Lexar lists 32GB DDR5 memory with homegrown Chinese chips — 3,999 Yuan ($592) price undercuts hopes for cheaper CXMT-powered RAM

The 2nd-gen Thor RGB DDR5 memory from Lexar — (Image credit: Lexar)

Storage and memory manufacturer Lexar has listed a new 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-7200 CL38 memory kit in China with a price tag of 3,999 yuan (roughly $592). Part of the second-generation Thor RGB series, the kit features a sandblasted aluminum heat spreader, thermal pads, and eight LEDs that support a variety of RGB lighting effects. It is rated for 38-48-48-86 timings at 1.40V and supports both Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO profiles.

Lexar says the modules use carefully selected domestically produced DRAM, although it does not specify the actual manufacturer. While there is no confirmation, the company may be using DRAM chips made by CXMT (ChangXin Memory Technologies). Lexar has also published a compatibility list covering 43 motherboards, including 30 Asus models and 13 MSI models across Intel Z890, Intel B860, and AMD B850 platforms. The compatibility list also includes supported boards for a faster 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-7600 CL38 memory kit.

Interestingly, none of AMD's X870 or previous-generation motherboards appear on the list. That said, the kit should work on most DDR5 boards that Lexar hasn't tested, but the absence of AMD's flagship consumer chipset from the compatibility list is a bit odd. Notably, major motherboard manufacturers, including MSI and Gigabyte, have already started optimizing their motherboards to support CXMT memory ICs.

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A few months ago, Corsair began adopting CXMT DDR5 chips in select memory kits, including its popular Vengeance lineup. Likewise, major PC manufacturers such as HP and Dell have started qualifying CXMT DRAM, while Acer and Asus have reportedly asked their Chinese manufacturing partners to source locally made memory chips.

The arrival of CXMT-made DDR5 chips earlier this year raised hopes that a new DRAM supplier could ease supply constraints and eventually lower memory prices. So far, there seems to be little evidence of that happening. At around $592, Lexar's new DDR5-7200 kit is priced in line or only slightly below many comparable 32GB DDR5-7200 kits currently available in the U.S. Similar kits from brands such as G.Skill, Corsair, and Kingston are currently selling anywhere from $585 to $700.

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Kunal Khullar is a contributing writer at Tom’s Hardware. He is a long time technology journalist and reviewer specializing in PC components and peripherals, and welcomes any and every question around building a PC.

4 Comments Comment from the forums

Roland Of Gilead

So, just to be clear. This is an article about a new design of DDR5 DIMM that are the same or thereabouts as the existing DDR5 tech in cost!? It's from a Chinese manufacturer, who may or may not have the best quality control, or supply chain to make a dent in the current Rampocolypse. Ok....
Reply
Uuman

Been calling this. They ain’t rushing to market to ease the shortage. They’re rushing to market to take advantage of the inflated pricing, regardless of quality. Anyone that thinks this is going to help is delusional. They can jump right in on the price fixing since they will face zero repercussions from governments and justify Samsung and Hynix keeping their prices higher for longer. Bc where those two are once again VERY clearly price fixing, which they’ve already been busted for, they can now honestly argue that they are just pricing their products competitively.

In the long run, this likely gets CXMT banned from the US and Hynix and Samsung fined less than a penny on the dollar. Then, after 2030 at the very earliest, prices start to go down for the long term. And that’s if none of these data centers hit it big. If 1-2 do, then we’ll see many corporations doubling down. Which is why some people are predicting mid 2030s before prices normalize again.
Reply
Devil Strider

Uuman said:
Been calling this. They ain’t rushing to market to ease the shortage. They’re rushing to market to take advantage of the inflated pricing, regardless of quality. Anyone that thinks this is going to help is delusional. They can jump right in on the price fixing since they will face zero repercussions from governments and justify Samsung and Hynix keeping their prices higher for longer. Bc where those two are once again VERY clearly price fixing, which they’ve already been busted for, they can now honestly argue that they are just pricing their products competitively.

In the long run, this likely gets CXMT banned from the US and Hynix and Samsung fined less than a penny on the dollar. Then, after 2030 at the very earliest, prices start to go down for the long term. And that’s if none of these data centers hit it big. If 1-2 do, then we’ll see many corporations doubling down. Which is why some people are predicting mid 2030s before prices normalize again.
Absolute facts.
Reply
zully1943

Completely agree this mess isnt going to end until 2028
Reply