Chuwi has been found again for swapping processors: the laptop is equipped with a weak Ryzen compared to the advertised specifications

Chinese brand Chuwi swapped processors in laptops

Recently the company Chuwi found itself at the center of a scandal: in several laptop models the manufacturer replaced the advertised AMD Ryzen 5 7430U chips with cheaper and less powerful Ryzen 5 5500U. This is not the first case – it was already discovered in the CoreBook X model, and now also found in the CoreBook Plus.

How it was uncovered
1. Official configuration

The specifications of the CoreBook Plus list an AMD Ryzen 5 7430U processor (Barcelo‑U family, Zen 3). Maximum frequency – 4300 MHz, L3 cache – 16 MB.

2. Check in Windows

Task Manager showed data: Lucienne‑U family (Zen 2), 2 × 4 MB cache, up to 4000 MHz – exactly the characteristics of the Ryzen 5 5500U.

3. Laptop teardown

After removing the cooler, journalists found on the chip an OPN code 100‑000000375, which corresponds to the Ryzen 5 5500U (7430U has number 100‑000001471).

Thus the processor is indeed swapped.

Why it matters
* Speed and cache – the 7430U runs at 4300 MHz and contains twice as much cache as the 5500U. The performance difference is about 20 %.

* Price – the CoreBook Plus costs €399, while laptops with a genuine Ryzen 5 7430U usually sell for €500‑€600. Users pay less but receive equipment below the advertised level.

* BIOS update – the swap is also reflected in the firmware, indicating serious effort on the part of the manufacturer.

Chuwi’s reaction and possible consequences
Chuwi has repeatedly asked to remove materials and even threatened legal action over reputational damage. Journalists continued their investigation, and the publication attracted attention from consumers, competitors, and AMD itself.

* Consumer rights – in the EU warranties are at least two years. A customer can demand a replacement laptop with the advertised processor, contract termination, or a refund.

* Competitive risks – other manufacturers may accuse Chuwi of unfair competition.

* Impact on AMD – the chip maker could seek compensation for license infringement and reputational loss.

Conclusion
The swapping of processors in the CoreBook X and CoreBook Plus demonstrates Chuwi’s systematic approach to cost cutting. For buyers it means a loss of quality, and for the market it poses a threat to fair competition and consumer rights.