CAMM (memory module) explained

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 SODIMMs were introduced by JEDEC in 1997.[2] [3] [4] [5]

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 6400MT/s, higher capacities up to 128GB per module and higher memory bandwidth. Disadvantages are that it cannot be mounted without tools and uses six screws. Systems with installed 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

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]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ung . Gordon . 2022-04-28 . Dell defends CAMM, its controversial new laptop memory . PCWorld . en-US . 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. Book: Mueller . Scott . 2004 . Upgrading and Repairing Laptops . 9780789728005 . Que.
  3. Web site: 72 Pin DRAM SO-DIMM . JEDEC . en-US . June 1997 . 2024-08-19.
  4. Book: Norton . Peter . Clark . Scott H. . 2002 . Peter Norton's New Inside the PC . 9780672322891 . Sams.
  5. Web site: Fulton . Jennifer . November 9, 2000 . The Complete Idiot's Guide to Upgrading and Repairing PCs . Indianapolis, IN . Alpha Books . Internet Archive.
  6. Web site: Solca . Bogdan . SO-DIMM laptop RAM form-factor to soon be replaced with Dell-developed CAMM standard . NotebookCheck . en-US . 2023-01-19.
  7. Web site: Dell's DDR5 CAMM Appears in More Detail, Comes in Several Shapes, Won't be Proprietary . TechPowerUp . en-US . 2022-04-26 . 2024-08-19.
  8. Web site: Dell introduces CAMM DDR5 memory for its new Precision laptops, up to 128GB per module . VideoCardz . en-US . 2022-04-26 . 2023-01-19.
  9. Web site: Shilov . Anton . 2023-06-01 . Adata Demos Next-Gen Memory: CAMM, CXL, and MR-DIMM Modules . Tom's Hardware . en-US . 2023-07-25.
  10. JEDEC Publishes New CAMM2 Memory Module Standard . JEDEC . en-US . Arlington, VA . 2023-12-05 . 2023-12-10.
  11. Web site: 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 . en-US . 2024-05-08.
  12. Lenovo Unveils Its New AI-Ready ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 Mobile Workstation . Lenovo . 2024-04-23 . 2024-07-11.
  13. Web site: Product Specifications Reference: ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 . Lenovo . 2024-07-08 . 2024-07-11.
  14. Web site: Klotz . Aaron . 2024-05-23 . MSI delivers first motherboard with CAMM2 memory — Z790 Project Zero brings new RAM standard to desktops . Tom's Hardware . en-US . 2024-05-24.

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