Lenovo’s Lecoo Fighter 7000X laptop has been found to use memory chips from a lesser-known Chinese DRAM manufacturer, marking a shift in the global memory supply chain. A teardown revealed that the device features a single 16GB DDR5 SO-DIMM sourced from an emerging Chinese supplier, rather than from major players like Samsung, SK Hynix, or Micron (notebookcheck.net). This development highlights growing reliance on Chinese memory suppliers, even in high-end electronics.
Samsung and SK Hynix are also exploring Chinese chipmaking equipment as a strategic move to counter potential U.S. export restrictions. The companies are testing equipment from AMEC, a Chinese firm, to ensure continuity in their production processes, especially in their Chinese facilities (ibtimes.com.au). This reflects a broader trend of diversification in the semiconductor industry, driven by geopolitical tensions and supply chain risks.
Meanwhile, Chinese memory supplier CXMT has rejected Apple’s attempts to secure cheaper memory chips, citing ongoing global shortages that are expected to keep prices elevated until 2030 (macobserver.com). The shortage has also led to significant price hikes for graphics cards, with MSI raising prices by over 20% due to persistent DRAM shortages, affecting both China and Western markets (wccftech.com). These developments underscore the increasing complexity and volatility of the global memory market.
