CAMM (memory module)

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Compression Attached Memory Module (CAMM) is a memory module form factor which uses a land grid array, and developed at Dell by engineer Tom Schnell as a replacement for DIMM and SO-DIMM which use edge connectors and had been in use for about 25 years. [1] The first SODIMMs were introduced by JEDEC in 1997. [2] [3] [4] [5]

Contents

CAMM was created to overcome technical limitations of traditional slotted DIMM. [6] The CAMM module allows for shorter traces as compared to SO-DIMM, allowing the memory to be run with less power and at higher speeds. The memory module is pressed and held in place against a bar with land grid array pin contacts which connect to the motherboard.

Advantages of CAMM include lower thickness, allows for replaceable LPDDR modules, provide faster speeds above 6400 MHz, more capacities up to 128 GB per module and higher bandwidth. Disadvantages are that it cannot be mounted without tools and uses six screws.

The total number of interface contact points of CAMM is 616 (44 per row times 14 rows). [7]

History

In April 2022, Dell launched laptops in the Dell Precision 7000-series that used a custom form factor of CAMM for DDR5 SDRAM. [8]

In June 2023, ADATA demoed an updated design CAMM memory module, [9] which looks different (and more compact) than Dell's 2022 design.

The Compression Attached Memory Module specification was finalised and published by JEDEC as CAMM2 on December 5, 2023. [10]

The first laptop to use LPCAMM2 memory modules is the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 (Gen 7) released in 2024. [11]

In May 2024, MSI announced the first desktop consumer motherboard with CAMM2 support, the Z790 Project Zero Plus. [12]

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References

  1. ↑ Ung, Gordon (2022-04-28). "Dell defends CAMM, its controversial new laptop memory". PCWorld. Retrieved 2023-04-19. SO-DIMMs, which were first introduced almost 25 years ago, haven't changed much in all that time besides moving to newer and faster DRAM methods.
  2. ↑ Mueller, Scott (2004). Upgrading and Repairing Laptops. Que. ISBN   9780789728005.
  3. ↑ https://www.jedec.org/standards-documents/docs/module-444
  4. ↑ Norton, Peter; Clark, Scott H. (2002). Peter Norton's New Inside the PC. Sams. ISBN   9780672322891.
  5. ↑ Fulton, Jennifer (November 9, 2000). "The complete idiot's guide to upgrading and repairing PCs". Indianapolis, IN : Alpha Books – via Internet Archive.
  6. ↑ Solca, Bogdan. "SO-DIMM laptop RAM form-factor to soon be replaced with Dell-developed CAMM standard". Notebookcheck. Retrieved 2023-01-19.
  7. ↑ TechPowerUp - Dell's DDR5 CAMM Appears in More Detail, Comes in Several Shapes, Won't be Proprietary
  8. ↑ "Dell introduces CAMM DDR5 memory for its new Precision laptops, up to 128GB per module". VideoCardz.com. Retrieved 2023-01-19.
  9. ↑ Shilov, Anton (2023-06-01). "Adata Demos Next-Gen Memory: CAMM, CXL, and MR-DIMM Modules". Tom's Hardware. Retrieved 2023-07-25.
  10. ↑ "JEDEC Publishes New CAMM2 Memory Module Standard". jedec.org. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  11. ↑ Klotz, Aaron (2024-05-07). "Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 is the world's first laptop to sport LPCAMM2 memory — more compact, higher performance, lower power". Tom's Hardware. Retrieved 2024-05-08.
  12. ↑ Klotz, Aaron (2024-05-23). "MSI delivers first motherboard with CAMM2 memory — Z790 Project Zero brings new RAM standard to desktops". Tom's Hardware. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
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