Fast LPDDR5X RAM available as a plug-in module: LPCAMM2
Low-power DDR memory clocks much higher than RAM on DIMMs or SO-DIMMs, but previously had to be soldered on - no longer in future.
Notebook memory module Crucial LPCAMM2 with 32 or 64 GByte LPDDR5X-SDRAM
(Bild: Crucial)
Flexible RAM assembly or higher data transfer rate with a smaller design - notebook developers have been faced with this decision until now. The CAMM2 memory module standard from the industry committee JEDEC now opens up a middle ground, with the first LPCAMM2 modules with 32 or 64 gigabytes of LPDDR5X SDRAM available.
Up to now, removable memory modules for notebooks have mainly come in the form of the Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (SO-DIMM), with a different number of contacts and differently positioned coding notches depending on the double data rate (DDR) generation.
SO-DIMMs enable mobile computers and mini PCs to be flexibly equipped with RAM. However, SO-DIMMs are too large for super-flat notebooks. And the plug-in socket and the cable path lengths specified by the design limit the maximum possible clock frequencies on the data bus and therefore the data transfer rate for SO-DIMMs.
(Bild: c’t Magazin)
Memory chips that are soldered directly onto the mainboard close to the processor, to which they are connected via short data lines without interfering contact points, can clock much higher. While non-overclocked DDR5 SO-DIMMs currently achieve a maximum of around 2.8 GHz (DDR5-5600), low-power DDR5X chips achieve more than 4 GHz (LPDDR5X-8533).
Fast LPDDR5(X) RAM primarily provides performance advantages for graphics processors integrated in processors (IGPs), which are increasingly also processing AI algorithms.
Remedy: CAMM
The new memory module design Compression Attached Memory Module (CAMM) is intended to eliminate the SO-DIMM disadvantages. CAMMs are mounted and electrically coupled differently to DIMMs and also have more contacts.
At the end of 2023, Dell launched the Precision 7680 mobile workstation as the first notebook with a CAMM socket. In the meantime, the industry committee JEDEC has adopted the CAMM2 standard for DDR5 generation modules. The CAMM2 socket has 644 spring contacts and connects two memory channels with 64 user data lines each; ECC is also possible. LPCAMM2 modules with a slightly smaller PCB, which are equipped with LPDDR5X instead of DDR5 SDRAMs, also fit on the same socket. An LPCAMM2 has eight x16 subchannels.
Lenovo recently presented the ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 mobile workstation as the first mobile computer with LPCAMM2 memory. The Crucial sales division of RAM manufacturer Micron is now offering the first compatible modules with 32 or 64 GB of LPDDR5X-7500 RAM, which cost 194 and 365 euros respectively.
Rather niche
Removable RAM is likely to remain the exception in super slim notebooks: Soldered-on chips take up less space and save costs during production. In addition to a plug-in socket, the manufacturer can also dispense with a housing opening to access the socket(s).
CAMM2/LPCAMM2 is therefore more likely to be found in particularly powerful and therefore more expensive, but also somewhat thicker (gaming) notebooks and mobile workstations.
Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt
Mit Ihrer Zustimmmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen.
Ich bin damit einverstanden, dass mir externe Inhalte angezeigt werden. Damit können personenbezogene Daten an Drittplattformen (heise Preisvergleich) übermittelt werden. Mehr dazu in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
(ciw)
