CXMT's DRAM pricing matches Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron, dashing hopes for cheap DDR5

Chinese DRAM maker CXMT is pricing its memory chips at market rates comparable to Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron, dashing hopes that it would offer cheap DDR5 alternatives for PC builders. The company shows no incentive to undercut rivals, despite being seen as a potential fourth supplier. Real-world tests show CXMT-based RAM kits offer only modest savings, around 8% less than comparable premium kits, with performance matching established brands. CXMT faces higher production costs due to export controls blocking EUV lithography, and it prioritizes domestic customers like Huawei, with no motive to buy market share. CXMT is expanding capacity rapidly, potentially reaching 600,000 wafers monthly, which could eventually lower prices industry-wide. However, TrendForce forecasts DRAM contract prices rising 10-15% in Q4 2026, and most new CXMT output stays in China, so significant consumer relief remains distant.