Major PC makers Including HP and Dell plan China DRAM procurement to secure supply · TechNode

Global PC Giants Eye Chinese DRAM Suppliers Amid Chip Shortage and AI-Driven Price Surge

In a striking shift within the global technology supply chain, some of the world’s largest PC manufacturers are reportedly considering sourcing DRAM memory chips from Chinese suppliers for the first time. According to a report from Nikkei Asia, the move comes as the industry grapples with an unprecedented shortage of memory chips and a sharp escalation in prices—pressures largely fueled by the explosive growth of artificial intelligence.

The AI boom has sent global demand for high-performance memory soaring, prompting leading chipmakers like Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix to allocate the bulk of their production capacity to AI-focused clients. This strategic pivot has left the PC and broader consumer electronics sectors struggling to secure adequate supplies, pushing prices upward and creating a ripple effect across the industry.

HP, Dell, Acer, and Asus—four of the biggest names in personal computing—are now closely tracking DRAM market conditions. Should the supply crunch and price hikes persist through the middle of the year, these companies are prepared to tap Chinese DRAM suppliers, primarily to serve markets outside the United States. This would mark a significant departure from their traditional sourcing strategies, which have long relied on established South Korean and American chipmakers.

Sources familiar with the matter told Nikkei Asia that HP and Dell have already begun the process of certifying products from Chinese DRAM suppliers. This step is crucial, as it ensures that components meet the rigorous quality and performance standards required for integration into their devices. By diversifying their supplier base, these PC giants aim to mitigate risks associated with supply shortages and price volatility, while also potentially unlocking new cost efficiencies.

The potential shift underscores the growing influence of Chinese manufacturers in the global semiconductor landscape. Companies like CXMT (ChangXin Memory Technologies) have been ramping up production capabilities and investing heavily in research and development, positioning themselves as viable alternatives to traditional suppliers. For PC makers, this could represent not just a stopgap measure, but a strategic realignment in response to evolving market dynamics.

However, the move is not without its complexities. Sourcing from Chinese suppliers may introduce new logistical, regulatory, and geopolitical considerations—especially given the heightened scrutiny of technology supply chains amid ongoing trade tensions. Nonetheless, the urgency created by the current shortage appears to be outweighing these concerns, at least for the time being.

As the situation develops, industry watchers will be paying close attention to how these negotiations unfold and whether other major PC manufacturers follow suit. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the global memory market, potentially reshaping supplier relationships and influencing the pricing and availability of PCs and consumer electronics worldwide.

In the meantime, consumers and businesses alike are feeling the pinch of higher prices and constrained supply. The DRAM shortage serves as a stark reminder of the interconnected nature of the tech industry and the cascading effects that disruptions in one segment can have across the entire ecosystem.

With AI-driven demand showing no signs of slowing, the pressure on memory supplies is likely to persist. For PC manufacturers, the search for reliable, cost-effective sources of DRAM is more critical than ever—and Chinese suppliers may soon play a pivotal role in filling that gap.

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