partners. Shortage is the obvious one and cost is the other, because Chinese memory makers are ramping production like they have found the fast-forward button.
Chinese firms are increasing memory capacity this year to meet domestic demand and sell cheaper, similarly specced alternatives to overseas PC manufacturers.
CXMT and YMTC are expected to double their wafer output under an “Epic Expansion” initiative already underway. As the memory crunch worsens and pressure builds on Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron, Chinese vendors are starting to fill the gaps.
They are already seeing revenue boosts, and more Chinese DRAM may appear under well-known memory brands at Computex this year.
