HBM3E is an advanced type of high-bandwidth memory chip used with AI processors.

How usable are CXMT's HBM3E chips?

As little as 20% of the chips CXMT makes are usable, two people familiar with the matter said.

AI Business & IndustryJapan Times Tech3m agoOct 28, 2026, 16:00 JST

CXMT to start HBM3E output despite 20% yields

3 Key Points

What happened
CXMT, China's largest DRAM maker, has sent HBM3E samples to several domestic AI chip designers and expects limited production within two months, sources said.
Why it matters
The push comes despite yields as low as 20%, suggesting China's AI memory shortage is severe enough that it will accept costly early output, according to the sources.

WHO IT HITSDomestic AI chip designers in China gain a local HBM3E supply option, though low yields may keep volumes small and costs high for early adopters.

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Context & Analysis

CXMT, or ChangXin Memory Technologies, is already China's largest maker of DRAM, the conventional memory used in computers and servers. Its move into HBM3E marks a step into the more advanced memory that AI processors rely on.

The decision comes amid an intense shortage of AI memory chips in China. That shortage is set against a government-backed push to develop domestic alternatives to Nvidia's AI processors at scale, a push constrained by U.S. curbs on access to foreign-made technology.

According to the two sources, CXMT has already sent HBM3E samples to several domestic AI chip designers and expects limited production to begin over the next two months. The low usable share — as little as 20% — suggests the company is proceeding despite costs that would normally slow a product launch, though it is not said how that trade-off is being managed.

FAQ

What is HBM3E?: HBM3E is an advanced type of high-bandwidth memory chip used with AI processors.
How usable are CXMT's HBM3E chips?: As little as 20% of the chips CXMT makes are usable, two people familiar with the matter said.

Japan Times TechRead Original Article

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