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Chinese RAM matches top brands, but AI looms.
18 Feb
Summary
- Chinese DDR5 memory offers performance comparable to established brands.
- AI demand is expected to increase prices and shortages for PC components.
- CXMT will reserve production for High Bandwidth Memory 3 for AI ambitions.
Chinese DDR5 memory has emerged as a viable alternative to modules from established brands, with KingBank's DDR5-6000 memory tested to perform comparably to offerings from Samsung, Micron, and SK hynix. YouTube channel Hardware Unboxed found the KingBank kit to deliver results on par with G.Skill's DDR-6000 memory when paired with high-end processors, even outperforming a Kingston DDR5-5200 kit in gaming benchmarks.
Despite its strong performance and a cost advantage of approximately 10% over competitors, the long-term accessibility of such memory for consumers is under threat. The burgeoning demand from AI companies for memory and GPUs is already causing shortages and price increases across PC components. ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), the maker of KingBank DRAM, is reportedly planning to allocate 20% of its 2026 production capacity to High Bandwidth Memory 3 (HBM3), specifically catering to China's AI initiatives.
This shift in manufacturing focus poses a significant challenge for consumers seeking affordable memory. Reports also suggest that Apple may consider using CXMT and YMTC for its memory needs, further intensifying the competition for these resources and potentially exacerbating supply constraints for the consumer market.
