Computer memory (RAM) comes in a variety of speeds, latencies, and capacities. You probably already know that. These speeds and latencies are constantly improving because they fundamentally define the underlying performance. That’s why we’ve progressed from SDRAM to DDR SDRAM, all the way up to the latest generation: DDR5. Memory is fundamental to the performance of our machines, so it’s no surprise that it’s constantly evolving.
However, not everything about RAM is in a state of flux. Apart from changes to pin counts, the actual physical form of RAM hasn’t changed much since the introduction of the DIMM. Most of today's PCs use Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs), and you can learn more about the various subsets of DIMMs in this article.
This dominance of DIMMs could be under threat, though, with the introduction of CAMM2. CAMM2 stands for Compression Attached Memory Module (version two), hinting at the main difference between CAMM2 and DIMM: the way the module physically connects to the motherboard. Essentially, CAMM2’s connectors are arranged in a grid, similar to what you’d find on a modern processor, rather than the line of connectors found on a DIMM. (Technically, there are two lines of connectors on a DIMM, but you get the idea.)
MSI looks set to be one of the
This design means that CAMM2 memory lies flat, parallel to the motherboard, instead of perpendicular to it. This has several implications, including more clearance around the CPU socket, with no RAM sticks obstructing the area. This is particularly beneficial for those who rely on air cooling as their primary method of keeping the CPU cool.
We expect that motherboard manufacturers will likely include only a single CAMM2 socket on their motherboards, making upgrading less straightforward—you'll have to swap out the entire module to upgrade. However, CAMM2 does feature shorter traces between the CPU and memory chips, which leads to better signal integrity and, therefore, should support faster frequencies and lower latencies.
At this point, you might be wondering why there’s a "2" at the end of CAMM2. This denotes the evolution of the standard, which started with Dell developing the initial specification for CAMM. Dell then collaborated with JEDEC to create a more universal solution, resulting in CAMM2 after some refinement.
Right now, CAMM2 isn't essential, at least not for desktops. DIMMs capable of 8,000MT/s are already available, and capacity isn't a limitation either. However, as frequencies continue to rise, the length of the traces required for DIMMs may start to impact signal integrity, which is where we expect CAMM2 to gain an advantage. Essentially, CAMM2 is a technology designed for the future, with plenty of benefits for today.
The situation is very different for laptops. LPDDR5/5X CAMM2, or LPCAMM2 as it has come to be known, is a much more attractive option. The low-profile nature of LPCAMM2, along with its shorter traces, offers significant improvements over today's SODIMMs. This should lead to more laptop manufacturers adopting the standard, especially for ultra-thin and light laptops. Currently, manufacturers often skip SODIMMs in favor of soldering the memory directly onto the motherboard to achieve a slimmer design, which is great for portability but problematic for upgrades.
For CAMM2 to really launch we need motherboards that support the standard and the CAMM2 memory kits themselves.
CAMM2 motherboards are expected to start appearing before the end of the year. MSI showcased a CAMM2 motherboard at Computex 2024, and other manufacturers are likely to follow suit.
With CUDIMMs also on the horizon this year, alongside existing UDIMMs, it's challenging to predict which memory format will ultimately prevail. However, rest assured that CORSAIR will ensure you have access to the best memory solutions to maximize your system's performance.
