In fact, as early as 2022, we at Sanyi Life have analyzed the new mobile memory module design of CAMM for you. At the time, we pointed out that the biggest benefit of CAMM memory modules compared to older SODIMM memory slots is that they significantly reduce the thickness and area occupied by memory "slots", freeing up more valuable internal space for the replaceable memory modules themselves.
In conclusion, the CAMM module only needs a "single" memory to achieve a complete 128-bit dual-channel configuration, and the capacity of a single module can reach 128GB or even larger. Compared with the traditional SODIMM socket memory, which must use two slots, consume more space to eat the full width, and have a much smaller capacity, the CAMM module is obviously a key evolution of the laptop to achieve thin and light design + large memory capacity.
However, since Dell debuted the CAMM module on their laptop workstations at the end of 2022, this technology does not seem to have received a response from more manufacturers. In addition to the transformation resistance and cost pressure of redesign that the new technology itself must face, the shortcomings of the original CAMM memory that placed too much emphasis on "large capacity" and sacrificed frequency to a certain extent cannot be ignored.
After all, looking at the entire mobile PC market, there are only two types of products with the highest demand for "expandable memory", one is workstations, and the other is gaming PCs. Users of the latter are obviously not going to accept a memory solution that sacrifices higher frequencies and lower latency simply to achieve "super capacity".
Moreover, it is precisely because the original CAMM memory module attaches too much importance to the attribute of "capacity", which also leads to its thinness, but the area is very large, and it can basically only be used in those laptops above 16 or 17 inches, and there is little hope that the slightly smaller size of the device will be compatible.
Because of this, although CAMM memory modules have been mass-produced and launched in 2022, it is not surprising that in the past two years, it has not been widely used, especially since many gaming laptops cannot replace traditional SODIMM memory.
But when the time comes to 2024, the situation has changed a bit. Because the CAMM memory module technology itself has ushered in an evolution.
The new technical specification, known as the LPCAMM2, has several significant changes from the original CAMM specification.
Compared with traditional snap-on SODIMM memory, the LPCAMM2 has a significant size advantage
First of all, the LPCAMM2 is significantly smaller. It still requires a single module to achieve a 128-bit full-width layout, but the module size has been reduced from almost the size of two SODIMM memories in the previous generation to about 40% of the size of a single SODIMM. In other words, it's almost the size of two SD memory cards. In this way, not to mention the 15-inch or 16-inch standard gaming laptop, even if it is a 13-inch or even a smaller tablet or X86 handheld, it is theoretically possible to "stuff" this new replaceable memory module.
The speed of LPCAMM2 is no less than that of LPDDR5X soldered to the motherboard
Secondly, LPCAMM2 significantly increases the operating frequency of the memory module itself. Previously, in the CAMM era, its main frequency could only reach 4800MT/s or even lower (especially for ultra-high-capacity models), but the smaller module size seems to bring a significant electrical performance improvement to the LPCAMM2 (shorter wiring), so that it can achieve a single capacity of 96GB and an ultra-high operating frequency of 7500MT/s at the same time. This is far more than the 5600MT/s SODIMM memory currently used on some "gaming laptops", and even the bandwidth level of thin and light laptops that use ultra-short memory cabling.
Of course, on top of these, LPCAMM2 memory also has a larger capacity and lower operating voltage than the current mainstream SODIMM memory. Even its mounting method (which is fixed with three screws) is more reliable than SODIMM's spring clips, and there is almost no possibility of loosening or poor contact due to external forces.
Judging from these characteristics, it is clear that the current LPCAMM2 memory has surpassed the traditional SODIMM notebook memory design in all aspects, whether it is saving space in the machine, making the installation more robust and reliable, or from the perspective of high performance, large capacity and low power consumption. And it is likely to be the best replaceable and upgradable memory module solution for laptops, x86 tablets, or similar devices.
The future SOP memory will be faster and smaller, but its capacity and upgradeability will be a huge shortcoming
For this reason, if the original CAMM two years ago was "unpopular" and could be explained by the fact that it was too large and not frequent enough, then for future laptops, the reason for not using LPCAMM2 may only be a matter of interest, and there is no longer any technical foothold.
[The picture in this article comes from the Internet]