DDR5 chips produced in China by CXMT use old technology that has already been surpassed

A few weeks ago, DDR5 memory modules began to appear in stores in China with domestic manufacturing of the components. Apparently, the products are made by ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) and are already on sale in the territory. Now, however, we have information that these modules are being made with outdated technology.

On the Chinese social network Bilibili, a hardware expert published a video dismantling a DDR5 memory supposedly manufactured by CXMT. In the video he shows how the die of the 16Gb chips in the modules is considerably larger than what is found in competitors like Samsung.

The measurement of the CXMT 16Gb die is 8.25 x 8.25mm – the equivalent of 68.06mm². In comparison, dies for the same capacity of Samsung’s current DDR5 memories measure 6.46 x 7.57mm, with an area of ​​48.9mm². In other words, the CXMT components are up to 40% larger.

This fact indicates that the Chinese manufacturer must be using an outdated process in the production of its DDR5 memories. This is because around 2021, when the first commercial modules of this generation appeared, their chips were also between 66.26 and 72.21mm².

Old process could hinder the competitiveness of Chinese DDR5 memories

The main disadvantage of using an outdated manufacturing process is that it puts CXMT at a disadvantage in its ability to compete. Its production probably costs more, for a lower yield, resulting in components with less performance and efficiency.

Therefore, one wonders how much the company will be able to compete with Samsung, Micron and others in final products. However, at least in performance the first CXMT modules already seem to reach DDR5-6000. Furthermore, local access to China’s huge audience may be the most important differentiator in this case.