Recently, it was revealed that China-based memory manufacturer ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) has started shipping DDR5 memory chips. However, according to the findings of Chinese semiconductor researchers, the die size of CXMT’s 16Gb DDR5 memory IC is 40% larger than that of competing Samsung chips, and uses fewer chips, resulting in lower manufacturing costs. That means it will be significantly higher. Advanced chip manufacturing technology. Of course, this information comes from unofficial sources, so take it with a grain of salt. However, the technician disassembles the DRAM module in the video, lending credence to the findings.
CXMT’s 16 Gb DDR5 die measures 8.25 x 8.25 mm. Therefore, the die size is 68.06 mm^2. In contrast, the latest Samsung 16 Gb DDR5 die measures 6.46 × 7.57 mm, with a die size of 48.90 mm^2.
When Micron, Samsung, and SK hynix began mass production of 16 Gb DDR5 memory chips in 2021, their die sizes varied from 66.26 mm^2 to 72.21 mm^2 (according to TechInsights). However, all DRAM manufacturers have reduced the DDR5 die size. over time.
CXMT’s 16 Gb DDR5 die size is comparable to first generation DDR5 chips from leading memory manufacturers. Assuming CXMT’s yield in 2021 is comparable to that of Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix, CXMT’s cost will also be comparable to what these companies were about four or five years ago.
That said, it remains to be seen whether the company will be able to compete with its rivals on price, as CXMT’s DDR5 cost is likely to be significantly higher than the current costs of Micron, Samsung, and SK hynix. One can only wonder if CXMT will be able to sell DDR5 at a deep discount to steal market share from its competitors.
The relatively large die size of CXMT’s DDR5 memory chips indicates that the company uses process technology several years behind what its competitors are using, which is particularly surprising. Not. Nevertheless, CXMT’s partners are producing DDR5-6000 memory sticks, which shows that the performance potential of the company’s DDR5 ICs is quite high. Nevertheless, for now, major DRAM manufacturers are outperforming CXMT in terms of performance, power efficiency, and cost efficiency.
