The CAMM (Compression Attached Memory Modules) standard might be making its way to desktop PCs according to SK hynix.
Not Just Laptops, CAMM Memory Modules Will Also Make Their Way To Mainstream Desktop PCs In The Future
CAMM is a new memory standard that shrinks the size of traditional DRAM modules, making them more compact and allowing for higher capacities. The second generation of this memory standard has already been introduced in the form of LPCAMM2 for notebooks and thin/light PC designs. The LP in CAMM standard stands for low-power since the existing modules are based on the LPDDR5 or LPDDR5X standards, offering up to 9.6 Gbps speeds.
During CES 2024, ITSublssub, visited the SK hynix booth where a company representative stated that the new CAMM standard will also be coming to desktop PCs. It was revealed that the first PC implementation for desktop platforms was already underway though no specifics were mentioned.
Well, it looks like this is indeed the case as spotted by our resident leaker and insider fellow, HXL (@9550pro), the recent JEDEC PR where the announced the publication of the CAMM2 memory standard, also mentions that CAMM2 will have a common connector design for both DDR5 and the low-power LPDDR5/X memory modules. JEDEC lists both notebooks and mainstream desktop PCs as the platforms which the CAMM standard is intended for.
DDR5 and LPDDR5/5X CAMM2s cater to distinct use cases. DDR5 CAMM2s are intended for performance notebooks and mainstream desktops, while LPDDR5/5X CAMM2s target a broader range of notebooks and certain server market segments.
While JESD318 CAMM2 defines a common connector design for both DDR5 and LPDDR5/X, it is crucial to note that the pinouts for each differ. To support different motherboard designs, intentional variations in mounting procedures between DDR5 and LPDDR5/X CAMM2s prevent the mounting of a module where it should not go.
via JEDEC
The CAMM memory modules with DDR5 and future DRAM will definitely mark a huge shift in how motherboards are designed. Currently, mainstream motherboards feature 2 or 4 DIMM slots that can house up to 256 GB capacities with the latest 64 GB modules. To support CAMM, the entire PC motherboard ecosystem will need to be redesigned and it is something that won’t happen overnight.
Like the laptop segment, we have seen certain designs that feature LPCAMM while the majority of the designs stick with the tradtional SO-DIMM or soldered memory layout. It is possible that when CAMM becomes more mature, motherboard vendors will try to experiment with the new standard by releasing a few select CAMM motherboards and see how consumers respond to it. Similarly, the memory manufacturers will also need to design new solutions based on the CAMM modules.
Each CAMM module features a connector on the back which can be plugged into the socket similar to a CPU. Features such as high-speed memory overclocking, tuning, and support for OC profiles in Intel XMP and AMD EXPO ecosystems will also need a rework. Once again, don’t expect CAMM to make its way to the desktop market soon but when it does, it will mark a big development for the memory industry.
News Source: @harukaze5719
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