CAMM2 deep-dive…
CAMM2, or Compression Attached Memory Module, is an innovative hardware technology poised to revolutionize memory in laptops and possibly desktops. It offers faster and more efficient memory while retaining upgradeability, addressing the trend of disappearing upgrade options. Initially developed by Dell engineers, the CAMM2 standard has been made available to JEDEC for standardization across companies. CAMM2 comes in two versions: full-power DDR5 CAMM2 for desktops and servers, and low-power LPDDR5 CAMM2 for laptops, designed to save space and enable thinner laptop designs. Lenovo's ThinkPad P1 gen 7 series is the first laptop to use LPDDR5 CAMM2, with MSI showcasing a prototype motherboard at Computex. Major memory suppliers such as Micron, Samsung, and Hynix are involved, indicating potential expansion to future hardware. While CAMM2 offers benefits like easier installation and space savings, it's still more complex and expensive than soldered memory. However, it represents an improvement over traditional SO-DIMM memory, making laptops more repairable and less prone to e-waste. The technology also holds promise for desktops and data center hardware.