Incorrect CPUs: Chuwi recalls notebooks

Chinese manufacturer Chuwi is responding to reports of incorrectly equipped notebooks with a limited recall. Some units of the CoreBook X and CoreBook Plus feature a Ryzen 5 5500U, which the manufacturer markets as the newer and faster Ryzen 5 7430U.

In a statement, Chuwi names a “production error” as the cause: “Due to a production error, a limited number of CoreBook X and CoreBook Plus devices were equipped with incorrect processors,” it states.

Affected customers can return their notebook for a refund of the purchase price. The first point of contact is the retailer where the device was purchased. Alternatively, the manufacturer will assist via the email address service@chuwi.com.

Refund only in new condition

However, Chuwi specifies strict rules for refunds. The notebook must be in its original condition, and all accessories must be returned. Furthermore, the recall is only valid until May 31, 2026. Those who do not become aware of it immediately are out of luck. Buyers are not proactively contacted.

According to Notebookcheck, the Mini-PC Chuwi Ubox is also said to use incorrect processors. The company provides no information about this system. The Chuwi Ubox is therefore excluded from this campaign.

The company provides no further details. As devices from manufacturer Ninkear are also reportedly affected, a cause with the supplier Emdoor Digital is likely. Fraud cannot be ruled out, as the processor name is obfuscated in detection tools.

CPU-Z now shows the correct name after an update to version 2.19. However, this apparently does not always work. Users should therefore pay attention to the specified codename: Lucienne stands for the Ryzen 5 5500U, Barcelo-R for a genuine Ryzen 5 7430U.

(mma)