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 DIMMs and SO-DIMMs which use edge connectors and had been in use for about 25 years. [1] The first SO-DIMMs 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 on the motherboard PCB 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, faster speeds above 6400 MT/s, higher capacities up to 128 GB per module and higher memory bandwidth. Disadvantages are that it cannot be mounted without tools and uses screws. Systems with CAMM memory already installed cannot be expanded through adding additional CAMM modules in the same way that 2 DIMMs can be added alongside 2 existing DIMMs to expand total system memory. Instead, the entire CAMM module must be replaced with one with a higher capacity. So CAMM may be of benefit for laptops and ITX systems.

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

History

CAMM2 (top) and LPCAMM2 (bottom) RAM exposed on the Computex 2024 Eindrucke von der COMPUTEX 2024 ( Ji Ke Wan Geekerwan) 14.png
CAMM2 (top) and LPCAMM2 (bottom) RAM exposed on the Computex 2024
CAMM2 RAM attached on the MSI Z790 Project Zero Plus mainboard Eindrucke von der COMPUTEX 2024 ( Ji Ke Wan Geekerwan) 08.png
CAMM2 RAM attached on the MSI Z790 Project Zero Plus mainboard

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 computer, and laptop, to use CAMM2 memory modules is the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 released in April 2024. [11] [12] [13]

In May 2024, MSI announced the first desktop consumer motherboard with CAMM2 support, the Z790 Project Zero Plus. [14]

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References

  1. ↑ Ung, Gordon (April 28, 2022). "Dell defends CAMM, its controversial new laptop memory". PCWorld. Retrieved April 19, 2023. 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. ↑ "72 Pin DRAM SO-DIMM". JEDEC. June 1997. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  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 January 19, 2023.
  7. ↑ "Dell's DDR5 CAMM Appears in More Detail, Comes in Several Shapes, Won't be Proprietary". TechPowerUp. April 26, 2022. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  8. ↑ "Dell introduces CAMM DDR5 memory for its new Precision laptops, up to 128GB per module". VideoCardz. April 26, 2022. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
  9. ↑ Shilov, Anton (June 1, 2023). "Adata Demos Next-Gen Memory: CAMM, CXL, and MR-DIMM Modules". Tom's Hardware. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  10. ↑ "JEDEC Publishes New CAMM2 Memory Module Standard". JEDEC (Press release). Arlington, VA. December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  11. ↑ Klotz, Aaron (May 7, 2024). "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 May 8, 2024.
  12. ↑ "Lenovo Unveils Its New AI-Ready ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 Mobile Workstation". Lenovo (Press release). April 23, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  13. ↑ "Product Specifications Reference: ThinkPad P1 Gen 7" (PDF). Lenovo. July 8, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  14. ↑ Klotz, Aaron (May 23, 2024). "MSI delivers first motherboard with CAMM2 memory — Z790 Project Zero brings new RAM standard to desktops". Tom's Hardware. Retrieved May 24, 2024.


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